After over 18 months of praying, researching and waiting, we announced at the end of the worship services at StoneBridge Church that Diann and I are being led to move to North Carolina (Raleigh Durham area) and plant a church.
For more details and to follow us in this new journey please visit my new blog... www.gotritown.com
Monday, January 18, 2010
Monday, January 4, 2010
Second session on intimacy
Charles Swindoll writes, "the initial move toward cultivating intimacy with the Almighty, it is essential that we reorder our private lives. (the discipline of simplicity) And that requires us to slow our pace as well as stop the envy (comparing ourselves to all that others have and do)... two tough assignments no one else can do for us. Furthermore, it is foolish to tell ourselves to sit back and wait until the winds of this world shift and blow us toward the shores of simplicity. It ain't gonna happen! Those who determine to simplify their lives quickly discover it is a rigorous solo voyage against the wind."
The word Diann and I are challenging each other with is getting "nimble"... uncluttering and seeking to be more free from stuff that weighs us down. I feel the wind in my face as I go.
The word Diann and I are challenging each other with is getting "nimble"... uncluttering and seeking to be more free from stuff that weighs us down. I feel the wind in my face as I go.
Friday, January 1, 2010
New intimacy in the New Year
Welcome to 2010!!
Intimacy in relationships is what we long to experience. Being truly open, honest and real... knowing the other person understands and loves you for who you truly are.
I am convinced that this type is open, intimate relationship can be experienced with God. In fact, for us to love other people unconditionally, we must experience God's unconditional love for us first.
I am reading a short, but very thoughtful book by Charles Swindoll, Intimacy with the Almighty. This little book focuses on what intimacy with God looks like and some practical steps to experiencing such a relationship with God. I recommend you read it early in this new year and new decade.
"More than likely, you've grown weary of superficial things... you're tired of skating talk and shallow thinking. You know there has to be more, you're just not sure how to get there. One thing is certain: You don't want to stay where you are. ... No one is ready to take on the depths unless he or she is fed up with the superficial. What you long for, unless I miss guess, is intimacy with the Almighty. You want to be profoundly aware of His presence, in touch with Him at the deepest possible level, thinking His thoughts, gleaning His wisdom, and living as close to His heart as is humanly possible, operating your life in the nucleus of His will. I desire the same..." Intimacy with the Almighty - page 17
Let this be a direction in which you move intentionally over the next few months.
Intimacy in relationships is what we long to experience. Being truly open, honest and real... knowing the other person understands and loves you for who you truly are.
I am convinced that this type is open, intimate relationship can be experienced with God. In fact, for us to love other people unconditionally, we must experience God's unconditional love for us first.
I am reading a short, but very thoughtful book by Charles Swindoll, Intimacy with the Almighty. This little book focuses on what intimacy with God looks like and some practical steps to experiencing such a relationship with God. I recommend you read it early in this new year and new decade.
"More than likely, you've grown weary of superficial things... you're tired of skating talk and shallow thinking. You know there has to be more, you're just not sure how to get there. One thing is certain: You don't want to stay where you are. ... No one is ready to take on the depths unless he or she is fed up with the superficial. What you long for, unless I miss guess, is intimacy with the Almighty. You want to be profoundly aware of His presence, in touch with Him at the deepest possible level, thinking His thoughts, gleaning His wisdom, and living as close to His heart as is humanly possible, operating your life in the nucleus of His will. I desire the same..." Intimacy with the Almighty - page 17
Let this be a direction in which you move intentionally over the next few months.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Deep thoughts on humility... not from me :\
Reading from Andrew Murray's book, Humility...
The creature's... chief care, its highest virtue, its only happiness... is to present itself an empty vessel, in which God can dwell and manifest His power and goodness.
In heaven He (Jesus) humbled Himself to become a man. The humility we see in Him possessed Him in heaven; it brought Him, He brought it, from there. Here on earth "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death;" His humility gave His death its value and so became our redemption...
When the creature ... consents to be with his will, his mind and his affections, the form, the vessel in which the life and glory of God are to work and manifest themselves, he sees that humility is simply acknowledging the truth of his position as creature and yielding to God His place.
It is appropriate at this Christmas season to reflect upon... this amazing humility demonstrated by Christ in coming to this planet as baby... existing as a man and dying for me.
Asking myself how regularly and consistently I yield and consent to be a vessel for God's goodness and power to shine??
Thank you Father for the gift of Jesus and His humility!!
The creature's... chief care, its highest virtue, its only happiness... is to present itself an empty vessel, in which God can dwell and manifest His power and goodness.
In heaven He (Jesus) humbled Himself to become a man. The humility we see in Him possessed Him in heaven; it brought Him, He brought it, from there. Here on earth "He humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death;" His humility gave His death its value and so became our redemption...
When the creature ... consents to be with his will, his mind and his affections, the form, the vessel in which the life and glory of God are to work and manifest themselves, he sees that humility is simply acknowledging the truth of his position as creature and yielding to God His place.
It is appropriate at this Christmas season to reflect upon... this amazing humility demonstrated by Christ in coming to this planet as baby... existing as a man and dying for me.
Asking myself how regularly and consistently I yield and consent to be a vessel for God's goodness and power to shine??
Thank you Father for the gift of Jesus and His humility!!
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Snow in Houston!!
Last Friday, December 4, 2009.... Yep, it really happened... the white flakes were falling like crazy.
Untitled from Larry Cotton on Vimeo.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Never Stop the Story
Spoke to StoneBridge last Sunday... Looked at Hebrews 11 and the connection of each person of faith and how they fit into God's grand story. Abraham... Isaac... Jacob... Joseph... Moses' parents... Moses... the nation of Israel... then to Jesus... and ultimately to you and me.
How do you fit into God's story? Your story and my story are not about us... rather about His grand work.
Get in on His plans... His purpose... His story that never ends!!
How do you fit into God's story? Your story and my story are not about us... rather about His grand work.
Get in on His plans... His purpose... His story that never ends!!
Saturday, September 19, 2009
The World's Longest Baskeball Shot
There is a new Dude Perfect video out and there is a story behind this one!
After making this video Cory, Coby and Tyler were invited to speak for FCA at a middle school in Houston. Expecting to talk with 30-60 students they prepared their remarks and took this video to debut to the group. (before it was posted on YouTube)
To their surprise, over 400 students packed out the gym and listened to the guys express how God had given the Dude Perfect team strong faith and strong friendships to keep their relationship with Christ central in all they do. They were able to invite these students to start a relationship with Christ and explain how.
God is so awesome!!
After making this video Cory, Coby and Tyler were invited to speak for FCA at a middle school in Houston. Expecting to talk with 30-60 students they prepared their remarks and took this video to debut to the group. (before it was posted on YouTube)
To their surprise, over 400 students packed out the gym and listened to the guys express how God had given the Dude Perfect team strong faith and strong friendships to keep their relationship with Christ central in all they do. They were able to invite these students to start a relationship with Christ and explain how.
God is so awesome!!
The Weekend Message - Love That Sticks
I am preparing to give the message at Stonebridge this weekend. I am encouraged as I work. Here's why... anytime I pause to read God's Word and reflect on what He has done to establish a relationship with me I can hardly believe it!! But what makes this love that God offers "stick" in our lives?
QUESTION: WITH TEFLON (THE NON-STICK COATING), WHAT MAKES IT STICK TO POTS AND PANS?
Hint: Jesus came into this world and submitted Himself to death on cross in order to make a way for me to know God.
As I prepare, my prayer is that this "sticky" love demonstrated by Christ will communicated clearly as I speak and everyone who hears the message will respond to God by saying "yes" to God's invitation.
QUESTION: WITH TEFLON (THE NON-STICK COATING), WHAT MAKES IT STICK TO POTS AND PANS?
Hint: Jesus came into this world and submitted Himself to death on cross in order to make a way for me to know God.
As I prepare, my prayer is that this "sticky" love demonstrated by Christ will communicated clearly as I speak and everyone who hears the message will respond to God by saying "yes" to God's invitation.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Coby and Cory's Summer Project Report
Thanks to God and to all of our friends who prayed for and supported Coby and Cory this summer. They each experienced God at work in very different and unique ways. Both grew in their leadership and ministry skills. They developed many new friendships and will never forget the summer of '09 in California!
Here's a report directly from them...
Summer Project '09 Newsletter
Here's a report directly from them...
Summer Project '09 Newsletter
Monday, September 7, 2009
Dude Perfect is back at it!!
As you know, Coby and Cory and their A&M roomates did some trick basketball shots last spring and the interest on You Tube really went big... over 600,000 hits on the first video and their own website -- dudeperfect.com. Crazy I know but it's been fun to see and talk to all the people who have watched.
So this summer at various locations they made some more shots and compliled them in the latest edition... enjoy!!
So this summer at various locations they made some more shots and compliled them in the latest edition... enjoy!!
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Living in the "information age" where I am exposed to very large amounts of news, updates, reports and discoveries.... I find it hard to process all this stuff. How about you?
I came across this link that helped me understand in a fresh way a portion of the overwhelming data that floods my life. What if the world was a village of 100 people?
Let me know your impressions of this link... from Toby Ng.com.
I came across this link that helped me understand in a fresh way a portion of the overwhelming data that floods my life. What if the world was a village of 100 people?
Let me know your impressions of this link... from Toby Ng.com.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Saturday, August 8, 2009
It's been crazy as the summer wraps up for the Cottons. I have not taken the time to write... although I've done lots of thinking and reading...
I am going to keep a list updated of books that I've read or am reading. Hope this inspires you to join me in reading. Howard Hendricks says, "A reader is a leader." Let's read and lead together!
I am going to keep a list updated of books that I've read or am reading. Hope this inspires you to join me in reading. Howard Hendricks says, "A reader is a leader." Let's read and lead together!
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ok... One of my new best friends... (authors that is) is Timothy Keller.
A pastor in New York, he has two recent books: The Reason for God and The Prodigal God.
I just finished The Prodigal God and loved it. The message here is one I will meditate on and talk about ... maybe for the rest of my life. I have always loved the Jesus' story recorded in Luke 15 and taught it many times. Keller brings it alive with insights that are powerful. I recommend this read in a big way!
I look forward to reading The Reason for God next.
A pastor in New York, he has two recent books: The Reason for God and The Prodigal God.
I just finished The Prodigal God and loved it. The message here is one I will meditate on and talk about ... maybe for the rest of my life. I have always loved the Jesus' story recorded in Luke 15 and taught it many times. Keller brings it alive with insights that are powerful. I recommend this read in a big way!
I look forward to reading The Reason for God next.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
The Heat and God's Faithfulness
I've struggled to keep posting my thoughts and experiences over the past two months... sorry to the readers who check up and there are no new posts.
The summer weeks in Texas have been unusually hot... most days over 100 degrees! The heat has brought extreme dryness... no rain for weeks. The plants and grass seem to be panting for just a little moisture. Nothing would be green if not for irrigation. Our A/C cannot seem to keep pace with the heat and yet I constantly ask how people could endure this weather before A/C and sprinklers came to be. I am thankful for being able to drive, work and rest in spaces where the temperature and the water are cool.
Then, as God so often proves His faithfulness to me, I woke early this morning to the sound of thunder in the distance. It is raining this morning. You can almost hear the plants and grass sigh with relief.
Thank you Lord for sending the rain... let me rejoice in your enduring faithfulness.
The summer weeks in Texas have been unusually hot... most days over 100 degrees! The heat has brought extreme dryness... no rain for weeks. The plants and grass seem to be panting for just a little moisture. Nothing would be green if not for irrigation. Our A/C cannot seem to keep pace with the heat and yet I constantly ask how people could endure this weather before A/C and sprinklers came to be. I am thankful for being able to drive, work and rest in spaces where the temperature and the water are cool.
Then, as God so often proves His faithfulness to me, I woke early this morning to the sound of thunder in the distance. It is raining this morning. You can almost hear the plants and grass sigh with relief.
Thank you Lord for sending the rain... let me rejoice in your enduring faithfulness.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Readings and Quotes to Ponder - Attributes of God
When life moves and changes, I feel a much needed sense of stability in knowing that God doesn't change. He is, according to Psalm 18, my Rock, my Fortress, my Refuge. One I can rely on and retreat to for safety and perspective.
During our move I found and began reading again a classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.
So ponder this with me: "The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable arises from the image of God in the nature of man. ...
Left to ourselves we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable terms. We want to get Him where we can use Him, or at least know where He is when we need Him. We want a God we can in some measure control. We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like ...
What is God like? If we mean "What has God disclosed about Himself that the reverent reason can comprehend?" there is, I believe, an answer both full and satisfying ...
The answer of the Bible is simply "through Jesus Christ our Lord." In Christ and by Christ, God effects completed self-disclosure, although He shows Himself not to reason but to faith and love. Faith is an organ of knowledge, and love an organ of experience."
Colossians 1
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
...
17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
...
19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Growing in my understanding and my knowing of God is a lifelong pursuit. Join me in asking God to water and grow these ideas and truth in our lives over time.
During our move I found and began reading again a classic book, The Knowledge of the Holy by A. W. Tozer.
So ponder this with me: "The yearning to know What cannot be known, to comprehend the Incomprehensible, to touch and taste the Unapproachable arises from the image of God in the nature of man. ...
Left to ourselves we tend immediately to reduce God to manageable terms. We want to get Him where we can use Him, or at least know where He is when we need Him. We want a God we can in some measure control. We need the feeling of security that comes from knowing what God is like ...
What is God like? If we mean "What has God disclosed about Himself that the reverent reason can comprehend?" there is, I believe, an answer both full and satisfying ...
The answer of the Bible is simply "through Jesus Christ our Lord." In Christ and by Christ, God effects completed self-disclosure, although He shows Himself not to reason but to faith and love. Faith is an organ of knowledge, and love an organ of experience."
Colossians 1
15 Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation,
...
17 He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together.
...
19 For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ,
20 and through him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of Christ’s blood on the cross.
Growing in my understanding and my knowing of God is a lifelong pursuit. Join me in asking God to water and grow these ideas and truth in our lives over time.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Four Days of Moving!!
I finally surfaced after 4 days of packing, lifting and directing others through our move. We are exhausted. Everything is in our townhouse (new residence) or in storage. Lots of unpacking ahead, but we're in!
God gave us clear weather with low humidity. Pretty miraculous for Houston! Catherine, Coby and Diann worked tirelessly and the movers worked from 8 am til 2 am the next morning getting the big stuff moved.
I am amazed and troubled by the amount of "stuff" we accumulate over time. This has got change for us. I am seriously praying and working toward "nimble." This move is another good step.
God gave us clear weather with low humidity. Pretty miraculous for Houston! Catherine, Coby and Diann worked tirelessly and the movers worked from 8 am til 2 am the next morning getting the big stuff moved.
I am amazed and troubled by the amount of "stuff" we accumulate over time. This has got change for us. I am seriously praying and working toward "nimble." This move is another good step.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Becoming Nimble
nimble –adjective
1. quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid... nimble feet
2. quick to understand, think, devise, etc.: a nimble mind
We have prayed for weeks to be able to sell our house and downsize our budget and living situation. Many people are thinking this way with our economy going through it's current changes.
The timing is unfolding that as Catherine has completed her Junior year in high school this May, we now have a buyer for our house. If all goes as scheduled (and that's not always the case) :), we will sell here in June and move to townhouse for a while.
We a looking forward to just leasing a place and going nimble. Less stuff, less maintenance, more time for relationships... our family and friends. I am glad for a season of simple... a season of nimble. It's not easy or simple to get there. Lot's of work is ahead... moving, giving away, purging things we no longer need.
I have to admit I am really looking forward to this season. God's timing and his place for us is the best... I am loving becoming nimble.
So be on the lookout for something quick, agile and rapid... it's probably ME!!!
1. quick and light in movement; moving with ease; agile; active; rapid... nimble feet
2. quick to understand, think, devise, etc.: a nimble mind
We have prayed for weeks to be able to sell our house and downsize our budget and living situation. Many people are thinking this way with our economy going through it's current changes.
The timing is unfolding that as Catherine has completed her Junior year in high school this May, we now have a buyer for our house. If all goes as scheduled (and that's not always the case) :), we will sell here in June and move to townhouse for a while.
We a looking forward to just leasing a place and going nimble. Less stuff, less maintenance, more time for relationships... our family and friends. I am glad for a season of simple... a season of nimble. It's not easy or simple to get there. Lot's of work is ahead... moving, giving away, purging things we no longer need.
I have to admit I am really looking forward to this season. God's timing and his place for us is the best... I am loving becoming nimble.
So be on the lookout for something quick, agile and rapid... it's probably ME!!!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Update on Coby and Cory and Dude Perfect
Over the past few weeks Cory and Coby have enjoyed creating more fantastic basketball shots with the "Dude Perfect Team".
Dude Perfect 2 - Ranch Edition
As a result of the second video other websites, news services and radio shows have shown interest in their story.
To take a look or listen to some of these go to DudePerfect.com or to their You Tube channel.
Dude Perfect 2 - Ranch Edition
As a result of the second video other websites, news services and radio shows have shown interest in their story.
To take a look or listen to some of these go to DudePerfect.com or to their You Tube channel.
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