CollinOuterbridge.org

When Rest Feels Like Work

Collin Outerbridge — Sat, 19 May 2012 20:22:36 +0000

For some of us, rest does not come easily. If we are not doing something productive in every waking moment we feel as if we are wasting precious time. We feel as if afternoon naps, getting caught up in a good story, or just lounging for a few hours is only for the lazy and directionless. Our lives are fully leveraged so we can maximize every moment to get as much accomplished as fast as we can so we can…continue the same pattern. We listen to a Podcast while working out, have multiple tabs open on our Internet browser, eat while catching up on the news, and text while driving. Why is this? I think we fundamentally believe that we are what we produce. And this is the lie that can create a maelstrom of unhealthy behaviors.

So what are we to do when rest feels like work?

Repent: Ask God to change your mind so your identity does not come from what you do but what Jesus has done.

Remember: Go be around or a part of something that reminds you of the total sovereignty of God. For me, this is as simple as taking a walk, experiencing the natural, or reading Scripture.

Relax: Choose to enjoy God by doing what you love with the people you love.

What would you add to this list? What works for you when it comes to rest?

Stay at Home Dad: 11 Thoughts From My Week with The O-Girls.

Collin Outerbridge — Fri, 18 May 2012 22:11:09 +0000

This week has been incredible. We celebrated the birth of our second daughter, complete with trips to the hospital, doctor, and of course–photographer. This has been a great “learning” week for me because I have never taken extended time (beyond a weekend) to stay home with my wife. The list is endless, but here are few lessons I’ve learned in the past week:

5 pound babies can illicit some of the most glorious bowel movements one can muster.
There is no such thing as silence…unless it’s nap time.
Water is always running: dishes, laundry, bathroom, pool.
“Potty” is a past-tensed verb. If you’ve heard it, it’s already happened.
Relaxation is when someone isn’t screaming.
Having mature conversations with a two year old involves words like “mo-mo, peez, and kk”
There is no mess too great or disgusting that wet naps can’t fix.
Two kids means man-to-man defense. There’s no such thing as “catching a breather.”
Running errands to Target can feel like you’re going to Disney World when it’s the only time you can get out of the house.
Elmo is your counselor, Big Bird is your confidant, Cookie Monster is your nutritionist, and Barney is still an awkward purple dinosaur.
There’s nothing I’d rather do than be with my wife and kids.

Fellas, if God grants you the opportunity to lead a family, understand it is the greatest gift apart from his grace you will ever receive. Love them well.

Collin Outerbridge — Thu, 17 May 2012 11:33:05 +0000

the questions we ask demonstrate what we value most.

Collin Outerbridge — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:05:02 +0000

If we are the sum of our experiences, then we are the multiple of His love.

Civilian Sounds: “Should this Noose Unloosen”

Collin Outerbridge — Tue, 08 May 2012 22:02:07 +0000

I am blown away by the musical glory and the lyrical genius of this band. Ryan Alexander is an incredible artist who I have had the privilege of sharing the stage with from time to time. It’s an incredible honor to be around people like this.

Bellarive’s “Taste of Eternity”

Collin Outerbridge — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:36:50 +0000

Check out the new trailer for Bellarive’s music video, “Taste of Eternity.” The vocals feature the wonderful family at Status, and if you listen close you can hear my off-pitch voice in the background. The video is a wonderful piece produced by Michael Dalton, who I have had the privilege of sharing wonderful conversation with but not yet a meal…but we’re working on it.

Collin Outerbridge — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:23:37 +0000

After we write our personal mission statement, it is important to then express our values. These are simply “how we do what we do.” Below is an exercise my friend Cole and I led the Status team in this week:

Read John 17 and Matthew 5-6. Ask, “What are Jesus’ stated values in these passages?”

Then, ask yourself these 3 questions.
1. What are my STATED values?
2. What do the allotment of my TIME, TALENTS and RESOURCES say about my ACTUAL values?
3. How can I better align my stated and actual values?

Collin Outerbridge — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:18:03 +0000

The question is not “am I successful?” Rather, it is “am I faithful?”

Brene Brown on Vulnerability

Collin Outerbridge — Wed, 02 May 2012 19:38:52 +0000

This is a post for mature audiences, but the content is rich and powerful. It provides unique insight into the way the academic world sees relationship and humanity’s yearning for being known. Jesus provides us the answer to this tension when he says to us, “come to me and I will give you rest.”

Collin Outerbridge — Tue, 01 May 2012 19:19:38 +0000

For the Christian, sin is nothing more than spiritual Stockholm Syndrome.