Jody Christensen

Getting Passed Is A Good Thing

2009-06-23T03:42:00.000-07:00

I started preparing for the TRI LATTA Triathlon at the end of January. The goal was to finish. Then the goal was to finish strong. I changed it again, the goal was to finish in the top 50%. I didn't reach my goal because I started training in January. I exceeded my goals because I had coaches and a team that pushed me beyond what I thought I could do. The last 150 yards of the race I was

Farther and Faster Together

2009-06-07T02:24:00.000-07:00

I joined a YMCA Triathlon training group. Everyone has started out at different levels. And I mean very different levels. Last week during our time with the running coach we went out as a group to run up and down hills. I wanted to see how long I could run with the top runner in our group. She has done several marathons and makes it look effortless. I was keeping up with her but the whole

2009-06-07T02:13:00.000-07:00

Everyone tells you that your attitude is important to your success. We read about it and we talk about it. I want to always live it.I was out for a morning bike ride. It was about 6:00 a.m. maybe thirty minutes into the ride when all of a sudden it felt like someone pulled the plug out of my tank and all my energy had drained out. Immediately it came to my attention that my thoughts were bad,

2009-02-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

Every week at Elevation there is a reason to celebrate the goodness of God and be thankful for his presence in our city. We see marriages restored, we see teenagers filled with vision, and we experience true community. We have it really good at Elevation and we don't take it for granted.I do not take it for granted that there is an army of volunteers some of which start at 5:00 a.m. every Sunday

There Goes My Hero

2009-01-26T20:17:00.000-08:00

I was there when the vision was shared with Pastor Steven for a bus to pick up UNCC students and bring them to the Uptown Elevation Campus. J.R. left an impression on me then. Just being in the room when he shared his dream gave you the impression that this young man was going to do something with his life. I was there when our campus director told us plans had been made to take a bus to the

They would let me volunteer here?

2009-01-13T03:16:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday was a roller coaster of God's activity. On Christmas Eve a small group of men were on their way to an AA meeting when they came across Elevation's Christmas Eve serve at Belk Theatre. Tim was one of the men that evening that joined us for worship and he has returned to Elevation. Last Sunday he brought guests. I stopped to talk with him. I had forgotten about the AA meeting he was

Living For The Moment

2008-12-26T05:28:00.001-08:00

It had to end but I didn't want it to. Images of people's reactions as they walked up to Belk Theatre are forever imprinted into my memory. Was it the sights and sounds of Elevators in red t-shirts greeting them? Was it the sight of the line that started out by the sidewalk and wrapped into the Bank of America Lobby? Was it the street band playing jazzy Christmas music on the corner? Were they

2008-12-21T18:07:00.000-08:00

Last week I got a phone call that made my week. A friend called and shared with me that he had been to Elevation Church for the first time and was blown away. Said it was border line scary. When God speaks to you that is often times the feeling you have. The voice of God is awesome. I had to ask the big question, "who invited you?" See to me those invites are as precious as Gold. I was

Happy Dance

2008-12-10T19:37:00.001-08:00

I can rush through the days and totally miss out on the celebration of life happening around me. This week I had some zingers. It seemed like all at once things that deserved a "Happy Dance" were buzzing by and I was missing them.At the beginning of the year I had set goals. One by one I have reached some of those goals. Would you believe I haven't taken time to celebrate and give thanks? I am

Small Group Wonders

2008-11-25T03:36:00.000-08:00

Ever wonder why some people never miss a small group meeting and while others show up half the time at best? Same is true with Sunday morning participation. Some never miss the opportunity to volunteer and worship. Yet we all have friends we dearly love that when they do show up they are late. What's with that?God has designed us to be in community and to accomplish great things together. I was

Just another day on the job...

2008-11-23T19:13:00.000-08:00

Can I just say how thankful I am that my life has purpose? And I am thankful that I know it. Embracing it and living it out looks different every day. I don't even begin to grasp the significance of my salvation and what that day will be like when I see the face of Christ. But I am driven towards them both. I meet someone today who was visiting Elevation that caused me to give thanks. She

That's a rich person problem...

2008-11-22T03:01:00.000-08:00

This is a rich person problem...Since hearing this a few weeks ago it pops up all the time. I will be dealing with something and tempted to get a bad attitude about it when I realize - "this is a rich person problem." This week I have been driving around in my older vehicle because it has sat for nearly two years. The tires are showing their age not because of mileage but simply their age. So

Preschool Teachers Are Special People

2008-11-19T19:56:00.000-08:00

We have all had those moments when we count down the days till our next vacation getaway. But when you count down the days till jury duty with the same expectation...your friends are going to laugh with you. I got a call yesterday from Cathy. She is a preschool teacher. Her stories are always entertaining to say the least but this one takes the cake. She was excited. Her number was drawn for

Execution is the Difference

2008-11-15T13:25:00.001-08:00

We hear great ideas all the time. I am bombarded with powerful truths that can be applied to my life everyday. Last week at a business meeting the owner of a company was talking about his business strategies. And when his competitors hear these strategies he is not concerned. His comment was people hear great strategies all the time but its the execution that makes the difference. This week on

2008-11-07T05:27:00.000-08:00

What a week. This was a week filled with people. Yes, every week for a sales person is filled with people. Especially for sales people that sell telephone systems. I am in and out of offices every day filled with people. But this week was different. I was around people who weren't necessary like me. People who don't think like me, act like me, use the English language like me, and especially

The Spirit of the Volunteer

2008-10-20T15:01:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning standing outside in the cold waiting for the train I was thinking to myself "this riding the train business to conserve gas was for the birds." I was on my way to our uptown campus early Sunday morning. It was cold. And all I could think about was how I could be driving to church in a warm car. When the train arrived I was pleasantly surprised to see someone I knew and we began

2008-10-11T18:05:00.000-07:00

I believe God has uniquely positioned Elevation to have a place of influence in our city for such a time as this. As a volunteer at Elevation I have witnessed countless acts of God that have blown me away. I have heard audacious prayers from the heart of my pastor and then witnessed the power of God in answering those prayers. God has been showing us time and time again that He is with us. He

Road Trip

2008-08-30T18:57:00.000-07:00

I took off to Deals Gap this week for some great riding and beautiful scenery. We were in western North Carolina on the border of Tennessee near the Maggie Valley area. All along the way as we made our stops I would ask the question about how the locals were voting. Everyone was quick to give me an answer and were very open about why. Typically on a motorcycle ride you ask people about their

Would you believe?

2008-08-26T02:32:00.000-07:00

Let me attempt to paint a picture of what has been happening...During the Awakening Series we saw over 1,000 people baptized. Then roll into a student event on a Friday and Saturday where over 500 students showed up both nights. There was over 180 students that gave their life to Christ this past weekend. And if that wasn't enough to blow your mind God moved in the hearts of over 4800 people

Join in the Celebration - 629 People Baptized Today

2008-08-03T18:57:00.000-07:00

Today 629 people were baptized. Six hundred twenty nine people - on one Sunday in the city of Charlotte!I wish I had time to tell you all of the stories from today as I meet people who were moved by God to come to Elevation and respond to the Gospel. Every story I heard left me with the impression that greater things are yet to come. Every story was evidence that only God could birth this vision

Why not offer the fourth shot? What does it cost you?

2008-07-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

I was running a head of schedule on Sunday morning and decided at the last minute to pop into Starbucks on my way into church. I ordered a triple tall Americano. The Barista made the first two shots and then prepared another two. The fourth shot is dumped out. I made the comment to my barista that it must make him sad to pour out that fourth shot all day knowing how good it was. He asked me

Hooters Part 2

2008-07-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

When something is good, when an experience is unforgettable people talk. And then people start showing up to see what all the fuss is about. At least that is how it is at Elevation Church. This week at Elevation I was part of a team that greeted over 100 First Time Guests. There was one person that I meet that really got me thinking about God's agenda, His Church. I asked how she heard about

Wake Up or Wipe Out

2008-07-02T18:39:00.001-07:00

This past Sunday we had a sermon that challenged us to wake up. To be honest I listened and kept thinking - this doesn't apply to me. I'm serving, I study, and tithe. So where is this going, God? Where is the challenge in this for me? Let's face it, on the Sunday morning you sit and have this conversation with yourself you know you are in trouble. Brace yourself!Monday I'm out enjoying

People that you meet...

2008-07-02T14:42:00.001-07:00

A few Sundays ago I was doing my thing as a First Time Guest Greeter. I meet a young couple who seemed easy going and willing to talk a while. They were in no hurry to brush me off so I continued to get to know them. The young man traveled around working on nuclear plants. I cracked a joke about Homer Simpson - you would have too. How many times in a week or a month do you meet someone that

The People In Your Neighborhood

2008-06-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Sesame Street and the Electric Company were the shows that I loved watching as a kid. How I ever got to see it I don't know. You had to actually sit down in the living room and watch it when it was being aired. That was back in the day before VCRs, DVRs, and mega DVD collections stored in minivans. TV was an event and it included physical exercise. You had to get up from your beanbag to turn

Why not believe it?

2008-06-08T18:31:00.000-07:00

When all things are equal attitude wins. I was reminded of this truth after I read a John Maxwell book earlier this year. I think I read this about 6 months after coming to Elevation. Almost immediately at Elevation I was confronted with the need to have an attitude adjustment. To hang with this group you better have a positive attitude. You can't help it when you start seeing what all God has

Old Time Religion Park 3: The Honor and Priority of Preaching

2008-05-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

How has your life been changed as a result of the preaching of the Word at Elevation? This was one of the discussion questions from this week's sermon. I was quick to start writing out my responses. But now I think the question should be,"What changes in your life have your friends and family seen a result of the preaching of the Word at Elevation?"

Life is good

2008-05-24T09:34:00.000-07:00

I started this blog as a way to communicate with my small group. For whatever reason I felt compelled to share with them things that I think relate back to our journey together. But this week I just have to post something random. I am one of those persons that thinks they have a really good life. I have so much to be thankful for and so much to enjoy. And to top it all off I believe my life

The Set Up

2008-05-17T06:26:00.000-07:00

I am really fortunate that God has placed me at Elevation. I receive Sunday's sermon from our pastor as the "set up" for my study each week. There is so much more going on then just a one time sermon hit. When I weave them all together and go back over where we have been I get excited about where we are going.Last week pastor talked about how we live in a time where we have tremendous access to

Blogging, Espresso, and my Mac Notebook

2008-05-10T04:16:00.001-07:00

All week long I have wanted to collect my thoughts regarding what I am experiencing as a result of the movement of God in Charlotte. Blogging is like a good espresso to me. They both are enjoyed while they are hot and aroma is filling the room. Blogging and espresso slow me down to collect my thoughts and take it all in. You can't rush a good espresso. And you can't rush my writing skills.

Take Captive Every Thought / Break Out # 5

2008-04-26T04:20:00.000-07:00

During last week's sermon I knew that what I was experiencing was something that would remain with me. It was a moment when I sensed that God was very active in our lives and that He was speaking to me. "Take captive every thought..." is what repeated in my mind over and over this week. Here is how God used that verse from 2 Corinthians 10:4-5.Worry and Gossip were the repeating "you're busted

Responding to a needs list

2008-04-08T18:09:00.000-07:00

One of our small group members is in a three month drug rehabilitation center. I recently got a list of things we could do to support the ministry, Dove's Nest. I knew this was our chance as a small group to let our friend know we love her.Today I went to Dove's Nest carrying a very large bright pink gift bag overflowing with the nicest body wash, body lotion, and wash pads. Our friends favorite

The Process is the Point

2008-04-03T17:04:00.000-07:00

I finally found a way that I could blog about Maggie. Maggie carries this bone around all the time. You will find her chewing away at the corners with confidence that one day she will have consumed this monster bone. It may take Maggie a life time but her determination to see it to the end is inspiring. She is not going to give up. There was a time she could only nudge it and dream about

Break Out part 2

2008-04-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

I'm working through the last two sermons at Elevation and find myself asking this question. What is keeping you from responding to God's invitation to join Him in his work? Last week we looked at Thomas who Jesus told to "stop doubting and believe." This week Jesus approaches a crippled man that blames others for his inability to get into the healing waters. I ask myself what is the connection

2008-03-30T16:59:00.000-07:00

My friend dropped off the face of the earth a month ago. She started using drugs again. After a few days of her being gone I was sure that she would hit bottom and want to come home. She didn’t. After a week I was sure the phone would ring. It didn’t. A month has passed and she has finally called Changed Choices wanting to come home. My first thank you to God was for

Easter Sunday

2008-03-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

This Easter Sunday was over the top. At Elevation Church we greeted 4,833 people today. There was over 500 people saved! All week long I was anticipating a big Easter. When I say this out loud I find myself in unbelief of what I just experienced. But I was there. I talked to the people walking in and walking out. I heard first hand from people who made their decision today and had people

Commitment - It's worth it.

2008-03-21T03:36:00.001-07:00

My week started with Mr. Cliff Barrows sharing what it takes to live with the end in mind. He shared with the younger generations that commitment is something you control and surrender is something God controls. He referred to his daily obedience as the domino affect. As a result of his daily obedience Mr. Barrows while on his honeymoon was introduced to Billy Graham and there they started a

I have the coolest friend...

2008-03-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

You knew it was only a matter of time...

2008-03-18T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have been resisting the temptation to post a picture of Max & Maggie. I was hoping to wait for something clever to write about and then work them into the blog. But that could take forever....

Mr. Cliff Barrows at Elevation & Bear Sterns

2008-03-17T19:08:00.000-07:00

Sunday was unbelievable. When Mr. Barrows was praying over us I knew that he had the ear of God and somehow I was closer to the heart of God as he prayed. It was a holy moment. You knew God was listening. And somehow you felt that God was honoring his prayers at that very moment.Several things echo in my mind from Sunday. One thing that he said has stayed with me today. "Commitment you

Unleashed Conference / Newspring Church

2008-03-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

I am one of the 152 leaders at Elevation that participated in the Unleashed Conference at Newspring Church. Let me say thank you to my pastor and all of the Elevation Staff for investing in us and getting us there. And a shout out to Newspring Church, "You guys Rock!"The entire experience was over the top. I wore my new special edition Elevation T-Shirt with pride. Many of you know I will be

2008-03-14T08:45:00.000-07:00

The journey began on July 9th, 2007, Confessions of a Pastor Part Two Series. It was the 10:00 a.m. service. Pastor Fertick stated the mission of Elevation Church, "Elevation exists for those far from God so they can be filled with life in Christ." At that moment I breathed in fresh air. The process of refining was just beginning...