Monday, November 30, 2009

my day off

I had a good morning at home writing Christmas Cards and chillin', then the action began.

I hit 5 stores trying to find a Jigsaw blade that I am not sure even exists! Maybe the artists are just messing with me...anyway the search yielded nothing except that I now know more than I ever wanted to about how many different types of blades there are!

Tonight as we worked on the Christmas set design we saw the Adopt A Child team working to prepare for the event that will soon provide Christmas for 600 of our communities neediest kids. Quite a few women were in the building attending the Beth Moore Bible Study too!

I love being at our ministry at night when different small groups or ministry teams are working. No one sees their night time meetings, but, it is these quiet, behind the scene efforts that help connect people to the ministry and to one another.

Christmas is coming quickly...we are working hard to be ready and loving it!

Sunday, November 29, 2009

weekend report

Tough, tough subject but God honored Pastor Tim's commitment to honestly proclaim God's Word!

We continued our "Answers" series this weekend with a teaching based on the congregations submitted questions. Tim received several questions regarding homosexuality and decided it was time to teach on the difficult subject. Clarifying what the Word says as well as clearly stating where our ministry stands in regard to this issue. It is easy to teach on things the 'tickle' people's ears, but, when tough questions come, it takes clear - honest teaching and that is what we heard this weekend! You can watch the service on Monday at www.crossroadswired.com

Our set list:

This is Your Song Tommy Walker
Stay Amazed
New Doxology
announcements - Bill Hill
Inside Out - Hillsong
teaching
Exit Song - Inside Out

To see what other ministries used in their services this weekend go to Fred McKinnons site.

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Normal


What is normal?

Normal: usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.

Usual or regular. Who decides what regular or usual is to begin with? The definition of these is what determines what is normal.

I have heard people refer to someone as , "he's just not normal", what exactly does that mean? Ultimately a criticism of someone else is to say that we are better than they are. They don't measure up to us.

I look in the mirror and I see regular. God enters our lives and He sees extraordinary possibility.

I have no desire to be normal. Join me.

did you go out

Did you go out today?

I was out by 6:30.

Went into 2 different stores, turned around and went right back to my car. I did pick up a few things eventually.

After passing Starbucks 3 times because the line was so long, I finally had to have coffee - so I pulled in - needed COFFEE - after sitting for a while in line, my hubby called just as I finally was approaching the speaker. I drove right past the order speaker! The frightening part is I didn't even realize it until, as I pulled up to the window still talking, the bewildered guy tried to hand me something I didn't order... He was NOT amused....fail! He was a good sport and did let me buy a coffee!

I have to say, I was not proud of people's behavior today. I heard news of a broken leg at WalMart here in my hometown! And they temporarily closed Toys R Us due to some sort of disturbance! Oh my goodness, come on people!

As I was slowly making my way along the main drag today thinking about Christmas, I wondered how it ever became this? Some of the ridiculous items I saw for sale were such an example of creating something because we already have everything we could possibly need! More stuff to store, to collect, to pile up somewhere - in a drawer, in a closet or basement.

God sent His son knowing this is what we would do with this time of the year.

I LOVE this season, I am so blessed to know Christ. And despite the fact that I too was out early this morning, I will remember what He did for me. I will worship Him during this season. And I will love and treat those I come in contact with as He would - as much as I am humanely able...

Join me - treat people Christ like. We have a huge opportunity to reach the lost during this season. They are searching - and it's not for a gift or silly collectible. We have want they want, let's show them what we have that they don't have, what they can't buy. Our actions speak loudly during this often stressful time of the year while everyone around us runs, pushes and yells!

Did you go out today? Was it a good experience?




Wednesday, November 25, 2009

a peak at Christmas

Crossroads was so much fun Tuesday night! Our creative arts teams were working on preparing all the ingredients of Christmas.

Video was being shot for an upcoming message.

Christmas solo being practiced on the stage.

Artists busy at work creating our Christmas set design.

Here is a peak at Christmas, enjoy!






Also a shot of my daughter and my baking our secret family recipe rolls!

Happy Thanksgiving!

just one day

I am blogging while waiting for my daughter to wake up so we can bake together.

I only have this one day with her before she goes to Boston for Thanksgiving. Tough, very tough!

Today we will bake our families 'secret roll recipe' - and she will share it with her boyfriends family instead of ours.

This makes me very proud in many ways - she is growing up to be an amazing woman of God - but makes me sad as well.

It is ironic that in every instance I can think of when we let something go, we also get something back. As our kids connect and network with school, ministry and friends, they make life decisions that bring other people and things into our lives. Some good, some bad. And really all we can do is pray.

Parenting used to be much easier when we could just make all the decisions! Now we try to hold our opinions until just the right time, or until they ask, more and more often not sharing them at all. Unless of course we know they are doing something obviously wrong.

So we send her off tonight with a family a year and a half ago we didn't even know and tomorrow I will be try to be thankful for kids who are growing independent of us, as it should be. Just wish they didn't have to be independent so far away!

The good news is our son will arrive with his girlfriend tomorrow night - so we get to spend time with Eric tomorrow!! Very thankful for that! I hope your loved ones are close - hold them tightly and TELL them how much you love them!

Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow everyone - I won't be blogging !

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

what I learned today


Today I learned more than I ever cared to know about a Plasma Cutter.

I learned that this tool would make our creation of the Crossroads Christmas Set Design a piece of cake - slicing metal as if it were cake.

I also learned that none of the Tool rental businesses have any to rent!

Bummer. So tonight all the Crossroads artists will gather to take a look at our second hand metal and decide what will be used and what will not. We will then create our templates and finally attempt to cut without a plasma cutter!

Again I say yay to the concept of a small group that also serves as a team. Common interests foster very, very connected groups. This can be true whether it is a group connected by a 'job to do' or connected by common age or life experience.

I feel sad when I watch people on the weekends enter - walk straight to the auditorium and leave the same way - never connecting. Yes, we can come and grow in Christ through the teachings we hear, but how much richer our learning can be when truly connected to others.

What I learned today is that even a plasma cutter - or lack of one can be used as a connection tool when used to create something bigger than ourselves.

Monday, November 23, 2009

my day off


Today seemed like a good day to finish preparing for Thanksgiving. It is now 7:11 p.m. and I have done nothing I planned except grocery shopping with my hubby.

I am used to shopping alone and he is used to avoiding having to go. But, following breakfast out together we decided it would be the least busy time of the day to go.

I had tons of coupons with me - sounds good, but, did I mention I hadn't sorted them yet from this weekends fliers? Not good - thank goodness there was a Starbucks in the grocery that I could distract him with!

We needed 2 of the turkeys over 18 lbs. that were limited to one per person as well as requiring a $30 minimum with each. And of course we didn't ask if that was before or after coupons so....we stood with 2 carts mid aisle and tried to make sure we met the minimum digging all the while through my unorganized coupons. (I am happy to report the coupon savings was close to $15.00 and each turkey under $7.00 each - my husband is still trying to figure out if it was worth buying newspapers and the hassle for that amount of savings.) Finally an hour and a half later we made our way to the check out!

Couponing does create conversation opportunities, today as I stood flipping the pages in my 'sport card' coupon holder notebook a lady stopped by remarking, "good for you honey, I should do that too!"

A few days ago I picked up a couple of things at store I don't typically go to and used coupons and the check out guy said, "You don't strike me as the couponing type". What does that mean??

Two weeks ago a young check out guy proclaimed, "you win first prize for having the best system of organizing your coupons!"

You would think it's the highest accomplishment of my life!


All of this to ask you the following questions:


Is couponing worth the effort?


Does any tiny savings justify doing it?


Do you only do it when prime opportunities arise with combinations equaling huge savings?


I welcome any tips you are willing to throw my way! Or if you want to be the Biddle's private coupon consultant that would be good too!



Sunday, November 22, 2009

weekend report

Pastor Tim's teaching lead to many people asking for prayer, asking additional questions and just a lot of soul searching this weekend! Amazing!

our setlist:

Tramontane
announcements: Adopt A Child our local Christmas missions opportunity
My Savior Lives - New Life
Jesus Messiah - Tomlin
Praise To The Lord - Nobility Challenge
Blessed Be The Name - Redman

Message: This was pt. 7 of our Answers series and it was created based on congregational questions. The question of the weekend was "What Does It Mean To Truly Be Saved"

Outstanding!

To see what other ministries were doing around the country go to Fred McKinnon's site.

To watch our services on Monday go to Crossroadswired

May God richly bless your week!

Friday, November 20, 2009

Weird day

Work = details for the weekend finished
Directors meeting
filing done
phone calls returned
gone!



next...... Milliron recycling - pink hardhat just for me!
scrap for our stars for the Christmas set design at Crossroads
preparing for the artists to create stars on Tuesday






home.....ironing done
more Christmas cards written
volunteers Christmas gifts done


I LOVE variety. This can be good and this can be very bad. Focus is necessary to accomplish GREAT things.




Focus is necessary to mature and learn. Focus is necessary to hear and understand when God speaks.


I confess, focus is not one of my greatest attributes.

FOCUS - to concentrate: to focus one's thoughts.

To focus one's thoughts...I have wasted a lot of time in my life feeling guilty about a lack of concentration, feeling guilty about a lack of accomplishment in the stereo-typical way, feeling like I need to work twice as hard as everyone else to get anywhere.

I am so thankful NOW to be in a place where my talents can be used, where people truly care about me and where I want to be. I feel close to God there. I feel surrounded by friends there and I even get to be with my husband there. God is so good.

We each bring something unique to the plate, we each are created by a Sovereign God, we each happened on purpose - even if our earthly creation was considered an accident!

I love the variety in my life and I look forward to all the many things God will once again bring into my life tomorrow!


Thursday, November 19, 2009

Thankful


I am going to try to thank the Lord for as many things as I possibly can think of leading up to Thanksgiving this coming week.

I am overwhelmed at His blessings this year.

I am thankful for my husband of 32 years, more than I can EVER say.
I am thankful for kids that love family and their Lord.
I am thankful for my parents and siblings.
I am thankful for amazing friends that would drop everything to help me if I asked.
I am thankful for unselfish fellow staff members that share a common vision.
I am thankful for our congregation that could choose to be anywhere in the world but chose to come to church to worship!

This is not to say that there have not been great trials and problems this year, but, if we can look beyond our circumstance to see God's sovereign will - even in trials we can be thankful.

(Ok, so sometimes I'm ticked for a while when disappointment comes.)

But, when I get over myself... that makes me thankful for forgiveness! ha ha

What are you thankful for? Please share!



Wednesday, November 18, 2009

too wordy

I come to the garden alone
while the dew is still on the roses
and the voice I hear
falling on my ear
The Son of God discloses

And He walks with me and He talks with me
and He tells me I am His own
and the joy we share as we tarry there
None other has ever known

He speaks and the sound of his voice
Is so sweet the birds hush their singing
and the melody that he gave to me
within my heart is ringing...

So it doesn't get much more wordy than that! Yet, it's easy to sing - why? tempo? heritage? is it Divinely blessed?

We evaluate every song we use at Crossroads based on several criteria. #1 Content or message - #2 singability = Is it too wordy? Is it a good tempo to sing?

I ran across some hymns the other day and was astounded by how wordy they were and yet I knew them by heart. So - how can they be memorized and remembered? I don't know.

Maybe because we sang them 1,000 times growing up? Maybe the tempo was so slow it was easy to sing? Or maybe the content was so powerful they became part or our strong Christian foundation.

I would love to know your opinion on why despite the amount of words, hymns stay with us and seem easy to sing. Is it the warm memories associated with them - snuggled up to our parents on pews? A smaller setting - simpler time? Or is the message really so profound that it still speaks to us?

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

what I learned today

Suffering: the dreaded word

Pastor Tim taught on suffering this past weekend and why God allows it.

As so often happens, when a topic is taught I come across it again in study that very week.

The persecution of God's faithful following Christ's death, was possibly a cover up, an attempt to silence them just in case they were wrong and had in fact killed 'the Christ'. Can you imagine thinking you were killing an impostor only to discover you really did kill God's son? I guess you would scurry to silence those proclaiming Christ's victory over death and performing miracles in His name.

The persecution of the saints caused a scattering of the believers that spread the Gospel far and wide just as Jesus had told his disciples they would spread the Gospel into the uttermost parts of the world! His ways are not our ways. Our ways would ALWAYS be to remain comfortable, thus not moving the message as God desires.

He sometimes allows what we perceive as negative means, including suffering to achieve something amazing and positive!

Beth Moore said this, "when God pulls down a fence in front of us it causes us to expand our horizons." Picture that visual in your mind - it forces us to look side to side instead of focused on where we want to go...

God knows what it takes to move us from our spot of comfort, and sadly it sometimes takes suffering to use us to our full potential for Him. I pray to stay attentive to where God is leading me, for it is my greatest desire to be a vessel that spreads the message of the Gospel - not to stand in it's way!

Monday, November 16, 2009

my day off

Nothing profound.

Nothing out of the ordinary.

Just a day off

- a day with my sister, my brother-in-law and hubby and WAY too much food.

I actually went to a mall without buying anything, well, at least besides Starbucks!

Very thankful for a calm, nothing sort of day!

Sunday, November 15, 2009

weekend report

We had a BLAST today! Kickin' music for Jesus and the kickoff of our annual Adopt A Child Christmas drive - almost 200 kids adopted out today, kids that otherwise would have no Christmas!

Our setlist:

Instrumental: Burnin'
announcements/video for Adopt A Child
Worship: Here In His Presence/Wonderful, Beautiful... - Gateway
Holy Is The Lord - Tomlin
Everyday - Hillsong
Everybody Praise the Lord - Brewster
Video: Questing God's Existence
Message: How Can And Good and Powerful God Allow Evil and Suffering?

You can watch our services on Monday by going to www.crossroadswired.com

You can see what other ministries used in their worship services by going to Fred McKinnon's site.

God Bless you week!

Friday, November 13, 2009

work of God's people

We have worked at finishing the details of our Christmas services this week. The process never ceases to amaze me.

Many individual ideas that begin alone.

So many songs to consider each being discovered by someone listening.

The singular scripture passage on which it all stands.

Bits and pieces of this and that laid in our unsuspecting paths.

Then all the individual seemingly disconnected pieces become one.

I get to be the gatherer of creative elements. I get to watch as God places each talented person in the exact place they need to be to receive these gifts from Him. These gifts that can be used to point the way to Him when we all come together in December.

This process is a mixing of talents, of creativity, of God inspired work. The work of God's people. Our December is finished but yet to begin...


Thursday, November 12, 2009

no more words

I have no more words today - I can hear the snickering of those who know me well...

It's true - no more creativity left - no more Christmas planning - nothing left today - no more words.

Too many words already spoken - some good some bad - some necessary some not.

Enough for today - no more words!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

a blessed day

I cannot believe I get to do this for a living!

My God, fabulous faithful husband, amazing kids, family, artists, musicians, vocalists, pastors, teachers and friends - I am truly blessed.

I recently entered into an online discussion with a pastor who wrote about staying aware of our enemy even when ministry is going smoothly. I wrote in response , "when do we ever get to celebrate peace? I don't care what happens tomorrow anymore - when God gives me a season of peace - I am going to claim it, praise Him, thank Him and enjoy it and not apologize for it! "

I am sick of doomsday mentality - looking over our shoulders, sure someone is out to ruin the peace. I may not have tomorrow, but, I have an amazing day!

I think a lot of Christians don't live as if they know the almighty God - HE WINS!

Obviously bad days come often, we get betrayed, we get attacked, but as for today I praise my Father for THIS peaceful day!

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

what I learned today

I was reading today about making choices. The process of decision making for believers should include taking it before God before we make a move.

Do you struggle with this? I pray about most decisions - but, I'm not sure how many times I wait for an answer.

So basically the prayer doesn't mean a whole lot!

I was trying to think what decisions I have made on my own today.

  • got up
  • ate oatmeal
  • communicated with various people waiting for direction from me
  • cleaned my house...ish
  • went to get a sandwich
  • lead the artist small group and ate too many cookies at Crossroads
Certainly nothing mind boggling.

But what could every ordinary day become if I made all my choices based on God's leading?

Do you consider His will before you make decisions daily?





Monday, November 9, 2009

my day off

Felt like we were back in our routine for the first time in several weeks, breakfast with my mother-in-law and hubby and on to just a regular day. Well, almost Ron got a call to help a friend with cement, but, pretty normal - no special events are anything.

Relaxing.

God designed us to need rest and be 'off'. I like this concept more and more.

How to be 'off'...that is the question. Time off takes more effort than being 'on' sometimes!

Final important duty of the night...Dancing With The Stars...my husband just ran out of the room!




Sunday, November 8, 2009

weekend report

Great weekend with communion. I had at least 4 people that told me they felt it was one of the best if not the best service they have ever attended at Crossroads! WOW!

It was very simple and very meaningful for our congregation. We usually celebrate communion on the First Wednesday of each month, but, try to have teach on communion and include it on the weekend at least once each month. It was amazing!

Our setlist:

Instrumental: Year Of The Cat - Al Stewart
Jesus Lover of My Soul - Hillsong
All Creatures Of Our God and King - Passion
Facedown - Matt Redman
Message: What is the meaning of the Lord's Supper?
Communion Elements taken: Facedown repeated
Prayer with Elders at front of auditorium: acoustic guitar
Final Song: Amazing Grace

To watch our services on Monday go to www.crossroadswired.com

To see what other ministries did around the country go to Fred McKinnon's site.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

change agent

Have you ever thought of yourself as change agents? You can be!

You know, it is so easy right now to focus on all the negative stuff going on in our country and in our news. Do you know that only about 100 people control all of Americas secular media? So why do we give them such power by cowering and believing what we hear when we KNOW the truth of God, the ONLY truth?

What if we all believed we could do something to change it with God's help?

Our community could be greatly affected for Christ if we each believed with all of our hearts that God has placed us exactly where he wants us. All of you that have jobs you don't really like, all of you that have bosses that are unfair or unkind, all of us no mater what your circumstance are can become agents of change.

Sometimes I think people have gotten the impression from the church that working within ministry or at least the times you serve at church are the only true things that are important. You could not be more wrong! God needs you to be right where you are. Give the people you spend your days with hope, they are desperate for something to believe in. It is no mistake you have been placed right where you need to be.

I encourage you all this week to make one change. What can you change as a testimony to those around you? A more positive attitude, an attitude of help, whatever it is let your light shine! Look for opportunities to live for God no matter where you are home, work, school or church.

If you want to list your name, and place of employment, I will pray for you this week! Be an agent of change for the Kingdom of God which never, ever changes!

Friday, November 6, 2009

true thankfulness

Billy Graham said, "the only true thankfulness comes when you cannot return the favor and all you can do is say, thanks."

That really stuck with me when I heard it, and I think it is really true! When I think of the times I was the most thankful, they truly are the times I couldn't pay it back to the giver.

There is a certain amount of arrogance involved I suppose when you refuse to except a gift from someone. I have had friends from time to time try to give me things or help me in some way when I know they didn't have the finances or the time to help me. They wanted to give and I refused their help or gifts. So was I the only loser in these cases? No. I also robbed them of the pleasure of giving.

Who knows through the years what my pride or independence toward others has cost me, and them. It is not right to be greedy and ask for what you don't need, but, I suppose it is equally wrong to rob others of what they would like to give...

So, from this point on I will except all gifts...JUST KIDDING...

I do hope to get over myself and my desire to 'do it myself' without others. I think I'll begin right now...I'm tired.

As we move toward Thanksgiving and are reminded of how ridiculously much we ALL have, be genuinely grateful and receive as well as give.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

harmony

That's what I like both in singing and in general.

That's the word that best describes our ministry this evening - young youth leaders from Asia with the GYMN ministry singing songs of worship as we entered - strong Godly Elders leading our annual meeting (a meeting that ended much faster than usual due to very few questions) - and cake and lots of talking and fellowship following the meeting.

Harmonious and pleasing to the Lord. Brothers and sisters coming together to make decisions, vote and leave in agreement - this is how God intended it.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

what I learned today

In reading today from Acts 1:12 - 14; 2: 1-8 I was once again blown away by how relevant scripture is to my life.

Beth Moore talks to those of us who do know of Jesus and all that God's son did for each of us. She says, "Yes, we walk by faith, but our faith rests on the rock-solid, historical facts of Crucifixion, Resurrection, Ascension, and Pentecost."

On the other side of historical fact - this past weekend Pastor Tim answered the question often asked," how can God send someone who has never heard about Jesus to hell?"

The Bible says that there is no one blameless, no one. That means we all deserve separation from Him, but, in His mercy He provided ways even for those living in the most remote settings to know He exists and to believe.

The evidence found in creation - our God - exists all around us. He is a God of order, He is the creator of nature and all the fabulous imagination we see displayed in the heavens and on earth. No one can say they didn't know...

His revelation of himself to every living human being cannot be denied, and can be well defended when others challenge our beliefs!

Monday, November 2, 2009

my day off



Can you say AUSTINS BRIDGE is in the house!!!

Getting ready for the concert - tickets still available at the door - $10.00 come on over!

1188 Park Avenue West We begin at 7:30 p.m.

Sound check is going on...come hang out with us!

Sunday, November 1, 2009

weekend report

Worship was A-M-A-Z-I-N-G and even with a somewhat recent message title tweak the music beautifully supported the teaching! God was there.

The piece I'm the most proud of is the second praise song written by one of our own guys, Chris Draper. I've mentioned this song before. I'm going to try to get a good recording posted with the lyric/chord sheets soon.

Our Setlist:

Hide Away Stevie Ray Vaughn
Austins Bridge video promo
announcements: lots of stuff to cover this weekend
God You Reign Brewster
Holy Is The Lord Chris Draper (our amazing guy)
Glorified New life
You Are Good Lakewood
Message: Answers Pt. 4: What about the innocent native that has never heard of Jesus?
Exit Song God You Reign

Have a blessed week - I really need to finish planning Christmas!

To watch our services tune in on Monday - www.crossroadswired.com

To see what other ministries used in their services this weekend go to Fred McKinnon's site.