Saturday, April 30, 2011

celebrating together

Tonight was our first of 3 weekend services here at Crossroads- just like always.

Tonight was also the night Pastor Tim made the first announcement about our orphanage campaign total amount.

I could hardly wait to reveal it!  During rehearsal when we sound checked the video where Pastor Tim announced the total, we stopped it just short of revealing the final amount.  The gasps and complaints from our tech teams and praise team could be heard across the auditorium!  So fun!

I won't reveal the amount tonight because our Sunday attendees have not yet heard - but to celebrate together in song following the announcement was nothing short of a little taste of heaven!

It dawned on me, if we celebrate this much for this accomplishment - how will eternity be?  Loud praising and singing and worshiping forever - think of it!!!  I cannot wait - truly!  Can you imagine each day being filled with His presence?  We will become so overwhelmed each time we are with Him that we will break into praise and worship, we will raise our voices as one massive choir...we will praise him shoulder to shoulder with our Cambodian brothers and sisters.  And they will bring with them those they have lead to the Lord - and our little Crossroads congregation will know their investment is eternally significant.

Until then - dwell in unity Crossroads - behind the common cause of being light in a dark, dark land.  And I speak of the US as well as Cambodia when I say that.  God is good - and we have witnessed a supernatural movement of His spirit within our people.  I love it here...

Friday, April 29, 2011

the love of God

The thing that set John apart was that he chose to fully believe and fully receive the love of Christ above all other things.  If we could grasp just a little of the true quality of His love we would live transformed.

Do you think there could be a modern day Paul or John if we took God's love seriously?  I think so.

Why do I have all of God available to me and still I struggle as if I do no know the King of Kings?  I am hardly different then those I rub shoulders with in the world - barely different than those who do not claim His name.  Separated from them only by the claim to know Him.

I am going to begin to pray to receive a new heart focus to fully pursue the love God offers each of us!

Ephesians 3:19 and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

packing lunches

I love packing lunches...

For me, packed lunches conjure up all kinds of really good memories.

My mom used to pack our school lunches with all kinds of home made treats!  I loved opening my lunch each day to see what she packed just for me.  I also remember how very important the lunch box itself was.  It had to be just the right one - an extremely important part of every back to school shopping trip!

Another memory associated with packed lunches was connected to 4H.  We were taught how to pack a balanced lunch, how to wrap our sandwiches properly - at that ancient time we used waxed paper.  We then took our packed lunch and sat across from a judge who graded our lunch.  I got outstanding ratings each time (my mom was the perfect teacher, it was almost like cheating)!

I also remember many fabulous picnic lunches as a family growing up.  Nights at the ballpark - days at the swimming pool and of course the amazing memories of Cedar Point - packing so we could enjoy home cooking even away from home.

And as any important memory requires, the passing down of traditions to our own children.

We packed lunches for school, for soccer games and for many summer family reunions.  Each family packed their specialty to share with cousins amid competitive sack races and softball games.

And still I find packing lunches sends a special 'I love you' along with our kids and their friends.  Recently packing lunches occurred for a return trip to Boston and now on an ongoing basis I pack once again for our son as he heads out to work each morning.  (He would pack it himself, but, I insist)

Packed lunches - I love making them and giving them,  a small token of my love!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

no mushrooms

I walked for 1 1/2 hours deep into our woods this evening searching for mushrooms while my hubby mowed.

I watched in front of each foot as I walked after pausing to scan ahead of me before I stepped forward, looking for likely places for mushrooms.

I found instead abundant sign of many, many deer - ground hog holes so huge and deep I was terrified they would jump out at me!  So I stomped hard and carried a stick.

It began to rain steady so I stopped and turned my face up - I love being out in the rain and it has been a long time since I've walked in it.   Focus - face down - searching.

I found the most brilliant bright red mushrooms I have ever seen - more like wide flat toad stools and many little round poisonous ones. 

My husband tried to make me feel better reminding me we live in the coldest place in Ohio and saying it's just too early for mushrooms in our neck of the woods (no pun intended).  He lied.  But I appreciated the attempt.

All in all it was an exhilarating walk, quiet time, very different than my days have been recently. 

I will be buying mushrooms tomorrow.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

what I learned today

Today I was preparing to lead a single young woman's group - the study was about how to become a woman of security.

As I have said numerous times before - I always learn more than the girls do.

The author said this, "Insecurity keeps a woman from experiencing consistent joy even within a relationship because a man cannot provide security, only God can."

I certainly looked for security from my marriage in the sense of a life long relationship, I hope I never expected my husband to be responsible for my personal security.  As I continue to mature in Christ it has given me the confidence I need to fulfill my calling, even when I am not sure I can do something.  Because the opposite of trying is always worse than failing.

I feel sorry for some of my brothers in Christ.  Some of the insecure woman, even Christian woman I know that are constantly needy, are such a drain on the relationship.

Guys have told me over the years there is nothing more attractive than a woman who is confident, not bossy, confident. Big difference.

It was a good reminder today as I read that the ONLY consistent joy we will ever experience here on earth, is through an obedient relationship with God.  Not man, not career, not children or wealth - all of these things pass away...

Security and confidence are attractive to all those around me, so even when I feel very uncertain I need to obediently step out and try.  And realize that even failure teaches.

I am curious if any of you struggle with insecurity?  Care to share?

Monday, April 25, 2011

my day off

This has been a tremendous day!

An impromptu meeting with Pastor Tim and several others to discuss the details regarding our offering for Cambodia this past weekend.

A meeting right after at the Carousel Works to discuss final details about their open house in a couple weeks. (you can buy tickets in advance at the link above)

Late breakfast with hubby and son.

Then home and an hour long phone conversation with my daughter!

In reflecting about the weekend services here are three things out of many that I am very thankful for:

#1  Based on the congregation's response, they got it!

When you plan services it is very hard to judge if creative ideas will transfer into understanding.  And ideas that do not lead people toward understanding are pointless.

#2  There is great evidence of maturity within our congregation

The fact that the general giving was where it needed to be from a budget standpoint ON TOP OF the sacrificial giving toward the orphanage, proves our congregation is maturing in their personal walk with the Lord.

#3  I have never been more proud of our pastor

 Tim is like a younger brother to me.  I spent time with his older sister at their home when we were all still in school.  (He was often hanging upside down swinging from a tree or something when I was around).  Anyway, the pride I feel at the wisdom in the timing of this project cannot adequately be described.   I don't wait well at all, especially when I am passionate about something!

 Instead of rushing ahead too soon we waited and now you can just feel the Holy Spirit at Crossroads filling our people with an excitement I haven't seen often.  I cannot wait to fully see what God's obedient people gave to save these orphans!

Thank you all so much for giving and if you were not able to be with us this past weekend please watch our service so you are fully aware of all that went on!   www.crossroadswired.com

Oh and - it's not to late to give!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

weekend report

I have no idea where to begin...  it was awesome

Our first of 4 services was very rough -after a review meeting and a few tweaks we went back out to face the second service.  Much better!

We used Easter as our first EVER service, in 15 years where we passed an offering plate, the reason, to raise money to build an orphanage in Cambodia with Asia's Hope.  And our people stepped up!  We won't know totals until next weekend, but everyone seemed SO excited and willing to help!

Our Setlist:

Opening welcome/explanation of offering and Repurposed theme - Pastor Tim
Smooth Criminal - Cello Duet  (We used this with scripture on the screens)
In Christ Alone
Our God - Tomlin
Come Thou Fount - Sublime
Message:  Repurposed; pt 2
Beautiful Things - Gungor  (With full music video that we shot at Milliron Recycling) offering was taken during this song
Let God Arise - Tomlin

I will be posting pictures and updates all week so stay tuned!!

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

To see what other ministries used in their services go to www.theworshipcommunity.comwww.theworshipcommunity.com

Saturday, April 23, 2011

good friday

We jumped into a car and took off for services together today - not much I love better than being with my friends!

 Isn't it ironic that I have rushed around getting ready for Easter at Crossroads all week - and have almost missed the whole point of getting ready?

Christ died for me.  Amazing!

Today we went to a good Friday service.  I am glad we went - it made me sit still for just a little while.

Christ died for me...  I never want to rush past that fact.  I want to understand all that means.

Tomorrow we gather at Crossroads to remember the sacrifice that God made for us - I trust our services will communicate a glimpse of how much we are loved.

Christ died for me.  ,,,,for me - Amazing!

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

I am not scared

I love my age - I am no longer scared about much.  I used to be scared of everything...

I have also become strangely attracted to things that seem impossible.  I like trying to see if I can figure them out, it's kind of like getting inside somewhere you are not supposed to go.  My curiosity has never been stronger.

Age brings a kind of confidence normally, I'm not so sure confidence is what I feel now, instead it's more like I finally truly, completely trust God.  And I rest in that.  Of course I take back the reigns and try to do it myself once in a while, but He's patient with me and I think He enjoys strength instead of cowardice.  Especially if it can remain non-arrogant. 

In some respect being scared served me well in the past - it protected me from things, but, I wonder how many opportunities I missed due to contentment to remain right where I was in my safe little place?  Sad.

Anyway, I'm writing this to encourage you to try new things - step out and follow Him confidently and see what He has for you.  Enjoy your age no matter what it is and thank Him for every moment He gives you.

Hebrews 13:6    'So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear".... 

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

what I learned today

I learned to let go - Savorn and Sony the Director's in Cambodia for Asia's Hope - said goodbye today.  Tears again...

These precious leaders have touched me deeply as I have previously talked about.  There is something so Supernaturally Authentic about the that I hang on every word they say and I care about everything they ask for - for the orphans.

This weekend God will move our congregation to a place we've never been.  With the brothers and sisters God has placed with me at Crossroads we will be obedient and follow His leading to help provide the way for these children to know the Lord and be equipped in every way to change Cambodia.

Please pray for Savorn this week, he is very nervous about passing his exams to be ordained as a Pastor while here in the states.  Such a man of God...

You can watch Savorn talk with Pastor Tim during last weekend's services by going to www.crossroadswired.com

 

Monday, April 18, 2011

busiest week of my life

well...at least since the wedding last summer!

Sometimes details can take my focus off the Lord and off what I should be doing.  But this last week as we put in long day after long day  I have never been more focused.

When passion runs high as a result of God's call there is no squelching it.  Yes, we need rest and a balanced life to remain healthy, but one busy passionate week - that is exhilarating!

And then to watch others begin to respond is just - such a God thing!

I have never in my ministry life looked more forward to any Easter than I am this year.  God is moving among His people, please pray Crossroads, for His will to be done!!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

not a minute to think

I have literally not had one minute to even think about writing.  This week has been equal to the amount of details usually reserved for the week of Easter.  We are hosting Savorn Ou, the Country Director of Cambodia with Asia's Hope  and the Executive Director, John McCollum.  We are prepared as a congregation to partner with Asia's Hope in a way we have never done before.  This is about to get amazing!  There is a buzz here at Crossroads that is infectious.

As I sit in my office writing before I go hang the Silent Auction, I here the praise team singing "Oh the Blood "...wow, SO moving I can hardly concentrate.

You will definitely want to be at Crossroads the next 3 weekends...you will be very glad you came and very blessed!

As the weekend develops I will put up pictures and details - now I must go to finish preparing.  May God richly bless your night and I hope to see you at Crossroads this weekend!

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

join us please


Cambodian Orphanage Project from Crossroads Community Church on Vimeo.



BB3 Orphanage Permanent Home from Crossroads Community Church on Vimeo.

Please watch both of these videos - the first video advertises our Orphanage Campaign the second video is Pastor Tim explaining the plans we have for raising money to build not one but 2 orphanages!!

You can partner with us by going here "Help Us Build an Orphanage"!

May God richly bless your week!

what I learned today

As I read today I came across the idea that perhaps one of the most telling signs of an Authentic Child of God - someone who has REALLY,  REALLY known the riches of God - is they cannot hoard it - cannot keep it to themselves.  Convicting.

Is my mind and soul so full of HIM that I cannot be silenced?  I don't know.

I'm surrounded by the church and all the believers I love so much.  Easy to talk about the things of God there.  But outside...I don't know.

My occasions to rub shoulder with those outside the church sadly have become more limited  now that my kids are gone. They are the great evangelists - I was never sure who they would bring home with them.  They showed love and compassion to all.  They busted into my safe little world with very lost kids many times and that is what I am the most proud of them for - they find opportunity to witness constantly.

So - are we affected by the one we call Savior?  Does He permeate every part of us so much that we just cannot keep silent?

I want to live that way where God has placed me, I really do.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

weekend report

Awesome weekend!  Our congregation shared the Lord's supper this weekend.  It takes many people helping to prepare communion for over 2,000 people, but our teams are so great they make it look easy!

One small problem was that we made the communion table too big - none of us can reach the center and so I had the privilege of crawling around to light the candles.  We all do whatever is necessary!  

Our setlist:

Opening Special:  Remembrance - Redman
Announcements:
Worship:  Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsong
Worship: More Than Amazing - Brewster
Praise:  My Savior Lives - New Life
Message:  I Corinthians:  The Lord's Supper - Pastor Tim Armstrong
Worship during the communion elements:  Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone - Tomlin
Worship:  I Stand Amazed - Keyes

To watch our services live each weekend or to watch the video of past services go to www.crossroadswired.com.

To see what elements other ministries used in their services go to www.theworshipcommunity.com



Saturday, April 9, 2011

a great saturday

Today was a calm, slow paced day, just a great Saturday!  And it just kept getting better...

Tonight we partook in the Lord's supper as a congregation.  One giant table in the center - Christ followers making their way across the auditorium to take communion...just very moving!

Prior to the congregation arriving there were things to be done and our fabulous volunteer teams stepped up and helped create this night.  One not so attractive moment was when I was elected to crawl across the table in order to light a couple hard to reach candles!  That being finished it was time as a team to share the elements before the service began.

Deering Dyer, our Small Groups/House Church Director lead us.  I found it quite moving.  There is just a special connection between brothers and sisters in Christ when we share these precious elements and think about what they stand for.  Very moving...

As I said - it was a great Saturday, one I will not soon forget.  I cannot wait until morning!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Such an easy life

I have such an easy life.  Oh yeah, I get frustrated and things don't go the way I want them to and oh yeah, I get behind in my work and oh yeah, I want to have more time with my kids then I do, but man, do I have an easy life...

This realization took on new meaning when I was in Cambodia recently.  They often don't even know when their next meal will be.  I just got back from WalMart...for the 3rd time this week.

I have watched people around me in a new way since I've been back, most of us are not very thankful for what we have.  Almost as if we deserve what we have ...SO not true. I too act this way.

Today yet another experience changed me just a little - moved me toward thankful even more.

I watched as several handicapped people tried to make their way through the grocery store.  One guy was very crippled and was in a wheel chair pushing himself around with one foot.  He couldn't even use his hands.  He struggled to turn the chair and sometimes pushed himself backward instead of forward just because that was the direction his chair took him in.  I walked just a little slower as I continued to watch.  The second guy used a walker and seemed to have great difficulty communicating, just shuffling along.

They were accompanied by a lady who struggled slightly herself due to her weight - she leaned heavily against her cart allowing it to propel her forward slowly.  The three slowly but surely made their way across the store.  I wasn't sure whether they were shopping or just out to move around a little while.

The gentleman in the wheel chair seemed to be in his own world, but as I watched he became a little panicked trying desperately to communicate with the lady walking with them.  He had lost sight of his friend and was very upset!  She assured him he must just be around the next corner and so the struggle to turn his chair continued this time driven by the desire to see his friend once again.

As they moved out of view I wondered if there was anything at all in my life that in anyway compared to a handicap.

I am sure my friends and family could list a few things!  I feel until this year perhaps my greatest handicap was my safe little American box.  And now that is gone  -I can move outside myself a little further causing me to look at everything differently.  And that's a good thing.

I do have such an easy life and I remembered that again tonight as I watched the young men struggle to do the most basic things.  God teaches when I pay attention - and I left that store with far more than groceries.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

the email says it all...

It is very hard to adequately communicate the 'hands on' involvement you get to have with the  orphans when you partner with Asia's Hope as Crossroads does.  So many wonderful organizations exist that do great work - but it just cannot be very personal from way across the world.  Oh but it can be  personal!

This little email I received today from Channa - in the picture on the right - well, this says it all!  It is VERY personal!

Hello mom,

I am very happy to hear back from you! I am praying hard for you to come back in August! Please let me know if we can skype with you. You are a wonderful Mother. I think you are blessed to have Joci as your daughter- she is a wonderful Godly woman!

I am very blessed to be part of your family! Please tell daddy Ron that i say hello and miss him.

I love you and am praying for you!

Daughter Channa


She is indeed my daughter, just as Seng hong is on the left, the precious daughter we have the privilege of supporting!   - We love them and I'm saving my pennies to go back as soon as I possibly can! 

You can help support a child that needs you desperately - a child that with your help can be taught about Jesus and educated to care for themselves and their children in the future.  

Please ask the Lord what He wants your family to do as we prepare to give our offerings on Easter weekend to help build this orphanage!  Bring your offering to Crossroads on Easter or donate now to "Help Crossroads Build an Orphanage"

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

recognizing volunteers

Today our staff invited a few of our volunteers from each department.  What a privilege to serve with each of these dear people!  We celebrated the hours they give so unselfishly and thanked them, each one!

I cannot wait to do this again and invite more and more of our dedicated volunteers - our partners in ministry!

...Everything was going so well until -  several ornery staff members decided to use Deering's office as a trash barrel...I'll never tell!  Oh and, Pastor Tim was determined not to allow me to take pictures!  ha ha

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

my day off

As I worked around home today I recalled a conversation with a friend this weekend.  She was talking about how an elderly lady mentioned that she was becoming afraid to read the newspaper out of fear she would see another elderly friends' name in the obituary section.

My dad has talked a lot lately about how much he misses his siblings who have passed on this year and last.  He knows they are in the presence of Jesus ecstatic to be there, but the loneliness of missed conversations and hugs are still felt deeply everyday.

Later as I sat down to work on a project related to raising orphanage funds, I thought about the fact that the Cambodian orphans will never mourn the death of an elderly relative. All older people have either been killed, died from disease or if any at all are still living - they have found new families which requires that they abandon their previous children.  In most cases no one even knows they exist or cares.

Think about that, they will never lose an elderly relative...

That makes me realize - even to mourn an elderly relative or friend's passing is a blessing.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

video shoot today

Completed our second day at Milliron creating sculptures and shooting the Easter video.

I have never been so cold in my life - and even hours later sitting here on my couch I am still freezing!

So - because I am completely exhausted I will say goodnight and plan to write a longer post tomorrow.

Good night to all of you and thanks for so faithfully reading!

Friday, April 1, 2011

never said it was easy

Jesus never said following Him would be easy so we shouldn't be surprised that working in Ministry can be difficult.

Certainly we must draw our strength from God and I do, but sometimes all it takes is a good laugh with friends to make everything ok.   And I enjoy a good laugh more than almost anything!

And, how could I not laugh when we are preparing for a service and I look up and see this lovely sight?  

Worship leader on the left - Senior Pastor on the right....such a great way to begin the weekend!