Tuesday, January 31, 2012

what I learned today

5 minutes into my study/work at a resturant this morning, I happened to ask one of the staff how they were, I thought she was going to burst into tears and told me she would come to my table in a few minutes to talk.

As it turns out I was the very next person that came into the resturant after she waited on a woman she has  worked in ministry with for a long time.  A Christian woman who just left her husband.  This was the first time she had seen her friend since this happened, and she was clearly shaken.

Why are people who claim the name of Christ leaving spouses as if there are no consequences to their actions?

Their actions would suggest that they don't really believe the Lord at all.  Are we allowed to assume that? To judge their life based on the outer actions of disobedience we see?  If someone truly knows the Lord can their spirit be happy away from Him?

Not for us to know or judge I guess, but MAN does it make my blood boil when I see people involved in the church carelessly pursue their own 'happiness' at the expense of everyone around them, especially their kids.

PLEASE HEAR ME - I know there are circumstance that people HAVE to leave in order to survive due to abuse or addiction or unfaithfulness, to them I say RUN!!  Let your spouse become well away from you - then decide what your choices are.   I also understand that all sin is equally bad in God's eyes and that I SIN EVERY SINGLE DAY AND DISAPPOINT MY SAVIOR DAILY, but there are just more obvious consequences for some sin...

But this American mind-set about happiness is a load of JUNK straight from satan himself.  He has us so convinced we need to be happy, feel happy, continuously living this perfect fairytale...WHERE in scripture does it promise us as believers that we will be always happy?   In fact we know the opposite is true many times due to the sin of men.

What I learned today was, I must cover my circle of friends and acquaintances in prayer for the protection of their marriage continuously, not assuming anyone is safe from sins temptations.

The couple this girl described to me are/were leaders in a local church - how satan delighted in this fall...we need to hold one another up to high standards and pray for protection over our families!!  Please join me in this commitment beginning today!




Monday, January 30, 2012

my day off

I did not have the privilege of sleeping in on my day-off, although my Sunday evening was extremely relaxing and for that I am grateful!

I began my day-off by going for my yearly eye exam.  That done I did a little shopping and headed home.

Ever since then I have been working on Easter.  This Easter is a celebration on many levels.  The obvious - a celebration of a Savior who loved us enough to give his life for us.  Unbelievable!  And beyond our personal rescue the stories of other rescues.  The kind of rescue that can only be explained by a supernatural moving among God's people to step up and reach out and to heal.  I cannot wait.

 We work very far ahead in order to prepare well and in order to identify any possible creative piece we are missing.

Some have criticized this process claiming that we are not open to God's leading by working this way.  

I say nothing could be further from the truth - in fact it is completely the opposite.  I watch constantly for Him to lead me down another path or show me something I need to include in an already planned service!

Anyone who waits until the last minute to plan services or any other event often plans it rushed and thus is completely cut off from considering anything they find late in the process.

If we have most of the discussions made, the main idea and creative support chosen - EVERY SINGLE TIME we find last minute pieces that are stronger than we first identify and use them.  Having everything else in order and planned, and written and taped we can add nearly any last minute elements that reveals itself!  And in fact, anything carefully planned and executed I feel brings more honor to our King than last minute scurrying!  

Although this may not look like a typical day-off, it brings me great thankfulness when I can carve out a couple of NON-Stressful hours to think and search and plan.  I consider this a fantastic day off indeed!


Sunday, January 29, 2012

weekend report

I don't think we could have squeezed another thing in this weekend's services.  We were literally ushered to the throne by our amazing youth band, youth announcements and Rap...yes, I said rap.   The youth lead the entire first half of our hour together this weekend.

You HAVE to go to www.crossroadswired.com on Monday and watch this weekend's services.

A big shout out to our amazing Magnification team - Milo, Dan and Steve.  You would assume when the youth lead it gives them a break - NOT SO.  It takes the entire team even more time to prepare for weeks in advance when the youth leads us  -  so thanks guys for your never ending patience, your leadership, your Godly example and the use of your God given gifts to help shape these young people for God's work!

Our setlist:

Beautiful Lord - Leeland
Awesome Is the Lord Most High - Tomlin
10,000 Reasons - Tomlin
The Stand - Stanfill
Announcement Video:  Veda Boor
RAP:  Parents Just Don't Understand - Nick Molnar (original artist Fresh Prince)  - we only did the first 2 verses of this song due to the content in the final verse.
Message:  JUNIOR Pt. 3 - Fathers and Sons - Senior Pastor Tim Armstrong
Exit Song:  Awesome Is the Lord Most High  


Here is just a sample of the rap taken at rehearsal...don't worry - we were missing one letter!  We spelled JUNIOR correctly in the actual performance!!


Please take time to check out our weekend services tomorrow at www.crossroadswired.com or listen to any of our past messages.  (You can also download our Crossroads App which makes watching and listening to everything even easier!)



This is Hannah with her baby project from school.  At one point this weekend the baby was screaming so loudly the Staff in the office area of the church had to shut the doll behind multiple doors!
 (what goes on behind the scenes - stays behind the scenes!)
Our Youth band is the BEST!!


This is 'the car' from the RAP




Also, please check out www.theworshipcommunity.com to see what other ministries did in this weekend's services!

Saturday, January 28, 2012

broken windows

I noticed as we drove around yesterday that several aparently abandoned  houses had broken windows in them.

It caused me to wonder why someone would want to vandalize?

Boredom, on a dare, angry, showing-off, messing around or accidentally broken?

Whatever the reason, they were broken it leaves an appearance of neglect.  It lets things in that should stay out.

This is a picture of our dining room.  What a contrast our window is to the broken windows.  Our window functions as it is intended to - it keeps unwanted things out.  ALSO when the window is intact, it allows things in that are desirable - like the reflection of the beauty of the day.  Breathtaking this morning!

When it is not broken, it allows things from the inside to be seen and not heard.   A perfect example of how our lives are.  No one listens or remembers a thing you are saying if your actions don't support your words.

Pastor Tim taught a week ago on the importance of parents and grandparents and caregivers being an example to the kids around them - not to just 'talk' the good talk but to live out consistently what we say.  We HAVE to be someone of integrity that kids can just look at to see what we allow in our lives.  That shows them what is important to us.

If our talk is not backed up with action it causes us to live a broken life,  it become like the broken window above letting things in that ruin our lives - that discredit our testimony completely causing our words to become meaningless.

Our Savior is waiting to 'repair' what is broken in your life.  You too can be living in a way that demonstrates what you believe,  each and every day!





Thursday, January 26, 2012

encouragement to leaders

There is nothing that encourages me to continue to lead more than the next generation!  Tonight I had the privilege to work with the youth Improv Team preparing for this weekend's services.

As I waited to take the stage with them, I watched in pure amazement as the stage was completely filled from side to side, and from front to back with the youth band.  The fact that this stage is full is a huge shout out to the vision of our worship leaders!  Leaders that realize one of the main responsibilities in leading is to always be looking ahead.  Totally unwilling to stay where we are, even though where we are right now is an excellent place.

We all care deeply about the youth and young adults at Crossroads.  And the weekend is going to be so amazing!!


Wednesday, January 25, 2012

minutes

Once I am home at night I actually watch the clock more intensely then during the day.  In fact, now that I think of it I rarely watch the clock during the day.  My day is spent working ahead, planning and creating things always in the future, so my days are long enough because nothing is ever really finished.  But night time flees far too quickly, so I watch it closely, checking the time every few minutes as if watching keeps it from ticking away.

Tonight I watch the clock - attempting to allow enough time to finish laundry, between writing and preparing for what tomorrow requires.  The days are connected by projects that begin one day and are finished the next.  And by clothes that are worn one day and washed the next and by all the simple things that can slip by with the ticking of minutes.

These ticking minutes do  not count something lost but count every breath the Lord gives me, some I would chose and some I would not yet all are things He places in my life each day.  Each tick a blessing in itself.

Another day is ending now and I end it thanking Him for provision, and another day in Him.




Monday, January 23, 2012

my day off

It is January 23.  Winter.

I was awakened by thunderstorms this morning.

Now as I sit on my couch reading and writing, it looks more like spring.

This is what I see from my window...

Small marching crows.  Systematically circling our field below.  Marching, marching as if participating in a military drill of some kind.  Others patiently standing guard in the trees high above their comrades.

As my attention moves across the trees, a tiny white face catches my eye.  The head has a splash of bright red on top, a little red crown.  I only notice it because the continuous motion of tapping the tree catches my eye.  An ongoing search for unaware insects just below the bark.  Small chips of wood now litter the ground below, a testimony to the diligence of the relentless effort above.

The next movement I notice is the once again raging torrent of water within the swollen banks of our creek.  The water is in continuous motion, brown and cloudy from mud and snow and gravel removed from driveways in its path.

Then high above the trees just the tiniest wispy tufts of see-through cloud blow past at an astonishing rate of speed.  Seen only briefly before passing out of sight.

God's creation does not rest.  Even if unseen by human eyes it moves forward pursuing its final destination and resting place, making preparations necessary for survival when given a chance to emerge from their winter hiding places.

David's Psalms describe it perfectly!



Bless the LORD, O my soul!
O LORD my God, you are very great!
You are clothed with splendor and majesty,
covering yourself with light as with a garment,
stretching out the heavens like a tent.
He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters;
he makes the clouds his chariot;
he rides on the wings of the wind;
he makes his messengers winds,
his ministers a flaming fire.
He set the earth on its foundations,
so that it should never be moved.
You covered it with the deep as with a garment;
the waters stood above the mountains.
At your rebuke they fled;
at the sound of your thunder they took to flight.
The mountains rose, the valleys sank down
to the place that you appointed for them.
You set a boundary that they may not pass,
so that they might not again cover the earth.
You make springs gush forth in the valleys;
they flow between the hills;
they give drink to every beast of the field;
the wild donkeys quench their thirst.
Beside them the birds of the heavens dwell;
they sing among the branches.
From your lofty abode you water the mountains;
the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your work.
(Psalm 104:1-13 ESV)



Sunday, January 22, 2012

weekend report

Another weekend come and gone...in the scope of eternity did it count?  I know it did!

Fabulous - easily applicable teaching, hilarious drama and excellent time of worship!  Good to be in the House of the Lord again!

Our setlist:

Announcement video featuring our High School guy - Jesse Rider (and pop-ups by our middle school guy Jamie Koenig!)  The dynamic duo!
Worship:  Thank You For Loving Me - Tommy Walker
Worship:  Rescue - Desperation Band
Praise:      Rising - Baloche
Praise:      Today is the Day - Brewster
Drama:     Do As We Say - (Skit Guys)  Maureen Browning and Jimmie McCready
Message:  JUNIOR: Pt. 3- Senior Pastor Tim Armstrong
Exit Song:  Today is the Day


To watch our services or listen to our podcasts go to www.crossroadswired.com


To see what other ministries included in their set lists this weekend go to www.theworshipcommunity.com


CHECK BACK - I MAY UPLOAD THE DRAMA AND ANNOUNCEMENTS!



Saturday, January 21, 2012

anticipation at Crossroads

One of the things I love the most after spending all week preparing for the weekend services is the anticipation right before the auditorium doors swing open.

Tonight I watched as grandfather taught grandson how to greet people as they came through the front doors.  People lit up when they saw the little guy coming toward them with outstretched hand.  This beautifully supported the message Pastor Tim was about to teach us, one of his points to parents was how important it is to 'model' how to live as Christ followers.

I then turned toward all the fellowship and noise  happening in our cafe.  It was near capacity as excited friends greeted one another and purchased treats and coffee.

And finally the doors opened allowing us all to head in and prepare for the culmination of a weeks worth of preparation.

I was curious after watching everyone prepare tonight,  just how many hours it took to prepare this weekends' service.  I quickly made a rough estimation of the hours that go into EVERY weekend, ONLY by the Magnification teams - I have NO idea how many hours it takes everyone else to prepare!

Programming team:  Worship guys, Tech staff and myself = 120 hours minimum (we each spend about 30 - 35 of our 40 hours on the current weekend)

Teaching Pastor:  30 of 40 hour week (probably varies by teaching pastor)

Praise team and Sound volunteers =  11 hours is just how many hours rehearsal and the services require for EVERY team member.  All the singers have to memorize their music so they spend countless individual hours preparing on top of the 11.  A rough guess at how much time is spent collectively would be based on 12 team members = 132 hours .  And almost all of these faithful volunteers also work full-time!

Then we have a lighting volunteer that designs the lighting most weekends = 4 hours

If there is a new set design that usually adds 5 or 6 hours...I could go on and on.

All this to say - please join me in thanking all our amazing staff and volunteers.  All of us here  were brought together by the Lord to serve with one another and to present His message of hope with excellence to our community!  May God be greatly honored by everyone's work!

You won't want to miss this weekend at Crossroads!

Friday, January 20, 2012

preparing to go

We had our first Asia's Hope - 'preparing to go to Cambodia' meeting tonight. ( www.asiashope.org )

It is difficult to believe June will come quickly when we are in the middle of a snowy, very cold January right now.  But the time to go will come so quickly that we have to prepare now - there are shots to get, passports to update and gifts to gather.  So tonight was our first night to begin the process of preparing to go.


Mark 16:15

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

We are going back to Cambodia because we are supposed to go as the scripture says.  However, GO applies to every area of our lives whether close to home or far away.  The important thing is to be paying attention to the go that God places in our lives ...daily.  There will be people in your life that I will never have opportunity to minister to just as I will have a chance to affect those close to me.  These every day opportunities are every bit as important as serving in far away places.

One go is not more important than another go.

Obediently prepare for whatever the go looks like or wherever it takes you.  I never had any interest in leaving the US, I had no desire to leave my comfort zone, now I cannot wait to leave for Cambodia!

I finally understand that my comfort has nothing to do with it and I now live with an anticipation to go  anywhere God calls me to GO!



Thursday, January 19, 2012

exercise = more productivity?

My daughter leads a Turbo-Kick exercise class  at Crossroads twice a week.   When your daughter teaches a class you have to go.  I needed to go!  So I have been going the past couple of weeks.

I told my husband last week that I cannot believe how much I have accomplished the past week and a half - my focus is good and my energy lasts all day.  I couldn't figure out what had changed.  Then I realized - it has to the be exercise!  It was the only difference I had made.

 I found the following information on a website tonight:


A reasonable amount of exercise, done consistently,  adds to your energy levels--especially if you have a sedentary job.


Researchers think because exercise improves circulation and increases oxygen delivery, while reducing anxiety and depression (known energy sappers), it makes us feel more lively.


Ask anyone who has exercised for twelve or more weeks if he/she works better. The answer, sometimes after a little thought, is almost always "yes."


You may even find you sleep better at night when you move your body consistently during the day. Better sleep will contribute to even more energy at work.


It's safe to say that 15 or 20 minutes of exercise each day, whether it is walking or calisthenics, will increase your mental productivity. 


I guess if my work benefits from exercise as well as my health I need to stick with it.  It has been  rewarding to feel better and work better while having fun with family and friends!  Very thankful!


Wednesday, January 18, 2012

I did not pray

Tonight I had the blessing of attending a women's prayer group.

 But, I didn't pray, well, at least not out loud.




You see, I realized on the drive over that I was harboring really strong feelings of anger toward a young person whose sin has affected some of my loved ones deeply.  It has affected them to the point that it may interfere with 'hard worked for' plans and goals.   The sin is nasty and possibly intentional.

As I drove all caught up in my anger (all caught up in myself)...I wondered whether it was really possible that God could look past this nasty public sin and see someone He loved enough to die for.



Then I remembered, my sin was every bit as much the cause of Jesus' death as this or any other persons' was.

The arrogance to consider someone else's sin worse then my own has to be quite disappointing to the Lord.

As I arrived with my own internal struggle raging  - I prayed silently tonight.   While precious friends around me prayed aloud, I was asking for forgiveness.


content in weakness

I ENCOURAGE you all to make sure if you have a Driod or iPhone, that you upload the Crossroads app from our website www.crossroadswired.com I LOVE the fact that I can get on each day with the Bible reading plan and read right from my phone or LISTEN from my phone!  Yes, you can click on the audio version and just sit and listen - such a BLESSING!  I am determined to read through the Bible and this is just a fabulous tool!

Ok, done with the advertisement.

One of the passages I was reading today was from I Corinthians 12:10 where Paul says, "For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities.  For when I am weak, then I am strong."


I never thought about the fact that accepting weakness is a choice.  I feel very weak often.  Most often is when I face criticism and endless suggestions on 'how things should be done'.  This takes my strength and effectiveness away.  It never occurred to me that I choose whether to do things in my own power or to except and abide in my weakness in order to truly SERVE HIM AND HONOR HIM! This is an important teaching!!

I certainly have known in my head from years of study and being taught, that our only true power is in Christ but have I ever really, really believed this and CHOSEN to accept and remain in it so He can be honored?

So what does it mean "when I am weak, then I am strong"?

Weakness is the place in which we learn the most and lean the most.

My commitment to the Lord today is to be content in my weakness.




Monday, January 16, 2012

New stuff is difficult

I know...I'm showing my age but, in this last decade (one of five I've lived through) either things have changed more quickly than in the past or my oldness just makes everything seem more difficult.

These are changes I have experienced just in the past couple of years!

1. I no longer have a land line phone at home
2. In fact I never use my land line phone at work unless someone calls me on the inercom (ok, partially because I cannot find my phone number list)
3. I no longer have to get on a computer to check my email,  I use my phone
4. I don't have to be home to turn on lights, my oven, coffee pot or to light candles (I even have battery operated candle sticks with a timer!)

If you want to go back toward the beginning of my life - here is a list of just a few of the inventions or innovations I have seen:



1958 - SUPER GLUE

1960 the first PACEMAKER

1962—LED

1962 Computer Mouse

1964—MUSIC SYNTHESIZER

1969—SMOKE DETECTOR

1969 Automated Teller Machine

1972—ELECTRONIC IGNITION

1973 Cellphone

1973—MRI

1977PERSONAL COMPUTER

1978—GPS

1978 In-Vitro Fertilization

1979 Sony Walkman

1984—DNA FINGERPRINTING

1989- WORLD WIDE WEB

1998—MP3 PLAYER

What invention is your favorite and why?? 

I cannot take any more discussion of new things...I am going to sleep - goodnight!
 

Sunday, January 15, 2012

weekend report

Oh my, Oh my...lives changed for sure this weekend!

My friend, and co-staff member at Crossroads, Jeanette Chase took the pulpit this weekend and it was POWERFUL!

I've always been told as the Director of Programming that there is nothing you can teach that is more powerful then someone's personal experience.  No one can argue about personal experience, it is what it is. And in this case it was completely covered from beginning to end with God's sustaining perseverance.

You really should watch the service - it will be available tomorrow to watch at www.crossroadswired.com

Our setlist:

Our very own Jamie - Middle School guy was featured in a great Announcement Video to kick off the service.  (The announcements were created to match the series graphic design)

Praise:  Everlasting God - Jeremy Camp
Praise:  My Savior Lives  - New Life
Worship: Holy - Redman
Worship:  Hosanna  - Hillsong
Praise:   Blessed Be The Name - Tree 63
Message:  JUNIOR Pt. 2 - Perseverance in Parenting - Jeanette Chase - Director of Family Ministry
Worship - into Praise:  Blessed Be The Name (acoustic into full blown worship by the end!)

To see what other ministries used in their worship packages go to www.theworshipcommunity.com

Have an amazingly blessed week!

Saturday, January 14, 2012

proud of my friend

Sitting here...tears fill my eyes as I reflect on what I witnessed earlier tonight at Crossroads.

My friend, Jeanette Chase spoke at Crossroads, no...taught us and lead us toward the heart of God tonight.

She taught on perseverance, specifically in regard to parenting.

She has earned the right to speak on perseverance after surviving her husband of 30 years leaving her for another woman some 7 months ago.

I remember one of her first concerns after this happened was to ask if she should still be leading our Family Ministry Department at Crossroads.  We all said YES!!  No one is better equipped to lead our children and families then she is.  Even more so after the experience she has had.  God uses all that we go through to help us relate to those with common experience and those placed under our care.

As Jeanette stood and began to teach I could just see our congregation drinking in her words.  Her words of encouragement, her words of instruction and her own story of perseverance.  She is the perfect example of  abiding deeply in the Lord.  Jesus was her Savior in the middle of the worst possible loneliness and betrayal. 

Tonight was powerful, created as a result of sin and disobedience, but redeemed by a loving Savior who holds mens' shortcomings in his hands and forms it into who we are.  Jeanette is an eternity influencer - and she is my friend.

I am SO proud of my friend!

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

things to come

My hubby and I spent the day in Columbus picking up a piece that was donated for part of our Easter set design as well as having lunch with the Executive Director of Asia's Hope. www.asiashope.com


There are many things to come this year - Lord willing!

We met at Crossroads to begin planning Easter this week, lots of work ahead but beginning now gives us ample time for each of us to do what needs to be done.  It also prevents panic and allows us to fix our eyes on the Lord as we prepare making sure this is His process not ours.

At the same time many exciting things are falling into place for Asia's Hope.  Almost weekly we here about new people who are anxious to get involved in some way - asking what they can do for the orphans of Asia!  God is moving and this year is just going to be amazing to watch!

There are many things to come - things we have only dreamed of previously that may actually become reality this year.  To think we get to participate in His will is completely humbling and mind boggling to me.

2012 could potentially be the most exciting year of Crossroads history - are you all going to be part of the things to come?  Hope so!




Tuesday, January 10, 2012

beautiful on the outside

Have you ever noticed how beautiful many things are on the outside?

People, cars, houses, purses and fruit?

Have you ever been shocked by something that looked SO beautiful only to find a whole lot of ugly on the inside?  I can think of MANY situations when this was true for me.

It's why the saying says, 'beauty is only skin deep', I guess.

The most recent item that deceived me by it's immaculate - beautiful covering was an orange.  I was so excited to find this big bag of beautiful oranges at the store this week.  (I lead a very exciting life!)  I finally cut one of the largest oranges open tonight only to be terribly disappointed by the bitter taste.

Due to the fact that I am currently fighting a bit of a cold, I decided to continue eating.  I decided quickly this was much more like eating an overgrown lemon then it was an orange!  Fooled again!

This of course is a very trivial comparison to what many peoples' lives look like.  All pretty and cleaned up on the outside - filthy ugly stuff on the inside.  The thing is, you cannot keep it all hidden forever. Given enough time the real you comes out, something you say or do reveals what is deep inside.

The good news is this:

God knows EVERYTHING that is on the inside and HE still died for us.  He still forgives us, He still cleans us up.  All we have to do is come to Him and quit pretending.

Pretending is exhausting.  Believing is freedom.

The orange will be thrown away,  but we will live forever regardless if we surrender our ugly stuff to Him or live for eternity hanging on to our sin and separated from Him.

I cannot imagine why anyone would choose to remain outside of Him.




Monday, January 9, 2012

writing of regular

The problem with writing constantly is the pressure to do better...and better...and better.

This blog began just as a way for me to put my everyday thoughts and plans and goals and experiences down in writing.  It made life move just a little bit slower and allowed me to look more closely at all around me.

Somewhere along the way I began to put pressure on myself to create better and better writings, more interesting, more fascinating, more...

Now I just want to get back to that sweet place.  Where thoughts are collected and shared and forever preserved just by the act of writing them down.

With that in mind I tried to really 'see' regular things today.  It made a day of errands and 'to do's' seem much more important.

-I noticed a lost erring under my dresser.  I then found a second lost erring in the bottom of my dishwasher!

-I felt a sticky place on my wood floor.  Examining it closely I was unable to figure out what had caused the stick -wiping it away only slightly colored my rag but allowed socks once again to slide across it uninhibited.

-I found a stack of forgotten magazine pages removed because they contained recipes i had planned to cook.  Good intentions don't fill hungry bellies so I organized them only keeping what I will add to the menu soon.

-I noticed the wrinkles of tomatoes ripening on my window ledge.  This indicated the ripening had progressed as far as it was going to in the middle of winter.  Time to use or refrigerate.

Today these were the things I noticed and so I share nothing spectacular, just my regular life in the words on this screen.

Thanks for reading!

weekend report

We started a new series today - JUNIOR!  It was SO great in every way!  Even though this is a parenting series, I heard from so many different age groups how much they enjoyed and learned from the teaching!  Way to go team!

Our Set list:


Wake Up - Leeland
Announcements on video:  Jesse Rider - Senior High Pastor
How Can I Keep From Singing - Tomlin
Your Grace is Enough - Tomlin
Praise The Father Praise the Son - Tomlin
Take My Life
Mighty To Save - Hillsong right in to a Chorus of Awesome God
Message:  Junior Part 1 - Senior Pastor Tim Armstrong
Exit Song:  Your Grace Is Enough


To listen to or watch our services go to www.crossroadswired.com

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

Have a blessed week as you prepare for your next weekend services!!

Friday, January 6, 2012

the artists return

From what I can tell Mansfield is a place many artists are becoming attracted to.  The community felt as if it has been waking from a long slumber as I walked around downtown tonight, after dark!

I spent some time at the Renaissance Theater today talking to a young man, Bobbie Wesner who described in detail the creative collaborations going on at the theater and around Mansfield and talked about artists returning.  Many are disillusioned with Hollywood and all the fake-ness.  He talked about a writer that recently returned from working on Saturday Night Live and 3rd Rock and talked about dancers and other various artists also returning.  (That caused me to become very excited!)  He then showed us a breathtaking collaboration that took us totally by surprise.

Last night I saw that Bobbie was looking for someone to help him do the same type of event related work that our daughter Jocelyn had done for Boston University.  I asked him if he'd like to talk to her and mentioned in my message that they had recently relocated back here to pursue their band the La De Les.

Unknown to me, almost the same time last year that I had set up a meeting with Bobbie to establish a relationship (for future dance at Crossroads) , he had contacted the La De Les,  asking for permission to use their music for a contemporary ballet to be performed in Akron. He found their Boston Band on facebook and had no idea they had ties back to Mansfield and Grand Rapids.   They granted their permission for him to use their music and stood with mouths wide opened today as we watched the amazing performance on video.  They had almost forgotten they had that conversation with him until they met Bobbie in person today!

As the first movement came to an end and we began to tell him how unbelievable the dance was, the next song began.  He had choreographed 4 pieces of their music creating a 4 movement contemporary ballet that was absolutely GORGEOUS!  The discussion immediately began about a possible LIVE performance with the ballet!

I have often dreamed of these types of opportunities in our community connected to the church.  Can it be that the artists may actually be returning?  QUALITY artists that make a living doing art professionally?  I can hardly bear the thought of the possibilities!! Now to figure out how to attract them to the church!!  2012 here we come!  God is good!




Thursday, January 5, 2012

new year = hard work

Does a new year ever begin for anyone reading this that doesn't involve hard work?  Seems like it gets busier and busier and in some cases more and more difficult doesn't it?

As I began a regular workout routine today AGAIN, I wondered why it takes something like the New Year to entice me back toward an attempt at fitness.  You would think I could manage to be consistent in this area especially since we have an empty nest.  But not so.  I put it off, and off, and off.

After attending the Turbo class at Crossroads tonight, I decided to spend some time this next week doing a broad layout of what I feel needs to be accomplished this year.  An organized vision for the year.  At home and at church.

I think in many ways this could be the most creatively strong year yet for Crossroads.  I am very excited about a couple of the concepts we will begin to develop this next week!  I am also completely overwhelmed with thankfulness for the amazing staff that surrounds me at Crossroads.  I feel the Lord's presence in the ministry more strongly than ever before.  Fifteen years is a long time - but everyday it feels like I am beginning something brand new.  That kind of opportunity keeps me determined to participate in anyway I can contribute to the overall ministry and to my friends.

My job is not to create an entertaining environment.  God doesn't need to be covered in entertainment, instead my job is to support and engage every sense that can be awakened to move toward a greater understanding of strong correct theology which our Pastors teach so well.

The new year does demand hard work, but when the goal is to introduce the lost to Christ, no amount of work is enough.  This goal can be each of ours this year, regardless where we work each day! Join me!




Wednesday, January 4, 2012

today was regular

Today was the first day I would consider regular for as long as I can remember.  Well, as regular as any of my days are.  Here is what I did on my regular day.

-I woke up not feeling well (cold) so I stayed at home until about 10:00 before heading to work.
-Attended Staff Meeting as soon as I arrived.
-blew my nose
-Went to lunch at Empress Express after staff meeting.
-Went to the Goodwill Store to purchase what I needed for the new series set design.
-Listened to 'Gungor'.
-Reviewed a drama for the JUNIOR series.  Purchased drama.
-Recruited actors...sort of
-Reviewed possible videos for the JUNIOR series.
-Listened to Gungor
-Tore down the New Year's set design on the stage of Crossroads (yes I drive the lift!)
-blew my nose
-Prepared all of the removed fabric for storage.
-Discussed the series' announcements plans with Steve
-Discussed our missing green screen...ok, so it wasn't ours but we thought we still had the borrowed green screen.  Need it to add a secret scurrying character to our announcements.
-blew my nose
-Sketched out the next set design on 2 boards
-Listened to Gungor
-Went out to eat with my handsome hubby to a Mexican Restaurant
-blew my nose
-Came home
-Walked through the door and immediately went to build a fire in the fireplace.  Ok, maybe I lit a packaged log from Sams Club.
-Threw a load of clothes in the washer while fire got going (I swear every pair of jeans we own were dirty, and ONLY the jeans...how is that possible you don't just walk around with only jeans on.  Weird - but clean!)
-Sat by the fire and blew my nose
-Blogged by the fire
-Did my Elders Report by the fire
-Decided that "Ezekiel" by Gungor is my favorite song
-Sat by the fire and prayed I would find perfect creative support for this JUNIOR series
-Began to search for perfect creative support
-Cried listening to "Ezekiel"
-Turned music off so I could work
-Turned music on so I could cry more
-Working still

Thank you for joining me on my regular day.


what I learned today


As I sat at a stop sign today I glanced sideways and noticed a sign stuck in the ground that read "Everyone between the ages of 50 and 90 is eligible for a pre-paid burial fund".

I don't need a reminder that I now fall within the 'upper age' policies and offers.

I am not writing this to be depressing or complain.  If I died tonight I have lived an amazingly full life.  I cannot even think of what else I would shove into it.  I am very thankful.

BUT, how can it be that I am now so old that I am expected to plan my funeral and pay for things in that regard...don't think so.  Feels kind of like giving up prematurely.  Or does it demonstrate good stewardship especially toward those left behind?   I cannot decide which.  I don't want to decide which.

Meanwhile, I'm not driving that way ever again.

 I'll just pretend I never saw it.




Monday, January 2, 2012

weekend report

SORRY FOR NOT POSTING FOR A COUPLE OF DAYS - HERE WE GO!

We reduced our normal 3 weekend services to just one service on Sunday - it was the right call to!  Our service was nice and full and probably the most enthusiastic worship we have ever experienced at Crossroads!  Such a perfect way to begin 2012!!

Our setlist:

We video taped one of our favorite College Young Adults home for the holidays to do the opening
Welcome/Announcements - Beth Ezawa
Opening Video:  We purchased a Sermonspice video called "Celebrate" and a very talented young Berkley Student, Aaron Nicolas created and performed an original score under it.  He also connected seamlessly into
Opening Song:   "Dance - Church Music" by Crowder.  My daughter Jocelyn Nicolas (his wife) used the Vocoder to make that song sound so amazing!
Praise: Our God - Tomlin (New Version)
Praise: Everyone Praises (New Life)
Message Pt.1: FORGET - Tim Armstrong, Senior Pastor
Worship:  10,000 Reasons - Matt Redman
Message Pt. 2:  FORGIVE
Worship:  You Are My King - Hall (full version)
Worship:  God Is Able - Hillsong
Message Pt. 3:  FORGE
Praise:  Today is The Day - Brewster
Praise:  No One Like You - Sublime
Praise:  Happy Day - Sublime

It was KICKING!  And the congregation was worshiping and just enjoying being in the house of the Lord!  So blessed!!

To watch our services go to www.crossroadswired.com  -

To see what other ministries did in their worship services go to www.theworshipcommunity.com

Have an amazingly blessed week!
Jocelyn Nicolas
Rick Triplett

Joch Kocher


Milo and Dan discuss the song!

John Warrington and Tom jammin'





Sunday, January 1, 2012

evil

As I baked desserts in preparation for New Year's lunch, I noticed that a documentary was on about the 'Dark Ages'.  I don't watch anything violent, I cannot stand it and at one point I had to mute it so I couldn't hear it.  Even the fake groaning of the actors as they reenacted the periods of history where torture and killing was the normal turned my stomach.

As the hour long documentary went on discussing one 'new age' after another, I realized every recorded period of time here on earth is just a repeat of an earlier period of history.  No one learns from past mistakes at least for an extended period of time.  Evil wins out over and over and over repeating the same atrocities, the same jealous rages that lead to one conquest after another.  Evil and pointless.

It is difficult to even imagine how the desire to rule, to be right, to be rich whatever it is can drive people to commit these kinds of evil toward one another.

Will history repeat it self again?  Until the Lord comes again - it's just a matter of time.  It made me very aware of how desperately this world longs for and need the one true King.!!