Monday, April 30, 2012

the latest crazy thing...

Ok - so I've had a lot of crazy in my life the last couple of weeks.

Of course without even trying I can keep the crazy going!

I decided today to clean out one of my many flowerbeds.  As I bent down one final time to grab one last handful of weeds - my fingers wrapped around an unknown vine lurking beneath.

With a might tug I pulled and it all let loose sending the POISON IVY vine directly into my face and around the back of my head!!!

I literally RAN for the house, shedding gloves as I went - straight to the shower into soap and water as hot as I could stand!

SO....if you see me with an interesting pattern across my face this weekend at Crossroads, have mercy on me and just keep right on walking... and try not to laugh too loudly out of courtesy for a spastic weeder!!


my day off

My day is backward - still haven't had a chance to sit and read and study....coming soon this evening!

We blasted off this morning to run a particularly large list of errands.  That list completed and groceries in car we headed home.

Now meatloaf and potatoes await beside the stove as the oven reaches temperature...very exciting! ha

While everything bakes, I'm heading out to dig in my flower gardens again.  Not really accomplishing much until we find time to mulch - maybe it's just therapeutic - whatever!  I ADORE flowers outside!!!

I guess this is what day's off are - a cross between the relaxation that comes with the week's errands run and the periods within the same day that allow stops, and rests, and reading.

I didn't miss driving at all today - because I rode around with my handsome husband and talked and laughed and ate and soon....rest.  Perfect!

Hope your day was also simple and amazing!



Sunday, April 29, 2012

no time to waste

"It was not always plain to me that the pursuit of God's glory would be virtually the same as pursing my joy.  Now I see that millions of people waste their lives because they think these paths are two and not one.  


Some of you people will die in the service of Christ.  That will not be a tragedy.  Treasuring life above Christ is a tragedy."  John Piper

I started reading the book our study time in Cambodia will focus on,  "Don't Waste Your Life" John Piper's book.  I am only in the first few pages and already I am challenged.

There is nothing more terrifying to me than to look back at my life and think I lived it just to be happy, or to accumulate things or any other lame reason you can think of!

I don't want to do things because it's allowable, or permissible as a believer.  I long to make every choice based on why I was created and what God's will is for me, and only that.  I am continuously more and more thankful for being part of Crossroads.

I hear people talk about the revitalization of downtown Mansfield.  When I think of a revitalization - I'm sure it is much different than what they mean!  I pray Crossroads can be part of reaching further into our community.  I don't think this is limited just to the great things we are currently doing, I think we are just on the brink of God's Spirit opening doors we never dreamed of.

One door we are knocking down with the Lord's help, is the division between different ministries.  How this must break the heart of God to watch us all set up different camps and think less of brothers and sisters in other churches. Although our THEOLOGICAL stand must be clear and strong - we do not need to turn our back to others desiring to serve the Lord authentically!   For the past three months,  we have been inviting other area Worship leaders and Technical Church leaders to have lunch with us at Crossroads - this group is growing and I find this SO worth while! It gives us such unity within our local community!  You will begin to see the results of our monthly leaders meetings at Crossroads with God's help in the coming months!

Our lives can count.  It doesn't matter how much time you have wasted - the only path toward true joy is HIM and only HIM!  To treasure Christ more than life itself is exactly why we were created - every other path is pointless.  I want to wake up tomorrow as if it's the first day I have ever heard, "Follow Me" and run toward Him oblivious to the world around me!




Saturday, April 28, 2012

The Coffee House

The Coffee House at Crossroads is the coolest place!!

You may not realize it, but this new Coffee establishment saves you a lot of time!!  The managers spend their week gathering the TOP pastries from all over Mansfield so that you don't have to drive around to buy them.

Each time you walk into the Coffee House at Crossroads you can purchase items from Buckeye Bakery, Eatmor Bundt  and What's 4 Dessert just to name a few great local places.  Just jump in line and choose your favorite pastry!

See you there!!

Friday, April 27, 2012

all I can do is laugh

My week has been so ridiculous that all I can do is laugh.

Today I was diagnosed with acute sinusitis and acute bronchitis - this after I woke up feeling a bit worn down and tired.,,  I almost didn't go to the doc.  So glad I did.

Determined to get back 'to it' I did go for our Director's meeting - really bugs me to miss this weekly time together!   And our kids were moving today - so I couldn't miss that either.

Now on meds - hopefully my stamina will soon return after this past week it's hard to remember what being well and energetic feels like!

But, it was worth the effort seeing our kids so happy  - God is SO good!!  As soon as we finish here we get to help our son and daughter-in-law move into their new home in just a couple of weeks down in Columbus - so, this was good practice!

Here are shots from our day...enjoy!




Grandpa Forbes directing Traffic

The happy couple
The reluctant cat transport

basking in the glow of the fake logs!

The cat launch!


Thursday, April 26, 2012

to boss or not

I have been intrigued my whole life by people who are abel to be the boss without being bossy!

I was doing some tough self-examination today.

I care deeply about being a good manager.

My secular work career was scarred by people for the most part that were bosses only because of appointment to a position.  It had nothing to do with earning leadership, it was mostly about corporate ladders and inside friendships - or female quotas to fill.  Sad to say the least.

Good leaders (like the ones I follow these days) are easy to follow.  You know clearly 'where' you're going and what is expected, but far beyond that you get to know the 'why' instead of "because I said so".  There is purpose behind where we go and an urgency in the journey.

The urgency comes from the 'why'.  We are called to point others toward the throne and personal spiritual maturity with our Savior.

Time is short - ministry is a season and the harvest is incredibly eternal and forever significant.

I am not only describing the opportunities that belong to those of us working within the ministry  - each of you are just as responsible where the Lord has you daily!  What if you really are the only person in someone's life that knows the Lord - that can point them toward Him?  Please point daily!  It doesn't take perfection - it only takes authenticity in your personal walk with Christ.  There are all kinds of fake 'feel good' things, only one real walk.

I need to change my focus from just urgent details - to urgent lives I cross paths with.  The amazing volunteers at Crossroads, my fellow staff members and especially the incredibly dedicated Magnification staff.

Being a boss to anyone is a huge responsibility and I feel like I need to do so much better at it.

 I am willing - with God's continued help I pray I am able in Him!!










the report

I met with the Neurologist today.  Again confirmed, I had a seizure several days ago.

Various tests today, still one tomorrow.

It is looking at this point as if they won't be able to pin point the exact cause, although some friends suggest my years of soccer could be a contributing factor!

Other friends are convinced it was brought on by lack of sleep and stress.  Didn't think I was that uptight (no comments please! )

Regardless of the cause, my prayer is that it is just a one time event.

The verdict?  No driving for 6 months.  If another seizure?  No driving for 6 months from that day.

The impact?  Tonight my husband had to go grocery shopping with me!  ha ha ha!!

We are of course GREATLY BLESSED by working together.

Although a loss of independence is quite a change for sure  dependence on Him... well, that should be something I constantly practice!

I completely trust my Creator.





Tuesday, April 24, 2012

what I learned today

today was a simple day

A day with daughter

homemade potato soup

brand new pillows

lost voice - sore throat

homemade bread

no sleep last night so plotting all day about rest tonight - praying

no deep study today - plenty of prayer

important day tomorrow - it is already known and by the Great I Am so I do not need to know it now

Monday, April 23, 2012

health

health:   noun
1. the general condition of the body or mind with reference to soundness and vigor: good health; poor health.
2. soundness of body or mind; freedom from disease or ailment: to have one's health; to lose one's health.


Health may be something I've taken for granted.  My friends have always said, "you'll live to be 100", not something I was aiming for - could be really lonely - who wants to be here that long anyway!

This has been one of the most interesting weekends of my life.  Following my Tuesday morning seizure word got out to my Crossroads friends and relatives.  The firestorm and care that followed was overwhelming and appreciated all at the same time...well, at least in most cases! ha ha

These are soundbites whispered into my ear during embraces and hugs and texts and calls...

"I cried all day when I heard you had a seizure!"

"I prayed for you every time you came to my mind!"

"I just couldn't believe it when I heard - I promise to keep praying!"  

"I just lost one friend, I can't lose another!"

"You probably won't be allowed to drive for 6 months!"  (Loss of independence...seriously?)

"Will you finally let people help you?"

"Please let me drive you around - call me!"

"Are you finally going to listen when we tell you to go to bed at night at a decent time?"


"Are you finally going to admit you can't do it all, at least with no consequences?"


"Do you think God's trying to tell you to slow down?"


"You know how serious this is, right?"


No, actually I don't know how serious this is...or at least I didn't.


I didn't think it was that big a deal before you all started giving me feedback - I'm totally caught off guard by your concern and care.  I'm totally caught off guard by a health issue at all.  


Ok God - got my attention, now what?


Any loss of independence = a dependence on something or someone else.  This has always been translated by me as 'being a burden to others'.  Is that really what it is?  Maybe not.


Do our troubles and weaknesses when lived out in a Godly way provide opportunity for others to enter and use their God given abilities?  Could be.  Easier said then done.


Wednesday I have further testing so, we will see...


Meanwhile I remain in Him, I can't imagine facing even nominal health related issues with out the Great I Am!!

















Sunday, April 22, 2012

weekend report

It is one of my favorite weekends...Baptism during worship!   And during Tomlin's Yahweh song - doesn't get any better than that!  Powerful!!

Our setlist:

Announcements on video:  One of our college interns shot and edited our announcements for the weekend.

Yahweh - Tomlin
Baptisms happened during worship - both video from our recent Israel trip as well as life baptism!
10,000 reasons - Redman
The Only One - Tomlin
One Way - Hillsong
Message:  Christianity and Islam - Sr. Pastor Tim Armstong
Exit song:  Yahweh 


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

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



Friday, April 20, 2012

can you speak honestly

My kids' generation speaks much more honestly than mine.  In their music, in their conversations in their questions.  They honestly seek God too - not as a protection, not as a crutch or a buddy.  They seek Him - Almighty God - Yahweh.  I am learning from them.

It does  no one any favors not to speak and live honestly.  The time I've wasted beating around the bush, the round-about-way...shameful.

Why is honesty difficult, I don't lie but sometimes I him-haw around so much you can't tell which way is up by the time I answer!  Always living in fear of hurting someone's feelings or discouraging someone.

I LONG more than I can say to point the way to the Savior - CLEARLY - without getting in the way, without reciting rules, or opinion.

He knows the deep, hidden desires of my heart.  They are for HIM.

Do You know we are watching you pretending?
You seemed so well on the other side of the glass wall.
You call it loving, we call it lying


These are lyrics from one of the La De Les' songs.  I think they could be applied to any of our lives.  People are watching - dying to know and hear truth...

I want to proclaim truth with every breath I take...

Thursday, April 19, 2012

back at it

I am back to work.  I am finding out just how common these seizures are - many of my friends had stories about having them too!  Who knew!


I really think mine comes from a lack of sleep - I don't have trouble sleeping (sleep like a log), I just stay up too late and don't go to bed.  I am thankful that I can make this change.


I always felt as long as I practiced good nutrition (most of the time (:  ) and exercised and took vitamins, sleep wasn't that important.  WRONG.


God even demonstrated the importance of rest when He finished creating!  So I have pledged to go to bed earlier at night and not to be out running around or working.


In the past couple of days since my seizure, I find I cherish things and people just a little bit more.  Why does it take an 'episode' to cause us not to take for granted?  Just selfish I guess.


My prayer is that whatever this ends up being (if anything), that God is glorified through me, my words and decisions and that even this one incident will move me more toward Him and the center of His Will.


Whatever it takes Lord.



Tuesday, April 17, 2012

a terrifying episode

Last night following a lovely birthday with my hubby, I had an unexpected episode.

Settled down in our bed for the evening I went into a grand mal seizure!  My poor husband was terrified!

When I finally began to understand what had happened and saw the look on his face,  I got scared.

He said it was as if I was having a bad dream, went into a full blown seizure and then passed out.

He called the squad and I ended up in the ER at 3:00 a.m.

This was not in my plans.

I don't have time to be sick.

I won't know much more about what is going on until next week when I go to a neurologist !

Meanwhile - I'm grounded from driving and just a little worried about another episode.

Life is precious - life is short.  I would have never even known what had happened if God had taken me home last night.  What a good God to protect us from the memories of trauma!

Our days are truly numbered, episodes like last night brings perspective to the value each day holds.

Hold on tightly to the opportunities to live for the Lord , but let go of selfish desires to continue living with no purpose.

Today could be your last, yesterday wasn't my last so I must ask what is yet to be done for my King?


my day off

Today was my birthday adventure -

shopping
talking
eating
shopping
searching for stuff
eating more
talking
holding puppies
sunset
birthday cake in the form of the lit up Krispy Kreme sign - donuts fresh off the conveyor belt-



Our first stop - The Polaris Grille - Crab Cakes oh Yeah!
A possible stool idea!
Not buying (this little guy $1,200)



On to my favorite Thrift Store!
Dinner provided by Eric and Alyssa!
Nice and sunny shopping- of course any kind of shopping is sunny in my opinion!

Sunset as we left Columbus.



































PERFECT ENDING

My choice instead of cake!  The best!!

Sunday, April 15, 2012

weekend report

We began a series about the differences between Islam and Christianity.  It was packed!  This was a much anticipated series - how awesome to have the opportunity to teach the truth of God's precious Scriptures!!

It's awesome to have so many people in attendance that our 'counters' had to use binoculars!!! Now that's any awesome problem to have!  God is good!

Our setlist:

Announcements on Video:  One of our interns shot the announcements on video using one of the broadcast students on his campus.  That saved my Tech Coordinator about 4 hours of work!  YAY Interns!

Praise:     The Only One - Tomlin
Praise:     This I Know -    New Life
Worship:  Your Name -    New Life
Worship:  All To Us    -     Tomlin
Praise:      I Will Boast -    Garrett

Message:  Islam and Christianity - Pastor Tim Armstrong

Exit Song:  I Will Boast  - Garrett


To watch our services on line go to www.crossroadswired.com  (on Monday for this weeks')

To see what other ministries used within their worship services got to www.theworshipcommunity.com



Saturday, April 14, 2012

GUNGOR

I not only got to see Gungor perform Thursday night in Canton, unknown to me it was standing only.  So I stood 6" from Lisa Gungor!  A blessing to watch!!

Mansfield is very difficult to draw to an event or show, but this band would fill Crossroads.  I hope to someday bring them here.

You may remember our Beautiful Things video from last Easter, that song is a Gungor song, it was beautiful last night!!




This video is now nearing 85,000 views on You Tube.  It has been a great encouragement to all of us who worked on last year's Easter project to see the public's response - God works in mysterious ways.  He gave us creative minds and ability and this video proves when you bring artists, videographers, writers and actors together it can move people in ways that the spoken word alone sometimes cannot.

The thing I love about Gungor is that they authentically worship using the most amazing musicianship  I've ever seen!  They perform for the Lord - I was fully engaged in worship!

Michael Gungor on the right, Lisa his wife on the left

Lisa Gungor

Lisa Gungor playing one of 6 or more instruments she used during the evening!

Lead singer of the Brilliance which opened for Gungor.  I am told he is Michael Gungor's brother?
I was very thankful for a creative night of music/worship that I could attend where I was not be in charge of anything!

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Interns working @Crossroads

I am so happy to finally have interns working at Crossroads!

Tonight while one Mt. Vernon Nazarene intern shot the weekend announcement video in Mt. Vernon, two NC State interns shot something special at Crossroads!

 I thought I would never see the day that interns were contacting us ASKING if they could serve their internships at Crossroads!  So amazing!

Can you tell what we were working on by watching this video hint?

The young ideas and creative energy that these young people bring to our ministry is vital to our ability to move forward, stay current and relevant and most of all to take a load off of us oldies!  ha ha

Very exciting!


Tuesday, April 10, 2012

what I learned today

As my husband and I sat enjoying breakfast at a resturant this morning, my aunt and uncle walked in.

We greeted one another and she mentioned she had just come from the doctors.  She was having back trouble.  What she said next has stayed with me most of the day.

She said that her nurse had just told her that the office has been hearing lately that at some point doctors are no longer going to treat patients over 60.  She was obviously upset.

If this is truly being discussed, I would assume it will be explained as  a necessity  to cut back on health costs.  I am 6 years away from 60 myself, and I have family and friends over that age that deserve to be treated when necessary!  It bothered me to hear that this came from a medical professional.

This is far from a political matter, it is a matter of a country that has strayed far from it's roots and Christian values.

I captured my troubled thoughts and gave them up to the Lord.  What I learned today was simple things I take for granted now may not always be there for me, but I have a peace that passes ALL understanding.

Our sinful world is a mess and it just leads me to again say over and over, "Come Lord Jesus Come"!




Monday, April 9, 2012

my day off

I slept until 9:30.  That says it all...I was exhausted!  Such a blessing to have an empty calendar this morning!

Really nothing too special to report - I thoroughly gave thanks for the ordinary today.  Just a plain day working in the flower beds, catching up on laundry, cooking dinner...then something extraordinary happened!

A dream came true!

Milo's dream of recording a completely original praise CD at Crossroads began tonight.

Although they certainly didn't need me there I could not resist - just taking a peak!   I was so impressed with not only what I heard, but what I saw.  Unity, common purpose and brothers and sisters using their God given talents to write original music and then to do all the work required to record so that others may worship!

Truly a Dream Come True!  So exciting!


The make-shift studio!

Mike Knell recording!
Jocelyn and Scott on opposite sides of the door - studio window!

Melissa singing her heart out - beautiful!
In between songs - the guys prepare!








Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter fun

Too tired to write - just got home 10:00 p.m. since leaving home at 7:00 this morning.

Here are a few pictures of our activities!  Good night!

Easter Egg Hunt!  Never too old!

Opening their Easter eggs - from playing harp, singing and playing the cello magnificently in our Easter services today - to bubble gum and money  in Easter eggs!   


Tomorrow I will write about all the amazing details that filled this blessed weekend, for now good night.


Saturday, April 7, 2012

waiting to begin

I thought I would spend the last few minutes before the teams begin to arrive in our auditorium preparing my own heart for what is about to take place at Crossroads.

I believe what is about to take place here is life-change this weekend.

I pray for those who have been invited, I have heard a few stories from people that are excited about those they have invited who are planning to attend.

I pray for our teams, that all the rehearsal and preparation will be evident in their disappearance into worship.  A disappearance made possible only with diligent preparation and pure motives focused on serving the Lord only!

And I pray for people God brings to my mind that are troubled this weekend, wrestling with their relationship with God.

I pray for a woman who I have known all of her life that I just learned has had two abortions.  The guilt is paralyzing.  Can God forgive this sin?  Absolutely - that is my prayer, that she realizes my sins are just as wrong as hers are.

I pray for members of my own immediate family that are struggling with relationships and are in a season of sadness.

We are just moments away from the congregation pouring into our Easter services, my prayer is that they will all clearly see, it doesn't matter what sin they have in their lives.  The resurrection of God's Son causes all of that to be forgotten if we simply come to Him.

I will see you all very soon.  May we all experience a renewed understanding of the RESCUE God offers each of us!


Tuesday, April 3, 2012

what I learned today

As usual, my study created more questions than answers.  Maybe that is how it should be based on how many questions Jesus asked people instead of answering them directly!  It makes you wrestle with the answer, maybe giving you more ownership when Christ reveals it to you...not sure.

Today I studied the life of Anna.  WOW - talk about a dedicated life.  She literally spent her entire life in the temple PRAYING without ceasing for the coming of Messiah!

To simplify the study:

The temple was HUGE.  Anna lived in a small quarter on the temple grounds.  There was no way she would have heard Simeon dedicating JESUS by accidentally strolling by at just the right time.  God placed her there, close to them!

At any given time there were thousands of people at the temple.  But on this special day God connected Mary and Joseph with Simeon to bless this precious God Child.  And he gave Anna the desire of her heart - not just by SENDING Messiah, but He directed her to be within EARSHOT of what Simeon was doing.  And that must have been close, due to the age the scriptures suggest she was - she could have been hard of hearing!  (just a little conjecture on my part - ha!)

By faith she KNEW immediately that this was the MESSIAH!  Many doubted because they thought Messiah would be a mighty, full grown, muscle bound, powerful SAVIOR that arrived to save them.  But Anna KNEW HIM immediately and that required a revelation from God.

The reason she was called a prophetess (one of only 5 women in the old Testament referred to in that way) was because she studied and taught the Word of God constantly!  When she wasn't praying she was sharing with everyone who would listen about the God she loved so intimately and the coming Messiah.

And now, in an instant, during a walk around the temple - God let her be one of the few that saw CHRISTS' revealing and dedication.

As this week points us toward Easter I found it interesting that I would be studying the beginning of his short life on earth...

The question this study created within me is this, if Anna was mentioned in scripture largely because of her incredible dedication to study, sharing with others the Gospel and prayer, particularly her constant prayer asking for the Messiah, should I now constantly prayer for Jesus' second coming?

Maybe believers longing for Christ's return, praying without ceasing - with no distractions - from prison cells, and poverty are more blessed than I with all my stuff and distractions...

Do I HONESTLY long for Him???  This question is where the story of Anna took me - very convicting.

Monday, April 2, 2012

my day off; neglected work

If one word describes my weeks leading up to Easter each year it is, neglect!

I neglect some of my regular work due to the large Easter preparation required.  And that's where I find myself today.  The regular has been somewhat neglected.  Today I catch up so that this week can remain very focused!

My favorite catch-up spot is in front of the fireplace.  There is something about lighting a fire that holds my attention (a difficult feat) .   Although I didn't need it for heat it's just the ambiance it creates that calms my nerves and brings me focus.

My husband called a couple of minutes ago to see if I needed his car due to lending my car to our daughter - hers broke down.  I assured him he could take his time and I am planning to be home from morning until night!  A joyous thought!

The neglected that needs my undivided attention today is...

Intentional time given to heart preparation
-I have been missing my intimate time with God the past couple of days.  In the rush I run right past Him. As one of the leaders of the Crossroads' Easter services I first of all must stand before the throne myself in order to lead others.  The responsibility of my role becomes completely overwhelming if I try it on my own.  It also becomes just a job, a position that others can see straight through if the Holy Spirit has not been invited to fully fill every space of my heart and Crossroads.


Preparation for the Young Womans' Small Group tomorrow
-This group of young adult women give me hope for the future and it  humbles me to think I get to build into their lives.  They let me in, and I enter only after diligent preparation.  I have never been with a more mature group of women - they are spiritually mature WAY beyond most women twice their age!  We will be studying 'Anna'.   Luke 2:38 says "She gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem."  She is described as The Faithful Witness.  What a cool description!  I am anxious to study about her life.

Finish the organization of our Crossroads Intern Program
-We now have 2 College Interns serving in our department.  This is an area I want to lead well.  I really believe it will become invaluable to Crossroads.  A way to acquire quality, young help to insure that we have cutting-edge input from current students as well as to take some of the stress off of our current staff!

Putting these three things in writing makes it look possible.  Although my list is actually much longer - this will be enough today.  I hope you have the chance to work on the neglected areas of your work today as well.  May our lives this week be lived in careful preparation for the amazing work God is going to do this weekend!

May God richly bless your week!