Saturday, October 27, 2012

misery loves company

This is what I'm reading right now...beating me up!

"A relationship with God simply cannot grow when money, activities, favorite sports teams, addictions or commitments are piled on top of it.

Most of us have too much in our lives.  As David Goetz writes, Too much of the good life ends up being toxic, deforming us spiritually.

A lot of things are good by themselves, but all of it together keeps us from living healthy, fruitful lives for God.  I will say it again: Do not assume you are good soil."

Since misery (convicted) loves company - thought I'd lay this on you to dwell on too!

Paolo Soleri

Today we visited the Cosanti and Arcosanti galleries - spectacular!

Cosanti was designed by world-renowned architectural innovator Paolo Soleri.  It features terraced landscaping with experimental earth-formed concrete structures.  And everywhere you look are countless bronze and ceramic wind bells!  Oh how I wanted to take one back to Ohio.

Unfortunately my suitcase is already WAY over loaded so I'll order on-line when I get home.
Add caption

The above bells were my favorite, they were on sale for $12,000.  ( I have good taste)  Anyway, while I was looking at them one of the artisans walked by and asked me if I was interested in them.  I laughed and said yes, but couldn't afford them.   He said it was one of the final carvings that Paolo would ever do because he was very elderly and unable to carve now.  He also said a gentleman was on his way to buy it as we spoke - think he was nervous I was going to pitch a fit and want to buy it.





 As I walked on I saw beautiful objects and very imaginative architectural marvels.  Fascinating!  A great day experiencing beautiful places in Arizona!








To see more go to www.arcosanti.org

Thursday, October 25, 2012

not anxious here

I am not anxious when I am on vacation, as soon as I get back in my work routine I feel anxious.  I'm justified right?  Creative deadlines, service details to be completed, the next new thing implemented - a ministry job justifies worry and anxiousness correct?

NOT!

Chan says this, "Stress says that the things we are involved in are important enough to merit our impatience, our lack of grace toward others, or our tight grip of control.

Both worry and stress reek of arrogance."  Pow!

How is it that I find a place of rest in the Savior and just as quickly re-take charge of my life moving it forward into a frenzy?

Phillipians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything.

Anything...

This world was NOT created for me or you, it was created for Him!  And the thanks He gets after displaying the amazing attention to detail He has given everything in his creation?  I worry .  Nice way to say thanks...

The intricate flowers tucked neatly into the buses beside me

The bark of the palm tree is full of precise detail

Same exact time each evening all the ducks line up and move
Here I witness a perfect coordination among the wildlife.  Their creator instilled within them the ability to know where to go when, what to do when and how to survive.

We are the ones created in His image and we are the ones that choose disobedience and worry.

Nature fulfills it's created responsibilities - we question, fight against and resist the call of our God to bring Glory to Him.

We were created to point toward Him just as nature does.

Where am I pointing?

when God comes to mind...

A. W. Tozer wrote:
"What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us...Worship is pure or base as the worshiper entertains high or low thoughts of God.  For this reason the gravest question before the Church is always God Himself, and the most portentous fact about any man is not what he at a give time may say or do,  but what he in his deep heart conceives God to be like."

What comes to my mind when I think about God...

I don't know if I've ever really, really asked myself what I think about God.

I know this, I act at times as if He exists FOR me instead of the FACT that I exist for Him.  To worship Him, forever.  He is the King of Kings, the Beginning and the End, the One who was and is and is to come.
God is holy.

This was the sun preparing to set tonight...
the heavens declare the glory of God.


"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is no heard.  Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
Psalm 19:1-4

If even the "rocks" will cry out - how can I be so clueless about his magnificence ?  He is the bright and morning star.

I was reading this evening outside when I turned and shot this picture - just as I read the above passage from Psalm.  It seems to me over and over that God longs to reveal Himself to me by showing me tiny glimpses of His magnificence.

I guess it's not surprising that when God comes to mind I have no way of really understanding everything that He is because He is and was and always will be.  But I want so badly to understand Him!

Francis Chan asked this question  .."Can I worship a God who isn't obligated to explain Himself to me?"  

My answer is - I will worship Him BECAUSE He's a God with no obligation to explain!!

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

unending variety

Whenever I travel it strikes me particularly remarkable to see just how different each place I visit is.

This is my view out the back door where we are staying!
Right now I'm in Arizona, it's SO dry and sandy and flat.  Of course there are mountains in the distance, but generally speaking it's either completely flat or completely mountainous - no in-between.  Ohio has a lot of in-between!

God's nature and the distinct differences between each area are astounding to me. Why did He care about such variety?

He created more than 350,000,000,000 galaxies.  And that number is conservative.  Generations of people have never even seen these galaxies.  So why?

A caterpillar has 228 separate and distinct muscles in its head.  Why?

The average elm tree has approximately 6 million leaves on it.  (who in the world decided to count them I have no idea.)  Why so many leaves?

Spiders create 60 feet of silk in one hour!  The spiders feet produce oil so they don't stick to their own web!  Why?

To glorify Himself!  

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of this hands.  Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world. "
Psalm 19:1-4

It's good to get away and see God's variety!


Monday, October 22, 2012

abortion

I've told you before that I often avoid visual things like movies, and reading material that contain images that may occupy my mind.  Even things others may be able to watch without any affect on their lives, I just can't handle.  So I don't.

My mother recently asked me to watch a video while I was at her home which I didn't realize would contain extremely graphic REAL images of abortion at different stages and ending with a partial birth abortion.  I will never forget them although I wish I could.

Many were babies that could have been born and lived on their own with little help.

These are all human children.  How anyone could think otherwise I don't understand.  I don't have a dislike of, or un-forgiveness for any woman who has ever had an abortion, I honestly ache for them and for the babies.  And our God is a God longing to forgive.

I believe with all my heart however, that God is deeply saddened by our apparent disregard for anything that causes us an inconvenience.

I once begged a young lady who wanted an abortion not to have one.  I will never forget that conversation.  It was an inconvenience, embarrassment for her family, and she was young.  I tried to explain that her relationship choice which resulted in an unwanted baby contained no grounds for abortion.  There are opportunities to prevent pregnancy by choosing many forms of birth control.  I went on to explain this baby could fulfill desperate people's longing to adopt, if she would just have the child and give it up for adoption.  I begged her, we prayed, I begged....   3 days later she killed her baby.

This young lady claims the name of Christ - I am not to judge anyone, but how believers could support abortion in anyway is completely outside my ability to understand.

I don't claim to know the answers for pregnancies resulting from rape or incest.  Experiencing that may to compare to death itself.

....my guess about babies that are aborted from a rape or incest is that God loves those babies just as much.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

we are here

A breathtaking site if you had been through what we've been through!
Jackie and I finally arrived in Arizona!

This is where the majority of my time will be spent...
well, wouldn't you??


We were picked up by her son Doug (a blessing - someone that knows where he's going) and quickly we arrived at his AMAZING home!  Yes, this is a private home with it's own island...we're really going to suffer here I can tell!

And a little added bonus is their darling dog all dressed up for Trick or Treat.  See how he loves it so!









Look how lovingly he looks at me!


















Next we headed off to see his shop.  Now this isn't just any shop - he is featured continuously in the hot rod magazines and does incredible things with beautiful priceless cars.  He even creates his own paint colors - completely custom (ignore Jackie's huge smile of pride - shameful!) ha ha

The paint room - all the cans shake at once to mix properly!
A gorgeous creation - it will be entered in a major competition soon!
















This is pure art and brilliant ability!  AND spotless - just beautiful!  (I love old cars!)

Then it was off to shop for our dinner (I hear that Doug is as good of a cook as his mother !)  Can't wait!  I love home cooked food and a good 'ole competition! Let it begin!


trying to leave

We are trying again to leave for vacation, my buddy Jackie and me.

As you may know, toilets prevented our leaving on our original flight Friday.  (see my last post)

Today we arrived at the airport at 5:00 A.M. and I find myself sitting alone because after standing in line for a half hour to check through the scanner area, Jackie discovered the front desk - WAY out front,  only gave her the ticket for the second leg of our journey.

So after trying to explain to the guy 'this is all they gave me' several times she was turned away and I haven't seen her since.

It is getting very close to departure time and I am nervous, so I'm writing.

Maybe we just aren't supposed to go???  We soon will see... at least I hope so!!!

Wait...I see her!!! We are going!!! BYE!!


Friday, October 19, 2012

ya just never know

Jackie trying very hard to be patient and Godly
as she waits to find out if we can get another flight.
(we tried to behave)
(I know, you're worried that big backpack will
tip Jackie over backward?  I'll let you know!)
So....I should be arriving in Arizona right now but, our flight got canceled in Columbus.  So my amazing hubby is on his way BACK to Columbus to get me and my buddy Jackie!

Other passengers in line asked us why the flight was canceled.  They asked, "did it break down?  Is there a horrible storm somewhere?  Did something serious happen to cancel? It must be mechanical failure...."

Actually no, it's toilet failure.

Yes, that's right - it's because of the toilets not working on board!  You understand, this could ONLY happen to me...ya just never know!

One passenger was heard saying, "they can put a man on the moon but they can't fix toilets?"  Lame indeed!

Needless to say, I'm exhausted and have a headache, BUT I am safe and I will start watching immediately to see why God decided we needed to be home for a couple more days.

He is good ALL the time!

(And, I'm going to drive everyone crazy at Crossroads tomorrow night!  ha ha ha!!)

Monday, October 15, 2012

my day off

My day is going to be filled with simple pleasures.

Coffee - possibly my #1 favorite food/drink indulgence.









Magnificent views from my windows.




Cleaning and laundry completed by 11:00 am.

Time with my hubby.

Shopping and cooking with my daughter.

Timbre will play tonight at 7:00 at the Coffee House
Music from Timbre at The Coffee House @ Crossroads tonight where I'll be surrounded by Crossroads friends.  The harp is one of my very favorite instruments and Timbre is one of my favorite artists!  So all in all, I think this will be quite a glorious day off!



All my thankfulness and the glory to HIM!  Days off are life savers!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

weekend report

My weekends can be summed up on one piece of paper, our weekend cue sheet.  Today as I prepared to go home after the services I looked down at the cue sheet I had used this weekend.

This cue sheet contained the titles of beautiful worship songs, instructions about each transition within the service and many more details.  It contained something else, all my notes.

It struck me how sad the notes were.  These gorgeous songs, each representing uncountable hours that went into every single detail both from staff and from our volunteers preparing, memorizing and rehearsing.  And yet, over all the beautiful details were the notes about any mistake that occurred, anything we wanted to try to do better, any detail that was left out.  There is something new to learn each weekend for sure, but this visual of our struggle to do our best each weekend just really struck me.  Many of us have been trying to get it perfect for nearly 16 years now, but of course perfect will never happen.

We can rest in one thing, we try our hardest each weekend.  We offer God our best efforts and try to take our focus off the mistakes long enough to worship and learn from the amazing teachings!

Our setlist:
Spirit Fall - Tomlin
From the Inside Out - Hillsong
Where I Belong - Building 429
Where The Spirit of the Lord Is - Tomlin
You Revive Me - Passion
Message:  Systematic Theology: Holy Spirit - Senior Pastor Tim Armstrong
Exit Song:  Where I Belong - Building 429

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

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

Saturday, October 13, 2012

our first love

As I enjoyed a Saturday at home for probably the first time in a month or longer, I opened up a study on Revelation 2:1-7 where it talks about 'our first love' - the love for the Lord that burns brighter than earthly things that distract us.

When we hang on to grudges, hurts or jealousy we CANNOT experience our first, burning passion for our God.  Beth Moore says in her study of John, "We cannot hang on to our sacred romance with Jesus Christ and also our bitterness.  WE WILL RELEASE ONE TO HANG ON TO THE OTHER."

To not live as if we love Him more than all else causes us to lose our Godly influence on the lost and hurting.   The reason we/the church exists.

Do I see all that cross my path through a burning love of Jesus Christ?

Can I say He's ever been my first love based on how I live and love?

I want that kind of love so that nothing around me distracts me from Him and how He needs me to love the lost and hurting.  I want an "indescribably glorious sacred romance" with Him.  For this relationship is the only one that will endure forever and unchanging.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

I am sick of politics

So not only do the politics continue - the debate makes me want to throw my tv out the window.

This is NOT what America was founded to be.

I am not watching anymore.

This drives me to my knees.

No person can save us from where our greed and ridiculous entitlements have taken us.

This is not a 'dooms day' writing I am not scared, just tired of it.

I long for Yahweh, a longing which grows with each passing day.

And unfortunately until He comes- the greed will continue, and the fake debate smiles, and the endless disagreements.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

praises and prayers

It's crazy how many extremes can come within the same day!

We got a call this morning from a friend saying her husband had a heart attack - immediate prayers began and it appears he is stable and in a few days will have surgery.  We are SO thankful that we didn't lose this dear friend!   I've just remained in a constant state of prayer as I find myself continuously thinking of him!

I just got off the phone with my doctors office asking if I can be at their office in the morning - they had a cancellation!  I almost screamed the word YES into the phone.  My regular appointment wasn't scheduled until early November.  I GET TO DRIVE AGAIN!  It has been 6 months since my seizure and to think I can be released this early to drive is such a blessing!

I may just fill my car with gas and drive until it's empty!   Not really, but, I'm so excited!

This is just a regular day.  ups and downs. praises and prayers. answers and questions.

The song that has been in my head all day long is

"On Christ the solid Rock I stand 
ALL OTHER GROUND IS SINKING SAND...
all other ground is sinking sand..."

May this day end in praise as we worship God, the Solid Rock, for never changing and being the one constant in our days.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

what I learned today

I realized as the day drew to a close that I hadn't invested time in learning anything today.  That didn't make me proud - I will definitely get into the Word before sleeping, but can't claim any real study time.

Nevertheless I learned a few things.

As my hubby and I worked with a young couple preparing for marriage this evening, I was reminded despite being married for 33 years, I still have a lot to learn.  It never ends, and it is a hidden blessing within  serving them that we benefit too.

They dream of what will be and we get to help them honestly look at areas that can cause conflict and problems down the road, all the while remembering we need to apply the same principals to our own lives.  They are ageless lessons.

God brought something else to my attention today,  I learned that I harbor animosity toward someone from my past.  A person I once counted as a close friend who I no longer see but still am very upset with.

Think logically with me for a moment...does that hurt the person I'm not happy with, or me?  They are probably clueless I'm even still bothered by it and further more don't care.  So guess what - once again I am reminded as God brought it to my mind  - it only hurts me and causes me to sin.  It is MY responsibility as a Christ follower to forgive AND to forget.

And so I choose to let it go.

I did learn something today after all!  Now if I can just remember them tomorrow!


Sunday, October 7, 2012

weekend report

It was such a great weekend of worship and teaching and fellowship!  Again - I feel extremely blessed to be part of this ministry!

There were people there that came this weekend as a result of getting coffee during the week at the Coffee House!

 I talked to one gentleman that works for Word of Life and travels all over the world and said they were there because of the amazing teaching!  They had originally come to check out the church their youth group aged boys were attending - they never left!

I'm sure there are many more stories about what brought people to Crossroads this weekend, the one thing I know is God allowed all our paths to bring us there and received our worship and opened our hearts to learn more about Him.  And it was good!


Our setlist:
My Love Follows You Where You Go - Alison Krauss
All My Fountains - Passion
Your Grace is Enough - Tomlin
10,000 Reasons - Redman
Amazing Grace - Stevens
Revelation Song - Gateway




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

To see what other services included in their worship serviced go to www.theworshipcommunity.com


Saturday, October 6, 2012

my hubby's laugh

This morning we once again served by 'parking' cars at the Prairie Peddler - a local Fall festival.

Several of us on the Go Missions team, spread across a large field showing cars where they should park.  I was quite a distance away from my hubby when I heard his laughter.

I turned to see what he was laughing at and saw him talking and laughing with another group of total strangers.

This man has the ability to turn a stranger into a friend faster then anyone I've ever known.

As I watched him, I gave thanks for him.  Some guys I've known over the years just aren't friendly toward people they don't know, they're too busy to care for others or too into their own interests to spend time helping people.  He enjoys talking to anyone, and I'm very, very thankful for that!

Tonight at Crossroads I heard him laugh with friends.  And I watched him smile when our daughter helped lead worship.

God brought us together to complete one another, to compliment one another and to enjoy one another.

I am a woman greatly blessed and I hope to never take even a laugh for granted!

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

dream

Our artist group assignment from last month was to sketch, write, draw, or paint about DREAM.
All month I've thought about what I would produce to describe what comes to my mind about dream.

First I ask myself, do I have a dream?

Yes, I dream of a free world.  No slavery, no abuse, no addiction, no hunger, no disease, no hatred.

Then I remember that Christ offers the only true freedom, in HIM we can be free no matter what earthly circumstance we find ourselves in.  This world can never be free, for it is a sinful world.

Yes, I have a dream.  I dream of a confidence like I have never known.  I waste time being unsure. I sometimes feel paralyzed to move forward due to a lack of confidence, afraid I may make a mistake.

Yes, I dream.  I dream that instead of being full of creative ideas I can actually create, like a real artist.

My dreams are scary, exciting, beautiful and inspiring.  Are they of God -  I know if He wants to speak to me that way He certainly could.  I imagine instead that they are mostly of my own making, things I worry about, things of this world that won't matter or even exist a few years from now.

And so this project did make me think - it did make me pray, and I guess that's the most you can ask of any project.


Tuesday, October 2, 2012

OUR Coffee House

Ever since Crossroads began our strategy has ALWAYS been about providing a place where people could feel comfortable and begin their relationship with Christ and move toward becoming a FULLY Devoted Follower of Christ.

The Coffee House is just one more strategic piece of the puzzle.

I wanted to ask you to consider stopping by this week.

(It is also a fabulous place to schedule meetings!)

Consider this, it is an extension of the church that is available to bring friends outside the regular services.  Have you ever considered that meeting a friend over coffee during the week could be the encouragement they need to make them feel comfortable enough to begin attending?

The Coffee House gets them through the door without any pressure.  Additionally YOU know that the Direct Trade coffees and teas that are served have a HUGE, INTENTIONAL mission behind them.  The products are purchased directly so that these very, very poor Christian brother and sister farmers receive support that literally keeps their families alive.  Well worth a dollar more in cost!  Direct trade also gets our coffee to us faster and fresher then anyone not purchasing directly from farmers.

I am personally asking you to stop by soon and meet the staff that cares so much about you and your friends receiving the highest customer service in town and serves fresher coffee than any other establishment can claim because they purchase a Direct Trade product.

The Coffee House exists to connect lives and to sell good coffee for a good cause.

Monday, October 1, 2012

my weekend

I have no idea why people bad-mouth Ohio?  It is completely beautiful!  I could hardly keep from taking pictures from morning to night!

I had such a great weekend - here is how we spent it!  (you may have to click on some of the pictures to make them large enough to see) - enjoy!

Love that people can experience these rides and are outside instead of sitting at home!

Kind rangers assisting me in my exploration of Malabar's woods - in search of a video site for xmas 

I love it when the reflection is more magnificent than the real images

Main house at Malabar Farm

My favorite...clouds

Breathtaking Ohio beauty!

Communion at Crossroads

Crossroads worshipping - it was very participatory and engaging this weekend!

panoramic view of worship

Our future looks bright with the God given talents of our youth!

100+ pound pumpkin carving at Prairie Peddler


panoramic view of Prairie Peddler center area

Peakin' over the fence early Saturday morning when we arrived at Prairie Peddler to park attendees

View from the car - a beautiful weekend indeed!


This was a shot of where most of the people at Prairie Peddler were gathered to eat and enjoy music - click to hear and watch.

Our old jeep - took it for a spin!

I am thankful for where I live, for what God's given me, for a hubby that will take me to explore what is around us and for a God who has chosen that I be here, for this time and I pray my work, and life reflect my gratefulness to Him !