together

Romans 1:5

So we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually one of another.

The staff of Crossroads are just the most amazing group of people I know.  We are all individuals, all gifted in different ways - but when we bring our gifting and love for God's church together...well, it's just a thing of beauty!

For the first time ever, we all got away together for a much needed time of vision, discussion, praying, dreaming and fun!

Here's a glimpse of what went on!

These two together...trouble!

All I'll say is, we didn't starve...

staff buddies

Mike's Place in Akron - we're in a bus waiting to eat

I have no idea why Kristin's car is full of beach balls!?

Game time!

It is an honor to serve with these dedicated men and women as we move into the future together in Him!  We appreciate your prayers as we continue in our work!

PS... Greg Crawfis is the volleyball champion!  Just sayin'

unknown words

I  had the absolute honor of going with my hubby and taking our possible future granddaughter out to dinner tonight.

As I helped her straighten her room before bedtime, and said prayers with her, I had to wonder what unknown words had been spoken into her young life.  Words we'll never hear or know.  Words we can't explain.

We've missed few important words of our parents, siblings or our own children.  But this little one, we will just be starting from now and praying this new beginning will be easy for her, and that past words will bare no lasting scars.

Isn't it mind boggling to know that God knows every single word ever spoken into her young life? And that He's capable of using every word to help shape and form her as she becomes more familiar with this Savior.

I pray again for a smooth process, one that's perhaps fast and a transition that is best for her.

We've tried not to get hopes up too quickly because we know things change.

So we take refuge in the certainty that for this time, that we get to be the ones speaking words into her life - they are words that we were chosen to speak - by a God who created even the smallest among us.  And by a God who is allowing us to have her for this time.

Amazing!

friends

I can't imagine my life without my friends!

I got to spend the past 2 days with 3 friends that I love dearly!  We have eaten at least 20,000 calories each and spoken 1,000,000,000 words each.  And we're not done yet!

I am a blessed woman.

I know some people feel like they don't have friends, I would encourage you to put yourself in any situation or gathering that would give you opportunity to talk with people - and pray for Godly friends that can fill your life!  God did not intend that we would do life alone!

There are most definitely times that we need to pray and study and reflect on God's Word alone, and times to rest and withdraw.  But, the church was intended to be the place where we gather to be with one another, to get to know one another and to grow spiritually closer to God.  We'll spend eternity together - our lives here are what comes before that eternal time, and I want all my friends to be there with me!  An eternal celebration and worship service - that sounds fantastic to me!

I love all my friends - the different life experiences we share - and the anticipation with which we face our future together in Him!

my day off

I was SO anxious to clean out all of my flower gardens this morning.  Not so - heavy rain has hit Mansfield.  And so with MY plans forced to changed I was not a happy camper!

Then I turned on TV and began to see the horrifying images of the tornado damage west of us.  One shot showed damage to 2,000 buildings, mostly personal homes.  Can you imagine?  Perspective!

My very, very limited perspective affects my reactions daily.  IF I could see the big picture with each decision I make I suspect things might look very different in my life, my reactions to circumstances much more controlled or at least more eternal focused.  I would not choose to know the future even if given the opportunity, but it would definitely be interesting to see how my seemingly insignificant choices move me away from the best God has for me.  I am not interested in second best - I want my life to count!

So as my plans fell through for today - I will give Him today and see what happens...who knows, maybe my attic will get cleaned out.  Ok maybe some laundry done - while smiling!  ha ha

Live your day for Him!