33 years ago

An amazing thing happened 33 years ago today - Ron Biddle married me!

I know what you're thinking...if that's the case then why am I on my computer? Because he is at an Elder's meeting for a little while.

So I was thinking. I can be sad that we are not out on the town, or I can be thankful for where he is.

I choose the latter.

My husband could be a million different places right now, out with the boys, at a bar, even being unfaithful - but, he is at an Elders meeting. How can I possibly feel unhappy about that?

Today I am more thankful for Ron than I have ever been. I am thankful that it is no transition from having kids to an empty nest because we are close and have always maintained our own 'couple life'. I am thankful that I can trust my husband. I am thankful that we can work together and not have problems because of being together all the time. I am thankful that I don't have to make excuses for his behavior or try to cover up what he is really like. I am thankful that he is so full of mercy for others. And I am thankful that despite 33 years of ridiculous mistakes and annoying moments, he still loves me.

33 years ago I married the man that I love. Today I love him more.

my day off

I was reading a leadership book today that discusses internships and how we can invest in those younger than ourselves. The book talks about being willing to teach but then to step back and let people attack the assignment in their own style. Many good things that I am anxious to learn and apply. It talks at length obviously about those older building into those who are younger. Speaking things into their lives like, " I am committed to your success."

Then it dawned on me - I never had this.

I am blessed beyond words by a family that adores the Lord and me! They modeled what a Godly marriage should look like, how to raise kids well, how to cook, clean and care for a household.

But, beyond my family - no one older than me ever invested in me one on one.

Instead...I have learned more from those younger than myself. I just never thought about it before.

Despite my own lack of being mentored, I am firmly committed to those younger than myself. I want them to love the local church and understand clearly that this 'organization' is the place that God himself chose for us to do life within. Leadership looks different in each season of our lives. I encourage each of you reading this to look for opportunity to mentor the next generation.

I have asked you this before - who are you mentoring?

weekend report

Another great weekend at Crossroads! We continued our study in I Corinthians and sang praises to our Lord!

Our setlist:

Only Wanna Be With You - Hootie and the Blowfish
Announcements
Redeemer - Kutless
No One Like You - Sublime Band
Our God - Tomlin
Holy Is The Lord - Draper
Trust God - Rick Muchow
Message: Building a Great Life (I Corinthians 3:10-23)
Trust God - Rick Muchow

You can watch our services at www.crossroadswired.com

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

college fair

There have been many of Pastor Tim's ideas that I have found inspiring over the past 14 years, but the idea of Crossroads offering a Christian College Fair has to be right up there at the top of the list!

I am really looking forward to next weekend at Crossroads when 12 colleges and universities will invade our ministry! They will be anxiously awaiting the opportunity to explain the many, many reasons that our congregation should consider Christian college for their students.

We also get to host Dr. David Brown, the president of Cedarville University as our guest teacher next weekend.

Please plan not only to be there yourself, but please invite other students and families that would benefit from this exciting weekend!

Looking ahead takes nothing away from this weekend that will begin in just a few hours from now! Pastor Tim continues his teaching in I Corinthians. I can barely wait to worship and learn side by side with all of your Crossroadians! See you soon!

tired yet inspired

I worked too much this week...I'm still working actually...I cannot stop working...I need to.

I am so tired that I feel all used up.

Cure - a little time to think a little time to catch up on all the writing I owe everyone a little time to dream a lot of time to pray and all of this must occur outside on my deck. My #1 favorite selfish place. My space!

After being inside 4 walls more than usual this week I cannot believe how destroyed I feel. Not in the sense that I was in anyway mistreated or anything - it was just one of those weeks where there was definitely no personal time. When I have no dream time I watch my creativity go away, my tolerance go away and my joy go away.

Now as I sit resting - thinking - praying I literally feel Him seeping slowly back in. Inspiration filling the momentarily empty spots. And the Lord assuring me that this is the place He has called me to remain.

I cannot survive very long without my personal time with Him. Without it, it quickly becomes nothing more than work and 'it's all about me "...again.

actors galore

We have a lot of new actors - now we just need dramas!

This was a very exciting night to see all the new interest in our drama team.

I am surprised each time we recruit that there could still be so many people just waiting to get involved. Serving is a huge maturity step and I am so thankful to watch all these new faces become lives I know well and get to be involved with. Best job ever!

love others as yourself

Today at our staff devotional we discussed John 13: 34 -35 " A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.”

When you first read this it seems so simple. Then as I read verse 35 again - I really panicked realizing that how much I love others is my testimony.

The world fights, is full of jealous competition and lives within the mindset of entitlement. That is why God knew our greatest challenge would be to love them regardless of how they act or what they deserve. Just as He has loved us regardless of what we deserve.

Jesus loved us more than himself - He died for us...He chose to die for us...amazing!