persecuted

If the world hates you, know that it hated me before it hated you, if they persecuted me, they will also persecute you...  John 15: 18-20 

Today in programming we watched a video on North Korea in preparation for a future teaching concerning how we take our freedom for granted.  (both personal freedom and spiritual freedom)

The film talked about the way the soldiers identify Christians.  One way is despite the meager amount of food people have, the Christian's will always give their last bit of food to save someone else.  They immediately are thrown into a concentration camp and isolated from everyone.

The film went on talking about many other aspects of life over there, but that one fact kept coming back to me.  The question that haunted me was, "would I be identifiable as a believer"?  Would I give up my last bit of food to save someone else, probably a stranger, and most probably not a fellow believer?

I would like to think I would, but I had to be honest and say, I'm not sure...

It is widely recognized around the world that we are among the most lost because we have no clear concept of who God is, or our need of Him.  So, would I be identifiable as a child of God if I was in another country where persecution took place?

one more step

Tonight as a family we took one more step into the next period of our lives.  We went with Eric (our son) apartment searching in the Columbus area.

Since I have never lived more that 25 minutes from where I grew up,  am not the best person to advise anyone on relocating! 

This next step for our family is not sad by any means because we love our new daughter in law and we love how happy she makes our son.

And really when you think about it all of our life is just one more step. Jesus asks us to follow Him, and that requires steps.  If we follow Him than all of our steps matter, even the ones that move us away from our children.  God designed the process and from day one our children step away from us.  Tonight we took some of those 'away' steps.

Where are your steps taking you?  

what I learned today

This is a rather lame post in comparison to something spiritually deep that I learn, but, fun none the less!

For the first time since Easter I began to coupon again today.  It was fun!

Big spender at Meijer! Pickles for $.37, spicy mustard $1.29 for 2, Suddenly Salad $1.00 for 2, and crackers $.30.

Target - with coupons I spent $12.00 and got a $5.00 gift card.  So for the cost of 1 1/2 shampoos I got all of these items.

And then I hit Walgreens.  This took a while to figure out.  What I learned today was not to trust the websites that list 'how to' work the deals.  You also have to look at the add and read carefully.  Finally after going to my car to grab more coupons I worked out the following deal.

Each of the Gillette Items above sell for $4.99.  The razor $8.99. Get this - I got all of these items for $19.00 and got two Walgreens Bucks to spend next time equalling $15.00!  So I spent $4.00 for over $40.00 worth of products, a good day!

Some of you have been asking me about couponing - so I thought I'd just put up my day of shopping for all to see!  Now on to more serious things!

my day off

Do you ever wake up just totally overwhelmed by God?  That is how I felt this morning - like I was anxious to learn more about Him and SO thankful for Him in my life!

I thought the perfect form of expression would be found in the Psalms and I decided on Psalm 68:32-35 as my praise to Him this morning.

sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth,
Sing praises to the Lord,
To Him who rides upon the highest heavens, which are from ancient times:
Behold, He speaks forth with His voice, a mighty voice.
Ascribe strength to God;
His majesty is over Israel
And His strength is in the skies.
O God, You are awesome from Your sanctuary.
The God of Israel Himself gives strength and power to the people.
Blessed by God!


I have been feeling very behind for a long time, there are so many good things I would like to develop and haven't been able to, which probably means I just need a few uninterrupted days to think and dream.  But today I plan to just remain in Him and not think ahead as I constantly do, instead I remain in praise and thankfulness!  A true day off!

Weekend report

Baptism always moves me deeply -such was the case this weekend as we baptized 10 people within our praise and worship time. These precious people were taking next steps in their spiritual walk with the Lord. I feel so blessed to be involved in these services!

Our setlist:

Opening song : Creed - Third Day
Announcement video: Jamie Koenig - our Middle School guy
BAPTISMS during worship: The More I Seek You - Gateway
Here in Your Presence - New Life
Come Thou Fount - Sublime
Revelation Song - Gateway
Message: spiritual Gifts Pt. 4 - Pastor Tim Armstrong
Exit song: Creed

To watch our baptisms and service on line go to www.crossroadswired.com

To see what other ministries included in their worship services this weekend go to www.theWorshipCommunity.com

trying to program

I have spent time over the past few days trying to prepare to lead a programming process that will prepare a worship series for later this summer.

When doing this I watch videos, read drama, look for creative readings anything that may give me even one inspiring thought or idea.

I am usually disappointed because rarely are there many elements available to purchase or watch of high quality that fit exactly what we are trying to focus on.  But I keep trying.

Something that I found over and over on several of the most reliable sites is the question "what does worship mean to you" ....and they would go through all the scenarios such as, I like this style, I like quiet, I like hymns, I like contemporary, I, I, I, I, "what does worship mean to you".  And it struck me - it makes no differences what YOU or I think it is, worship is what God thinks it is.

If we are each truly in love with our Lord, it wouldn't matter what kind of setting we were placed in, familiar songs, loud music, historic music, contemporary readings, funny drama, serious monologue...it should make no difference as long as they are Biblically based and theologically correct.  We should worship Him.

"What is worship" it should be - I am in love with God and cannot wait to express that overwhelming love for Him! Whether through music, speaking, praying, working or just living - constantly increasing in love for Him.

I recently heard someone describing a conversation they had with a Christian leader in a foreign country saying he would NEVER allow his children to visit the US until they are much older. His reason was that we have too much stuff to need or worship God.  We are too satisfied, too spoiled and too self sufficient to need Him.  I really think this is why I so often feel distant from God - it's my stuff and my schedule, I don't know that it allows for me to really know Him.

I desire Him deeply and long to know Him more.

Worship is not what we think it is or should be, it's what God deserves and what He demands of our lives.  Does your daily walk worship Him? Would other people in your daily life feel you worship with your choices and everyday life?     Really?

feeling old

There are things that make me feel old.

I no longer like to ride the rides at the Cedar Point Amusement Park.

I now split meals with my husband when we go out to eat.

I switch to decaf after only 2 cups of coffee and I like naps, a lot!

They say you are as young as you feel.  I no longer like this saying.

I am in no way afraid to grow old.

I like the idea of saying anything that comes to mind, and people expect and accept it.

I look forward to wearing whatever I want regardless of season or for the matter era.

I cannot wait to stick artificial flowers in my outside pots and never pull another weed.

Anyway, time moves on BUT there is still as much to look forward to now as ever!  I have often said, I have no idea how anyone without the Lord faces the future and old age.  It would be hopeless.  But, in Him we have eternity.  An eternity with real flowers and no weeds!