Thursday, March 20, 2014

marriage

Tonight as my husband and I ate dinner at a local resturant, I looked around and watched the married couples around us.

One couple that looked slightly older than us, hardly looked at one another.  Focusing only on their food and what other people walking by were doing.

Right beside us was a young married couple with a very young daughter.  Although they looked happy, they seemed tired and bored focusing most of their talk toward their daughter.  The wife was a beautiful girl and I wondered what they were like when they first met.  I wondered if they could remember the early days when they could hardly bare to be apart and how exciting their early marriage was?

Looking back at the older couple - it just looked like they totally had come to take one another for granted, as if they assumed the other would always be there.  

Looking at my hubby I sincerely gave thanks to the Lord for him, and watching him wondered if in our 36th year of marriage - did we take one another for granted?  I don't want to, ever!

The pain that I see many couples cause one another is beyond my understanding.  I often see a very deep loneliness even in the middle of marriage.   If your spouse does not get appreciation and kindness from you - they will search for it some where else.

The thing that I hear that bothers me the most when I watch couples, is the tone of voice couples often use with one another.  A voice that sounds aggravated and impatient.  And then when they speak to someone other then their spouse, their voice is full of understanding and calm.  So sad to hear.  I pray the Lord will help me to never sound this way toward Ron although I am sure I have.

Lord, give me fresh eyes to see my marriage as you do.  To cherish it and my husband always.  To protect it by being unselfish and kind and loving.  Use it as a testimony to your sustaining protection always.  Amen.

Can you be quiet


Titus 2

7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity,
8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.

In this time of transition at Crossroads- I believe our greatest challenge will be to have "sound speech". No gossiping, no speculating, no negative comments, can we do that?

How simple - to avoid anyone being able to speak evil against you - be quiet!

Why does it feel so important to voice my opinion?  God doesn't need my help!

Will you join me in being quiet?  Letting no gossip slip from your lips?  Trusting and glorifying Almighty God with our silence as we wait?






Wednesday, March 19, 2014

back to work

I'm back at work today and loving it!  
  • Psalm 62:1

    and that to you, O Lord, belongs steadfast love.
    For you will render to a man
    according to his work.

    Today we worked on details for Easter and discussed summer activities for the congregation - it's going to be a great summer at Crossroads!

    Work is something we obviously have to do, even on days when we don't feel like it.  But what a privilege to be physically and mentally able to work, strong enough to work, intelligent enough to work - I could go on and on.  I'm praising Him today for my position here at Crossroads, praying for renewed creativity and strength to work beside my brothers and sisters in the Lord to lead through this next period of time here in the ministry.  Whatever my role may be!

    Praying for all of you today - that your work day may be blessed and fulfilling no matter what job God has called you to!


  • Tuesday, March 18, 2014

    what I learned today

    When I opened a book I've been reading this popped out to me immediately- it's written from the perspective of Jesus talking!

    "Instead of letting difficulties draw you into worrying, try to view them as setting the scene for My glorious intervention. Keep your eyes and your mind wide open to all that I am doing in your life. "

    Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. EPHESIANS 3 : 20– 21

    A little glimpse of glorious sun from Him this morning!
    Keep my eyes open in difficult times to His glorious intervention.  


    It doesn't mean my worries will be answered they way I think they should be, it means my worries will be answered in a way that brings the focus and glory to HIM!  AND will be more than all we ask or IMAGINE!  So powerful!

    I have no idea how people get through their day that don't believe and cling to the promises of the Savior!

    What problems and worries will you turn over to His glorious intervention today?  Please join me in abiding in that place of trust!!

    Monday, March 17, 2014

    my day off

     After a tough weekend, I needed a day away and I got one!

    My buddies piled in a car and away we went to spend a day thrifting in Columbus!

    Thrifting is like going on a treasure hunt - you dig - you seek - you find that special something that someone else decided they didn't need.

    Sometimes we find things that are worth a lot of money and re-sell them.  Sometimes we find just the right color, that piece of clothing we've been looking for forever!

    Sometimes we find very little, but that doesn't effect how much fun we have because it's all just an excuse to be with friends, and I have great friends.  Two of the orneriest ones are who I was with today - Jackie and Cindy. 

    I needed a day away, I needed a bunch of laughs and I guess I kind of needed a couple of the things I purchased...kind of!

    Sunday, March 16, 2014

    Weekend Report

    Well, this weekend there is much reporting to do!

    Our Senior Pastor, Tim Armstrong, announced his resignation to answer God's call to another ministry.  He's going to a ministry that desperately needs him!  Our staff surrounded them in the auditorium this weekend to try in a physical way to show our support as a staff. 
    My view from behind Tim and Michelle


    I have never been more proud or committed to my brothers and sisters here at Crossroads.  Together we approached the throne of God - placing our trust in Him - calling on Him to fill our pulpit with the man of God that He has already chosen for us.  How exciting!

    Although I have every confidence that the man God brings will be exactly what Crossroads needs right now.  It is on a personal basis that I struggle most.  I love Pastor Tim and his family as if they were my own family - working side-by-side on every service we ever created is just something very difficult to let go of.  My personal prayer now is that God is completely honored in every aspect of our work - while waiting for the man he has chosen for us.  I rest on Him!

    Worship was extremely meaningful this weekend as our congregation lifted worship to our Savior!

    Our Setlist:

    Announcements on video

    Oceans
    Revelation Song
    Our Mighty Fortress is Our God
    Be Lifted Higher
    Message:  John 2 - Worship - Pastor Tim Armstrong
    Closing Worship:  Man of Sorrows
    Special Announcement:  Pastor Tim
    Closing Comments/Prayer:  Mike Sloan

    To watch our services go to www.crossroadswired.com

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

    Have a blessed week!

    Saturday, March 15, 2014

    preparing for difficult

    Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1


    Question to myself, do I only believe the Lord is good when things go my way?  When things are not difficult?

    I am trying to give thanks in all things!

    This weekend I have a chance to be the leader that my friends and co-Crossroadians need. 

    My prayer is that the Lord will give me words to say that bring glory to Him!  May I be used to fill the hurting places of our congregation. 


    I'm here now, at Crossroads.  Preparing in the Lord to serve Him strongly - and preparing to be thankful in ALL things.