a real date

We had so much fun tonight going out to eat with other couples!

We often eat out after church with others, but, tonight a group of us all went out to eat and then to a show. We ran into even more good friends at the show! It was so much fun enjoying one another and not being worried about when we had to be home or hurrying off to do anything else!

I am beginning to understand how important this is as I talk to others who are struggling in their relationship or some who seem to have no close friends. How vital it is to never stop working on your marriage and friendships! No one can do this life alone, God didn't intend us to not have relationships with others. We need each other and God needs what we collectively can accomplish!

I would like to have many more evenings like tonight, many more real dates!

preparation

The weekend preparation began tonight as it does every Thursday evening.

Steve was adjusting a couple of lights to accommodate our baptisms during worship. Dan was moving a computer out of the sound booth while Bryan was preparing to dial in the sound. Tom was in the lighting booth watching our big production piece being rehearsed for a week from now. (You won't want to miss March 15 & 16, that's all I am going to say about that!)

Musicians were preparing to practice and vocalists were busy warming up and practicing sweet harmonies. All this preparation to bring the Lord our most excellent work, it's going to be amazing!!

jump like calves

I just love the way the Bible uses descriptions and pictures to help us understand it's teachings.

Listen to Mal 4:2 "Whether here on this fallen Earth or in the splendor of a new one I know I will see the sun of righteousness rising with healing in its wings, and we will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall."

I have seen calves who are freed from their stall, they do jump! My grandfather had calves, I loved to watch them run and jump when they are free from captivity, free to run to jump to play!

I read this today in the context of healing from times of suffering or a period of hurting. What a blessing to believe that no matter how tough things may get, God always provides deliverance and healing. When we turn to God's Word healing comes. God's creative way of describing the joy He brings in Malachi is an awesome promise that made me smile when I thought of being back on grandpas farm!

what I learned today

The day began great, I was looking forward to having lunch with some friends. Always a good way to begin.

One of the things that came up as we ate was a discussion about praying, specifically praying for small unimportant things. I was telling them, that I don't always pray about everything. When I look at all the trouble around the world it seems so trivial to pray for some of my little requests. I know God cares about every area of my life, still I hesitate to give him all my cares.

And then came news tonight that one of our kids former classmates passed away just a short time ago. Our daughter called from college extremely upset. I do not know the details, so it's difficult to wrap my head around it. I immediately began to pray for the family who are very dear to us. So I turn back to thinking about prayer again. I am sitting here just thinking back through what Pastor Tim has been teaching us. "Thy will be done..."

How can this be your will Lord, how can this possibly be your will? I am reminded of the passage in Lamentations 3:22b - 24 "For His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; Great is your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, Therefore I have hope in Him." I learned today how quickly a day can change and how precious life is. And I was reminded as I read today that God's faithfulness is great, and it is only He that I can place my hope in!

my day off

My husband and I really want to do some updates around our house, but, we seem to find every excuse not to. Today we are committed to at least picking up the tile for our upstairs bathroom and I just text a friend to see if he had scaffolding tall enough to reach my tall living room walls in order to paint ourselves! Progress!

If we at least get the supplies, we will be much more likely to begin the updates! I hope! We may just visit our parents today and do dinner with them, all in all a relaxing day.

What do you do on your days off? Leave me a comment!

weekend review

Anointed was the word of the weekend. Our two worship leaders are working with all of our teams spending time at every rehearsal studying the "Heart of the Artist" book. We are already reaping huge rewards as a result of our teams connecting with one another and their Lord on a whole new level.

Our set list was the thematic support to the teaching that we had hoped for:

Opening Instrumental: WHAT I LIKE ABOUT YOU

Announcements
O PRAISE HIM - Crowder
BLESSED BE THE NAME - (shortened)
THE LORDS PRAYER - original by Milo Sgambelone (one of our worship leaders)
BREATHE

RESCUE - Desperation Band Performed as a special after the congregation was seated, but they jumped to there feet or raised their hands worshiping as it was performed. Just an amazing response!

Message: Prayer

Special Music: SMALL ENOUGH - this took place within the final minutes of the message.

We then went back into BREATHE - the perfect ending to our worship and prayer filled day! God was good.

On Monday click here if you would like to watch this service.

Also, if you would like to see what other ministries around the US and the world click here.

simple things

I find it amazing how sometimes the most simple of things effect me. I get to work with amazingly talented people and with some pretty impressive equipment, and still the simple moments can be the best.

Tonight after the service this little college girl came up to me and gave me a note. I stuck it in my pocket and read it while I was in our post production meeting. A group of moms we call MOCK - Moms of College Kids - just sent out Valentine Care packages to our college kids at Crossroads.

Her note read, "Dear Crossroads Moms,

I thank you so much for all the gifts and happiness that
you have sent to me and the reminders from home to believe
in Him and everything will be just fine. Thank you so much
I really appreciate it.

That made my evening. Simple things are amazing gifts from God!