SNOW DAY!!!!!

I just LOVE living in Michigan. It has always made me laugh when people in Michigan complain about the weather. It's really quite amusing. You know, we complain in the summer because it's too hot, we complain in the fall because there are too many leaves in our yards to have to rake, we complain in the winter because it's too cold and the snow it too deep and then we complain in the spring because the winters months have left the ground muddy from the snow. We Michiganders are never happy! Well - my family is happy today! We got our first official SNOW day and we are loving it. Let's see - we have already been out in the snow playing with the dog (who undoubtedly loves this white stuff) and we have had our first round of hot cocoa! It's a great day! I did not have to go into the office today due to the weather and neither did my husband, who, by the way, arrived home early this morning from his over 11 hour drive from Indiana in this winter wonderland! Our family loves the snow - and all the snow sports that winter brings... like sledding and snowmobiling! I can tell that my hubby is itching to get his sled out for the the first time this season. He used to say that the snowmobile started up by itself when the weather got to 32 degrees, but he has been too busy this season, yet, to enjoy it. Maybe we can get it out today yet and play in the "powder". What a great day!!

Why We Do What We Do

Ask just about any one of us at Crossroads Community Church to give a brief description of our church and I would bet that you would hear a common thread among us all - it's about LIFE CHANGE. Week after week, I am in absolute awe of the God that we serve. He is so awesome and I feel so blessed to be able to serve along some of the greatest people on the planet - literally! But about this life change - let me shed some light on what I am talking about. As of Sunday, November 27th and since only the beginning of 2005, 385 individuals have communicated to us, their personal commitment to accept Christ as their Savior! And these are just the ones who communicated this to us via our Communication Card on Sunday mornings! That number just blows me away! For some reason I cannot even get my mind around how many people this really is. 385 changed lives...385 more reasons for angels to rejoice...385 more people that we will see in Heaven! I am blessed beyond words to be serving on staff at Crossroads and to be able to be a small part of the big picture. When we have a troubled day or when we are feeling low, all we at Crossroads need to think about is that number - 385! We have 385 more reasons to do what we do day in and day out. Whatever role you play in this church body ~ know for certain that WHAT WE ARE DOING TRULY MATTERS. It is by no accident that I am at this church...No accident that you are at this church and no accident that we have played a part in reaching 385 people to Christ this year!

To all Crossroaders reading this blog - YOU are awesome! You are loved and appreciated more than you will ever know. It is because of you that we can reach our goal of reaching out to the more than 65,000 unchurched individuals in Lenawee County for Christ!

I love my church!

Always in a Hurry!

Do you notice that everywhere you go now adays, everyone is in a BIG HURRY? It simply amazes me. I see people in lines at grocery stores and they actually look like they are in competetion with one another. I will admit - I am a little like that - but when you stop to think about it - why are we always in such a mad rush anyway? What is it inside of us that causes us to go go go - - get to the finish line? I am not competetive by nature AT ALL, so for me, this part I just don't get. One of my goals is to slow down a bit. Take time to "smell the flowers". I don't want to rush through my days so quickly that I miss all the wonders of the day - like the colors of the fall leaves or the smell of the rain outside or the beautiful sunset. I can't remember the last time I just stopped and listened to the sounds around me - and I don't mean the television set! I mean - the birds and the wind and the rustling of the leaves falling from the trees. I want to take time to listen to my daughters laughter and the praise songs she learns from school (even though she pronounces most of the words incorrectly!) I want to ask people about their days and really listen to them. I want to drive for a day with the music OFF so that I can think about all of things I am grateful for - like the car I have to drive me to work each morning - with heat in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. These are the things I want to pay close attention to and if I am hurrying - I will miss all of this.

"Be still and know that I am God."

Saying "Thank You"

I was sitting in a drive-thru the other day when I had an epiphany. Well - I don't know if it was actually an epiphany, but it was to me. I had a rather large order and to top it all off, I had a combination of "specialty" items such as "everything except for pickle, no ketchup, light ranch instead of regular, a cup filled with just ice.." You know - I was that irritating customer that we all know and LOVE... :)

Because I have had such poor service at some of these drive-thru's (Rebels excluded, of course) and because I don't have much faith in the entire customer service industry (shame on me!) I had already decided that I would NOT get just what I wanted (Yes, I am one of THOSE people who will sit moments after receiving my food to make sure everything I ordered is in the bag - right down to opening up sandwich wrap to take a look at the actual item).

I was very surprised when I got up to the window and the kind gentleman read me back everything on my order - WITHOUT looking at his screen and included every specification I asked for. I am sure by the look on my face he could tell that I was a little stunned but what he didn't know was that he had indeed won over a customer for life based on that one experience and trust me and let me tell you to win me over in the customer service arena, is hard to do!

I thanked him when he handed me my food but here is where the epiphany comes in. I didn't just say "Thank you" which would be the obvious response to someone who just handed me my order, but instead I said "Thank you for remembering my order so accurately!" He seemed to beam from this thank you - I think I really made his day.

So I got to thinking that we need to be more specific with our thank you's. I have really been working on this a lot this week. When someone calls me back instead of saying thank you, I now try to say "Thanks so much for getting back with me so quickly". When someone helps out in ministry for my church at that last minute I will now say "Thank you for your service you are such a blessing to this team!" I truly believe that being as specific with our gratitude as possible will bless the people receiving it. I am going to try my hardest to really work on this in my daily life - how about you?

Thank God for our children!

So I was having a really bad day a couple weeks ago. I was really down in the dumps and trying not to let it show on my face when I picked my daughter, Chloe, up from Kindergarten. Just seeing her little face light up when I entered her classroom really made me feel a lot better in and of itself. She brings me such joy and that alone would have been enough to make my day better. But it's what she did in the moments that followed, that really warmed my heart!

As we typically do when we get inside the car after I pick her up at the end of her long day, we began talking about her day and all of the things that she had done at school. On this particular day, she was really not all that interested in talking. I guess she wanted to sing. It is WHAT she sang to me that put my day into perspective. She began softly, "When we fall down, we lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. The greatness of His mercy and love at the feet of Jesus!" Boy - was that what I needed to hear or what! What gave me the right to think I could handle all that days' stress by myself? What my daughter was teaching me in this musical lesson was simple - Lay it all at Jesus' feet and HE will take care of all my needs! I realized that I had tried to deal with all of my hurt and pain and frustration alone and what I needed to do was give it straight to Jesus and He would take care of everything.

Many of you know the rest of that song.. "And we cry Holy, Holy, Holy and we cry Holy, Holy, Holy and we cry Holy, Holy, Holy is the lamb!" She was really belting it out by this time and HOLY's sounded more like Howls. :) It was great! Little did she know - she had taught her mom a lesson that day. And through my tears I joined in with her....

"When we fall down, we lay our crowns, at the feet of Jesus.
The greatness of His mercy and love at the feet of Jesus!
and we cry holy, holy, holy... and we cry holy, holy, holy... and we cry holy, holy, holy
is the lamb!"

Thank you, Chloe!

The Best Quesion Ever

My church, Crossroads Community Church ,will be launching a brand new series beginning October 16th which will run for 6 weeks entitled, 'The Best Question Ever'. This series is based on the awesome book by Andy Stanley, The Best Question Ever. If you haven't read it - I encourage you to run (not walk) to the nearest bookstore and pick it up. Better yet - plan on visiting Crossroads on (or before) October 16th and check it out for yourself. You may have passed by our giant billboards recently and saw the big question mark sign. Yeah - that is us - that crazy church again! :) The website it a pretty cool sample of what's to come in the series.

Summer's End Carnival Celebration!

My church, Crossroads Community Church, had our 10th Annual Summer's End Carnival this past weekend! I have to tell you - what an amazing time we had! We had over 560 VOLUNTEERS pull together for one of the biggest community out-reaches I have ever seen! I have to tell you that I have never before seen such wonderful people - then the people of Crossroads! It truly amazes me when I think about the love that these individuals have for others and the selfless ways they are always SO willing to dedicate themselves to reaching more people to Christ. I had an opportunity to work in food service yesterday. It was so awesome to be a part of this totally free event for our community. In addition to free food, children (and adults) participated in many games, moon-walkers, face painting, train rides and antique pedal cars while the youth enjoyed a variety of X games. Although I experienced many wonderful "Kodak moments" yesterday - one that I will not forget is one of a little boy, who's name I will probably never know. He was THRILLED to be there - you could tell by the big smile on his face. His dad was with him and you could tell they were a little tired, a little hot and a lot hungry. When I asked him what kind of chips he wanted he didn't hesitate to say Doritos... and he would have been okay if I had told him that was all he was getting. Then I asked him did he want ketchup or mustard and he said, "neither thank you." I said "It's for the hotdog!" He looked up at his dad and said "I don't have to have a hot dog dad." to which his dad replied, "son, it's free- get yourself one!" The kid lit up and said "I will have ketchup please!" As he took his hotdog he smiled one of the largest smiles I had seen in the whole day. This may not seem like much, but at that very moment I felt amazingly blessed to be a part of a church like Crossroads and to be able to share with people the love that Jesus Christ has for us. At that very moment I prayed for this little boy and his father and I thanked God that we were able to make an impact - large or small..in his life and hopefully many others. At that very moment I was overwhelmed by joy and excitement - that I have the greatest gift on earth to share with others - - the gift of salvation through Jesus. Honestly - it doesn't get any better than that!

Ready or not!

Well - this week, my "baby" started Kindergarten! Shhh - don't let her know I was calling her a baby. But she WILL always be my baby!

It's funny - I had so many phone calls the morning I dropped her off - asking if I - that's right me - if I was okay! Although I managed a brave front when I dropped her off, I cried all the way into work. She has been atttending an awesome pre-school for 2 years, so I should have been prepared for this, but nothing quite prepared me to leave her there, in that big building, all alone! All I know is that something inside me hurt when I had to leave her.

My friend, Roxanne, sent me this touching poem this week to remind me that I am not alone out there. I bet there's a support group for mommies of Kindergarteners out there somewhere! :) Thanks, Roxanne!!

First Day

Every one has a "First Day"when they feel sad and all alone.
It can be so scary when you're out on your own.
Take my hankie, dry your tears. You'll find lots of things to do and you'll probably make new friends.
I promise we'll be togetherwhen the school day ends.
Here comes the teacher, blow your nose and be brave.
Come on now wipe your eyes, this is no way to behave.
"Well, good morning teacher. We really must beg your pardon.
No, MOMMY doesn't always act this way, but it's my first day of....KINDERGARTEN!"

Making a Good First Impression

I subscribe to a pretty cool newsletter called "Administrative Professional". Okay - to some of you - this may be more lame then some of the other subscriptions out there - but for my career - it's perfect!

It's funny - I was JUST thinking about this the other day - Making First Impressions. This is so important! I would have to say that the first impressions someone has about us are the most crucial! It's all about what you do and say within the first 5 minutes of meeting someone that will make or break it. As Christians, our number one goal ought to be making LASTING first impressions. I believe that we can change the world one person at a time - and it all begins with that first impression.

Here is what Admin. Pro. has to say in an article they wrote on Making First Impressions...

"You've got 15 seconds to make a good impression when meeting someone for the first time. And after about 4 minutes, people will decide whether or not they want to deal with you beyond those first four minutes. Here are the essentials for making a positive impression - on clients, customers, peers and managers or leaders - every time:

1.) Make eye contact and extend your hand for a hand shake. They're two fo the most powerful actions you can take to make a stong impression on someone.

2.) Ask questions to build rapport quickly. People remember those who show interest in them. Always have stock questions ready, such as 'What do you enjoy most about your work?'

First impression no-no: Talking only about yourself.

3.) 'Mirror' their behavior to send the signal that you're listening. If they talk fast, you talk fast. If they cross their legs, you cross your legs... after a pause. Subtlety is key.

4.) Be nice. The real secret to making a good first impression is making others feel better than they did before they met you."

In self-evaluating myself, I have discovered that I really have some work to do in making lasting first impressions with people... I had to take a hard look at myself and ask "What is it that I want people to see in me? What kind of impression do I want to make on people?" My answer to my own question is simple... "I want them to see Jesus. I want them to feel sincerity in every word that comes from my mouth."

What about you? Have you thought about what kinds of lasting impressions you want to make with people. When someone walks always from meeting YOU for the first time, what do you want them to say that they saw?"

Gift Wrapping

I was thinking about this early this morning when I woke up. I was watching a TV program and a segment in the movie was in a children's hospital. There were gifts being distributed to all of the children. The cameras narrowed in on this little boy who had just received a very small package poorly wrapped in wrinkled, worn gift wrapping. After looking at the packages that the other kids received (wrappings of bright greens and reds) he decided that he didn't want his package, but instead, he longed to have the bigger, seemlingly nicer gifts that some of the others were getting.
Nurses around him encouraged him to open his present. With hesitation, he did so and was quite surprised to find something he had longed for, for so long - an autographed baseball from his all-time favorite player! He looked up to one of the nurses and yelled "It's better than I thought it was going to be!!"

That got me thinking about something... how often have we 'judged' others for their outward appearance? And what if God judged us by our outward appearance? Well - thank God He wasn't judging me first thing this morning - - - YIKES! Life for me, before makeup and hairspray is not a pretty sight!

Honestly, though, how often have we been guilty of this very thing? I know I have been! Admittedly, I have judged from a distance before. I have met someone and have automatically formed an opinion about them right from the start. However, I will tell you that MANY times these have proved to be some of the greatest people I have ever met! I know that my lesson learned from these situations is this: "Some of the greatest gifts come poorly wrapped in the smallest packages." I believe these situations happened to me to teach me about Christ's love for us and his pure grace! It is because of Christ's unconditional love for us that we can learn to love others unconditionally and to extend His mercy and grace to all of His children - apart from their wrapping.

Just for fun!

I got this oldy, but goody email the other day and wanted to share with you... I especially like # 18 :)

Ways To Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity.

1. At Lunch Time, Sit In Your Parked Car With Sunglasses on and point Hair Dryer At Passing Cars. See If They Slow Down.
2. Page Yourself Over The Intercom. Don't Disguise Your Voice.
3. Every Time Someone Asks You To Do Something, Ask If They Want Fries with that.
4. Put Your Garbage Can On Your Desk And Label It "In."
5. Put Decaf In The Coffee Maker For 3 Weeks. Once Everyone has Gotten over Their Caffeine Addictions, Switch To Espresso.
6. In The Memo Field Of All Your Checks, Write "For Smuggling Diamonds."
7. Finish All Your sentences with "In Accordance With The Prophecy."
8. Don't use any punctuation
9. As Often As Possible, Skip Rather Than Walk.
10. Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat with a serious face.
11. Specify That Your Drive-through Order Is "To Go."
12. Sing Along At The Opera.
13. Go To A Poetry Recital And Ask Why The Poems Don't Rhyme
14. Put Mosquito Netting Around Your Work Area And Play Tropical Sounds All Day.
15. Five Days In Advance, Tell Your Friends You Can't Attend Their Party Because You're Not In The Mood.
16. Have Your Co-workers Address You By Your Wrestling Name, Rock Bottom.
17. When The Money Comes Out The ATM, Scream "I Won!, I Won!"
18. When Leaving The Zoo, Start Running Towards The Parking lot, Yelling "Run For Your Lives, They're Loose!!"
19. Tell Your Children Over Dinner. "Due To The Economy, We Are Going To Have To Let One Of You Go."

Have a blessed day!

Not a baby anymore!

Tomorrow, June 27th, is my baby's birthday! Well - her fifth birthday - so I guess that really doesn't make her my baby any more, does it? I told her the other day that she would always be my baby.

I have been crying for 2 weeks straight at the thought of her getting to be a big girl. She will go to Kindergarten in the fall and I am so sad. I am not sure why - I should be happy... but after all - it does mean that she will never again be little. She knows I have been sad for the past couple weeks and the other day she said to me.. "You're really going to be sad when I turn 17 mom!" I am not sure where she came up with THAT particular age - but I know she's right - I will be sad at 17, too, I'm sure of it!

Time goes WAY too fast... we need to remember that and remember to make every precious moment with our children count. For one day we will look back on all of this stuff now and say, "When did this happen!?!?"

"Let them be little, 'cause their only that way for a while... Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle, let 'em sleep in the middle... Let them be little!" -Lonestar

Racing through life?

I found this quote today and it really made me think...

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
- Mario Andretti

Doesn't that seem like so many of us? I can tell you, it sounds like mine.....

My days are filled to the capacity. Really they are! From morning 'till dark I find that our family is running at WARP speed. I actually feel like Mario Andretti MOST of the time! I go and I go and I go and finally at the end of the day I am exhausted. I run out of gas and with a long, heavy sigh I retire to bed. But do you ever feel like I feel? Like you run all day and when you finally have time to sit and think and relax - you feel like you should be doing something? It's a sickness, I'm sure of it - but that is what happens to me... My husband, bless his heart, thinks I am crazy. I am constantly going... but that is my nature. I am a do-er.

I plan on taking some vacation days coming up very soon and I got to thinking about all I want to do - well, more than that, what all I want to get accomplished. That's a shame isn't it? Take a vacation to see what all I can get done!

I heard it plain as day this morning as I was driving to work.. "Take time to relax!" What? What do you mean God? Take time to relax? I couldn't do that! There's so much I need to get done - so much that I need to be doing! Then I heard it again... "Take time to RELAX." I had to know that this was God - the voice was very clear and persistent. This was not a suggestion, I told myself... This was a direct order from God.

I am going to heed the call from Him and relax this summer. My daughter is turning five on Monday and I know that the next time I turn around she will be turning 10 and then 15 and then 18 and I will have wished I would have taken more time to relax.

Psalm 46:10 NIV: "Be still and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10 MSG: "Step out of the traffic!" (that one is my favorite!)

Discerning God's Call

Discernment is described in the dictionary as: "The act or process of exhibiting keen insight and good judgment." I am currently in the middle of a great book called 'The Best Question Ever' written by Andy Stanley. It's entire premise surrounds this word - Discernment. Without going too much in detail about the book and THE BEST question ever (which, by the way is a great book that you should read) Andy Stanley gives several illustrations about discernment and how it is essential when trying to decide what is best for us and what God wants for our lives.

Sometimes we try to rationalize with ourselves when we try making decisions that do not line up with the word of God. It is when we fail to truly listen to what God is trying to say to us that we end up regretting poor decisions. It's like I try telling my 4-year old all the time - "Listen to me - I know what is best for you." or "I am telling you no for your own good." Sometimes Chloe knows what is best for her and she makes the wrong decision anyway and it winds up hurting her. Even at 4-years-old she knows what is good and what is right and tries pushing the limits anyway. Don't we do this with God? We KNOW what is right for us and sometimes we think we can make decisions on our own that will be okay for us. But that is just plain foolish. In my bible study this morning I ran across a segment that talked about discernment. The first line reads..."Discerning God's calling usually involves many attempts and failures." Boy isn't this one true!? It follows up in the first paragraph with a phrase I love - - "You're not in charge of water walking, Jesus is!" Sometimes we forget that HE is the one in charge and sometimes we attempt to make decisions for ourselves that we feel are best... but HE is the Father and only HE knows what is best for us. Are we going to always like what He has to say to us... no. Will what He wants for us be the easy path...Probably not, but we have to trust that He is in control and that He wants only what is best for us and if that means sacrifice and and a bit of difficulty in rearranging our mind-set, then so be it!

I have had some hard decisions to make - and some of them have been lately. I have finally come to terms with the fact that even though I am a type-A person I have to let it go. It is only when I can completely surrender to God and listen to His calling for my life that I know I can make the right decisions. I have learned that sometimes this involves taking a risk but it ALWAYS involves letting God work within me to give me the strength I need.

Matthew 14:28 says.."Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water."

'Knowing when to get out of the boat and step out onto the water doesn't call for courage, it calls for wisdom to ask the right questions, discernment to recognize the Master's voice and patience to wait 'till He says "Come!"'

segments taken from 'Your Word for you Today'

Church Bulletin Bloopers

I found these and wanted to share them... Some of them brought me to tears I was laughing so hard! Hope you find humor in them.. :)

Actually taken from church bulletins:

• For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
• This afternoon there will be a meeting in the South and North ends of the church. Children will be baptized at both ends." WHAT?
• Pastor is on vacation. Massages can be given to the church secretary." I think I like this one! :)
• Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands!
• The sermon this morning, "Jesus Walks on Water". The service this evening: "Searching for Jesus."
• Low self-esteem support group will meet Thursday at 7 to 8:30 pm. Please use the back door.
• Don't let worry kill you - let the church help.
• Tonight's sermon: "What is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.
• Next Sunday is the family hayride and bonfire at the Fowlers. Bring your own hot dogs and guns. Friends are welcome! Everyone come for a fun time!
• Missionary from Africa speaking at Calvary Memorial Church in Racine. Name: Bertha Belch. Annoucement: Come tonight and hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa!

and this one is my all-time favorite that I have heard a lot before:

• Weight Watchers will meet at 7pm at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double doors at the side entrance.

Hope you enjoyed!! :)

Have a great week!

Why do we worry?

Have you ever wondered about this - why do we worry? Did you know that God commands us in the Bible to not worry or be anxious for anything? He COMMANDS us to NOT worry... does that mean that by worrying, we are sinning? I guess so!

I am a worry-wart. Anyone who knows me - knows this about me. I worry about the weather, I worry about my daughter, I worry about my husband and his long travels to and from work and my friends and extended family. I worry about a lot of things. But lately, I have been reflecting upon this and trying to figure out why I worry so much.

The Bible tell us in Phil. 4:6 "Don't worry about anything.. instead, pray about everything, Tell God what you need, and thank Him for what He has done." Then in Matt. 6:34 Jesus tells us, "Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring it's own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today." Boy - how true is that statement!

We have enough things to worry about in the NOW... why do we worry about the things for tomorrow... ?? Isn't that such a useless waste of energy. Instead, we need to learn to focus that energy on God. Instead of worrying about the things that we cannot change - we need to begin to focus on the things that God is doing for us right now and rejoice and be thankful for the blessings in our lives. Sometimes, our lives are so laced with worry - we forget about focusing on what really matters.

I read an article today in a publication called.. "The word for you today". It is a daily journal I receive in the mail at work. I tell ya - the signs that God gives to us are SO CLEAR when our minds are open and when we have our thoughts on Him only... Just as I was thinking about these things over the past week, the FIRST daily journal I read in my new summer publication was entitled "Understanding Worry." It was a God thing, I'm telling ya... Here is a segmant from my reading:

-----What's making you worry? Take a closer look and you'll probably find yourself doing the folllowing things:

1.) Adding unneccessary pressures.
2.) Leaving God out of the equation.
3.) Dividing life into the secular and the scared.

When I read this, I discovered that to worry IS to sin. If God commands us NOT to worry and we continue to worry - than we continue to sin. By worrying only means that we must not be truly following Christ. Friendship with God is built by sharing ALL of life experiences with Him and trusting in His will for your life. We need to be able to give up the worry and to be able to surrender our entire existance to Him.

"Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart (not just the part of you that doesn't worry) and lean not on your own understanding (it's not what I want, it's Gods will) in all ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight." Pr. 3:5-6.

When we surrender everything to Him and let HIM have HIS way in our life - we can finally understand what it's like to lead a worry-free life!

I'm on board - are YOU?

Kid Crossing Hits Main Stage at Crossroads!

Crossroads Community Church Festival of Families

This past weekend at my church, Crossroads Community Church, our Children Grades K-5th took over the main stage and auditorium and all I can say is WOW! What an awesome experience it was to see those kids performing live with such passion and enthusiasm! I cannot tell you how exciting it was!

Being at this church, I am constantly reminded of Gods amazing love and grace. I feel so blessed and so honored to be a part of the wonderful things God is doing here at Crossroads!

For those of you who do not attend Crossroads, you can see a small glimpse of what it looked like on Sunday morning, June 5th, by visiting our website at: www.ilovemychurch.org. Click on Resources and then on Gallery and you will be able to see just a small dose of how much FUN we had! We even had popcorn popping during our worship experience - - ??? How cool is that! We worshiped Kid Crossing Style and learned Kid Crossing style and it is my prayer that we will all take away from that experience the true lesson of families! Way to go Kid Crossing leaders, Shari Glass and Amanda Iott for pulling this all together! You guys are awesome and I am truly BLESSED to be serving Christ along side of both of you!

At the end of the day - there were 7 recorded commitments to Christ - - after all, THAT is what it's all about and WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO!

Keep rocking on, ladies! :)

Stop Doing That!

I receive a monthly publication at work called "Administrative Professional". It's a great publication that is jammed packed each month with practical ideas and time-saving tactics. I love getting it!

There was an article in last month's issues that caught my attention called "Stop doing that... and that." The article was about beginning a "stop doing" list. The first line reads "If your job squares with the Pareto Principle, 80% of the results you get comes from 20% of your work." "So", the article goes on to say, "you're probably investing much of your time on assignments that yield little return." The article suggests casting a critical eye on your task list to spot 3 areas of ripe removal: 1.) Tasks that you can not do. (ie: skipping a meeting that will not allow you time to get the work done that you NEED to get done) 2.) Tasks that you can do less frequently. (ie: ordering fewer shipments of office supplies by tracking inventory better & following-up once with a phone call instead of 3 times by email) and 3.) Tasks someone else can do. (ie: Cross training someone else to handle the lighter load like stocking paper in a copier and being able to delegate those things that, let's face it - maybe someone else prefers to do more than you!) :)

Recently at our church, we have been talking about making an "I don't list" rather than continually focusing on our "to do" lists. I have to admit, when I first heard about it I felt a little uneasy. I am BIG on to-do lists. Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am a planner. I LOVE to plan and make "lists". I have them at home, at work, in my bathroom, on my mirrors and even in my car. It's a sickness, I know, I know! But, by nature, I am the doer. The planner. The organizer. The ONE in charge.

I took a class recently at church taught by my senior pastor, Scott Winstead, and our Executive pastor, Rick Mink, called The Next Generation Leader. It is based on the book written by Andy Stanley of Northpoint Community Church. It's a great book and was a great class... but I have to tell you, I was not totally "bought-in", right off the bat, with this whole "don't do" list. I got to thinking - you know, some people have to do lists so that they can prioritize their days. Other people have them to show how busy they really are. I think I have them because I like to see the work get done. I like to look at the list first thing in the morning and be able to cross them off throughout the day and then see a completed list at the end of my day. ACCOMPLISHMENT.

From a biblical standpoint, we discussed in our class about saying "no" to some things means being able to to say YES to the bigger things. For instance - saying no to TV at night to say YES to reading story books with your children. Saying no to working late to say YES to a long-over due date night with your spouse! Even saying no to those French fries to say YES to the salad that is a healthier choice for you. But even more importantly - saying no to the things that take you away from the word of God and YES to making it priority to spending time with Him each day.

Let's face it - we could ALL use more hours in our days! No doubt about it... but I am truly convinced that if I actually WERE given more hours in my day - that would just allow me more time to FILL them up with unnecessary things.

So - would you join me in beginning a quest for the "STOP DOING" lists? I am going to begin this week saying no to some things. It will hurt, at first, I know it will - but it's time that I start prioritizing my time better.

Our pastor said something this past Sunday that has really stuck with me.... and I am going to incorporate it in my "stop doing" list. He said this (and I am paraphrasing): We get to make a personal appointment with God each and every day. God was waiting for you last month. He was waiting for you last week. He is waiting for you right now. God will meet us where we are, no matter what.

I'm going to start that "stop doing" list so that I can begin to focus on the things that really matter - - - what about you.

I'd love your feedback!

The Bigger Plans!

I remember when I was thinking about leaving my former “career” in the real estate industry. I had been in the field for almost 9 years and I really loved my job. I knew it well – and it gave me much satisfaction. I was “comfortable” in that environment. I knew the work – I liked the work and I did it very well. For me, this was safe. For me, my “story” would begin and end there…. But that was before I was presented a great opportunity.

When I was faced with a decision to leave my old job to join staff at Crossroads Community Church, I was a little confused. After all – there was nothing about my former job I didn’t like, however, I felt this “tug” at my heart. You probably can relate. The tug from God leading us down a different path. He had bigger plans for me and I did not see that right away.

For those of you who are not familiar with the Christian band, Casting Crowns, they are fabulous! When I purchased their CD, one song really spoke to me – and hit home with what I was going through at the time. For those of you who have not had an opportunity to get the CD – do it! You won’t regret it – these guys are awesome! Here are the lyrics that helped me to make a great decision to join the staff at Crossroads – and I have not looked back. I love it here. I cannot imagine being ANYWHERE else.. I know, now, that I am exactly where God wants me to be – without a doubt!

The Voice of Truth - Casting Crowns
Oh what I would do to have The kind of faith it takes to climb out of this boat I'm in
On to the crashing waves

To step out of my comfort zone Into the realm of the unknown where Jesus is
And He's holding out His hand.

But the waves are calling out my name and they laugh at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The waves they keep on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
The Voice of Truth.

Oh what I would do to have The kind of strength it takes to stand before a giant
With just a sling and a stone.
Surrounded by the sound of a thousand warriors Shaking in their armor
Wishing they'd have had the strength to stand.

But the giant's calling out my name and he laughs at me Reminding me of all the times I've tried before and failed.
The giant keeps on telling me Time and time again, "Boy, You'll never win!"
"You'll never win!"

But the Voice of Truth tells me a different story
The Voice of Truth says, "Do not be afraid!"
And the Voice of Truth says, "This is for My glory"
Out of all the voices calling out to me
I will choose to listen and believe
The Voice of Truth

But the stone was just the right size To put the giant on the ground
And the waves they don't seem so high From on top of them lookin' down
I will soar with the wings of eagles
When I stop and listen to the sound of Jesus
Singing over me

I will listen and believe
I will listen and believe
The Voice of Truth

I will listen and believe
Cause Jesus you are the Voice of Truth!

Out of the Mouths of Babes!

So I was driving with my 4-year-old daughter, Chloe, the other day and she begins to talk to me in a pretty profound matter about death and dying and Jesus Christ. We were driving home from school and she asks me this - "Mom, what happens when we die? Will it really be beautiful like you said?" After almost rear-ending the car in front of me from the question itself I tried my best to pull over to have this "heart-to-heart" conversation with her that really called for more attention than I was actually able to give her being in the front seat of a moving vehicle. :)

My reply to her was simple "Yes, honey - when you get to heaven, it will be a beautiful place." AND THEN she responded with this "Mommy, did you know Jesus is in my heart?" I could barely wipe the tears from my eyes fast enough and I replied with "How do you know He is, Chloe?" I tell ya - out of the mouths of babes.... her repsonse.. "Because I can feel him in there... silly Jesus!"

Although, on the surface, this appears to be one of those "silly" stories, you know the whole "kids say the darnest things" scenario.... but to me it was much more. For me, it was more about the fact that she understands what it means to have Jesus in her heart. Okay - so she was a bit confused about Him actually being in there and making these "fluttery" feelings (as she said) in her heart - but I believe she is "getting"it. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to teach her about Jesus and how much He loves her. I feel so blessed to be able to witness to my OWN daughter about how we accept Jesus into her life and that with Him all things are possible. I pray that she will continue to ask all of those questions and even more that I will be able to answer her and asssit her through all of her life-altering decisions.

God NEVER gives us too much!

I was thinking today about something... How true it is that God never gives us more than we can handle. Sometimes in the midst of pain and suffering, it is our natural tendency to complain or get discouraged... isn't it? I know sometimes I get down a bit if I am struggling, or if I am going through something that is difficult. About 2 1/2 weeks ago I was involoved in a minor slip and fall accident at work which resulted in a badly sprained ankle. I remember when I first did it - my first reaction was - NOT NOW, GOD... I can't possibly have this happen now.. I am too busy! I've got way too much on my plate to have THIS tradgedy happen to me! Why is that so often the case that we tend to ask those questions - WHY ME? For me, this situation was a lesson about to be learned! Of course the lesson didn't begin to truly unfold for me until after the pain had somewhat diminished.. :) Ha!

The lesson that was as clear as daylight to me in the days and weeks that followed was that it was NOT all about ME! I was doing WAY too much for me and God was trying to tell me to SLOW IT DOWN. Part 2 of that lesson included praising Him even when I don't feel like it. So often we get so "busy" and "wrapped up" in our daily living that we forget the One Thing that is the most important - praising and thanking or awesome Savior for all that He does and for all of the blessings that we have.

It's true, God never gives us more than we can handle - but somtimes it takes a busted ankle to get our attention. Slow down - take time to do the things that are the most important and PRAISE and thank Him daily for all the blessings in your life - - after all - He was the one who gave me the ankle to stand on in the first place!

This is a picture of my beautiful daughter, Chloe and I on Christmas Eve, 2004 

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog!!! Since I am new to this whole thing - I am just running a test to see how this whole thing works. :) Thanks to Brian Glass for getting us started on blogging...

I thought this would be an awesome way to journal and share with my readers some of my thoughts and feelings. Also - a way cool way to communicate with others who are in the field of Church Administration like me.

Well - thanks for checking in and I will write more after I get this whole thing figured out..

In HIS Grip,