Bye Mike!

Life

I'm getting a lot from the book we're discussing in Sunday School - "Don't Waste Your Life" by John Piper. If you haven't started reading it - please read it. I've also been getting a lot from those that have added to our Sunday School discussion. Thank you so much!

One blog post that I've read recently on Boundless.org was great - Trusting in God's Goodness. You can use this article in your relationships, your work, etc. It's perfect for Christmas when we've got to realize it's not about us. It's about Him - JESUS CHRIST. We need to Trust in God not in us. We were made for Him (I'm speaking to myself as well as you). Take a read when you get a minute. http://www.boundlessline.org/2008/12/gods-goodness-i.html and then let us know your thoughts on either this post or what you think so far about the "Don't Waste Your Life" Book. This coming week, we're reading ch. 3. You can check the book out by clicking on the link I have on the right to the book's website.

Stories from my friends that are moms

I loving hearing stories from my friends that are moms. What God shows them through their kids can be so real and so funny and so true. One of those friends is my friend Courtney from college who has posted another two blog posts that have really made me think today. Please read them because I think you will also get a lot out of them.

1. This one is about how many times you actually hear "MERRY CHRISTMAS" rather than "HAPPY HOLIDAYS!" I hope you say "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to everyone you meet this season.
http://crayonscrumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/2008/12/i-say-merry-christmas.html

2. This one is about how we want to put our spin on God's plan for our life: a little sweet, a little spice, a little color, etc. I try to do this all the time and I've just got to stop it. Many times, I want what I want because I think I know what's best for me and not ask God what His plan is for me. He sees the BIG picture and knows what's best for me in the long run and I need to always listen to Him and do what he says. Take a read.
http://crayonscrumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/2008/12/dont-draw-on-china.html

Thanks Courtney for your posts! I hope you all have a great day!

Some great posts I've read today

One of my friends from college has a blog. She's a mom of one daughter and has been a foster mom to another daughter for a few months now. This is her experience with visiting Santa and what God showed her through the experience. WOW! Take a read.
http://crayonscrumbsandchaos.blogspot.com/2008/12/seeing-santa.html

Perry Noble is the minister at NewSpring Community Church in SC. One of my friends at work, who used to attend his church in Anderson, SC, pointed out to me that he has a blog. Today's post called Kissing Toilets caught my attention. It's amazing how God can show us things in the nastiest circumstances. Take a read.
http://www.perrynoble.com/2008/12/09/kissing-toilets/

No Voice

WOW, for someone like myself that LOVES TO SING and LOVES TO TALK, when you have no voice, it changes everything! Thankgoodness I also love to type. I woke up this morning with no voice and turns out I have a viral upper respiratory infection. No antibiotics - I've just got to shut up, rest, stay away from people, and wait it out. None of that fits my personality even though I do like to sleep in some mornings if I can.

On Sunday, we sang this new Christmas song that I had never heard of. It was like they added a verse to the song the Offering (turns out - they did). I LOVED IT! I love Christmas songs so I had to find it. Today, with a little extra time on my hands, I found it on iTunes. It's by Casting Crowns and it's called Christmas Offering. I bought it! It's on their Peace on Earth CD. Because I can't sing it right now like I'D LOVE TO DO, it made me listen to the words even more. It's so beautiful! I just think you should listen to it. If you have myspace or facebook, I believe they have it on their pages. I haven't seen it anywhere else. Bryan will probably play it again on Sunday I'm thinking.

No More Mondays

I actually began two books yesterday. The Don't Waste Your Life book with the group as well as a work related type book called "No More Mondays" by Dan Miller, who is a Christian author. He also wrote "48 Days to the Work You Love," which will probably be the next book I read. Anyhow, I've just read the 1st chapter and they had three quotes I'd like to share. Whenever you have quotes you would like to share, please share them on the blog. It would be great to read them.

"Failure is the opportunity to begin again more intelligently." - Henry Ford

"You can't sail to new lands unless you're willing to lose sight of the shore." - no name

"The real act of discovery is not in finding new lands, but in seeing with new eyes." - Marcel Proust

Don't Waste Your Life

Sunday morning we started studying Don't Waste Your Life. This week, we're reading ch. 1. The cool thing is that wherever you are (and have internet), you have the book. It's online at the book's website in pdf format. www.dontwasteyourlife.com (really simple to remember).

As you read, post what you thought of ch. 1 if you want. We'll discuss it in Sunday School. HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Update

Well, I haven't posted in a while. I've had a few rough days while I was visiting family over the holiday and now that I'm back in town. Certain Bible verses dealing with pressing on, and His presence being with me wherever I am to help me have been going through my head. Also, I've had my friends both at work and church that have been awesome - letting me talk about it, reminding me some things are not important as I make them out to be, reminding me God is with me and will get me through this, or just making me laugh. THANKS!

So, to you, the reader of this AWESOME Group's blog! The question in this post that I'd love for you to respond to is:

What Bible verses inspire you through hard times? Share! I know I'm not the only one that could use them right about now. Can't wait to see the responses pour in.

The Woman I'm Becoming

I just finished this book by by T. Suzanne Eller that I've mentioned before in other posts. I was looking back over some pages that I had flagged that I really liked and wanted to share two more quotes from the book.

"Desires of their heart. We all have them, but for some reason or another, have not been taught what to do with them. We don't know how to implement what we know of God and who we know him to be into our daily heart's desires. Most of all, I think we're afraid. Affraid if we offer them to him, maybe he won't give them to us." - Karyn Long, co-founder of the After Eve Conference.

"Have you ever had doors closed? Did you consider that it might be an answer, rather than a rejection?"

Psalms 37:4 - "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart."

A great quote

"He only stirs us when he wants to change us. He only makes us feel uneasy with where we are so we're willing to do whatever it takes to get where he is." - "Having a Mary Spirit" by Joanna Weaver.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Reading!

I've been reading "The Woman I am Becoming" by T. Suzanne Eller. It talks about subjects like friendship and creating community, love, marriage, sex, body image, your faith, and your job. It's a well rounded book. It does keep it a little light, so if you're looking for boldness - this isn't your book. Let me know what you're reading!

Grace and Thanks!

http://www.boundlessline.org/2008/11/grace-and-thank.html

Boundless.org is a great website by Focus on the Family for singles. I've been reading their blog over the past two weeks ever since I heard about it, and this afternoon I saw this post and wanted to share it. It was perfect for Thanksgiving! If you would like to ever share any links with us, either email me with it or post it as a comment to the blog. HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I'm Letting Go!

I heard this song a few weeks ago and wanted to share it. It's called I'm Letting Go by Francesca Battistelli. It says:

My heart beats, standing on the edge but my feet have finally left the ledge
Like an acrobat there’s no turning back
I’m letting go of the life I planned for me and my dreams
I’m losing control of my destiny
It feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe so I’m letting go
This is a giant leap of faith
Trusting and trying to embrace the fear of the unknown beyond my comfort zone
Giving in to your gravity knowing You are holding me
I’m not afraid
Feels like I’m falling and that’s what it’s like to believe
Feels like I’m falling and this is the life for me

Here's the link - http://www.francescamusic.com/tracks/im-letting-go-lyrics

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey, thanks Lea, Mike, and Melissa for commenting on the blog. Please continue to do so!

I don't have much to say in the blog today event wise because it's Thanksgiving week, and we're not all getting together this week. The next time we'll see each other is next Monday, Dec. 1st at my place for the December Potluck - don't forget!

I loved this way of saying Jeremiah 29:11 that I saw in a book this week - "I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out - plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for. When you call on me, when you come and pray to me, I'll listen." I've been praying BOLDLY with God this week about a few things, and I've realized as the week went on that He has been giving me peace about normally sad things, laughter amongst great friends, and excitement about new things in my life. He has taken care of me, not abandoned me, and most definently I know He's listened to me.

SO - I'm wanting you all to PRAY BOLDLY for what you want and pray that God will open your eyes to see the things He blesses you with (especially this week when we're giving thanks). As you are traveling this week - to where ever - think of the ways God has blessed you that you need to thank Him for. The pastor's sermon this morning helped you to get started with your list of blessings. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

New Years' Eve Plans

I'm not planning anything yet for New Years other than to be here and to be hanging out with you all. :-) But, I'd like for us to start to think of somethings we'd like to do for New Years' Eve. Post in the comments anything you'd like to do - something we've never done, something we haven't done in a while, whatever.

Three things I've learned over the years we've gotten together:
1) DC does not have fireworks on New Years' Eve. What a shame.
2) If you want to go anywhere that night other than someone's house, you have to plan ahead.
3) Bowling is really expensive on New Years' Eve.

Start commenting. :-)

Christmas Party Plans!

Hey All, I know I've posted already today, sorry.

It was decided that all the singles - The Crossroads Class and The Ministry 365 Class - would have a joint Christmas Party this year and that each class would have their own New Years' Eve party if they wanted. The Crossroads Class will be hosting the Christmas party and here are their plans. I hope you can make it.

It will start at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 17th. The plan is to meet at church at 5:30 and head for the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, Maryland. We plan to reserve the church bus and/or van. After Symphony of Lights, they wanted to go out to eat together at Rams Head at Savage Mill. Last stop will be back at church for a dessert party and White Elephant gift exchange. You can come at any time during the night. They will have the three events divided up with times posted so people will know where to go if they run late. Leslie emailed me this afternoon about it. I'll send out more details later. Have a great day!

Another Fun Filled Weekend!

Good Morning! It was a long weekend with babysitting on Friday, partying with Lea on Saturday, and the normal church, lunch and mafia on Sunday. Thank you to all of those that came out this weekend. I don’t say it enough but ya’ll are awesome and I really enjoy hanging out with ya’ll.

If you were at Amplified, we committed to reading the Bible for 5 minutes every day. I have a link on the blog to an online Bible so if you want, take 5 minutes right now, pray for God to use that 5 minutes for His Glory, click on the link and read.

We have another “field trip” planned for Saturday. Please come out with us! We’re meeting at Katie’s house and leaving at 10 a.m. From there, we’ll hit the metro, go to DC, and learn some about American History (the American Indian Museum, and the American History Museum). Please eat breakfast before you come, bring money for lunch, and wear warm clothes (the high for the week is in the 40s). We’ll have you back in time for Amplified at 6 p.m. so don’t worry about that. If you have any questions, just let me know.

Please check the previous postings! Also, please comment. I’d love to hear what you think.

Quiet Time Ideas

If you don't think you have time for a "quiet time" download one of these sermon series that I have posted (or another sermon series) and listen to it while driving, cooking, or whatever. Work at getting God's word into your every day life not just on Sunday any way you can. Comment to this post on ways that have helped you get God's word into your every day life to help each other (ie. putting them on index cards around your house, verses a day emailed to you every morning, etc). Let's hear what you've got.

Sermons Online

Have you checked out the sermon series that I have in the links list? If so, let me know what you think by commenting. I'm loving both series. They might sound by the titles like they're for only women, however, I believe that both ministers minister to men in them as well. One of my guy coworkers has listened to a few and thought it was good. Can't wait to hear what you think.

New Stuff and Updates

At the November potluck, a few of us stayed till like 11:30 p.m. talking about ALL KINDS OF THINGS! (WHICH WAS AWESOME) One thing we talked about was books. So, I figured I'd add a list on our blog of books you all recommend. Christian books only please. Please email me any books you think we need to read and the authors. I'll add them to the list and will put your name in ( ). I have added two of mine that we talked about at the potluck. Now it's your turn.

Also, if you can think of anything else you'd like me to include on the blog, let me know.

Check the blog every now and then. Who knows when and how often I'll post.

A Wonderful Sunday!

I hope you all had a great weekend. Sunday was a lot of fun with the Spanish/English service, Don Pablos, football, and playing maffia. What a mix!?

This coming Friday we have babysitting at church from 5-8 p.m. for the MOPS. Please contact Lea if you'll be able to help.

Lea's birthday is Tuesday, so wish her a Happy Birthday!

Saturday is Amplified Service at 6 p.m. and we'll be celebrating Lea's birthday afterward. Stassia has more info on the celebration I hear. Sunday will probably be church, lunch, football, and playing games again unless anyone else has a better plan.

I just finished reading a book this weekend for single Christian women. One thing I got out of it that would apply to men and women was that I need to start praying A LOT MORE BOLDLY. God is Bold, so why should we pray to Him so sheepishly. He can do so much more if we ask BOLDLY and be Men and Women of God rather than boys and girls of God. I've been praying for two specific things for years now, and I've decided I need to amp up my boldness in praying for these two things and see what God does. This book reminded me that in praying Boldly, I have to spend more time with God, so whether I get the answer I want or not, my relationship with God will grow, and that's the main thing. The main thing is to keep the main thing - the main thing! :-)

On the book's blog, the author stated "Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Also, let's share our prayer requests because if two or more are praying Boldly, only God knows what can happen.

LETS START PRAYING BOLDLY! and for each other and for Ministry 365!

Have a great week!

Update: Hiking and Babysitting

Hiking - We're leaving Katie's house at 10 a.m. Arriving at Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center around 11 a.m. We'll explore the MD side of the park, have lunch, and will probably venture back around 2 - 2:30 p.m. Bring lunch, good walking shoes, and water.

Babysitting - We're helping the Mothers of Pre-Schooloers (MOPS) at church on Nov. 14th. We'll be babysitting 4:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Please come out and help us give these moms and dads a night off.

Have a great weekend!

11.4.08 Update

I'm exhausted tonight because I had SUCH A GREAT TIME on Monday at the potluck that didn't end till 1130. Thanks!

This Saturday - 10 a.m., Katie's House, leaving for Great Falls Park to go hike. Not sure how long we'll be gone yet. Bring lunch.

Sunday - Sunday School, worship service, lunch, football, and probably a game of mafia will be held later that night.

Monday - I may have off, and Tuesday - I have off, so if anyone wants to do anything during the day or evenings, let me know.

Nov. 14th - Church needs babysitters at church from 5-8 p.m. Guys and Gals are asked to help.

Nov. 15th - Lea's bday party. Stasha has more info.

Keep each of us in your prayers during the week, and continue to keep our country and government in your prayers as always.

This is a new blog and I'm working to improve it. Any suggestions? Email me.