Not sure about blogging anymore...

Reading my last post was funny...because the time passing really picked up speed. I can hardly believe the time between my last post and this one.

Here's the "skinny" of what's happened since the last blog and my recent thoughts about blogging.

In February, my husband Len and I went on a mission trip to Egypt for the first time together. We went with 6 other awesome people. We then connected with 5 more team members in Egypt. It was an amazing trip. Our team became like family to each other and we loved meeting together. We miss each other. We miss our Egyptian family and friends.

When we returned Len and I continued talking with three young women we met while there in Egypt. Two of them had accepted my invitation to be our translators. I had met them 2-1/2 years ago through Facebook when I prayed for them as they suffered the unexpected death of their father. In Egypt it's a very very difficult thing to be without your father, he is their mediator and protector. Len and I became their parents with the approval of Isis, their mother. She is a wonderful and gracious woman and shares her daughter's love with us. One of the girls will be coming to spend 3-1/2 months with us to gain culture and work experience. We are looking forward to welcoming Cookie into our home. We love these girls and Isis very very much.

My daughter, Erica and her husband, are expecting their 2nd child and our 5th grandchild in early October. We are blessed abundantly by our grandchildren. They are the best and I love them so much.

Ok, so there's the "skinny" leaving a lot out but that's ok.

Now here's what I've been thinking about blogging: Is it really beneficial? Is it worth it to blog when there's Facebook, Twitter, emailing, and texting. Hey! What about old fashioned calling people on the phone to chat and what about scheduling time to sit down and have coffee or tea together? Remember time is flying by!
No doubt blogging has lost a priority and perhaps a discipline in my life.

I'm just wondering...do people still read blogs ?
or
Maybe..it's just become more like open journaling.

It's the end of the first month of 2010

Can you believe it !! One month into 2010. Do you feel like it is going to be a special year? Something you are anticipating...something's coming. Well, a couple of the women I meet with each week feel it too. I hope that it is a great year of personal growth in my life. I'm looking forward to it. Are you?

Let me know if you are anticipating a great year and what it is you are looking forward to.

Time passes quickly - Hello Journal

It's too long since I last posted. How can this be? Time slips by and before you know it months pass. I am trying to journal everyday in order to recognize and appreciate the time I am blessed to enjoy life.

I have tried journaling on and off over the years but usually it fizzles after so many weeks. Since March, 2009 I challenged a couple of young women I was meeting with to journal along with me. It was that accountability that seemed to get me over the hump.

In leading people, as I have the privilege to do at NewPointe Community Church, I really sensed that I enjoy a freedom to pray and spend time with God, to begin a day fresh. It was something I was guilty of taking too lightly without great appreciation. I'm not brilliant nor the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to journaling. I rarely write down the events of the previous day. For me, I usually focus on what I am going to commit to God for the day. With that I might mention prayers, petitions, struggles, sins needing confessed, trust issues I have which I know God cares and wants to help me with. Sometimes I use my own format and sometimes I ramble.

Whatever you do in 2010 - try to write it down. It will be a special year for you to review the time you spent on earth.
The bottom line is every day just try and before you know it you will be like me. You will get over the hump.

But baby, it's cold outside

This week was the initiation in Ohio that "brrr...winter is here". Ice storms hitting on Sunday's are always a challenge,

For some, it will keep them coming out to church, for others, nothing short of shutting the doors will keep them from church. What drives you in situations like that? Are you concerned for your own safety being on the road or is it that comfort zone? Whatever your position is, you still have the opportunity to draw close to God today. Don't let the day slip away without coming close to the One who loved you first and who loves you the most.

If your at our Millersburg campus, hope to see you there.

Stay warm, stay dry, be blessed.

A kid story

Here's a story from this past Sunday in The ReignForest.

A little girl comes in with her mom for the first time. She is not happy, she doesn't want to be here (unusual for us to hear that). She crosses her arms stomps her feet, puts out her lip and says, while crying, I want to go back to my old church. Her mom tries to calm her but she can't. The little girl takes her name tag off crumples it and throws it to the ground. I gently encourage the mom and daughter out of the hallway and into an empty room. She continues her verbal outrage at being at this church. Within a minute I encourage mom that she will be alright and to go ahead and go. Mom, very wisely, quickly exits the room. The little girl is now crying loudly and stomping and verbally telling me "I want my mom and I want her now!!!" After quite a few questions about playing with this toy or the sandbox I ask her if she attends preschool. She says she does. She attends "StrLt". Really, I tell her, that is where my granddaughter goes. Her eyes get big and she says that "She's my friend." Really I say, well you know she just came in 5 minutes ago and is in Canopy right now. Would you like to go sit with her?" No! she says. Ok, well maybe you would like to go peek at her through the window. She's alright with that and she sees my grand-daughter but still does not want to go in. I tell her that's ok we can wait out here for her. In just a few minutes my grand-daughter comes out holding the rope with her little table friends. The little girl beside me says "Hello T...." My grand-daughter just looks at her like Who are you? Great I think to myself...this might not work. We follow my grand-daughter to her room and I ask the little girl, "would you like to wear your name badge so they will know who you are?" She takes it from my hand and sticks it on her dress, walks in and sits down at the table beside my grand-daughter. I know there was Angels singing "Alleluia" at that moment. Somedays there are situations where even the angels must hold their breath wondering who is stronger, the grown-up or the child.

Where Does Time Go?....ah to facebook

So many days have passed since I blogged. Why? two small letters fb ... yes, my friends I tell you there is so much that can take place on facebook that it leaves little time left to blog. I look forward to getting back to blog world...but not right now. Chat with you on fb friends.

Back in the saddle again

WOW-here I am back on the horse, the regular routine...well maybe not after yesterday's power outage that sent us out the emergency doors at a time when parents are picking up their kiddies. The good, the bad and the ugly: We didn't lose any little ones, it happened during parent pick-up time and the ugly is that we know our weak spots or what we need to work on....OK that's not really ugly is it ? Actually, I was very thankful for the opportunity to know how an emergency exiting would go. I was hugely, immensely thankful that no children were mis-matched or lost - that would have been worse than ugly (don't even want to go there).
Last week I was at Orange Conference in Atlanta, Ga. where we collectively (churches)focus on mobilizing the next generation. It was a time of rethinking and relearning as we look at relevant opportunities. We looked at leadership and how the younger generation is redefining their look of faith. It’s an opportunity to network, learn new ideas and share what works in our ministry areas. Finally our family ministry team has an opportunity to get to know each other and fellowship at a level that supersedes anything that could take place back home.
Thanks to all who support family ministry and allow us to get away to hone and craft our ministry skills so we can be better at what we do each week-end.
Not to us, but to YOU Lord be the glory.

Cleaning it up

Well the bug has bitten me and I hope this one hangs on for a few weeks. Yep, that Spring housecleaning bug got me.
I like the smell of Murphy's Oil Soap, Lysol disinfectant, Windex and the fresh flower, trees, grass breeze coming in through the windows. My biggest dilemna has been, time and the energy to make it happen.
Well, I think I have found someone to come along beside me and help me. Sometimes you have to bite the bullet and seek help.
My task has been overwhelming me since my daughter, husband and grand-daughter moved in with Len and I. It's been going well relationally but sometimes the "stuff" (and a lot of it's my stuff) gets me bogged down and stifles me.
This past Tuesday I took a personal day off and with the help of a younger set of hands we set in motion "gittin' er done". What a difference.
I know that tomorrow we will make another significant breakthrough and it will continue. It gives me hope.
This change is going to be good!
Do you ever get overwhelmed by your housework?
Coming soon: Confessions of a Packrat

He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands

What an awesome Easter day. Our new series at NewPointe is so relevant. It's easy to forget with the downturn in the economy and everyday life ups and downs that God is in control. You can get too busy with life and miss the 7,000 promises in the Bible or forget to take time to realize that God does keep his Word and his promises. These promises can keep you balanced in the crazy times of life.

On Saturday night as I finished some preparations for Sunday I knew Easter was going to be a big "crazy" kind of day. We were kicking off a third service at 12:50 and we were expecting a big turnout...well it could be enough to keep you awake. I shared with my ReignForest volunteers in our Sunday morning huddletime the last item on my list which I made the night before.
#8 "Don't have a nervous breakdown - Trust God".
We all had a good laugh. I think they could relate. You wouldn't think you would have to be reminded that God is in control and you should just trust him, but at that moment when my mind wouldn't calm down...I really needed to act upon that confession. I was struggling with nerves and I needed to fess up and then affirm my action to "Trust God". After writing that last item and releasing my life to God, I went to sleep and slept well.

Easter attendance was 4,516. Almost 2,000 more than the previous year. Attendance in The ReignForest with just birth - 5 year olds 324 plus nearly a couple hundred volunteers.
Yep, I know who's in control and it's good to remember.
We can Trust God.
He is in control.

He's Still Got the Whole World in His Hands.

If it helps to remember it I'll write it down every day "Trust God".

Life in the fast lane

Have you ever felt like your life is like speeding down the fast lane of a highway? Sometimes it can be like that as a staff person here at NewPointe Community Church. This is not necessarily a bad thing. As long as you take time to exit at roadside rest areas. Those areas for me are my quiet times with God, spending time in reflecting on His Word and my life is being filtered through it. I hope that you are spending time getting off the rest exit if your life is similar to a busy highway right now.

Here's some verses that the Holy Spirit has brought to my remembrance:

Philippians 4:4-7
4Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Romans 12:1-2
1Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Hit it on the head !

Those attending NewPointe Community Church have been invited to be a part of the 28 day fast leading up to Easter Sunday. If you click on the NPCC link it will take you to the fasting and prayer guidelines. I hope you want to participate. I hope you want to grow and discover the plans that God has for your life.

Today I had been thinking about what I was going to give up for this fast. Although I'm fasting every Monday I wanted to be able to also make another sacrifice. It was really too late to give up any particular food. We had just returned from my grandson Joshua's birthday party and well ... what can I say Josh did real good in picking his birthday meal.

Upon arriving at home I really wanted to take some time and play Dr. Mario with Len. I thought out loud "Hey, that's what I can give up...Dr. Mario." My son-in-law, Aaron, had just come into the house and heard me mention that and said "Well, why don't you give up FaceBook." He no sooner said it then I was like in my mind "NO" ... "Ugghh, I don't want to be away from FaceBook for 28 days!" I said I'd have to think about that...but immediately, I knew by that internal response that would be the best sacrifice I could make. Aaron's pretty perceptive and he hit the nail right on the head.

Drat, you Aaron !! Your timing of coming in the house - too perfect. :-)

So, fb, I'll see you in 28 days. I'm going to take the fb application off my BB Storm and file it away. Remove the temptation. I'll still be on Yahoo if you want to check in with me.

I am looking forward to surrendering and yielding my life so I experience life change.
We all need it.

What are you giving up in preparation to be refreshed, renewed....changed ?

Tearing it down so it can be rebuilt

Presently I'm doing a couple of book studies with two different groups of people with the book by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, Brokenness, Surrender, Holiness. We are just getting into chapters 3 & 4 dealing with pride. Dwight spoke on this part of the book on Monday at our SWAT (staff) meeting. He had given each of the staff this book as a gift at Christmas.

Today in a meeting with Lorrie, one of my apprentices in The ReignForest, she made a very good analogy. She talked about how swimmers have to get in shape for competition. For weeks before the competition they workout breaking down their muscle groups so that they can build them back up so they will be stronger.

When I look at it in the same way as an athlete does at building muscles it sure makes sense.

I don't like discovering pride in my life. I need the Holy Spirit to convict me of those pride issues so that God will draw near to me.

This process is difficult - change is difficult...but I can't continue the same way I am for where God wants me to go.

NewPointe Community Church Staff and The 90 Day Challenge

Our staff at NewPointe is in yet another weight competition entitled THE 90 DAY CHALLENGE. We keep scorecards of points we accumulate for: pounds lost, walking, cardio, weights, drinking water 63> and vitamins. You also can lose points i.e., for eating junk food. Another twist is that it's possible to steal points from someone if you catch them eating junk food.
Here is an interesting part: kangaroo court can be held at SWAT meeting on Monday's. Yes, in front of your peers you can make the claim that you are not guilty.
This staff is quite competitive and we are having a lot of fun with it.

Drinking the water is one of the hardest parts for me! I'm gittin'er done!

dayz fly by

here it is coming upon the end of another week. today i mentioned to amy, a volunteer in the reignforest, the longer i work in a day the more it seems i have to do. did you ever feel that way? well sometimes i forget - - ok, i may often forget, that i will never ever ever get it all done. that's my brave courageous statement for today. yes, for some of us who are more "structure oriented" we like to have everything done or try to. i can't really say i've accomplished that, but some days i feel i do better than others.

perhaps i'm feeling this way because i'm making time to work on relationships - you know they take a big chunk of time...well it could be. you know i don't think our enemy (you know horns, red cape..? wants us to take time to build relationships. however, i think GOD is very happy when we focus more on relationships then tasks. well now that makes me feel better. guess i'm on my way to a changed mindset about getting everything done.

now i'm off to bed...i can rest "with the undone of the day".

being stretched

i need "courage"... who was the character in the "wizard of oz" that needed courage... do you remember?

yeah, the lion, that's right. well, my pastor, dwight mason, last year all that man seemed to be asking for when i'd ask him how i could pray for him, would be to ask for three things one of which was that God would give him courage.

it seems like a crazy thing to ask for when your leader of a church that's over 2,500 people...who you'd believe to have had to arrive at this point with a lot of courage...well if you've gotten that far, one would think. well, perhaps, i don't know for sure, but perhaps, you just need so much more of it each year because the risks are bigger, the stakes are higher, the enemy is licking your heels more often. You just need more....so that's what you keep asking for.

yes, he is wise and strives for purity (i believe those are the other two).

this year i want to strive to exercise courage...do more for God, take risks, live on that edge, be real, be vulnerable, all these things are going to take a lot more courage than i had last year....all so I can be changed.

who wants to be the same as they were in 2008 .... that's so boring - come on let's live dangerously for God.

please pray for me to have courage. it could be that i come in contact with the one who needs to hear Jesus Christ loves you and He died so you can have eternal life.

facebook

I love facebook. It's so easy to connect with people who have touched your life in various ways. There is a pitfall to it though...because it's so easy to jump from friend to friend, I find it easy - very easy to spend more time there than..say like writing on my blog.

It's not that I mean to ignore blogging, I just don't find it as connective as facebook. The one thing I do find here is that I can be more expressive which at times is either too rambling or struggling to express myself at what I'm experiencing.

So, all that to say this...I REALLY REALLY like facebook. If you don't have a facebook account, get it, but fair warning - it can be addictive.

A New Year

It was a most satisfying Christmas this year. We accomplished giving less gifts to each other this year and we focused more on appreciation of the day and what it means to us.

We had our annual New Year's Eve party with lots of appetizers and friends over. The time went by so fast with fixing sauerkraut balls together, eating, talking and laughing that before we knew it, it was time to watch the ball drop in Times Square, toast each other with our bubbly sparkling grape juice while ushering in the New Year.

So now with the holidays over and a new year before us my thoughts have turned to reflection of the past year and toward planning vacations, birthdays and family events...oh and of course making those New Year resolutions.

My number 1 resolution- it is to not be the same person I was last year. I know I can't personally accomplish this resolution in and of my own strength. It will take more time reading God's Word and meditating on it. It will take more prayer and submitting to the very likeness of Christ. It will take dying to self daily.

Happy New Year and may God Bless you as you pursue meeting your New Year's resolutions.

Christmas Music Spectacular

Len and I went to see this musical at the Akron Civic Theatre. It was advertised as family friendly and it sure was. So refreshing. The variety and talent of the show was really impressive. We received tickets from Larry Wilgus, music director, of the production. During the show, Larry had some people talk about what they do each year as Christmas traditions, this was a nice engagement of the audience. He also had the audience sing a couple of times together and they did, it was very very nice. I told my son-in-law when we returned home that it would be a great tradition to start attending this as a family next year. Especially if the production takes place at NewPointe Community Church. I don't know if that will happen but I sure think it would be a great event for our community and our family.

The Akron Civic Theatre is really something to behold. WOW! They restored this place around 12 years ago and it's impressive. Len and I had been there in the early 90's to attend a Newsboys concert and the theatre was in need of repair. They sure did an outstanding job. The detailed architecture is worth making the trip up there.

After the show we while waiting for people to file out of the balcony we were surprised to see a couple of other NewPointer's, Dave & Miriam. We all were impressed with the ceiling, the constellation of stars imbedded in the ceiling and the moving clouds; lighting just the overall beauty of the place. I told Dave I really would like to do the sky like that in North Canopy in The ReignForest at NewPointe. He said he could do that. He had done something like this for another place. WOW, That would be sooo coool!!! I know our preschoolers, volunteers and guests would be in awe. And you know, there's nothing like the wonder of God's beautiful heavens, the work He did on the fourth day, to put you in awe of His majesty and handiwork. Cool beans!

Well, you still have a chance to see this show since it will be playing still on Sunday, December 14th. You won't regret making the trip up to Akron to take this in.

Oh, another cool thing Akron has going on is the outside ice skating rink. It sure was great to see all the families there having a good time in downtown Akron. It kind of makes me want to get out the old ice skates. It's been awhile but it's probably like riding a bike ... right? ha ha ha, Just to be safe I'd better strap a pillow on the backside if you know what I mean.

Enjoy the holidays.

Thinking about opportunities of conflict

Today I had a great opportunity to talk with a young mother about baby dedication, being new to the church she is just getting engaged with a small group and I was excited to hear about that. Discussing baby dedication always offers me a segway to serving opportunities.

How exciting it was to engage with her about the variety of serving options we have at NewPointe. Did you know that in The ReignForest we have serving opportunities that are only 35 minutes long or that a serving opportunity can be 2 or 3 times a year ? She was so excited to find out that she could get engaged in a lower commitment serve that has a big impact.

She also asked some specific questions about baby dedication about the questions we ask. Since her husband is not a believer or follower of Jesus Christ. I still encouraged her to have him attend the parent meeting. You see I believe this could be an opportunity for the Holy Spirit to stir a conflict or cause an opportunity for a conversation.

I am so fortunate to work with Kevin West who is a down-to-earth communicator, and explains well the questions we ask at the parents meeting for baby dedication. It takes courage to ask parents to wait to have their little ones dedicated and often that opens a different conversation or possibly conflict.

I don't believe that is a bad thing because 1) The Holy Spirit causes conflict within ourselves as he convicts us of sin 2) Without the conflict of the Holy Spirit we would not recognize our need of Jesus Christ as our personal Savior.

This causes me to filter conflict through a biblical perspective.

Just thinkin' about: Do I allow the Holy Spirit to work in my life to face conflict courageously so that life change is genuine? or Do I only want change when it accomodates my lifestyle or fits my viewpoint.

What are your thoughts about changes that take place in your life?

Christmas Dance

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