What? No Bulletin?

CRCC's first official eNews was sent out today! Yea, I'm pretty psyched. Our Business Team and Elders saw the value - and potential - in adding this feature to enhance our communication (and community!) throughout the church body. I so appreciate the vision of our leaders/staff.

If you had to sum up our staff mantra, it could be done in three words: New, Improved and Improving. Not for the sake of simply creating or improving, but rather to intentionally stay in tune - to stay open - to God's leading. It's so easy (too easy) to do things just because we've always done them "that way." Is that good stewardship? That's one of the first questions staff asks before implementing any new or improving idea.

During one such discussion, the subject of our church bulletins came up. Do people read them? Do they use them for note taking? For their grocery list after church? (not that I would know anything about this of course. :) The truth is, we don't know. What we DO know, however, is that close to 100 bulletins are picked up AFTER the services. What we DO know is that many people tell us they never read them...but that they're nice to have. Nice to have?

For these reasons, we are choosing to step back and take a long hard look at this particular expenditure. Is it wise to spend thousands of dollars a year on something that is simply "nice to have?" Especially now that we have a smokin' Web site where all the latest info can be located?

Have an opinion? I'd love to hear it!

P.S. If you would like to subscribe to eNews, go to our site here (under Members & Attendees)

Pass the Dessert

OK. So this is one amazing team (and a hungry one too!). Seriously, it is an incredible privilege to serve alongside these fellow staffers. Here are some of the reasons why.

They…

• love Jesus. Each relationship is real and it shows.
• stretch me. My thoughts, ideas, and sometimes my beliefs. I need stretching!
• challenge me. The world has enough “Yes” men/women. You won’t find any here.
• make me laugh! If laughter is a sign of a healthy group, trust me. We’re healthy.
• simply inspire me.

Think you’re reading this through rose colored glasses? Think again. We’re not perfect. We blow it. We know it. No one on this team has “arrived.” What a relief!

In yesterday's post, I mentioned my sharing a "God Sighting" today. See the picture above? You're looking at it. He was sighted all over our staff meeting yesterday. Imagine a group of people with differing backgrounds, baggage, and opinions coming together, asking difficult questions, receiving not-so-popular (but honest) answers, and yet leaving the meeting feeling more love and respect for one another than when they first arrived. That's exactly what happened. Is this something man can accomplish? Ummm.....no.

I walked away from the meeting knowing, without a doubt, that our love for Christ - our unity in the Spirit - will prevail over any and all differences we may ever have in the flesh. If this doesn't qualify as a "God Sighting", I don't know what does.

This is our heart cry – our prayer - for ourselves, our team, and His body.

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:5

Pass the dessert!

God Sightings

Steve Keyes, CRCC's Teaching Pastor, had a great post today. Check it out here.

How many God sightings have you seen today? I saw one this afternoon and plan to share it in tomorrow's posting!

It Feels Like Christmas!

Three new books arrived at my doorstep today.

1. The Little Red Writing Book, recommended by Rich
2. Heaven is a Place on Earth, recommended by Steve
3. and VisonalLife, a brand new book by Jeff Calloway

So why these three books?

1. I want to become a better communicator. Let's face it. I need to become a better communicator.
2. I need to challenge the "sacred" vs. "secular" mentality that so easily seeps in to my brain.
3. I want to live on purpose. "What you do about vision today is what matters tomorrow." - Jeff Calloway

Rock On

Perhaps this MondayMorningInsight post stood out to me as I've known five people to pass away since December 23, 2007. Two family members, three friends. All but one of these deaths were unexpected.

Larry Norman's farewell letter to friends and family made me pause to consider how my last letter would read. I hope it would sound much like his, as a true sojourner. How about you?

Confession

I confess.

I was one of those people Steve mentioned this morning - the kind that cringed when hearing the word "money" at church. I always figured the pastor asked for money so he could slip off to enjoy a Caribbean cruise or give himself a hefty raise (not that they don't deserve either!) Not pretty I know, but honest.

Now for the flip-side. As a part-time staffer at CRCC, I have the opportunity to hear our pastors/leaders take on giving for myself in staff and design meetings. And what I hear is so vastly different from the misconstrued views I held years ago. So, what am I hearing these days? I hear Steve, Rich, Brian and others getting stoked about the potential to:

• minister to more felt needs within our church and our community
• become more creative and generous in the ways we reach our community for Christ
• provide more resources for guys like Ken Fitch who led our service several weeks ago -- and other well deserving missions opportunities
  

And so much more. Now I see first-hand why giving is on the heart of every pastor who wants to see God's kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven.

Yeah, I'm pretty much convinced that, if for no other reason, I'm on staff to dispel my many misconceptions about church while growing up. That sounds like something my Pappa God would do.

Hey Steve, planning any Caribbean cruises?

My Father's Faithfulness

Brian and I got to hang out at Brandon and Megan's house last night. Love it. Always do. What made it even more special was spending time with Megan's mom, Desi, who was in town for the night. Any time I'm around Desi or Megan I'm reminded of God's faithfulness.

I made a ton of mistakes as a parent, especially before coming to know Christ. As I began to grow in my faith, I would say one of my greatest joys was praying for my boys. I prayed they would come to know and love Christ at an early age. Another entry found often in my prayer journal was that the vicious cycle of divorce would end with me. I prayed God would bring godly women from godly homes into their lives. Women who didn't just say they loved Christ but lived it out with all their heart, soul and mind.

Fast forward 17 years. Brandon and Megan married last July 14. At their rehearsal dinner, during the video presentation, there were two letters shown on the screen. One was from Desi, Megan's mom, to Brandon. The other, a letter from me to Megan. The content? Specific ways each of us had been praying for them throughout their life...without ever knowing it was them. But God did! I had the privilege of seeing God's faithfulness walk down the aisle in a beautiful white wedding gown the following evening, pledging her love to Christ and to my son. But the blessing continues. Megan's mom, Desi, is Jim Frady's sister (see my posting from yesterday, Teaching, part one.) Megan and her family lived in NC and didn't even realize that Brandon was from Simpsonville when their paths crossed at a camp in GA. Coincidence? Nope. God's faithfulness? Absolutely.

Our youngest son, Zach, has been dating the same wonderful girl, Sarah, since he was 16. She also comes from a godly home and lives Christ out loud. Coincidence? Nope. God's faithfulness? Absolutely.

So, why do I share this tonight? It certainly has nothing to do with me but it does have everything to do with the faithfulness of my Father. I only asked because He told me I could -- and should (You do not have because you do not ask, James 4:2)

Could there be certain blessings that are only released into our children through the diligent prayer of a parent or grandparent?

Let's never give up praying for our children and their future. Who knows? One night, years from now, you may be invited over to dinner by your personal answer to prayer too. And if she/he cooks as well as Megan, well, consider yourself doubly blessed. I thank God for you Megan & Sarah! Great is his faithfulness.

Teaching, Part 1

The year was 1991. Our family had recently moved to Simpsonville. Soon afterwards, Jim and Lesa Frady showed up at our doorstep inviting us to visit their church/Adult Sunday School class. Brian and I, two babes in Christ, were actively seeking a church at the time, but I had a couple of, shall we say, stipulations before attending the class. Church? Yes. Class? Well maybe. For me, it depended on Jim's response to the following two requests:

1. Do not call on me to read in class.
2. Do not call on me to pray in class.

Without hesitation, Jim agreed (I've often wondered how things might have turned out differently had he not gracefully accepted my childlike tendencies.) You see, I knew the sickening feeling of sitting in a class where people giggled if you mispronounced words like Kiriatharba (anyone want to give it a try?) Granted, that was in middle school, but I didn't enjoy being ridiculed anymore as an adult than I did as a young teen. Some wounds cut deeper than others I suppose.

Brian and I gave Jim's class a try and we never looked back. Fast forward six months. Teresa Cron and I were asked to launch a new Ladies Class. We said YES!! But how? How could a hard-headed non-compliant reader become a totally psyched teacher in a matter of months? Ah, the grace of God.

The more I learned in Jim's class, the more I hungered to know and experience more of God's Word for myself. Showing up on Sundays (and Wednesdays) were great...but not enough. I began attending a Precept class under an amazing teacher, Kay Chandler. God used her teaching gift to fan a flame within me that I didn't even realize existed.

Teresa and I co-taught the Ladies Class for nearly 10 years. Those were some of the best years of my life. Teresa and I not only became best friends as a result but we both developed life-long friendships within that class.

Today, I have the privilege of teaching alongside Brian Woodard and Dr. Shawn LaBelle in the CrossRoads' Adult Bible Study. What a class! We learn from our victories as well as our defeats. Oh, and did I mention that no one is put on the spot to read or pray?

Two take aways from today:

1. Take risks. Be honest. If you're hesitant to try a new class or group tell the leader why. Expose your vulnerabilities (something I continue to work on to this day... but it's worth it.)
   
2. Never become satisfied with one or two "meals" a week. We are responsible for our own feeding - so eat up (Jeremiah 15:16) - digest it - and allow it to become a part of you.

I plan to post more on teaching in the coming days & weeks ahead. I can't help it!

Captivated

Did you catch the full Lunar Eclipse last night? I was totally captivated.

Lyrics to worship songs like Crowder's "Everything Glorious" flooded my mind and one scripture in particular seemed to capture the moment best. "Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

How about you?

FREE INDEED!

Today, while reading Luke 4:18,19, I was reminded of something Megan, my daughter-in-law, shared with me recently. Their dog, Maya, has a reputation of escaping her leash and running as far from home as possible. She understands the word freedom.

Megan commented how Buddy, her parent’s dog, was so accustomed to being on a cable run that when they would release him from the chain he wouldn't even know it. He continued to remain in the same line and the same tracks that he had always run. Buddy acted as if he was still chained, when in fact, he was free.

"The Spirit of the LORD is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners..." - Jesus

Jesus freed us from every chain that has the potential to weigh us down... sin, fear, shame, guilt. You fill in the blank. It's a done deal as far as Jesus is concerned. And yet, so often I find myself acting more like a prisoner instead of the King's kid. I am free in every sense of the word except from that which I refuse to release. Can you relate?

Salt and Light

I'm still reeling from yesterday's service. It was powerful from the get-go. Sarah Weber, CRCC's Office Administrator (our go-to person), and her mom, Cheryl, shared the story of Eric, Sarah's cousin, who recently tried to commit suicide, but failed (thank You, Jesus.) Sarah and Cheryl prayerfully set out on a mission to share Christ as they drove to Duke University in Durham, NC. Eric recovered physically (defying all odds) but most importantly, he was healed spiritually. He accepted Christ, and his parents made the same decision soon afterwards. This story could have easily (and happily!) ended here, but the kicker came when Steve asked Cheryl how long she had been praying for her sister (Eric's mom) and their family. Her reply? Daily... for 30 years. Salt and light personified.

I give up too easily. Way too easily.

Read Eric's story in full on Sarah's blog.

Highlights from Sunday

Highlights from Rich Butler's Kingdom message (Matthew 6:5-18):

• A key applied to the wrong ignition won't get you anywhere (you're right, JoAnna - Ford keys DO look similar!)
• God is not concerned with the length of prayer but the strength of prayer.
  
• The Lord's Prayer - It's about our POSITION in prayer, not "flowery" words. We are His sons and daughters who have total access to the Father, much like JFK Jr. Because we are His sons and daughters, we can come to Him from a position of trust, freedom, purity and righteousness.
• Unlike other religions, we pray WITH our God, not just TO Him.
• Unforgiveness is the greatest enemy of the Church.
  
• Purposes of fasting: As we deny the flesh and surrender to the Holy Spirit we will find that fasting fuels our prayers, brings deliverance/victory and revival.
• We need to move from an ORPHAN mentality to one of SONSHIP. Our Father loves us.
  

After Rich's message, David and the band led us in an amazing time of worship.

It was a memorable service to say the least. I'll never read the Lord's Prayer the same way ever again. Thanks Rich.

Coming Up

I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, Sunday, February 17. Here's why:

• Rich Butler is delivering the "Kingdom" message. Need I say more?

• My son, Brandon, is playing the electric guitar in the band. Yep, I'm a proud mom!

• I'm teaching on David/brokenness in the Adult Bible Class. Can't wait.

• Zach, our youngest son, and his girlfriend Sarah are coming home from NGU for a brief visit. That's always a treat.

• Daytona 500 at the Meszaros, mega screen TV, good food. Enough said.

David vs. Goliath

Our Adult Bible Class decided to delve deeper into the subject of brokenness after listening to the Wayfarer Ministries teaching team during a recent 3-day experience at CRCC. Dave Rhodes, Chad Norris and Chris Brooks are incredibly anointed speakers/teachers. I never leave quite the same after one of their talks. Chad spoke on David and Goliath. At the end of his talk, Chad shared how God can't wait for us to pick up the first rock and take aim - to be on the offense rather than the defense. It was all I could do to stay seated in my chair. I wanted to go on a rock hunt! For the first time in a long time I wanted to run towards my "giant" instead of running from it, just as David did. My aim is still off more times than I'd like, but I refuse to give up. If I am to be whole, I must remain broken.

Happy Valentines Day!

My Valentine's Day actually began at 12:38 am this morning when Rupert, our Lhasa Apso, began barking like crazy. He has a distinct growl when strangers approach and that was exactly the type of growl he was making while gazing into our family room. Yep, I was a little nervous as I peeked around the door, especially when I saw something casting a tall shadow. Imagine my joy (not) when I saw a "Happy Valentine's Day!" balloon propped on the couch for me to find in the morning. The enjoyment and appreciation came later but not at that moment.

Brian and I just returned from seeing National Treasure. Better late than never, right? It was good, but the best part for me was spending time with the hubster (and the Cherry Coke.) He enjoys going to the theater. I enjoy watching him enjoy it. It's been a great Valentine's Day!

My dad took me to Two Chefs to Go for a Valentine lunch. He recently retired so we're looking forward to spending more time together...especially in the garden this Spring.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Boogity Boogity Boogity!

Those are the three words I look forward to hearing every February. You guessed it! I'm a NASCAR fan. This Sunday afternoon, our Home Group will be watching the Daytona race on the 61" Mega Screen pictured above thanks to Mike & Alice Meszaros!!!

The Aroma of Christ?

I noticed a tiny jonquil blooming in my garden yesterday. The color stood out amongst all the dark and dead foliage surrounding it, but what stood out the most was its fragrance. How could such a tiny flower pack such a punch? I planted these bulbs last fall in my garden and also in a flowerpot for my grandmother to enjoy on her deck. She had browsed the Old House Garden catalog with me and couldn't wait to see if these were the same fragrant flowers she had enjoyed while growing up.

My grandmother unexpectantly passed away on December 23. While I miss her terribly I am surrounded by constant reminders of her influence upon my life. She was, as 2 Corinthians 2:15 describes, the aroma of Christ to me. She walked the walk and loved me with an unconditional love like no other, unaware that she was setting the stage for my being able to not only receive God's unconditional love for me, but to also believe it wholeheartedly. Ah, the fragrance of life.

So, what's that I smell? Is it the aroma of Christ? Am I walking in the Spirit or in the flesh? Do I possess the kind of unconditional love much like that of my grandmother? The kind that will stand out among a dark and dying world? Tough, but necessary questions I have to constantly ask myself. How about you?

Diving In!

Wow. So this is what it feels like to blog. It reminds me of the first time I dove off a diving board. A little scary, but a whole lot of fun.

I’ve dreamed of blogging for months but kept waiting for just the right time. When exactly is that anyway? Truth is, I tend to wait on “just the right time” for a lot of things. Lately, however, I’ve been reminded that time is the one thing that won’t wait. So here I am.

Come to think of it, maybe I was pushed off the diving board.