Crossroads Ladies

The Holidays are Coming - Let's Share

2008-10-16T16:21:00.000-04:00

The holidays are coming quick, first it will be Halloween, then Thanksgiving and then my most favorite of all Christmas!! So, I thought it would be fun to share some recipes or some family traditions with each other. Just email me and I will add them to this blog. Or, if you are Blog savvy, feel free to add them yourself. Hope to see some stuff on here from someones beside me...LOL :)

Holidays are Coming - It all about attitude :)

2008-10-16T16:18:00.002-04:00

School Daze.....

2008-08-08T15:10:00.002-04:00

Okay ladies, you don't read my emails either. Was hoping to have some funny stories by now of your kiddos and their school experiences. Come on...:)

Quote of the day

2008-08-08T10:14:00.002-04:00

"Think occasionally of the suffering of which you spare yourself the sight." ~ Albert Schweitzer

ME ME ME

2008-07-28T11:33:00.002-04:00

Hear and pay attention, do not be arrogant, for the Lord has spoken. Jeremiah 13:15

I never thought my pride could actually block me from understanding You. But, these days, I am stubborn...always trying to figure out the way on my own. I speak up on behalf of myself, my opinions, and my ego more oftern than I speak up for my faith. I let my concerns consume me before I turn to You in prayer. So much me and so little You makes for a difficult life. I miss Your gentle leading. My mind and heart are too scattered to take in Your truths. I don't even taste the simple joys because I deem them insignificant. Help me strip away my own agenda and prideful ways so that I ahve nothing blocking my view of You. Amen

Warning to the Devil...LOL

2008-07-28T11:23:00.000-04:00

Live your life in such a way that when
your feet hit the floor
in the morning,
Satan shudders & says...
'Oh crap...she's awake!!

Maxine

2008-07-15T14:41:00.001-04:00

Worry

2008-07-15T14:31:00.002-04:00

Choke Hold

The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful. Matthew 13:22

I want a faith that flourishes, Lord. I want to hear Your promises and take hold of them and believe in them. But when my worries about money, relationships, or the day's agenda kick in, my faith suffers. My fears stunt its growth, and I am left feeling empty. Let me be encouraged by other believers and uplifted by creation's wonder. Hope creates a fertile ground where faith can take root and blossom. Guide me toward those people and practices that will inspire me to live a fruitful, abundant life.

Prayer for beginning your work day...

Lord, help me stay focused on what is important today. Help me accomplish my goals for the day and perform my job to the best of my ability. Let Your light shine through me for all to see. If someone is against me Lord, let me forgive them and love them anyway. Let me remember, that I am working for you and the glory is Yours and not mine. Amen~

Tell Me

2008-07-01T08:36:00.002-04:00

But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. Luke 21:14-15

Just when I think I have everything all figured out, somebody challenges me or tears down my securities. The right words never seem to rise to my mind and to my mouth to dispute what they are saying, so here I am wanting to figure it all out beforehand. I don't want any surprises tomorrow. Help me, Lord.

Peace comes over me as I ask for Your help. You are not going to provide me with advance comments to memorize before confrontation. Instead, You tell me to reflect on Your faithfulness and goodness, and the words and strength I need will be there.

Response Required - :)

2008-06-23T12:19:00.002-04:00

Family Camping Trip

2008-06-23T10:03:00.002-04:00

I would like to get some input on a Family camping Trip. I think it would be fun to get to know each others families....Most of us have kids, so I thought it would be fun to invite everyone and their families on one big camping trip. This will take some planning and it is getting hot quick, so let's see if we can come up with a date and get a camping area reserved and just go for it. Let me know what you think by the end of this week...which will be June 27.

2008-06-23T10:00:00.000-04:00

The ONLY Way We Get Better

2008-06-23T09:51:00.003-04:00

Romans 8:38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God's love...

What an awesome statement. I just could not keep my mind off of this after Sunday's sermon. I truly believe this. God will never forsake us. He loves us more than anything. We all have kids and know that we would lay down our lives for them, so it makes perfect sense that God loves us so much. Just like we forgive our children for things they may do that are not pleasing, so does the Lord. And, just like our children, we try to be pleasing to the Lord, but we fail sometimes and he forgives us and loves us anyway.

Don't forget the Bottom Line: The only people who get better are the people who know that if they never get better, God still loves them anyway.

Hope you all are having a great Monday...don't forget to pray for each other and let's try to get together soon for a camp out or something. :)

Special Delivery

2008-06-20T15:38:00.003-04:00

You are my hiding place, you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. Psalm 32:7

I have my dry cleaning delivered to my home. I can order pizza to arrive at my door within 20 minutes. But there is nothing I can do to deliver myself from the trouble that plagues me today. I have tried. I have prayed for you to give me the strength to do it on my own, when all along I needed the protection of Your strength.

It is not easy for me to ask for comfort and help. I am stubborn and human and often conflicted with a false sense of control. Pare away these excuses, Lord. I am in great need, and only You can deliver me. Amen~

Chasing Fears

2008-06-17T09:00:00.003-04:00

Verse....
So do not worry saying "what shall we eat?" or "what shall we drink?" or "what shall we wear?" For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly father knows that you need them. But, seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

Prayer...

It is futile to chase after fear, for fear leaves in its wake a very new path of problems. The people I want to guarantee me security are only people. Their promises do not mean anything to me and my eternal future. I will not wast my time, my day, my evening in pursuit of unnecessary concerns. I need not glance around nervously, anticipating the next problem. You assure me that I need only to look at You and Your kingdom. Here true needs are recognized, and they are filled, satisfied by Your grace. Amen~

Quote of the Day

2008-06-10T09:51:00.002-04:00

"Don't worry that children never listen to you. Worry that they are always watching you."

Shine

2008-06-04T08:59:00.003-04:00

Verse
Restore us, O Lord God Almighty, make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved. Psalm 80:19

Prayer
Some days are harder than others. I need Your strength today. I need to feel your presence. Lead me back to this place. I know that through your promise comes renewal and wholeness. Don't let me forget that. Don't let me forget where I came from and who brought me here. Thank you Lord for loving me. Amen~

Maxine strikes again...

2008-06-04T08:56:00.002-04:00

Quote of the Day

2008-05-23T13:47:00.000-04:00

Four things support the world: the learning of the wise, the justice of the great, the prayers of the good, and the valor of the brave”

Legacy of Peace

2008-05-23T13:39:00.002-04:00

Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us. Isaiah 26:12

Sometimes it takes chaos for me to better understand peace. When I am in the midst of circumstances that seem out of control or volatile, I can feel a stillness deep within that allows me to still seek You. I am sensing Your peace. When rough times are smoothed over and I am able to accomplish a goal, I know I have witnessed Your peaceful protection.

You do so much for me, Lord. Without you, I am without direction and purpose. Without You, I could not achieve anything of eternal value. Thank You, God, for caring for Your child.

Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend and Remember our Soldiers

2008-05-23T13:34:00.001-04:00

“The legacy of heroes is the memory of a great name and the inheritance of a great example.”

A Bit of Humor

2008-05-22T10:22:00.002-04:00

My Mother Taught Me

2008-05-22T08:25:00.002-04:00

He who answers before listening....that is his folly and his shame. Proverbs 18:13

I find that there are times when I answer without thinking through what the other person has just conveyed to me. Later, I will think about it and really wish that I had given a different answer, sometimes a completely different answer.

I will challenge myself today and going forward to listen carefully, give careful thought to the words being conveyed to me. I will not be so quick to dish out advice until I am sure the advice I am giving is wanted, needed, and of God and not my own understanding.

Sometimes, the best gift we can give someone is to listen to them, give them a shoulder to lean on, and lots of understanding. Sometimes, we do not want advice, only to be heard.

Money Saving Tip 2

2008-05-22T08:17:00.002-04:00

Eight Ways to Cut Back Without Sacrificing

When times are tight—as they are now for many Americans facing declining home values, depressed stocks, and tighter credit markets—cutting back on indulgences can seem inevitable. But it might not be. U.S. News asked budgeting experts for advice on how to make ends meet during tough times without sacrificing too many of life's pleasures. Here are their top tips.

Take bubble baths. If soaking in hot water doesn't cheer you up, find out what does, because it could stop you from wasteful splurges after a bad day. "Especially in times like these, it's very important for people...to find other ways [than shopping] to make themselves feel better.

Host movie night. Going to the movies, especially if you're a popcorn fan, can easily cost $40 for two people. Instead, suggests Faye Griffiths-Smith, community leader for the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, rent a movie and invite friends over to watch.

Learn to cook. Not only does eating at restaurants add up, but so too does buying lunch. If you cook dinner at home, you can bring in leftovers to work the next day or take a few minutes to pack a sandwich. If mornings are always rushed, then try packing it at night before bed, suggests Jean Austin, family and consumer science educator for the Maryland Cooperative Extension Service. And when you shop for your ingredients, make sure you have a snack first. Going to the grocery store hungry often leads to impulse buys, Austin warns.

Use the library. Your taxes are paying for it, so take advantage of the free books and movies. Austin says that even her small library in Maryland's rural Kent County offers DVDs, audio books, and free Internet service.

Drink at home. Whether your beverage of choice is green tea, or espresso it's much cheaper when consumed in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Use your savings. If you squirreled away three to six months of emergency savings in advance of being forced to tighten your budget due to a job loss or other unfortunate event, now is the time to use it. "Everybody should be contributing to their own emergency savings fund where it's earning interest," says Austin, so when times are tight, the money can go toward monthly bills and even some small indulgences.

Decide what you really want. Most people can cut 10 percent of their spending within 10 minutes, says Ramit Sethi, author of the I Will Teach You to Be Rich blog. Just write down your major spending categories, such as food and loan payments, and then guess what percentage is going to each category. Make a second list with what you want the percentages to be, and then make a third list describing what they actually are. If the reality doesn't match up with your ideal, then adjust your spending.

Dress in layers. Turning your thermostat down a few degrees and wearing a sweatshirt to stay warm can save on monthly heating costs, says McDonnell, which adds up over time. Just don't skimp on your monthly mortgage or rent payment, or if you need to adjust the payment schedule, contact your lender. Keeping your home should be a top priority.

Copyrighted, U.S.News & World Report, L.P. All rights reserved.

2008-05-21T09:55:00.000-04:00

Trust Takes Trial

2008-05-21T09:17:00.002-04:00

Verse

You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Joshua 23:14.

Prayer

It is easy to forget all that You have brought me through. Not because I am not grateful, but because after a fall, I am always quick to embrace life and goodness. I don't want to look back or dwell on the troubles I have experienced. But, I am realizing how important it is to look at these times. They strengthen my journey.

Today, I begin a new kind of trial. I have never been here before...not exactly. But, all I need to do is recall the promises. You have planted in my spirit, and I trust You once again. The good news....even if the trials are not getting easier, the trusting is.

Financial Tip No 1

2008-05-21T09:05:00.001-04:00

Ways to Make Saving a Habit

What's your excuse? When it comes to the sorry state of our finances, we've all got one.
Maybe your raise at work never materialized, or you charged that unexpected car-repair bill -- or that plasma TV -- to your credit card. Whatever the reason, for many of us, personal balance sheets could look better. Half of U.S. workers report less than $25,000 in savings.
More from Even if you've saved more, is it enough to sustain you through a decades-long retirement?

Sure, plenty of consumers now are easing back on spending, thanks to sticker shock at the grocery store and gas station. But soon enough retailers and restaurants will be pushing hard-to-resist "recession deals" -- will you be able to restrain yourself? And, what happens to your budget-minded ways when the economy recovers?

It's time to shake off the "consumer" mantle that politicians and economists are so happy to drape around our shoulders. Resist their calls for consumers to save the economy, and resist the advertisements enveloping us in the idea that we need more and more things.
The only thing most of us need more of is financial security. A lot more.

How to get there? Think thrift. For some, it's a familiar idea. For others, thrift implies denial and deprivation, and that makes for a tough call-to-arms.
So, how to save money without scrimping, be thrifty without feeling miserly -- and maintain those habits after our economy picks up speed?

It won't be easy. Expect discomfort, says Kathleen Gurney, a psychologist and chief executive of Financial Psychology Corp. Keep going, even when it's uncomfortable -- the rewards are worth it, and once this economic slowdown ends, you'll have financial habits in place to support you for a lifetime.

1. Spend less time feeling poor. Flipping through catalogs and going to the mall will make you feel like you need things, Ms. Gurney notes. Sure, you can afford some of that stuff, but the main message is: Most of this is out of your reach. Instead, do things that offer a sense of well-being. Invite friends over. Walk in the park.

2. Retrain your brain. Depriving ourselves of current pleasure is nigh impossible if we're not driven by a sense that the future will be more fulfilling, says Ms. Gurney. When you start to feel that "I'm deserving so I'm buying" feeling, visualize a smaller credit-card bill or higher savings-account balance.

3. Look around you. Are you happy with what your hard-earned dollars bought? If not, shift your spending to those things that bring greater long-term satisfaction, including retirement savings.

4. Choose your extravagances. Here's mine: I eat out about once a week. An extravagance I do without: Cable television.

5. Assess weaknesses. "If you were thrifty, how would you look different?" says Gary a financial psychologist in Jacksonville, Fla. Identify what you want to change; then shoot for specific targets, such as a six-month hold on buying new tech gadgets.

6. Make trade-offs. Substitute small, free pleasures for those that cost. Have a movie night at home with friends -- you'd be surprised how many people are equally eager to cut costs.

7. Set goals. Meet weekly with family to discuss the spending plan (don't call it a budget) for the months and years ahead. This may involve tough choices, such as forsaking a family vacation. But think of the guilt-free trip you can take after saving the necessary cash. Good memories last longer, Ms. Gurney notes, when not trammeled by large credit-card bills.

8. Resist your children. They're going to find it hard to change their expectations. How can you help? Stand firm. The next time they clamor for the latest video game remind them of the bigger prize (that family vacation), and tell them their choices here and now are, say, a picnic or a movie rental. Offer options, but don't give in to their push for more consumer goods.

9. Enlist other people. Many people are reticent to talk about money worries, but almost everyone has them, so open up and tap your allies. Hold a contest with friends to see who can save the most in a month, or agree with your spouse to talk before spending more than $100.

10. Post it. Remind yourself by putting post-it notes on your wallet, mirror or steering wheel with the mantra of your choosing: "I want to go to Hawaii in January." "I want to pay off credit-card debt."

11. Automate it. Divert money monthly from your checking account to savings. It will force you to budget, based on what's left in your checking account.

12. Rethink rewards. What are some of your happiest memories? Those are the true rewards. Next time you're about to buy something because you deserve it, ask yourself whether there isn't something you deserve more, such as time at home cooking with your teenager, or a stroll with your husband or best friend.

"We've been conditioned to think that spending the money on clothes, at a restaurant, is going to be the reward," Ms. Gurney says. "But what is the ultimate reward that we want from working hard, in the end?"

Copyrighted, Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace 101

2008-05-20T12:17:00.003-04:00

Hey, just wanted to say that Lois and I have completed the Dave Ramsey Financial Peace University Course that was offered through Crossroads. It was an awesome experience and I give a special applause to Lois, who managed to make every single class, despite her kidney stones! It took a lot of perseverance because she was in a lot of pain due to the stint that was put in to help her pass the stones. Lois, you are awesome! (clap, clap, clap)

I would recommend this course to everyone. If you think you would be interested in getting a crash course, I will be happy to do this and I am sure Lois will be happy to assist as well, right Lois? Let me know if you are interested and we will plan to do this soon. There are 13 sessions that were covered. We may want to expand it to two Saturdays. I do suggest going through the course that the church offers, if possible. Our summarized version will just give you a head start. Two reasons for attending the Church sessions if possible are, you get to meet even more people just like you at Crossroads. It helps to know that others are bearing some of the same crosses, and it keeps you accountable for 13 weeks, which helps you develop good money habits. I can see results already. I am looking forward to being debt free. I will be posting money tips along each week, so be sure to check the blog and get on your way to Financial Peace. Remember the Lord loves a cheerful giver...:) And if we are debt free, we can tithe and give charitably which makes for a happy heart as a Christian.

As Dave Ramsey says " Live like no one else now, so that you can live like no one else later." We can apply this to our spiritual walk as well. Let's not do as the world tells us, but what the Lord asks of us and then truly we will be blessed now and later. :) Love you all!!!

Motivated by Love

2008-05-14T14:54:00.004-04:00

And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command, but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. And this is love: that we walk in obedience to his commands. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is that you walk in love. 2 John 5-6

From the beginning of the day until the passing of the night beneath the stars, I pray that I follow the command that is born of Your will..to love one another. Give me Your heart for others so that my thoughts turn to compassion and unity rather than judgment and separation.

Maxine

2008-05-14T14:45:00.003-04:00

Beyond Reasons

2008-05-13T16:45:00.002-04:00

Verse of the day...
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. Matthew 25:35-36

Prayer ...
The needs of my brothers and sisters around me are so great. I do not know where to start. There is a strong desire, a thirst to quench, to reach out and help others. But, then I sit back and list the stipulations or the reasons this could go very wrong. This is when I think of You asking us to feed, clothe, and aid the sick, and visit the imprisoned, and it is clear You do not ask me to ask, You ask me to serve. May I truly see You in those I will help today. And, when I cannot, give me the strength to continue giving. Because even when I am blind to You, You are the one who stands before me asking for more. Amen~

The Hunger of the Void

2008-05-12T08:25:00.003-04:00

Verse of the day...
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

Prayer of the day...
Sometimes I skate over the voids in my life. I don't even look down to see if the chasm still exists because I don't want to know. But days like today I cannot get up without asking for You to fill that void. I know it is there, and I know I cannot skate, skip, or jump over it...even in a state of denial. The hunger comes from deep within and it does not fade when I puff up my own ego or worth. My hunger and thirst leads me back to Your righteousness, Lord. Only You can fill this place that questions, that missteps, that become empty when ignored. Fill this place in me and let it overflow to all that I do and am. Amen

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY !!!

2008-05-09T13:22:00.003-04:00

Simple Pleasures

The simplest of pleasures began with the loving touch from our moms. :0)

Then, the wonderful cookies that we baked together, and the trips to the store to choose that "special treat." As we get older, we do those same things for people that we love. And, let's not forget to enjoy simple pleasures for ourselves.

Benefits

Celebrate yourself. Although much of your time may revolve around others, it's critical that you maintain the things that you feel passionate about in your life.

Don't let friends drift away. Even if you think you are "too busy." A 30 minute walk, talking, laughing with a friend is more than just excercise. It refreshes your vitality and rejuvenates your relationships.

"You have to be present to win" is true for door prizes and for LIFE. Make sure you take an active role in your life, don't just LET things happen to you. You're worth it...take control!

If you train your eyes, you can change your life. If you begin looking for the good in every situation and every person, you'll inevitably find it.

Always take time for God. Don't forget who gave us our strong spirit and determination to move forward no matter what happens to us.

Hope you all have a blessed Mother's Day...

lt
:)

Georgia Renaissance Festival

2008-05-06T09:30:00.005-04:00

Here are the videos from the festival this weekend. I had the pleasure of escorting three wonderful kids to the Georgia Renaissance Festival. We got a little wet, but all in all had a pretty good time. Hope you enjoy! I will add the pictures as well. Still trying to figure this all out. Thanks for your patience.

Turnihg First to You

2008-05-05T09:11:00.002-04:00

I sought the Lord, and he answered me, he delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:4

When I see you during my day, I will be reminded that You are the source of all that I need. Instead of looking to others to make my way easier, I will seek Your wisdom and strength. Instead of relying on my job to build me up, I will seek an identity grounded in You. Each time a need surfaces, let my thoughts go to You, my creator.

Today I will encounter many opportunities to receive You. May I be mindful each time Your provision protects me, covers me, and nurtures me. Amen

Contributed by Beverly Williams

2008-05-02T10:30:00.004-04:00

Beverly is one of the people in my life that I am so grateful for. She is the best boss anyone could have. She is a true child of God and her life reflects this in every way....Thanks Bev!!!

Continue in prayer...this is Day 2...even pray for and be thankful for the THUMPS...read on...

May 2
Thump-Thud, Thump-Thud by Max Lucado When a potter bakes a pot, he checks its solidity by pulling it out of the oven and thumping it. If it "sings," it's ready. If it "thuds," it's placed back in the oven.

The character of a person is also checked by thumping.
Been thumped lately?

Late-night phone calls. Grouchy teacher. Grumpy moms. Burnt meals. Flat tires. You've-got-to-be-kidding deadlines. Those are thumps. Thumps are those irritating inconveniences that trigger the worst in us. They catch us off guard. Flat-footed. They aren't big enough to be crises, but if you get enough of them, watch out! Traffic jams. Long lines. Empty mailboxes. Dirty clothes on the floor. Even as I write this, I'm being thumped. Because of interruptions, it has taken me almost two hours to write these two paragraphs. Thump. Thump. Thump.
How do I respond? Do I sing, or do I thud?

Jesus said that out of the nature of the heart a man speaks (Luke 6:45). There's nothing like a good thump to reveal the nature of a heart. The true character of a person is seen not in momentary heroics but in the thump-packed humdrum of day-to-day living.
If you have a tendency to thud more than you sing, take heart.
There is hope for us "thudders":

Begin by thanking God for thumps. I don't mean a half-hearted thank-you. I mean a rejoicing, jumping-for-joy thank-you from the bottom of your heart (James 1:2). Chances are that God is doing the thumping. And he's doing it for your own good. So every thump is a reminder that God is molding you (Hebrews 12:5-8).

Learn from each thump. Face up to the fact that you are not "thump-proof." You are going to be tested from now on. You might as well learn from the thumps--you can't avoid them. Look upon each inconvenience as an opportunity to develop patience and persistence. Each thump will help you or hurt you, depending on how you use it.

Be aware of "thump-slump" times. Know your pressure periods. For me, Mondays are infamous for causing thump-slumps. Fridays can be just as bad. For all of us, there are times during the week when we can anticipate an unusual amount of thumping. The best way to handle thump-slump times? Head on. Bolster yourself with extra prayer, and don't give up.

Remember no thump is disastrous. All thumps work for good if we are loving and obeying God.

God has a Sense of Humor and a Great Heart :)

2008-05-02T09:00:00.003-04:00

Mom's Last Laugh

A mistake at the funeral turned out to be a happy surprise.By Robin Lee Shope
Consumed by my loss, I didn't notice the hardness of the pew where I sat. I was at the funeral of my dearest friend—my mother. She finally had lost her long battle with cancer. The hurt was so intense, I found it hard to breathe at times. Always supportive, Mother clapped loudest at my school plays, held a box of tissues while listening to my first heartbreak, comforted me at my father's death, encouraged me in college, and prayed for me my entire life. When Mother's illness was diagnosed, my sister had a new baby and my brother had recently married his childhood sweetheart, so it fell to me, the 27-year-old middle child without entanglements, to take care of her. I counted it an honor. "What now, Lord?" I asked sitting in church. My life stretched out before me as an empty abyss.
My brother sat stoically with his face toward the cross while clutching his wife's hand. My sister sat slumped against her husband's shoulder, his arms around her as she cradled their child. All so deeply grieving, no one noticed I sat alone. My place had been with our mother, preparing her meals, helping her walk, taking her to the doctor, seeing to her medication, reading the Bible together. Now she was with the Lord. My work was finished, and I was alone.

Providential mistake

I heard a door open and slam shut at the back of the church. Quick footsteps hurried along the carpeted floor. An exasperated young man looked around briefly and then sat next to me. He folded his hands and placed them on his lap. His eyes were brimming with tears. He began to sniffle. "I'm late," he explained, though no explanation was necessary.
After several eulogies, he leaned over and commented, "Why do they keep calling Mary by the name of 'Margaret'?" "Because that was her name, Margaret. Never Mary. No one called her 'Mary,'" I whispered. I wondered why this person couldn't have sat on the other side of the church. He interrupted my grieving with his tears and fidgeting. Who was this stranger anyway?
"No, that isn't correct," he insisted, as several people glanced over at us whispering, "Her name is Mary, Mary Peters." "That isn't who this is." "Isn't this the Lutheran church?" "No, the Lutheran church is across the street." "Oh." "I believe you're at the wrong funeral, sir."
The solemnness of the occasion mixed with the realization of the man's mistake bubbled up inside me and came out as laughter. I cupped my hands over my face, hoping it would be interpreted as sobs. The creaking pew gave me away. Sharp looks from other mourners only made the situation seem more hilarious. I peeked at the bewildered, misguided man seated beside me. He was laughing, too, as he glanced around, deciding it was too late for an uneventful exit. I imagined Mother laughing. At the final "Amen," we darted out a door and into the parking lot. "I do believe we'll be the talk of the town," he smiled. He said his name was Rick and since he had missed his aunt's funeral, asked me out for a cup of coffee. That afternoon began a lifelong journey for me with this man who attended the wrong funeral, but was in the right place. A year after our meeting, we were married at a country church where he was the assistant pastor. This time we both arrived at the same church, right on time.

In my time of sorrow, God gave me laughter. In place of loneliness, God gave me love. This past June we celebrated our twenty-second wedding anniversary. Whenever anyone asks us how we met, Rick tells them, "Her mother and my Aunt Mary introduced us, and it's truly a match made in heaven."
A Christian Reader original article.Copyright © 1999 by the author or Christianity Today International/Today's Christian magazine.Click here for reprint information.

Like a Child

2008-05-02T08:45:00.004-04:00

And he said " I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:3-4

How can I change my day today, Lord? In what ways do my grown up thoughts keep me from embracing the pure, sincere faith of a child? Sometimes I think my goals hold me in a pattern of self sufficiency, and I become unable to ask for help -- even from You. My pride, my strong desire to find my own way as an adult keeps me from bowing down at Your feet and asking for Your guidance and mercy.

Show me today how to give up control and accept the changes -- blessings and trials -- that come with a humble, childlike faith. Amen~~

Today is National Prayer Day

2008-05-01T12:31:00.002-04:00

The Global Day of Prayer started in South Africa in 2005 and is based on Acts 1 and 2 - ten days of constant prayer (May 1-10); 1 day for the whole church to gather (May 11) and 90 days of blessing (May 12--August 10). The aim is to see local churches united in prayer to see communities transformed by the Holy Spirit,"

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost, just a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing God will answer. May today be all you need it to be. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight, and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways you have never experienced. May your joy be fulfilled, your dreams be closer, and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged. I pray for peace, healing, health, happiness, prosperity, joy, true and undying love for God.

Special Prayer Requests today: Cheyenne and Lois

Gas Saving Tips

2008-05-01T11:39:00.002-04:00

It cost me $52 dollars to fill up my tank this morning. Six dollars more than last week. Unbelievable. Here's a link that will show you how to get better gas mileage and save wear and tear on your tires. :) Enjoy and hope it works. I am still playing around with this new blog toy. Show me some grace okay? LOL

http://www.yahoo.com/s/870925

Facing the Day

2008-05-01T08:40:00.002-04:00

At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, "I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent." Luke 4:42-43

God, as I face a new day, help me be mindful of what You have planned. It is not easy to turn my life over, even to You. But knowing that there is a purpose for me ahead, just minutes from now and as my day unfolds, I am excited to see what today may bring. Amen~

As the Storm Passes

2008-04-30T10:00:00.002-04:00

Verse of the day...

Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging waters, the storm subsided, and all was calm. "Where is your faith?" he asked his disciples. Luke 8:24-25

Prayer....

When the air stirs about me, when the wind blows from all directions, when I cannot stand because of the pressure around me..I want to be a person of faith. My eyes peer toward the dark night, and I cannot distinguish shapes. There is so much left unknown. Yet my heart does not race and my mind does not doubt because I know where my faith is...it is in the hope of the moment, it is in the belief that the storm will pass, it is in the assurance that Your peace overcomes everything I will face. Amen~~

Blog Launch for D'ville Xroads Ladies

2008-04-29T16:38:00.000-04:00

April 29, 2008

So, here we are the maiden voyage of our new blog. Hope you all find it easily and will feel comfy in adding blogs daily. We will use this site to post our outtings, and other fun stuff. Thanks TL for hooking us up with this great blog site. I would like to take a group picture on Sunday, May 4th, including the kiddies...:) So, be prepared. And, yes, even I the camera shy Lisa will participate. LOL See ya then.