Welcome, More New Members!

In the first two weeks of December, our family grew by four!

Welcome to Nathan and Natalie Hinds

and Michael and Carla Roberson!

Why is Jesus better than Santa Claus?

Thanks to Scott who read this for us in class today.

Santa rides in a sleigh...

JESUS RIDES ON THE WIND AND WALKS ON THE WATER.

Santa comes but once a year...

JESUS IS AN EVER PRESENT HELP.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies...

JESUS SUPPLIES ALL YOUR NEEDS.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited...

JESUS STANDS AT YOUR DOOR AND KNOCKS, AND THEN ENTERS YOUR HEART WHEN INVITED.

You have to wait in line to see Santa...

JESUS LETS YOU REST IN HIS ARMS.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy, or girl, what's your name?"...

JESUS KNEW OUR NAME BEFORE WE WERE BORN. NOT ONLY DOES HE KNOW OUR NAME, HE KNOWS OUR ADDRESS TOO. HE KNOWS OUR HISTORY AND FUTURE AND HE EVEN KNOWS HOW MANY HAIRS ARE ON OUR HEADS.

Santa has a belly like a bowl ful of jelly...

JESUS HAS A HEART FULL OF LOVE.

All Santa can offer is a "HO HO HO"...

JESUS OFFERS HEALTH, HELP, AND HOPE.

Santa says "You better not cry"...

JESUS SAYS "CAST ALL YOUR CARES ON ME FOR I CARE FOR YOU."

Santa may make you chuckle but...

JESUS GIVES YOU JOY THAT IS YOUR STRENGHT.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree...

JESUS BECAME OUR GIFT AND DIED ON A TREE...THE CROSS.

We need to put Christ back in CHRISTmas, Jesus is still the reason for the season.

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Tidings!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM YOUR FAMILY TIES LEADERSHIP TEAM!!!!!

WE THANK GOD FOR EACH OF YOU AND CAN'T WAIT FOR WHAT GOD IS GOING TO DO IN US AND THROUGH US IN 2008!

Welcome, Baby Lauren!

Brandon, Stephanie and Carter Tirey welcome the newest addition to their precious family, Lauren DeAnn. She was born on December 3rd around 8:00am, weighs 8 lbs and 8 ounces and is 21 1/4 inches long. We can't wait to see her! Congratulations, Tirey family!

Welcome to the Family!

Please take a few minutes to welcome the newest members of the Family Ties family who have joined over the last two weeks:

Toby and Jennifer Bearden

Scott and Stacey Camp

Brian and Karen Scott

The Beardens and the Scotts will soon be adding another member to the family. They are expecting!

Please welcome these three families and be sure to say hello next time you are in class!

Dear Family Ties,

We are going to sponsor a family this year for Christmas. There will be an Angel Tree in our class this Sunday with children that need our love & support this holiday season. Please take an Angel off the tree & provide us with the money for the gift. Please return your Angel by Sunday December 9th.

I look forward to seeing all of you in church Sunday & hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

Love you all,

Amy

FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS...

Get Ready for ONE BIG WORSHIP

This is one of the awesome worship songs we will be singing on Sunday. Get ready! I am so fired up for our church and our families.

Things Not To Say To Your Pregnant Wife

I love my wife and NEVER would any of these utterances come out of my mouth. But they are funny nonetheless!! Guys, here's a hint: Before you say something to your pregnant wife, make sure it's NOT on this list.

15. "Y'know, looking at her, you'd never guess that Pamela Anderson had a baby!"

14. "I sure hope your thighs aren't gonna stay that flabby forever!"

13. "Well, couldn't they induce labor? The 24th is the Iron Bowl!"

12. "Darned if you ain't about 5 pounds away from a surprize visit from that Richard Simmons fella."

11. "Fred at the office passed a kidney stone the size of a pea. Boy, that's gotta hurt!"

10. "Whoa! For a minute there, I thought I woke up next to Willard Scott!"

9. "I'm jealous! Why can't men experience the joy of childbirth?"

8. "Are your ankles supposed to look like that?"

7. "Get your OWN ice cream."

6. "Geez, you're awfully puffy looking today!"

5. "I finished the Oreos!"

4. "Got milk?"

3. "Man! That rose tattoo on your hip is the size of Madagascar!"

2. "Retaining water? Yeah, like the Hoover Dam retains water."

... and finally ...

1. "Not to imply anything, but I don't think the kid weighs 40 pounds."

What If...

You missed a good time if you missed Family Ties this morning (Nov. 11). Amy McClendon did a great job facilitating The Quest. One thing I did learn is that cheating will get you a win from time to time (ahem...Care Group 3!!)

Remember that next Sunday, November 18, will be One Big Worship at 9:30AM in the gym. There will be preschool care for birth to age 5. First grade and up will be in One Big Worship. Please dont forget to wear tennis shoes. Please leave the high heels (Jason Prickett) or black sole shoes at home.

The following week, November 25, we will begin a new 5-week seies called "What If...". This will be another series by Perry Noble (the teacher from "Lord of the Rings"). We will examine the question, "What if..?" What if the things that happened in the Bible happened today. What if we experienced the devotion and commitment that we read about in Scripture? What if we believed, loved and forgave the way people did in the Bible? What if we saw lives changed the way that lives were miraculously changed in Scripture? It's going to be a fun and exciting series as we will be stretched as believers to grasp a Biblical concept of God's power. We will learn that God is still capable of doing the same things today that He did in His Word.

The Quest

Hi Guys…its game time…we will be playing a fun game Sunday Nov. 11th in class. I don’t want to give too much away but it is going to be a blast. The winning care group gets a breakfast free month…the losing care groups will take care of your breakfast next month!!

For bonus points post on this entry (don’t forget to mention your care group number) & print this post. You will need it in class on Sunday. If for some reason you can’t get it printed, just let me know in your post & I’ll print it for you & bring it Sunday!

It’s going to be fun & a MUST NOT MISS Sunday so I can’t wait to see everyone there.

Have a great week & see you Sunday!

Good Bless,
Amy

Our New Child...Its a Boy!

Hi Family Ties,

Friday night Nov. 2nd a group of us went to the Casting Crowns concert. (It was awesome by the way.) Anyway, while we were there we learned of a mission called World Vision www.worldvision.org . It is where you “adopt” a child & support via $30 a month donation.

So…congratulation Family Ties…It’s a BOY!!! With a class this size we should have no problem supporting our new son. His name is Alex & he is from Ecuador. He is 4 (Rhonda correct me if I’m wrong on that).

Please bring your dollars or spare change to help our new little boy. We will have a collection set up where you can donate at your leisure. Thanks for your help with this wonderful ministry.

Project ONE: The Moody Miracle League

If you haven't signed up yet...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?! This weekend is the last chance to participate in the Moody Miracle League portion of our PROJECT ONE mission endeavor this fall. Ask anyone who has been involved thus far...It's not something we will soon forget! Here is a slide show of some of the action from this past Saturday. If you are interested in finding out more, contact your Care Group Leader, or our Directors, Rhonda and Jason.

PICNIC

Our class picnic will be next Sunday, October 14th at the church at the playground area. Bring your blankets, chairs, dinner and drinks at 4:00.

We will have an activity for your children to do while you are there - they are going to decorate our goodie bags that we will be giving the kids involved with the Moody Miracle League and the Ronald McDonald House.

Sign up here if you will be attending!

If we get rained out, we will still have our picnic inside in the seminar room (by the nursery).

Sunday's Gonna Be Huge!

This Sunday, October 7th is going to be huge day for our Family Ties family. We will be signing up for our Project One Mission project with the Moody Mirable League and the Ronald McDonald House.

We need everyone to participate in some form or fashion, whether it is being a buddy for a boy or girl at the Moody Miracle League, helping with their end of the season party, donating snacks, preparing a dish to carry to the Ronald McDonald House, serving a meal at the RMH, donating $$$$$$, or donating household items. Please prayerfully consider how your family would like to serve. This is definitely a family affair, so you don't have to worry about what you are going to do with your kids!

If you are still confused about what Project One is, click on the following video made by our very own resident movie maker, Brandi Caldwell: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3456024963006910706.

If you will out of class on Sunday, please let either myself or your care group leader how you would like to serve!

See you all on Sunday!

Care Group 1 Breakfast Sign Up

This Sunday is our Sunday for Breakfast. Let us know what you will be bringing so we don't have duplicates. This Sunday is also our Sign Up for our Project One Missions Project. Hope to see everyone this Sunday!!

So This Is What It's All About?

This past Sunday, we began our six-week series called "Lord of the Rings". In this first lesson, Perry spoke about what marriage is and how God ordained it Genesis 2. We learned that success in marriage is followed by a surrender to scripture. At the end, we were given a homework assignment. For review, here it is:

1. Schedule a date by the end of this month. A date is a night that you and your spouse go out WITHOUT kids and leave your Nextels and PDAs and all that other stuff at home and keep a cell phone ONLY FOR EMERGENCIES!! An emergency in NOT calling to check up on the kids. If you need to check on the kids, that probably means that your sitter is completely incompetent OR you're having a problem with letting go of the kids for a couple of hours!! Remember this: It's better to spend a few bucks on a babysitter now than spending thousands of dollars on divorce attorneys later.

2. Pray together out loud with your spouse. Remember that prayer is simply talking to God. If you have problems talking to God, then you probably have problems talking to your spouse. This may be weird for you because you have never prayed out loud with your spouse. Try it. You'll love it!! You'll be amazed at how much better your verbal communication with your spouse will be when your verbal communication with your Heavenly Father is strong!! Oh yeah -- saying the blessing at the dinner table DOES NOT constitute praying out loud with your spouse.

3. Study the Bible together. This one will take some work. Take some time this week and go through God's Word and find a verse or passage in the Bible that can be your theme verse for your marriage. Don't be surprised if when you are exploring Scripture, you discover a whole lot more than a theme verse for your marriage. Be careful, you just may fall in love with God's Word!!

Now if you missed the first lesson, please don't give up!! You can get caught up in a matter of one hour. There are 168 hours between 9:30AM on Sundays. You can certainly find one hour that you can get away from sports, drama, reality TV, or the news and get onto NewSpring Church's Resource Page, scroll down, and click on Lord of the Rings. The lesson name was "So This Is What It's All About?" (at the bottom of the page). You can watch the video or get the audio, your choice.

Remember, next week we'll learn about "Two Myths About Sex". That'll bring in a crowd!!

You Will NOT Want to Miss This Sunday!!!

Many of us want to ignore the "pink elephant" in the room and not bring attention to it out of fear that someone may get hurt or offended. Well it is time that we take on this "pink elephant" head to head. "What is this 'pink elephant'?" you may ask. This pink elephant has marital struggles, sexual miscommunication, infidelity, financial worries written all over it. The name of this pink elephant is divorce. All of us have been effected by divorce in one way or another. Maybe it was your parents. Maybe a sibling. It could have been a co-worker or a close friend. Maybe it was you. Maybe you're considering it. Maybe you're in the process of it.

This Sunday will mark a turning point in your life and in the life of our Bible Study group. This Sunday, we will be introduced to a series that will completely change the way you look at God and your spouse. It's entitled "Lord of the Rings" and you will not want to miss it.

Maybe your marriage is great. You will NOT want to miss it!! Maybe you're just going through the motions of marriage with no purpose or meaning. You will NOT want to miss it!! Maybe you're about to pack your bags. You will NOT want to miss it!! Maybe you're about to get married. You will NOT want to miss it!!

I encourage each one of you to begin right now to sincerely seek the face of God and desperately beg Him to work miracles through this series. I am a firm believer in the miracle of reconciliation. Please pray separately and as couples that God will pour out His spirit on this series. Pray with EXPECTATION that His power that saved us from an eternal damnation in Hell will rescue those going through the mire of struggle, separation, and divorce.

We need to invite everyone that we can think of to this series!! Let's not let Satan win another battle. We have the Lord of the Rings in our corner!!

550+ Students at CrossPoint Tonight!!!

We quit counting at 550. There was no well known guest speaker or big name band. There is, however, an Almighty God who desperately wants to save the lost -- He showed up!! Prayer warriors, please continue to lift up our student ministry. It is much needed. Revival is here!!! Captives are being set free, chains are being broken, and people are crossing the line of faith!! To HIM alone be the glory!!! There were quite a few salvations and well over 150-200 re-dedications!!

Care Group #1 Breakfast

Hello Care Group #1!! It's our Sunday for Breakfast!! Please leave a post and let everyone know what you will be bringing to help cut down on duplicate items. Thanks! Dianna

How we worship

I read this wonderful post on a blog I subscribe to called Eyes Right. Dean Shareski put things in such a scriptural context. Having been raised in a traditional Baptist church, I had never done anything but be quiet and reverent in worship to God. I know that God accepts our praises any way we give them, but there are times when I feel the need to raise my hands in worship. But why??? I am copying some of his post here and will link to it as well. Thanks for this insightful post, Dean.

So here’s why we lift our hands in worship and what it means:

• To remind us of our covenant with God.
• Genesis 14:17-23
• Lifting of hands in courts of law signifies an oath

• To show our reliance on Him.
• Exodus 17: 8-16
• We need to physically see and demonstrate our reliance on God to each other
• He likes it
• Psalm 134 :1-2
• If God likes it, why wouldn’t we do it?
• To show surrender
• Psalm 141:2
• When someone is captured, they often are asked to put their hand up in surrender

So this isn’t about what church you go to or what style of worship you prefer, it’s something God has asked us to do because he desires worshippers. So the next time you raise your hands in worship, perhaps, if you’re like me, you’ll know better why you do it. If you don’t, why not?

Eyes Right

Girls Night In

Hey, ladies!

Our next Girls Night In is scheduled for Friday night, September 14th at my home. I have asked the photo jewelry person to come, so bring your favorite pictures!

Please bring your favorite appetizer and we will have a snacky supper. You can start coming at 6:00. We'll eat around 7:00. Please note that Shea (the jewelry lady) will be leaving around 8:00, so if you want or need to come late, don't be too late or you will miss her!

I am all ears as far as suggestions go for what else to keep us occupied, so if you have any ideas, let's hear them! You do not have to purchase jewelry to come to the Girls Night In! That is only a small part of the evening!!!

Respond here to let us know if you are coming and what you plan to bring.

Mawwaige...

I cannot help but hear this voice in my head when I hear the word "marriage". Enjoy this clip from my husband's favorite movie, The Princess Bride:

Marraige Quiz

As we prepare for this next study, I have been looking for interesting facts and information regarding marriage. I found this little quiz. See if you know the answers to these questions about your mate:

1. What does your spouse do at work? Be specific ("he's an executive" isn't enough, give specifics, duties).

2. What is your spouse really good at?

3. Has he or she won any awards, commendations, trophies? For what?

4. What is your spouse's favorite comfort food, when growing up?

5. What is your mate's dream job?

6. What did your spouse want to be when he or she was a child?

7. What is you mate's top goal in life?

8. What does your spouse see as his or her greatest accomplishment thus far?

9. How many cousins does your husband or wife have?

10. What is the name of your spouse's high school best friend?

11. What is your mate's favorite color?

12. What is your spouse's favorite sport or hobby?

(http://marriage.families.com)

Prayers O' Plenty

Thanks to all you prayer warriors who have prayed for our student ministry over the past couple of weeks. Just a few things in review:

• 12 salvations last Wednesday night (Aug. 15)
• 5 recommits last Wednesday night (Aug. 15)
• 275 total in attendance (middle and high school) last Wednesday night (Aug. 15)
• 400 +/- in attendance Friday night at the Daniel Bashta concert (thanks Jonathan and Jenny B. for your sacrifice in making it happen!! You rock!!!!!)
• 200+/- in attendance for D-Now weekend
• 26 salvations on Saturday night (Aug. 18)
• 1 wild 10:45 service that was nothing more than the passion that our students have ALL THE TIME, not to mention 1 hacked off pastor that got his house annihilated by toilet paper in the wee hours of Sunday (Chris Howell's son was a willing and proud participant).

Tonight we start our 6-week series called "EPIC: SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOURSELF". We are anticipating a crowd of 350+ tonight alone. If you have time to read this, please close your eyes and pray for the lost souls who will enter our doors tonight. It's going to be huge!! It starts at 7pm if you want to check it out!! More updates as God continues to move in a mighty way.

UPDATE:

We had 332 people Wednesday night (August 22) and there have been 10-15 salvations that I know of at random times this week just because our students are sharing Christ with their friends before, during, or after school!!! We are expecting 450 +/- next week (August 29) as our students will see the most clear and creative presentation of the gospel that our student ministry has EVER DONE!! To Him be ALL the glory!! PRAY PRAY PRAY!!

Guys Night Out

Come on, guys! I know it is hard for you to respond, but I know you can do it!

Guys Night Out scheduled for Saturday, September 8th - Dinner of your choice and bowling to follow. Respond here if you are interested!

Casting Crowns in Concert

Casting Crowns, our class's favored group, is coming to town November 2nd. Several of us are going and would like to sit as a group. If you are interested in going, tickets go on sale on August 24th. I will be purchasing our group's tickets on that date for anyone who is interested and has paid. Tickets are $26 a piece (including estimated processing costs). Please comment here if you are interested in going together.

Daniel Bashta In Concert!!!

If you have never heard this guy, you are in for it!! If you like Chris Tomlin, Matt Redman, Hillsongs United, Jars of Clay, U2, or Dave Matthews Band, you need to make it here this Friday night. You can check him out at www.myspace.com/danielbashta This guy comes from Colorado Springs and studied under Ross Parsley(sings "I am Free"). Daniel has a huge song out called "Dry Bones". If you want to hear the next Chris Tomlin in this rare opportunity, you need to be at CrossPoint at 9PM this Friday night. We pushed it back so everyone can go to the "Meet the (fill in your favorite high school team here)". We'll take a $5 donation at the door and a love offering will be taken. This is cheap considering the next time you are able to hear him, you'll have to buy a $20 ticket.

Please see the flyer below an do your best to tell everyone about it.

Care Group #2

Breakfast this week - August 12th.

Comment here to let everyone know what you are bringing.

Bill Cosby Himself Video

Thanks to Scott for the lesson on discipline yesterday. He also played a clip from "Bill Cosby Himself", and I was able to find that particular clilp on YOU TUBE today, so I hope you enjoy.

SKATE PARTY

For those of you who missed the "Back To School Skate Party" you missed out on lots of fun! We all had a blast! Thanks to all who planned it, and we look forward to doing it again! Here are a few pics of our evening:

August LC Notes

Hey, guys, I know that most of us were at the Skate Party (whoo fun!) So while Jenny and Jonathan and I went to Leadership Community I took a few notes.

Ryan talked out the grand opening of our new building and if you hadn't already taken a walk through at the picnic, we were allowed to go and see it. It is quite a sight when you go through those doors. It's impressive. On a GOD sized scale. I wonder if I will ever "get used to" seeing what God can do.

Ryan focused on John 13:1-17. This passage centers on Jesus washing his disciples feet before they share a meal together. Ryan reminded us that when we receive salvation through Jesus Christ, we are cleansed of every impurity of each sin that we commit past, present and future. He explained that Jesus gives us the oppurtunity to come to him daily and let Him wash our feet; to be cleansed by spending time with Christ when we have gotten dusty and grimy from the time we spend in the world. Ryan pointed out that we are servants in the Kingdom of God. Ryan pointed out that Jesus served His disciples by washing their feet because this lowly, commonplace taske had been neglected by their host. Jesus didn't go to the host and ask "Who will you send to wash their feet and mine?" Instead Jesus did what servants do, he saw a job that needed to be done and he did it. This was a job no one else wanted to do, a dirty, lowly job and Jesus did just because it was what needed to be done.

Hope this keeps ya'll in the loop since we played hokey and went skating ;)

See you all soon and have a GREAT week!

Back to School... oh so SOON!

Yes, dear parents, it is that time again... August 9th (for most of us) is Parent Liberation Day aka the first day of school. This means we all get back to the routine meaning we are back into our routine for Sunday School as well.

Breakfast will be provided by Care Group #1 tomorrow... don't forget!

Love you guys!

Determining Your Love Language

Thanks so much for the fun and interactive time this past week! I am putting the handout here and an online version of the profile test we took. I hope you and your spouse are working on speaking the languages to each other and to your kids. Have a great week!

Love Language Test

Sunday's Handout

This is my Prayer

This was sent to me by a friend of mine and I really needed to hear it. Maybe it will be a blessing to you as well.

Dear Lord, I thank you for this day, I thank you for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I am blessed because you are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and you keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you. I ask now for your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from you. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. I know that when I can't pray, you listen to my heart. Continue to use me to do your will. Continue to bless me, that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong, that I may help the weak. Keep me uplifted, that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood, I pray for those who don't know you intimately. I pray for those that do not believe. But I thank you that I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love, and joy in their homes that all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows that their is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in your hands for you to fight. Thank you Lord for living in my heart.

5 Love Languages

Hey Family Ties, Gang!

I just wanted to remnid you all that on Sunday we'll be walking thru how to determine your child's primary love language. Please be extra observant of your kids this week and take notice of what really makes them KNOW that you love them.

If you guys see anything that really jumps out at you or if you try something that really works or just crashes and burns... tell us about it... for example. Right now I am procrastinating putting away laundry from our vacation... because I want the kids to help.... SO NOT WORKING... =)

School

Okay, this may not be the most appropriate venue to express my concerns, but I had to let you know... I am absolutely terrified of sending my baby into the big, bad world (a.k.a. public school). I have gotten just a taste of how bad it can be by experiencing summer camp this year. It has been HORRIBLE!

Those of you who have entered this new stage of life with your children or you are an educator who could shed some light on how to prepare my child and MYSELF for this new experience, please shed your words of wisdom. Has anyone else felt like me? Please put me out of my misery and let me know that my fears are normal.

Share your favorite passage of scripture that you turn to when you are afraid or worry about something.

Reminder for Sunday

Hey, guys!

Just a friendly reminder that money is due THIS SUNDAY, the 22nd for the Skating Social at Trussville PlayStation on August 5th. The cost per family is $20 and can be given to Rhonda Shelton, Jenny Brannan or Pam Prickett.

If you won't be there on Sunday, email me and let me know that you are still planning on attending. We can make arrangements to meet up.

Are You Ready?

As some of you may know, I love investing time with our students. Understand this: Our youth are NOT the "church of tomorrow"; they're the church of TODAY!! If you study some of the great revivals in history, they started with young people! Folks, let me tell you this: Our students are ON FIRE for GOD!!! They fire me up every time I'm around them. They genuinely weep over their lost friends. They burn with desire to know God in a deep, intimate level. I'm not talking about a short-lived "warm and fuzzy" that takes place on the last night of church camp when everybody cries, hugs each other, and sings "Friends Are Friends Forever". These students take up their cross daily and follow Him and quite frankly, it challenges me to grow deeper in my spiritual walk. This may surprise you especially if you knew the sinful lifestyle of some of these students a year ago. I've heard many first-hand accounts about how within the past year, God delivered some of our students out of premarital sex, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, etc. I get pumped up just thinking about it!!


The other night at a student home group meeting, I told my group that as leaders, they must be prepared to share the plan of salvation and they must also be able to counsel someone on what to do once that person prays to receive Christ. So many churches share the plan of salvation, but never follow up after someone prays to receive Christ. I was taken aback when I asked who knew how to lead someone through the plan of salvation. No one knew!! I then posed a question that I pretty much knew that answer: Who knows what to tell someone after they pray to receive Christ? These questions immediately prompted one of the leaders of the small group to call a mandatory meeting for all small groups. At this meeting last night, which had near perfect attendance, out students were trained on how to lead someone through the plan of salvation. They were then trained on how to counsel someone after they pray to receive Christ. In that part of the training, baptism was discussed heavily. After the training session our student leaders were spontaneously asked who had not been baptized. Lets put it this way: There will be 4 or 5 students that will walk through the waters of baptism very soon!!


Here's my question: Can you lead someone through the plan of salvation? Can you give someone Godly counsel on the steps to take after they pray to receive Christ? Have you been water baptized? There were people in that student group that were infant baptized in a Catholic church, sprinkled in a Methodist church, and had been baptized prior to assuring their salvation. Can you relate with one of these students? My challenge to you is this: Be ready to share the plan of salvation and also be ready to give steps to help spiritual growth for new believers. Mark 16:16 plainly talks about baptism. Have you been immersed? If not, I challenge you to join some of our students in water baptism at out church-wide picnic on July 29. Let us celebrate with you as you obey Jesus' commandment to be baptized.


Keep it real and be blessed!

www.familytiesfridge.info

It is official -- we have a real bonafide website!! You can now use http://www.familytiesfridge.info/ to access our blog. Please feel free to pass this along to all friends and inactive members of our class.

Keep it real and be blessed!!!

10 PARENTING LAWS

(Thanks to Scott Waid for this post)

How many of these do YOU relate to? I'm sure we can all add a few to these as well!

1. The later you stay up, the earlier your child will wake up the next morning.
2. For a child to become clean, something else must become dirty.
3. Toys multiply to fill any space available.
4. The longer it takes you to make a meal, the less your child will like it.
5. Yours is always the only child who doesn't behave.
6. If the shoe fits....it's expensive!
7. The surest way to get something done is to tell a child not to do it.
8. The gooier the food, the more likely it is to end up on the carpet.
9. Backing the car our of the driveway causes your child to hae to go to the bathroom.
10. The more challenging the child, the more rewarding it is to be a parent....sometimes.

We spend the first 12 months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk, and the next 24 years telling them to sit down and shut up!

Fridge-lift

OK peeps...what you're looking at is what happens when:

• Someone gives me admin rights to a blog
• I wake up at 6am on July 4 with no screaming kids
• I say to myself, " Self, do something creative today!!"

Soooo.... I'm charging you, the jury, to give honest feedback on the appearance. If you like it, comment. If you dont like it, PLEASE COMMENT AS WELL!!! It doesn't mean it will get changed immediately, but I'm not one to leave a blog looking the same for a long time. As long as the powers-that-be give me the ability, I'll keep it fresh. I have other templates out there to use from time to time. Keep it real!!

Cars In the Bible?

A long haired teenage boy and his dad were talking one day about the boy getting a car for his 16th birthday.
The dad told his son that if he could pull his "c" grade point average up to a "b" average, start getting serious about his Bible studies and get a hair cut, then they would talk about him getting a car.
The next few months the boy worked hard at school, pulling his grade point average up to "b", and he studied his Bible every night. His dad said, "Son, I'm very proud of your of your grades at school and I have noticed that you have read in your Bible every night, but I must admit that I'm a little disappointed you've made no effort to cut your hair."
The son answered saying, " Dad, in my Bible studies I've learned that Sampson had long hair, John the Baptist had long hair and there is strong evidence to believe that even Jesus had long hair."
The dad thought for a moment and replied, " Yes son and did you also read that those men traveled on foot!"


This joke really made laugh! Kevin and I have a 17 (yes 17) year old and Kevin is always on him about cutting his hair! I know most of you have young children, but just wait, your day is coming!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July. Remember to pray for those men and women overseas and here in the states who are away from their families to give our families "Independence " and freedom. God bless you.

TOP 10 SIGNS YOU MIGHT BE A FRUSTRATED MOM

1. Your children know how to read HTML code but can't operate a vacuum cleaner.
2. Your children tell you that you said "yes" and you don't even remember the question.
3. You go to the grocery store and find yourself having a good time.
4. Your husband asks how your day went and you rate it on a scale of 1-10 repeats of "stop that!" or "no!"
5. You can't remember the last time you didn't have to share your drink.
6. You mistakenly tell the kids it's "sanity" time when you meant to say "bed" time.
7. The laundry seems to have taken on an evil nature and you begin to feel that it's out to get you.
8. You dread hearing the phone ring because it's a sure sign there's about to be trouble amongst the children.
9. It's finally your turn on the computer and "Touched By An Angel" is just coming on.
10. You go to sleep with "I'm bored" or "I'm hungry" still ringing in your ears.

THANKS TO SCOTT WAID FOR THIS POST!!!!

My first post, YEAH! Hopefully this will work. Just a little disclaimer, I am not a writer. I always have a story to tell and I love to talk (believe it or not), but a writer I am not. This is just my little part in trying to keep the fridge stocked.


A few weeks ago Jason's friend from work came to our class and spoke. He really touched me with his story. He urged us all to buy the Casting Crowns CD Lifesong. I have just recently bought the CD and have been blessed every day since I bought it. I work in Gadsden and so I drive a lot everyday and I try to use this time as my alone time with God. All of the songs on this CD have touched my heart and God has used them to speak to me in lots of different ways. One of the song titles is IN ME. What the song reminds us is that God does not NEED us, he WANTS us. He doesn't just want us when everything is going great in our life, he wants us when our hearts and lives are troubled, when we are weak. We are nothing without Christ, with Christ we live. Without Christ we are weak, with Christ we are strong. We will never make it trying to live on our own ability, we must put our faith, trust, and strength in him and praise his name forever, even in the storm.

The 4th of July is rapidly approaching. I hope everyone enjoys a long day with family & you all have a safe 4th. Also, lets not forget on the wonderful 4th to thank God for our freedom & the troops that protect that freedom!

Seeing is not believing

One day a 6 year old girl was sitting in a classroom. The teacher was going to explain evolution to the children. The teacher asked a little boy:

Tommy do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Tommy, do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

TEACHER: Go outside and look up and see if you can see the sky.

TOMMY: Okay. (He returned a few minutes later) Yes, I saw the sky.

TEACHER: Did you see God up there?

TOMMY: No.

TEACHER: That's my point. We can't see God because he isn't there. Possibly he just doesn't exist. A little girl spoke up and wanted to ask the boy some questions. The teacher agreed and the little girl asked the boy: Tommy, do you see the tree outside?

TOMMY: Yes.

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy do you see the grass outside?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Did you see the sky?

TOMMY: Yessssss!

LITTLE GIRL: Tommy, do you see the teacher?

TOMMY: Yes

LITTLE GIRL: Do you see her brain?

TOMMY: No

LITTLE GIRL: Then according to what we were taught today in school, she possibly may not even have one! (You Go Girl!)



"FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, NOT BY SIGHT" II CORINTHIANS 5:7

Date Change for Skating!

Please mark your calendars to reflect the change in the date for our skating party at Trussville Playstation. The new date is SUNDAY, AUGUST 5th from 4:00-6:00pm. Cost per family will be $20. We must have at least 11 families to participate. Please reserve your spot with a $5 deposit which can be given to Rhonda Shelton or Jenny Brannan. Total cost will be due no later than Sunday, July 22nd. Please comment here to let everyone know if you are game!

Family Movie Night

"Surf's Up!"
Let's meet at the movies in Trussville on THIS SATURDAY, June 23rd for "Surf's Up" at 4:40pm. Dinner to follow at Moe's.
Please let Rhonda know if she needs to save seats for your family by responding here or emailing her at rshelton0828@aol.com.

HELP!

THE FRIDGE IS EMPTY!

CONTENT NEEDED IMMEDIATLY!
SERIOUSLY, THIS IS A REALLY REALLY SAD AND LONELY BLOG!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MAKING A POST ON THE BLOG, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT HERE, OR EMAIL RHONDA SHELTON, OR JENNY BARRETT SO THAT WE CAN ADD YOU TO THE LIST OF AUTHORS AND YOU CAN BEGIN CONTRIBUTING!
The few of us who have been making all the posts have obviously run out of content to put on it, so we need fresh new fruit to be added!!!!!

Not sure if you have anything to say???? Here are a few ideas for EVERYONE in Family Ties to be involved in the content on the FRIDGE~
TEACHERS: please post summaries of our lessons in class! Especially since we are in a series, it is a great way to keep anyone who missed a Sunday informed!!!
CARE GROUP LEADERS: please post information for your care groups about socials, prayer needs, etc. Even though you are supposed to be sending out emails for these purposes, this is another great way to keep bases covered and make sure everyone is aware of all opportunities before them.
CLASS MEMBERS: What has God been teaching you lately? Have you put into practice a lesson recently learned from our class studies? Your experiences in life, both the success and failures, are great learning tools for everyone! Give your testimony of how you came to know the Lord personally....how you teach your children about Jesus....how you and your spouse make time for each other, and time for your family....How do you teach others around you (in the work place, at the ball field, etc) about Christ????

I have to believe that in a class our size, we all can have something to say to encourage others! Even if you're not a "writer", ask for help in telling your story!
HELP US FILL THE FRIDGE WITH A GREAT FEAST FOR EVERYONE!!!

Sunday Fun Day Questionnaire

This Sunday, June 10th, is another Family Ties "Sunday Fun Day!" We will be using this day to help get us geared up for our next bible study series on the different love languages of children. I have compiled a list of questions that I would like for you all to ask your children. Bring their answers with you to class on Sunday and we will share them with each other. I am sure this will be quite amusing!

1.) Where does your daddy work?

2.) What does your mommy do all day?

3.) Who has all the money at your house?

4.) Who cleans your house?

5.) What do you want to be when you grow up?

6.) Do you love school?

7.) Do you love going to church?

8.) Who cuts your grass?

9.) Where does God live?

10.) Who is the prettiest person you know?

11.) Who loves you more than anything?

12.) Do you love your sibling/s?

13.) Do you want your mommy to have another baby?

14.) What makes you happy?

15.) What makes you sad?

Song of Solomon

So.... you know that we were out of town. I have heard that John and I were the subject of much talk on Sunday. I want to know what you guys thought of the Song of Solomon lesson. I hear it was wonderful! Let me know YOUR thoughts. Thanks again, Vaughn!

If you want to check out a book to further "help" with this lesson, check out the book "Intimacy Ignited" or "Sheet Music".

Mercy & Compassion

Hope you guys don't mind a "personal" post from me...but since nothing has been put on the Fridge lately...

During the school year, my kids were learning many of the different stories from the Bible. The story of Moses, Noah and the Ark, Joseph and his "special coat". But of all the stories both of the kids learned about, nothing has taught us as a family more than the story of Jonah and the Whale. Mrs. Lea at HillDale Christian School is obviously a great Bible teacher, because both of the kids would come home talking about what they had learned with great excitement. When I commented to their teacher how much they were enjoying learning from her during their Bible class, she told me that they were going to be watching the Veggie Tales Movie by the same name. Since Ryan had latched onto this story so emphatically, Jonathan and I decided we would buy the movie to add to our family collection at home. The kids have watched it incessantly. It is absolutely one of Ryan's favorite movies ever! The movie chronicles the story of Jonah, and highlights two elements in the story that my daughter has taken to heart very much: Mercy and Compassion.

One day, after watching the movie, we were eating lunch, and Megan proudly informed me that she knew the difference betweenCompassion and Mercy.

"Really?" I asked, "Why don't you tell me?"

"Well, COMPASSION is when you see someone that is hurting, and you feel bad for them and want to help them out" Megan stated. "And MERCY is when you give someone a second chance, even when they don't deserve it".

I was so proud of her! Even though she'd learned it from an animated tomato and cucumber, it had seemed to grasp her heart and she had learned an important lesson in life!

Or so I thought.

Her next statement has had me in stitches laughing every since.

"So, Mom, that means that when you get mad at me, you just need to show me more MERCY and give me a second chance!"

Jonathan and I have heard this statement from her right in the middle of discipline numerous times! It seemed for a while that she was using it as a means of getting out of trouble...or at least trying to. She'd get the "talk" after getting into trouble about doing something wrong, and under her breath she is whispering, "You just need to show me a little mercy and give me another chance".

As of recent days, I think she is finally getting it, but we've had to explain to her that showing mercy to her does not give her a reason to behave badly to begin with...she must still obey the rules, use her manners, and be kind to others. I've even gone as far as telling her that I've shown her enough mercy every time I warned her to stop doing something (a sassy mouth, talking back, etc.), and by the time I have come to the point of punishing her, it's too late! But still, she reminds me, she needs compassion and mercy from me.

How often do I act like this to my Heavenly Father? How often do I disobey him, and go my own way. And when my own way leads to disaster, it's always HIM that I beg to show me mercy and compassion and "get me out of this!" I'm so glad, that I have a God who loves me that much, because it is never a question, he readily gives me mercy. It's the reason I'm HIS CHILD. It's the reason I have an eternal home. It's the reason I am where I am today. So, it's also the gentle, loving, probe of the Lord that turns my thoughts to that fact every time I'm in a position to disciple one of my children. As I hear myself saying "It's because I love you and want the best for you that I have to teach you this lesson", I also hear a whisper in my heart from God saying the same thing to me.

Praise the Lord for COMPASSION AND MERCY!

Welcome, Hannah Joy McLendon!

Welcome to the world, little Hannah Joy McLendon!

Congratulations to Chase, Amy and Big Sister Bailey on the arrival of their newest addition on May 15th at 7:15am. Hannah weighed in at 7lbs 14oz and 20 inches long. She was born so quickly! Her mommy's water was broken at 6:00 this morning.

Leave the proud family a congratulatory comment here on this post.

Hello, World

Hi, guys! Just a quick post to remind us of the lesson we covered on Sunday.

I was thinking about it and started digging through my house. The few of you who have been here will understand the level of effort that takes. After crossing the stream of clean laundry that needs to be folded, and lake of dishes both to be washed and put away, and the ocean of dirty laundry, and I went through my movies... oh what an eye opener. I'm literally frightened to go through my books. I always wondered where all the time to do laundry, and do the dishes, and read the Bible goes to... Ryan said it on Sunday... the problem for me may not be that I need a filter on my tv or computer--- maybe I don't need a TV... or a bookshelf! So have you looked at what's on the shelf, what you tune into...

The other thing that I discovered going through all of that junk, was that it reveals a lot about my attitude. If I allow the stuff that distracts me from the best thing be my favorite things, then that tells me that my attitude toward the best thing, toward the ONE THING that really matters is lacking. So the rest of this week, I'm trying to focusing my prayers on my desire for God and His will, and to truly take over in my life.

Hope you've had a great 1st half of the week, and see you on Sunday!

Skating, Anyone?

Would your family be up for roller skating?

We have reserved Trussville PlayStation for Sunday, July 29th from 4:00 until 6:00.

Before paying a non-refundable deposit, we want to make sure that we have enough interest. Please reply here letting us know if you are 1) interested and 2) available for the July 29th date.

Cost should be between $15-20 per family.

I know this is far in advance, but I know you have vacations scheduled!

Are YOU A Johnny???

A friend sent me a link to an amazing and inspiring video about service, and it really made me stop and think about how effective I am at my place of service at church. Many of us are actively serving in one or more areas at CrossPoint, but I ask you, how are you making an IMPACT in your service? Please, click on the link below and watch the short video. Are you putting your "fingerprint" on those you serve? How have you been affected by others who have served God by serving others? How has your service affected you? I encourage you to share your thoughts after watching this video by leaving a comment on this post.

http://www.simpletruths.com/simpletruths/a.aspx?af=219&mo=stsr


"It's not how much you do, but how much love you put into what you are doing"
Mother Theresa

Notes From LC....THANKS HEATHER!!!!

Pictorial Directory:

Sign up on the church main site (CLICK HERE) for pictures in the new directory. We are about 400 families larger than when we last did a driectory, so EVERYONE needs to participate!

VBS:

Beth and Cathy need workers for some specific groups grades, 1, 5, and 3 ( I think) email one of these ladies to volunteer (June 4-8 9 AM- NOON)
Beth Email: bhowe@crosspointchurch.info
Cathy Email: cowen@crosspointchurch.info
The first Saturday in June (06/02/07), will be a work day to decorate for VBS

Next LC, June 3rd will end with a prayer walk for VBS.

FAMILY NIGHT,
Wednesday June 6, will be a "tailgate fundraiser" hot dogs, chips and such, and this will raise funds for the Student Ministry's Mission Trip this summer.

Care Group Functions

Care Group #1 - Lunch after the 10:45 worship on May 6th at O'Charley's.

Care Group #2 - Family Shrimp Boil (prepared by Vaughn Harris) at the Sheltons on Friday, May 11th at 6:00. Bring $10 per family to cover the cost of the food. RSVP using your Evite.

Care Group #3 - Bring your own lunch and Family Play Date at Trussville Civitan Park on Sunday, May 20th after the 10:45 worship.

Care Group #4 - Bring your own picnic on Sunday, May 20th after the 3rd worship. Meet at the covered bridge off of Hwy 11 in Trussville.

LC THIS SUNDAY....BE THERE!!!

Upcoming Leadership Opportunities
It's that time again!! If you serve in ANY CAPACITY in our class, you are encouraged, (and expected) to attend LC each month. This time is vital to the success of bringing JUST 1 MORE to CONNECT with God's People!

Adult Education Leadership Community

with Chris Howell

Sunday, May 6

5:30PM

Room E106
Topics:

1. Valuing Your Leaders
2. LifeWay Bible Study Lessons Online

This opportunity is for all leaders in our Bible study group, not directors and teachers only.
ALL LEADERS, PLEASE BE AWARE OF THIS MEETING AND MAKE IT A PRIORITY! It is important for us to be here so we can all continue to improve as ministers in Adult Education.

CrossPoint Leadership Community
Sunday, May 6

6:00PM

Worship Center

BRADY THOMAS CALDWELL IS HERE!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRANDI, MARTY, AND BIG BROTHER TREY ON THE LONG AWAITED ARRIVAL OF THEIR NEW BABY BOY!

Brady Thomas Caldwell arrived at 9:45 today (4/30/07). He weighs 7 lbs. and 9 oz. and is 20 inches long!

LEAVE THE FAMILY A CONGRATULATORY COMMENT HERE ON THIS POST!

Music Requests???

I've added a few new songs to our "mix" here on the blog. Leave me feedback and let me know what you think of the songs. I still have room to add more tracks, so if you have a request of a song you'd like to hear on the player, let me know and I will see if it is available to add to the list. I hope you are all really enjoying listening to it, and I encourage you to invite others to our blog to share what songs are on there, as well as what is going on in our class.

HAVE A GREAT WEEK EVERYONE!

DO WE NEED AN A.P.B????

For those of you who weren't in church yesterday, YOU MISSED OUT! Bro. Ryan had an awesome message from the Lord, and I encourage each of you to go to the church website ( click here )and download yesterday's sermon! WARNING! Steel Toe boots cannot save you from bruised toes while hearing this one!!

There were many families out of class yesterday and our numbers were down to 1/2 of what we usually have in attendance. James taught a lesson on the importance of families, and the roles they play in our lives, and once again we are reminded how much of a "family" we have all become as members of the Family Ties class. If you have a need, a sickness, a prayer request, or if you're just having a bad day....WE WANT TO KNOW ABOUT IT! Keep in touch with your Care Group Leaders, and LEADERS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR GROUP! (Leaders: Have you read Ryan's Blogs from last week???? )

As you've probably heard us say many times before,

"WHAT HAPPENS TO YOU, MATTERS TO US!"

We are here for you...you are family.

We missed those of you who weren't in class.

Hope to see you next week.

Congratulations!

Our blogging champion is no other than (drum roll, please...) Mary "Catfish" Vinson! Amy McLendon gave you a run for your money, but you still won! Don't forget to claim your prize - a $20 gift certificate to Costa's Mediterranean!

Whining

This was Ryan's post for Saturday on his blog. For those of you who don't read his blog, here it is. I really needed what God had to say through him and thought it was so on-point, that you may need it too. We. do after all, struggle with our own version of the same issues. Boy, with all that has been going on in the Sheltons' lives, have I been a SUCH a whiner lately! You can just ask my husband.

"Vonda and I enjoyed breakfast Friday morning with my mother at Cracker Barrel. Breakfast at one of my favorite restaurants is part of our routine whenever mom spends the night with us, which she did last night.

On the way to breakfast I started rummaging through a list of the pressing needs I have automatically stored in my brain that are demanding my immediate attention. You know, it’s that nagging list of concerns you have that always seem to creep toward the front of your brain whenever you have a moment to reflect.

My mind started to wonder, “When will I get this done? What is it going to take to get that fixed? How will I pay for this? Where will we get the money for that? How long do we have to complete this project?”

Can any of you relate? Does anybody know what I am talking about? Do any of you have that same kind of list?

Before arriving at the restaurant I was already on the defensive. And, I hate to admit it, but I had also become a bit whiny. As a result, my mind was consumed with my problems, my needs, and my troubles and nothing else seemed to matter. And, as things typically go when I am in that particular mindset, I started whining during our breakfast conversation.

Since my mother is the consummate motivator and positive thinker, she started helping me see things from a different perspective. And, that worked for a while. Actually it worked well enough for me to pipe down about my troubles and move on with the meal. But for those of you who can identify, I may not have been talking about those needs, but I was sure still pondering them in my mind. That is, I was dwelling on those things until God sent a family to sit directly across from me.

I don’t know the family situation. It could have been a father and daughter, or a brother and sister. Whichever the case, it sure looked like they were related. And, the Lord used these two strangers to stop my whining—immediately.

The daughter/sister was severely physically challenged. She could not speak, and I honestly doubt she was capable of any verbal or non-verbal communication. When they sat down, the father/brother very gently placed her chair right next to his so he could give immediate attention to anything she needed. After being seated, the special needs child started rocking back and forth and it was necessary for her brother to calm her. Soon thereafter, she became calm.

A conversation between God and I ensued immediately, “Okay, Lord. I hear you. I hear you loud and clear. I promise to quit. I promise to quit my whining. My needs are not so great, that you cannot meet them. Instead of whining, I will trust you and I will thank you!”

I did not want to stare. Yet periodically I would glance at the father/brother caring for his daughter/sister, and he did it with such grace, patience and tenderness. I was deeply moved. He prepared her breakfast for her on her plate. Then, he methodically fed her bite by bite, stopping briefly to give her something to drink through a straw. He did all this while trying to eat his own meal. And, not once did I see him grimace or complain. He served this child as if it were a distinguished honor. He served her with such ease. This child was not a burden to him. This child was a blessing.

A situation that would have completely unnerved me seemed to be business-as-usual for this noble man. He was composed. He was comfortable with what he was required to do. He made it look easy, which I know it was not.And it was his example that helped me get over my whining spell. That is exactly what I needed to see—a man handling pressure with grace. I am so glad God sent this sweet family to sit next to me. Thanks to their example I have a new perspective on my day.So, for the remainder of this day I will not whine. Neither will I bemoan the fact I have a particular need that I think is overwhelming. Nor will I dwell on things that are beyond my control. Instead, I will be joyful. Instead, I will be thankful.As I left the restaurant to begin the remainder of my day, this was a prayer I prayed:

“Thank you, Lord, for this day, with all its demands and needs and opportunities. Thank you, Lord, for my health and my family’s health. Thank you, Lord, for my family. Thank you, Lord, for meeting all of my needs. Most of all, thank you, Lord, for the example set before me this morning by that precious family. Please meet all of their needs according to your riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Amen.”

For anyone else struggling with a case of whining today, let me encourage you to pray a similar prayer. You will be amazed how small your problems become when you pray this way."

Dancing With God

Here's an email that I received today and I thought I'd share it with everyone.
Dancing With God

When I meditated on the word Guidance,
I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word.
I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.
When two people try to lead, nothing feels right.
The movement doesn't flow with the music,
and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky.
When one person realizes that, and lets the other lead,
both bodies begin to flow with the music.
One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back
or by pressing Lightly in one direction or another.
It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully.
The dance takes surrender, willingness,
and attentiveness from one person
and gentle guidance and skill from the other.
My eyes drew back to the word Guidance.
When I saw "G: I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i".
"God, "u" and "i" dance."
God, you, and I dance.
As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust
That I would get guidance about my life.
Once again, I became willing to let God lead.
My prayer for you today is that God's blessings
and mercies be upon you on this day and everyday.
May you abide in God as God
abides in you.
Dance together with God, trusting God to lead
and to guide you through each season of your life.
This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached.
If God has done anything for
you in your life,
please share this message with someone else,
for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive.
There is no cost but a lot of rewards;
so let's continue to pray for one another.
And I Hope You Dance

KIDS IN CHURCH

Here is an email Heather sent in and asked to be posted on the blog today...enjoy!

Around Easter time my kids get really excited about chocolate Easter bunnies. A couple of years ago Andrew was in such a state and we happened to be listening to The Cathedrals in the car. "Have a Little Talk with Jesus" came on and I had to stop the CD to find out what Andrew was singing. As the music stopped I realized that Andrew was not singing about a TALK with Jesus. He was singing have a little CHOCOLATE Jesus.

Priceless....

KIDS IN CHURCH

3-year-old Reese: "Our Father, Who does art in heaven, Harold is His name. Amen."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it. I'm having a real good time like I am."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the christening of his baby brother in church, Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car. His father asked him three times what was wrong. Finally, the boy replied, "That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christianhome, and I wanted to stay with you guys."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

One particular four-year-old prayed, "And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Sunday school teacher asked her children as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin 5, andRyan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here,
He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.' Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A father was at the beach with his children when the four-year-old son ran up to him, grabbed his hand, and led him to the shore where a seagull lay dead in the sand. "Daddy, what happened to him?" the son asked. "He died and went to Heaven," the Dad replied. The boy thought a moment and then said, "Did God throw him back down?"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter andsaid, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

PREPARING FOR RESURRECTION DAY!!

Hello Everyone!!! I trust you are all having a wonderful week and are getting excited about Easter. I have been especially emotional about Easter this year. I feel the Holy Spirit touching my heart and it's almost as if I hear a whisper "It was for you", ringing over and over in my head. Also, my 6 year old has a deeper understanding about Easter. In fact, as I was trying to begin a conversation with her about the meaning of Easter, she was quick to inform me that "The Easter Bunny isn't REAL, but JESUS IS!" Sometimes, just like at Christmas, I get too wrapped up in finding the perfect Easter clothes for the kids, going to Easter Egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, dying the eggs (ug!), and I forget to put more emphasis on what EASTER is really and truly all about!
I am sure many of us have seen the movie "The Passion of Christ" that Mel Gibson released a few years ago. I have to confess that I've only seen it once, in the movie theatre, and the scenes of him being beaten were so horrific that I couldn't watch. I closed my eyes and listened to the rest. After watching that movie, Jonathan and I went to eat dinner, and neither of us had much of an appetite. Movies-Pictures-Songs: They all are ways of touching my heart emotionally. Today, while searching the popular website "YOUTUBE" there were many videos with regards to Easter, and the Crucifixion of Christ. While some video's are downright disturbing and sacrilegious, I came across this one with the song "This Man" by Jeremy Camp. I was crying and praising God for what He'd done for me by the end of it and I just wanted to share it with you all! I hope this will help prepare your hearts for Worship this Sunday.

Family Picnic and Play Date

Join us at the CrossPoint lawn and playground for a Family Picnic and Play Date!

Sunday, April 22nd

4:00p.m. until dark

Bring your picnic goodies, blankets and outdoor games. Drinks will be provided.

Please sign up here or in class and pray for good weather!

See Rhonda if you have any questions.

Thank You, Dear Family!

Dear Family -
“Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” – the Lord laid the words to this song on my heart this morning as I was getting ready for work. Then I get in the car and my CD is on “I Can’t Stop Praising Your Name” which was on my choir CD. I then pop in my Family Ties CD compiled by James Buxton and it is on “I Can’t Stop Praising Your Name”. I check the mailbox and there is yet, another card from a family in our class expressing get well wishes. I am so blessed to have people such as you in my life. I was always one of the loudest supporters of our class’s mantra of “Family Ties”. I said we were a family, but I never really understood its meaning first hand. As I read the card this morning, driving down the road to take Dylan to kindergarten and myself to work, tears welled up in my eyes with thanksgiving. Part of my daily conversations with God is thanking Him for His blessings, but I have realized today that a lot of the time that was just lip service. I was never truly thankful. Today, I am truly thankful and awe-inspired by His gift of Family Ties. So many of you have called, sent cards, visited, offered meals, sent flowers, emailed and prayed for us. You have gone above and beyond what I would have ever expected or dreamed you would do. You have truly embodied the definition of family.

As I lay in the hospital (half of the time out of my mind – just ask John), my earthly family (the ones given to me by blood or marriage) was concerned about what was wrong with me. You don’t know how unsettling it can be to hear your doctor, neurologist and nurse say that they just don’t know what’s the matter with you. You, my church family, spoke words of concern and love to John and my parents and took some of that worry off of them and onto yourselves. Words cannot express how much I love you and am thankful for you. Just as I miss worshipping in corporate worship and hearing God’s message through Ryan, I miss you when I am not in your presence for just that little while on Sundays. This week has not been quite right since it has been two weeks since I have seen you. Do you feel that way when you miss Sunday? I so hope and pray that you do. If you just joined our class or you just have been “out of the loop” for the last little while or for a long while, let me encourage you to pray that nothing will prevent you from coming on Sunday. As it gets warmer and prettier outside, it will be easy to “just sleep in” or find other things to do on Sunday. Pray that God will guard your heart against Satan’s attacks and that this will never enter your mind as a possibility.

For those of you who have ministered to me and my family these past couple of weeks, thank you from the bottom of my heart and I pray that the Lord blesses you 1,000 fold. Please let me know if there is ever ANYTHING I can do for you in return.

I love you,
Rhonda Shelton

Growing Together (Take Inventory)

"For where two or three are gathered together in My name,I am there in the midst of them.
Matthew 18:20

Love does not just happen....We need to encourage our love for each other in marriage to grow.We need to nurture that the same love we experienced on our wedding dayso it deepens and matures as each day, month and year passes by.
Your Love in your marriage is a precious gift from God!

I am my beloved's and my beloved is Mine

Song of Solomon 6:3

Marriage in Christ is three part (Christ, husband & wife)....husband and wife have an obligation to pursue an individual relationship with Christ and to embrace this relationship as the most important one in their lives. This knowledge is then joined in marriage in spirit and body with your mate. Our marital relationship, just as our individual one with the Father, requires much diligence in study so that we may grow in our seeking as to His Will in our lives and our marriage. Marriages that are not nourished with God's Word in "all three parts" will slowly drift until one day you may not even want to feel the love you once gave each other.
Even the seemingly "Good" marriages can fall prey to satan and his bag of tricks that keeps our focus off God in our marriages. Attending to all the world's temptations can break a marriage in half. Not only must we safeguard our homes by keeping God first but we need to periodically sit down with our mates and take inventory! You might be surprised to learn some of your findings!

The following is an inventory we use in our marriage. It is best to try to sit down uninterrupted with your mate every few months and complete this "inventory" together. As a suggestion, it might also be helpful to pray together first that God would help each of you learn something from this exercise and that He might reveal to you both those things that are causing hurt in your relationship.

Each must take a piece of paper and separately answer each question. When you both have completed this part, discuss each question one at a time by revealing your answers together. You can then take the results you find and work on those areas that need attention. Don't forget to joyfully acknowledge one another for those areas that are scored well and perhaps areas of happiness that have brought one another that was previously taken for granted! And finally, end in prayer by rejoicing with Him for your precious love He has given to you both!

Marriage Inventory

Taken in part from "The Joyful Covenant" by Lester & Doris Glick

Score each question individually by the following rating system:
Always.....Most of the Time.....Sometimes.....Rarely.....Never

1. Do you feel close to your mate? Can you share anything without fear or embarrassment?
2. Are the happy, meaningful times of your life the times that you share with your spouse?
3. Are you and your partner bonded together by love?
4. Are you confident of the love of your mate?
5. Do you provide the same confidence for your partner?
6. Is loving each other a pleasure you express to each other in words and ways between you?
7. Do you find joy in the presence of children, either your own, or those with whom you have made special contact? Do you feel the satisfaction of providing services to children, whether they are your own or others who need loving care?
8. Do you help and support each other in the rough times without the tears, and troubles pushing you away from each other and into yourselves? Are you able to comfort each other in sadness and cheer for each other in success?
9. Are you struggling now with some kind of temptation in "the world" that is hindering your relationship with Christ and your mate?
10. Do you believe you have become stronger in your faith since you are married?
11. Do you feel your spouse encourages and supports the practice of your faith in daily living?
12. Do you pray together on a regular basis?
13. Have you made it a point in your life to keep a close relationship with God in your daily walk?
    After your relationship with God, is your marriage your next priority or do "others" come first?

This inventory has become a great tool in our marriage. Marriage takes work friends....there is no magic!! We need to keep in touch with each other for this love to grow into the oneness that the covenant of marriage brings us in Christ! There are many opinions out there as to what is wrong with the American culture and our marriages! The bottom line is a lack of indivdual commitment in pursuing and living in a Godly relationship with the Savior. When our Christian life gets brushed aside for whatever reason the marriage begins to suffer. Left unattended.....well the results are what we all know!

Try this inventory with your mate if he or she is willing! Although the inventory is meant to be completed as a couple, if that is not an option for you, taking the inventory yourself should give you some insight as to your role in the relationship. You may find out some very interesting information either way and hopefully it will lead you both to discovering a new relationship or deepening your relationship into what God wants for you and your marriage!

Love your spouseand ask God to make love blossominto a tree that shades your life together with goodness and contentment.Do not count the cost of love,look only to the end result of your togetherness.
from Forever in Love

For the eyes of the Lordare on the righteous,And His ears are opento their prayers;1 Peter 3:12
Blossom!
and...
Grow with God,...
together!
May God bless each of you!

Taken from Christian Family and Marraige Ministry

http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Plains/8218/index.html