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

CONGRATULATIONS!

KATHY AND SCOTT

AND

EMILY AND JEFFREY

YOUR FAMILY OF FAITH CELEBRATES

WITH YOU ON YOUR RECENT ENGAGEMENT!

CONGRATULATIONS

AND

BEST WISHES

FOR A HAPPY LIFE TOGETHER!

MORE NEW MEMBERS!

Once again, we are adding Just 1 More to the Family!

Well, this couple has been attending

regularly for a while now,

but now they've made it

OFFICIAL!!

Please Welcome

JAMIE AND KAREN ISBELL

to the craziness we call FAMILY TIES!

Welcome guys!

We're glad you are part of our class!

REMEMBER LADIES!

DON'T FORGET!

At Brandi Caldwell's house

This Friday Night

6:30 pm

Bring $5 for food

COME LATE, OR LEAVE EARLY, JUST COME!

If you previously signed up and won't be coming, please let us know so we can plan the right amount of food for everyone!!! Leave us a comment here on this post, or send an email to Brandi. (Further information can be found in the previous "Girls Nite" post here on the blog)

LOOKING FORWARD TO A GREAT NIGHT!

SEE YOU LADIES THERE!

Welcome New Members!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!

FAMILY TIES CONTINUES TO GROW!

THIS SUNDAY, WE ADDED TO OUR "FAMILY"

MARK AND KIM MOORE

BE SURE TO INTRODUCE YOURSELF IN THE COMING WEEKS AS

WE ALL COME TOGETHER FOR BIBLE STUDY AND FELLOWSHIP.

FEEL FREE TO LEAVE A WELCOME COMMENT HERE ON THIS POST!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE OUT

THIS WEEK, WE REALLY MISSED YOU!

(HOPE THE TIME CHANGE DIDN'T GET ALL OF YOU!)

SEE YOU ALL ON SUNDAY!

HANNAH MAE HAS ARRIVED!!!!

PRAISE THE LORD!

HANNAH MAE BARBER HAS ARRIVED!!!

BORN TODAY AT 4:23PM

WEIGHING 7 POUNDS, 2 OUNCES & 19 INCHES LONG!

MOM AND BABY ARE DOING GREAT! LETS KEEP THE BARBER FAMILY IN OUR PRAYERS AS THEY EMBARK ON THIS LIFE CHANGING JOURNEY!!!

LEAVE A CONGRATULATORY COMMENT HERE ON THIS POST!

CONGRATULATIONS KRISHNA, AND WES! WE LOVE YOU!!!!

DON'T FORGET TO SPRING FORWARD!!!

YEP, IT'S THAT TIME AGAIN!!!

Time Change Sunday

--March 11--

Spring Forward!

Don't let this early Daylight Saving Time start date catch you by surprise. Beginning this year, the starting date is two weeks earlier than in the past. Remember to set your clocks forward one hour before going to bed Saturday night. We don't want anybody to be late Sunday

It's going to be another exciting day to Connect with God and Connect with His people!

See you early Sunday morning!

V.I.P.S NEEDED!!!

V.I.P.s NEEDED (Very Important Posters)
STOP STALKING THE BLOG!

If you are visiting the blog and not commenting, you are a blogging voyeur! ☺

So, THE BLOGGING CONTEST IS ON!

For the month of March, each comment earns you one point;

each pastor-friendly post earns two points.

Remember, guys, we are linked to Ryan Whitley’s blog!!

The winner will receive a gift certificate to Costa’s Mediterranean!

If you don’t know how to leave a comment

or make a post, see any of your Family Connection members

(Jason, Rhonda, Scott, Heather, Brandi, Jenny, or your care group leader).

The Jesus Painting

Here is an interesting video that Rebecca Reeves emailed in last week. If you have the time (its about 9 minutes long) watch it and leave a comment telling us what you thought!

Valentine Dinner and Game Night

Here's the pictures from our "we will never forget this night" Valentine Dinner and Game Night. John and I absolutely loved every moment of the evening from the fabulous dinner at Steak N Ale to the dessert at our house to the astoundingly hilarious rendition of the Newlywed Game. Won't you all agree that by getting to know each other better outside of church, we can see that we are all virtually the same! We go through the same things and the Lord has brought us all together so we can share those experiences and lift each other up when we are going through those inevitable down times. For those of you who were unable to come this time, you missed out! And we hope that you can make it the next time! See the other posts on the blog for our upcoming family functions!

LC THIS SUNDAY!

Adult Bible Study Leadership Community

Sunday, March 4
5:30PM
Room E107

We will be meeting with Chris Howell, and other Bible Study Leaders to discuss the many ways we are applying CrossPoint's process in our classes. We will all be discussing our struggles and sucesses as a class.

CrossPoint Leadership Community

Sunday, March 4

6:00 PM

Topic:

Applying the 7 Practices of

Effective Ministry to

CrossPoint's Process

All Teachers, Directors, Outreach leaders, Care Group leaders, and Apprentices are encouraged to attend! This is a great time to come together as the leadership of our class and church and learn more about applying the vision of JUST 1 MORE at CrossPoint in our areas of Ministry!

(If you are not able to attend, please leave a comment here on this post and let us know so we may take notes for you and keep you updated!)

Girls' Night In

We are definitely still on for the Girls' Night at the Caldwell house. Provided all goes well, we will not close until April 13. This means there is still time for a final fun night at the Pinson abode. It is easy to find, but I don't want to post directions to my house out here in the public domain. If you need directions, let me know by email caldwellb@mtnbrook.k12.al.us .

Come around 6:30 PM for food, fun, games, and possibly a mean game of Karaoke Revolution! Bring a snack to share and I will provide some supper food. Any suggestions??? Hope to see you there. Please sign up in Sunday School or let us know you are coming through a comment. Also, any questions or thoughts are welcome... no, there will be no tickle fight. Keep dreamin' guys!

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?????

Thanks to Mary who sent this in and suggested it would be a neat post for the blog!

Wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phones? What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we spent an hour or more using it every day? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it as we traveled? What if we used it in case of an emergency? This is something to make you go "Hmmm... where is my Bible?"

Oh, and a few more things - - - Unlike our cell phones: One plan fits all: Unlimited usage~No roaming charges~No weak signals or dropped calls~And we don't ever have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus has already paid the bill !!!!

Leadership Meeting

Hello, everyone!

I want to give each of you a personal invitation to join us on THIS Friday night at the home of Jenny Barrett for a leadership meeting. If you are the least bit interested in serving in some capacity in our class, please join us at 6:30. We need apprentices in all areas from outreach to socials to teaching to making sure we have breakfast supplies each week. A meal will be served, so all you need to bring is a few bucks. Let either Jenny or myself know if you will be coming so we can be sure that we have enough food! We hope to see each and every one of you there as we plan how to better reach just one more and connect with God, each other, and our world!

Have a great week!

Much love to each of you!

Rhonda

GUYS NIGHT IN

Friday night, March 9th at 6:30
At the home of Jason Prickett
1075 Summit Ridge Way - Odenville

Bring money for food! Will order in!

If you have not signed up in class, please comment here!

GRAND OPENING OF ADULT EDUCATION WING

Once again, Sunday was a GREAT day in the life of CrossPoint and our "FAMILY". Thank you all for coming this past week, and we expect you will return this Sunday. Take a look at the slide show below and hopefully you'll get to know a few new faces. Do you have a JUST 1 MORE to invite to class???? Who will you help CONNECT TO GOD, GOD'S PEOPLE, AND GOD'S PLAN?

Bible Study

HELP US DECIDE!

We are looking for new Bible Study Topics to use in class in the coming months, and we want to know what you, the class members, would like to learn more about.

Is there a study you've always wanted to do??

Is there a topic that you've always wondered how the Word of God speaks about?

Financial? Parenting? Witnessing? Social issues? Salvation? Marriage? Serving the Lord? Personal Devotions?

The possiblities are endless!

We are asking for your opinions, thoughts, and suggestions on what Family Ties can offer in our Class Study to help reach JUST 1 MORE for Christ!

Leave a comment here on this post and give us your thoughts!

(remember, you can be annonymous, or sign in and leave your name, it's up to you!)

HOORAY!

WASN'T IT A GREAT DAY IN BIBLE STUDY?!?!?!?!

We had an awesome day in the life of CrossPoint as we opened the new Adult Education Wing of our campus today. Family Ties had a personal attendance goal for this special day and we came pretty close. On average our class runs about 30 in attendance, but today's attendance totalled a grand number of ........... (drum roll please...........)

51 PEOPLE!

Family Ties! YOU DID AN AWESOME JOB!!!!

Thank you ALL for coming and helping to make this day a record in the life of our class, as well as the life of CrossPoint. Keep checking the blog this week for pictures of our awesome day!

What did you think about our new classroom today??? What would you like to see happen in our class as we continue to "grow smaller" as we make room for JUST 1 MORE?

Leave a comment on the blog and let us know your thoughts!!!

FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND TODAY, WE MISSED YOU! WE WILL BE LOOKING FOR YOU IN CLASS NEXT SUNDAY, FEB. 25TH!!!

REMINDER!!!!!

Are you READY?

Family Ties class moves to it's NEW classroom this Sunday, February 18th!

We will be in the NEW Adult Education Building, on the Lower Level, Room E106.

Who have you invited?

Do you have your "JUST 1 MORE"?

We need YOU to be there and invite a guest to help our Family Ties Bible Study Class

reach our goal of 65 people in Bible Study!

This day also serves as our once a quarter

"SUNDAY FUN DAY"

in Family Ties, so you don't want to miss out on all the fun!

This will be an eventful day in the life of CrossPoint!

DON'T MISS OUT!!!

Suggestions Box

What are YOUR thoughts?

We want to give you a voice in what goes on in Family Ties. Having your input will better help the Leaders of our class know how to serve you and the community best. If you have an idea, or a suggestion for our class , please post a comment here. Tell us what we're doing right, and what we can do better! We want to know!

(you can leave it annonymos so noone will know who you are.)

Give us your thoughts!

Topics to consider:

How do you feel about the Care Groups and how they function?

What Socials would you like to see our class do?

What keeps you from attending socials? (time of day, childcare issues, no interest & if so, why?)

What type of lessons would you like to have taught in class? (i.e. financial studies, personal study, family study, what does the Bible say about social issues?)

How can we better serve and invite JUST 1 MORE to Family Ties Bible Study!

We look forward to reading your thoughts!

Leadership Community

Leadership Community

&

Family Conference

Sunday, February 11

6:00 PM

Topic: CONNECT-Applying the CrossPoint Process

Now that we have identified the CrossPoint Process for reaching

JUST ONE MORE

to become a fully devoted follower of Christ,

it is time to start developing the many

ways we apply our process.

Family Conference Immediately following LC

New CrossPoint WebSite!

Have you guys seen the new CrossPoint WebSite???

It's looking really good!

Check it out:

www.crosspointchurch.info

How are YOU "Connecting"?

Over the last few weeks, and for the whole year to come, Bro. Ryan will be preaching on the “Process” of CrossPoint. Do you know what it is yet?

Connect to God. Connect to God’s People. Connect to God’s Plan.

What stage of the process are you in? Connecting with God is the first stage and you do that through 1. Personal Worship (your daily walk) and 2. Corporate Worship (coming to worship services on Sunday morning). Many Christians are connected to God in those ways. The second stage is Connecting with God’s people by being involved in a Bible Study class at CrossPoint. If a “CrossPointer” is not plugged into a Bible Study class at CrossPoint, then they are not yet connected to what God is doing at CrossPoint. Only coming to the Worship Hours at church does not allow you to connect to what is going on at CrossPoint~you have to be involved in a Small Group, or a Bible Study class, to connect with God’s people. And it’s through the help of our Bible Study classes that we become connected to the third stage of the CrossPoint Process and that is Connect With God’s Plan. As Bro. Ryan says, God’s plan is SIMPLE: He wants you to be a minister in His church and a missionary in this World. You have to have a place of service at CrossPoint, and a mission to serve the world.

So where are YOU? Have you accomplished the first step? If you’re reading this blog, it is likely that you are actively participating in our Bible Study class, so you are CONNECTING TO GOD’S PEOPLE. And if you have a place of service at CrossPoint…then you’re done, right?
WRONG!
The process doesn’t stop with you completing the third stage…you now have to go and find JUST ONE MORE to help them CONNECT With God, CONNECT With God’s People, and CONNECT With God’s Plan. So, here is what we ask of you: How are YOU connecting? If you’ve completed the three stages, WHO is your Just 1 More? Be thinking of who God wants you to connect with: at CrossPoint, at work, in your family, in your neighborhood, a friend, or a total stranger. Be prayerful of the person God wants you to reach out to. A great opportunity to invite them to Family Ties is coming up on our “PACK ‘EM IN” Sunday, February 18th. We want to have a record attendance in class on that day, and it’s up to YOU to make that happen. REACH OUT and invite someone to class-anyone! Someone you haven’t seen in a while, someone who is searching for a church home, someone you work with, someone in your family, and especially someone who is lost! It’s your job to help them begin the process:
Connect with God,
Connect with God’s people,
Connect with God’s plan.

Valentine Dinner - Time and Location Change

Due to reservation issues, the location and time for our dinner out has changed once again. So, here are the new details:

Friday, February 16th - 6:30pm
Steak and Ale

Dessert and Games at the Sheltons

If you can't come to dinner, still join us for games and dessert!

If you have a favorite dessert that you would like to bring, sign up here!

It's That Time Again!

During the last few months, we've added several new memebers to our class...so, be sure to introduce yourself and get to know them! Care Groups are fully functioning now, and are planning "GET TO KNOW YOU" socials, so do all you can to attend and get to know your new brother's and sister's in Family Ties! Leave them all a comment here to WELCOME THEM TO THE FAMILY! New Members are:

Danny & Diana Goss

Jill & Scott West

Vaughn & Ambre Harris

and as of TODAY...

Chris & Jennifer Clendenin

Hope Cook

WELCOME NEWBIES! WE LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING TO KNOW YOU ALL!

How cute!

I received this by email today. You may have seen it before. I needed a laugh and thought you may need one today too.

After a hardy rainstorm filled all the potholes in the streets and alleys, a young mother watched her two little boys playing in the puddle through her kitchen window. The older of the two, a five year old boy, grabbed his sibling by the back of his head and shoved his face into the water hole. As the boy recovered and stood laughing and dripping, the mother ran to the yard in a panic. "Why on earth did you do that to your little brother?" she said as she shook the older boy in anger. "We were just playing "church" mommy," he said. "And I was just baptizing him ... in the name of the Father, the Son and in the hole-he-goes."

ROOM CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT!!!!

The new Adult Education Building will be open and ready for us to move in on Sunday, February 18, 2007! Family Ties will be in room E106 (which is on the first floor, last room on the left) and it is the largest room downstairs! That means we need to represent and be one of the largest classes down there!!!! So, for the weeks to come, you will be hearing more of this, but the Family Ties Leadership has set a class goal for February 18 as "PACK 'EM IN" Sunday! We want EVERYONE in attendance that day to help us reach our goal for a record attendance in Family Ties! February 18 is the start of a new era in our Adult Education at CrosssPoint! Invite your friends, family, neighbors, and REINVITE someone you haven't seen in class in a while! We look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Family Functions - February and March

Mom's and Dad's Valentine Dinner and Game Night
Friday Night, February 16th at 7:00 pm
Details of location to be provided later.
Cost - $15 per person - includes a delicious catered meal (chicken, potato, salad, bread, drink, dessert, coffee) Ambiance and fun are free!
This is not a romantic couple thing - if you are single or your spouse is working, out of town, etc. - come. We have a lot of fun planned!
Money due by February 2nd.

Girls Night In at Brandi Caldwell's House - Friday night, March 16th

Guys Night In at Jason Prickett's House - Friday night, March 9th

Feel free to post a comment here to give us suggestions of games to play at the dinner or activities for the girls night and guys night. We value your opinion and want to plan activities that everyone will enjoy!

What do you like about Crosspoint?

This is the question Ryan asked us in the service today. I know all of us could have listed numerous reasons why Crosspoint is the church for our family. Use this forum to voice what you may not have gotten a chance to say on the mic. I will start us off...

What I love about Crosspoint is the fact that I want to be there. I know that sounds goofy, but I have been in a place in my spiritual walk in which my church did not seem to have an integral role. I went on Sunday and Wednesday and tried to do the rest on my own during the week. Crosspoint encourages my walk almost on a daily basis through email, the blog, the slogan (Just One More), the people, the nametag... I could go on and on. I finally feel like I am in a place that has taught me the true meaning of The Great Commision. I just want to tell everyone about my God and invite them to be a part of my Whosoever church!

2006: Family Ties Year In Review

While there were many good things that came out of the year for our Family Ties Bible Study class, this was the year that our class really began to take shape. Through several circumstances, a new leadership team emerged in the month of August and through several planning meetings, we really began to grasp the plan that God has for Family Ties (one of which was this blog~which has become the central theme and communcation spot for everyone in our class!). It also began with dividing our class into 4 "Care Groups" and assigning Leaders to shepherd those groups. We kicked everything off in September with a "Family Fellowship" at the church in which our families came together to let the children have fun on the playground and to eat dinner and get to know each other. The turn out was so great, we as leaders realized that our calling as a class was to be more family oriented. While it is important to have "grown up" time away from our kids, it is hard for most to participate. Thus our vision and focus became clearer...

Your leadership team is continously growing and seeking God for his direction for our class. In the midst of all this, we had awesome lessons in class, our care groups were really beginning to function well and new leaders began stepping up to help take on the tasks set before us. We had an awesome fellowship in October when our class had a "Family Reunion" at The Great Pumpkin Patch in Hayden, Al. We attended at night hayride, and bonfire wiennie roast our in the cornfields, and once again, it was a wonderful time for our individual families to spend together as well as getting to know each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. That will definatly be a annual event!!!

And the year was ended with an awesome Christmas party planned by Rhonda Shelton and Jenny Brannan. A catered dinner, Dirty Santa and the WHITE ELEPHANT came about during this evening! Isn't if funny how you can really get to know someone by the type of gift they bring to such a function!

All in all, we had a great year! We, as a leadership team, look forward to developing more relationships in our class, and are excited about the vision God has for us all! God is revealing himself to us in many ways, and we ask that you support us by praying for us as we lead, and make decisions for our class. As always, there are many positions available to serve in Family Ties, and we encourage you to get involved!
THANK YOU FAMILY TIES FOR BEING A GREAT GROUP OF PEOPLE! MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILIES AND OUR CLASS THIS YEAR!

FROM OUR "FAMILY" TO YOURS...

free image hosting

Merry Christmas

cute myspace layouts

from your FAMILY TIES LEADERSHIP TEAM!

From the Mouths of Babes - Part Deaux

LOT'S WIFE
The Sunday School teacher was describing how Lot's wife looked back and turned into a pillar of salt, when little Jason interrupted, "My Mummy looked back once, while she was driving," he announced triumphantly, "and she turned into a telephone pole!"

GOOD SAMARITAN
A Sunday school teacher was telling her class the story of the Good Samaritan, in which a man was beaten, robbed and left for dead. She described the situation in vivid detail so her students would catch the drama.Then, she asked the class, "If you saw a person lying on the roadside, all wounded and bleeding, what would you do?" A thoughtful little girl broke the hushed silence, "I think I'd throw up."

DID NOAH FISH?
A Sunday school teacher asked, "Johnny, do you think Noah did a lot of fishing when he was on the Ark?""No," replied Johnny. "How could he, with just two worms."

THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD
A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one of the most quoted passages in the Bible; Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters a month to learn the verse. Little Rick was excited about the task -- but, he just couldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get past the first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 in front of the congregation, Rickey was so nervous. When it was his turn, he stepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is my Shepherd, and that's all I need to know."

BEING THANKFUL
A rabbi said to a precocious six-year-old boy, "So your mother says your prayers for you each night? Very commendable. What does she say?" The little boy replied, "Thank God he's in bed!"

TIME TO PRAY
A pastor asked a little boy if he said his prayers every night.. "Yes sir," the boy replied."And, do you always say them in the morning, too?" the pastor asked."No sir," the boy replied. "I ain't scared in the daytime."

SAY A PRAYER
Little Johnny and his family were having Sunday dinner at his Grandmother's house. Everyone was seated around the table as the food was being served.When little Johnny received his plate, he started eating right away."Johnny wait until we say our prayer.""I don't have to," The boy replied."Of course, you do," his mother insisted. "We say a prayer, before eating, at our house.""That's our house," Johnny explained. "But this is Grandma's house and she knows how to cook!"