Disney Cruise

We had an amazing time on our trip with awesome friends!  Instead of typing it all out.....I'll just post a few videos.  Pictures tell a better story anyway, right?

In case you missed it, we're doing it again!!

Serving people.  It's one of the things Jesus asks us to do.  At first glance, God is asking us to take the focus off ourselves.  Well, He is.  But when you look a little past that....after you've actually served people....you realize that it wasn't just about the other people.  It was about you, too!  God uses your service to others to bless you in the way you need it the most.

When we did One Day Serve in December there was a gentleman painting a bedroom in someone's home.  He said that he was really wrapped up in his own problems.  Probably pretty down and possibly even deep in worry.  But, he said that "this" (serving someone else through One Day Serve) was going to "cure that".  It was going to "cure" some things for him.  God will use your service to others to bless YOU as much as the person you are blessing.

I remember a time in my life when I was really trying not to sin, but obviously I was always failing.  I thought being a Christian meant that I was expected to work extra hard at being sinless.  Despite knowing in my head that that is absolutely impossible, despite knowing that that is why Jesus endured what He did for me, I was having a hard time breaking free from that way of thinking.  Being a Christian is not a life of simply avoiding sin.  It is a life of living out what Christ calls us to do.  If we are serving others we will be so focused on that that we won't have to try to not sin.  I tell you this because I know it first hand!  When I am doing what God has called me to do (serve others) I am far too focused on that to even think about the need to "stop sinning".  It just happens naturally.  It's a far more joyful life, too.  I have no doubt God had it planned out that way. 

So, do what God asks you to do and join us on April 2nd for One Day Serve.  You won't regret it!


One Day Serve is April 2nd - Teaser from thecrossroadsaz on Vimeo.

Impact!

 

Do you ever think about the fact that you impact people all the time?  Whether you are trying to or not?  Whether you know it or not?  Could be good, could be bad.  One comment.  An action.  You know who is really perceptive to this?  Kids!  Whoa, kids are great at recognizing that your "walk" does not match up with your "talk".  But, all in all, I would say adults are good at noticing that too.

So, anyhow, I know I have said it in prior posts, but 2 people that God used to change my life (and Jim's) are in Phoenix for a little vacation!  We were able to have dinner with them last night.  Before we left to go home, we prayed and Denny said something that was so impacting to me!  He said, "God, you knew 10 years ago that we would be sitting here together tonight."  Wow!  {Of course, that wasn't the entire prayer.}  But, those words were stunning to me!  And, so true!  God's plan has always been in place.  He knew we'd move next door to Denny and Carol.  He knew the impact they would have on our lives (all driven by Him, of course).  He knew 10 years later that we would be sitting around a table.  And, I am both in awe and forever grateful for that.  Grateful that we were able to share with them the impact they had on our lives.  And not just our lives!  But, the lives of our children, too!  Their IMPACT on us is far more reaching than just us!

I guess my point is....recognize that everything you say and do impacts people.  Don't take that lightly.  God uses His people to reach others.  I pray that you are willing and obedient, like Denny and Carol.  Because if you are.....you and God, together, will change the world.

James....

Our Small Group is starting this coming Monday.  We're doing a study on the Book of James.  I've been excited to do this since the last One Day Serve in December!  Gosh, I ordered it and have had it sitting my my house since early January!  So, clearly, I'm excited about this!  This morning I was reading my email and I subscribe to a few blogs so I was reading through one of them and it was based on.....the Book of James!  Coincidence?  I thought it was good enough to share.  And just so the proper credit is due, the author of this is Perry Noble (Pastor of Newspring Church in South Carolina). 

Oh, I also wanted to say that this is written from the standpoint of "ministry".  I am sure many people believe that if you are in "ministry", you work for a church.  I have to say that I disagree with that.  Every believer has a "ministry".  It could be anything from "ministering" to the kids/teen/youth in your life to your extended family.  If you call yourself a follower of Christ, He has a "ministry" for you....you just might not recognize what it is (just yet).  So, read this from the viewpoint that you DO have a ministry.....because you do!

#1 – Do I understand who I am?  James 1:1 – notice James didn’t identify himself as the brother of Jesus…but rather His servant!  WOW!

#2 – Do I understand that ministry IS NOT easy?  James 1:2-4 (when the writer BEGINS with these verses that’s a big time sign!)

#3 – Do I understand that I should spend more time on my face before God rather than worshipping the FACEBOOK God when seeking direction?  James 1:5

#4 – Do you think that James is trying to get a point across…it’s not going to be easy…but we are called to be “in it to win it!”  James 1:12

#5 – Do I understand it’s not IF I am tempted, but when…and IF I give into it then something WILL die?  James 1:13-15

#6 – Do I understand that I am NOT THAT GOOD…that everything is a gift?  James 1:16-18

#7 – HOW many bad decisions, arguments and misunderstandings could be avoided if we all simply memorized and applied James 1:19-20?  (Also see James 1:26)

#8 – Do I understand I am not called just to preach the Word…but live it?  James 1:22

#9 – Do I understand that showing favoritism WILL be a temptation…but I must always war against it?  James 2:1-4

#10 – Do I understand that I am called to live and lead by faith…and if I am not taking steps of faith in my life and ministry then my faith is DEAD?  James 2:14-26

#11 – Do I understand the weight of James 3:1?  WOW!!!

#12 – Do I fully understand that when I become envious and selfish then that is simply the beginning of the end?  James 3:13-18

#13 – Do I have the proper motives in regards to leading this ministry?  James 4:1-3

#14 – Am I being opposed by God or is He offering me grace?  James 4:6

#15 – Am I using my platform (whether it is speaking or the internet) to falsely attack, accuse and twist people’s words around?  James 4:11-12

#16 – Do I understand my days are numbered, that I’ve got one shot at this life and I need to do all that I can to honor the One who called me?  James 4:13-17

#17 – Do I understand that there are seasons of growth and seasons of preparation…and in those seasons of preparation I should not become impatient, but rather wait on God?  James 5:7-8

#18 – Do I understand that integrity HAS to be a priority in my life and ministry?  James 5:12

#19 – Do I understand that I cannot do this alone, that I need accountability in my life?  James 5:16

#20 – Do I fully comprehend James 5:17-18…that Elijah was just like one of us?  He literally called fire down from heaven!  He prayed for rain…and it rained!  I want THAT kind of faith!

#21 – Do I understand that ministry is messy…that I am called and expected to have tough conversations with the person that the Lord places on my heart, but in doing so the potential is unlimited?  James 5:19-20

Just life.....

If you haven't already heard, my sister Tarry's baby is healthy and does not have Downs Syndrome!  Praise God for those results.  And, thank YOU for your sweet comments and prayers.  You have no idea how amazing it feels to know that people care and are willing to step up and pray on your behalf.  Unbelievable!  As far as the Chadwick's, we're staying busy.  Jim's traveling tons.  Payton's wrapped up in staying on top of things at Anthem Prep.  And, Connor, oh Connor.  This child has been sicker than usual this winter.  Strep, fever, flu (possibly) and now a raging ear infection.  He woke up at midnight and 3am last night.  The 3am deal was a blood-curdling scream that woke up Payton and Jim.  It's not an easy task to wake Jim up, even if you are laying right next to him.  I should mention that Connor is on the opposite side of the house.  He screamed so loud we thought someone had broken into the house.  After a trip to the Pediatrician this morning, an ear infection was confirmed.  Now, I understand it must hurt.  But, is screaming like that necessary?  God did not wire men with a very high pain tolerance, did He?

I am helping to get One Day Serve going again for April.  If you haven't seen the awesome video of this amazing day in December, I will attach it to the bottom of this post.  Jim and I met an awesome couple, Kim and Michelle, after ODS last time.  Kim is going to be a huge driving force this time around and I am excited to see what God will do through him.   My grandma is coming to stay with us for a few weeks.  She's at Tarry's right now.  Her next stop is Anthem.  I'm thankful that we are going to get the opportunity to spend this time with her and just be around her.  She's 81 years old and you would NEVER know it!  After grandma leaves, we have some very special friends coming to town.  Dennis and his wife Carol are our old neighbors from Ohio.  God used these people HUGELY in our lives.  Dennis is a pastor in Columbus, OH.  I have no words to describe how thankful I am for he and his wife.  Thankful that he was obedient to God in sharing his faith in action and in words. Thankful that he took the time to meet with Jim often and pray for me, that one day I would come to know Christ.  Thankful that God chose to use them to show us Himself.  God's plan is so intricate and perfect.

So, when all of our visitors return home we will be off on a Disney Cruise for Spring Break!  We're going with 3 other families and really looking forward to it.   Starting to pray NOW that I don't get motion sick.  I'm a get-sick-in-the-backseat-of-the-car kind of person.  So, we'll see.....  And, lucky Sophie is having some friends from church stay with her right here, in the comfort of her own home, while we are gone.  Gayle and Paul are moving in to our house for 8 nights!   Wow!  So, so grateful for them.

As I read back over this post, it's so evident that we are blessed beyond ANYTHING we deserve.  It's hard to believe.  I pray that we always remain thankful and never, ever take our blessings for granted.


One Day Serve from thecrossroadsaz on Vimeo.

Tarry

I'm about to leave to go to my sister's house.    She's pregnant.  Second trimester.  We're going to the doctor.  We found out on Monday that she is having a baby girl.  On Tuesday we found out there is some "concern".  Without going into too many details, the concern is Downs Syndrome.  I'm writing this to ask you to pray for Tarry this afternoon.  We are going in at 12:15 so she can have an amniocentesis.   Please pray that this is not painful for Tarr.  Pray for peace for her and Scott.  And, most of all, pray that this baby does not have Downs Syndrome.

This whole situation has really gotten me to thinking about how God works in us.  His heart is that we would turn to Him in situations like these.  God has allowed Tarry and Scott to endure some serious trials in the past few months.  Job loss and all the stress that comes along with it.  And, now this.  It really makes me think back to my own personal trials that drew me into a relationship with Jesus.  God used the loss of a baby and some health issues to cause me to recognize my need for Him.  I'm sure He had attempted to use many other trials and experiences in my life prior to that.  I just wasn't listening.  I didn't recognize it.  I didn't hear or see it.  I wasn't interested.  I am pretty sure I tried everything besides turning to God to remedy my "hurt".

Knowing about God and truly knowing Him are two very different things.  I think we sometimes rest in the fact that we know ABOUT God.  I'm pretty sure this is heart-breaking to Him considering the price He paid for us.  It is most definitely not up to me (or anyone else for that matter) to judge another persons faith.  I just say this so you DON'T miss it.  So you DO recognize it.  So you ARE listening.  So you ARE interested.   There is a purpose for our personal trials.  Don't discount it and, please, don't miss it!  God wants you to truly KNOW Him.

Thanks in advance for your prayers.  I love my sis and hate that she is going through this.  Your prayers mean EVERYTHING!

Brutal Honesty

I'm about to be brutally honest here. God has really been working on me, my heart. I often talk about God, how I strive to follow Him, live my life for Him. I post stuff on facebook that speaks to my heart. I try to share my faith with my friends. I do this because I love Jesus and I desperately want others to know Him. He changed my life 9 years ago and I will never be the same. But, here's the deal. I am not perfect. I have some major things I am so ashamed of. Sometimes I feel like a hypocrite. So, that is why I am writing this. I don't want to be that way. I want to be honest, real, and share that just because you follow Jesus does not mean everything is perfect. So, here is the truth. I do not give my husband very much (really, ANY) grace. In dealing with him, I often use anger to address whatever it is we are facing. It hurts him and I'm sure it hurts our kids. Actually, I think I react to any kind of hurt or disappointment with anger. And, I know that must break God's heart. The thing is....I don't think I've really handed this "issue" of mine over to God even though I've tried to convince myself that I have. It is clear that I cannot do it on my own. And, just when I think I am handling it the way God wants me to, BOOM, I'm back to my old ways again. So, I am here to "confess" this and hopefully avoid the hypocrisy that is so damaging to God's name. God never called me to be perfect, that is totally impossible. And, He didn't say it would be easy following Him. But, He did call me to recognize my "sins" and turn from them. And, that is what I am choosing to do. Once and for all, I am turning this over Him. He knows better than I do that I will NEVER overcome this on my own. I'm too hard-headed, stubborn and strong-willed....(not virtues I am very proud of by the way). I'm sure the road will be bumpy, but when I overcome this with Jesus' help, Jim will get to see God up close and personal. And, he deserves that. He deserves way better. And, just so we are clear....I know God wants to help me conquer this more than I want to do it myself. Stunningly, He loves and forgives me regardless. That's the kind of love and grace I want to show Jim.

Excelling at What You Do

This was too got not to share!

1. People who excel work with enthusiasm. Regardless of whether the job is big or small, give it your best. Great performers give their best effort, no matter the size of the audience: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Colossians 3:23 TEV).

2. People who excel sharpen their skills. They never stop developing, growing, learning, and improving: “If your ax is dull and you don’t sharpen it, you have to work harder to use it. It is smarter to plan ahead” (Ecclesiastes 10:10 TEV). It takes more than desire to excel, it takes skill! Remember, you’re never wasting time when you’re sharpening your “ax.”

3. People who excel keep their word. They are reliable. They can be counted on to do what they say they’ll do. So they excel because people of integrity are rare in our society: “Everyone talks about how loyal and faithful he is, but just try to find someone who really is!” (Proverbs 20:6 TEV).

4. People who excel maintain a positive attitude. Even under pressure, or change, or unrealistic demands, they don’t allow themselves to become negative: “Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life . . .” (Philippians 2:14–16 NIV). And remember: “If your boss is angry at you, don’t quit! A quiet spirit can overcome even great mistakes” (Ecclesiastes 10:4 NLT).

5. People who excel do more than is expected. This is a secret that every successful person has discovered. You’ll never excel by only doing what is required. Jesus said, “If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously” (Matthew 5:40–42 MSG).

(found on The Purpose Driven Connection)

#5 is MOST DEFINITELY my favorite...I agree 110%...always do MORE than is expected, go above and beyond, be "generous" beyond human comprehension...all the while, never forgetting that God deserves the "credit".

I Love to Read!

I'm a HUGE reader.  Love to read.  Love to learn from others....their insights, their successes, their failures, what to do, what not to do.  Love it!  Jim and I are diametrically opposite when it comes to our choices in reading.  He loves to read as well but he loves stuff written by Vince Flynn or John Grisham.  You know, fantasy-land-not-real-kind-of-stuff.  I am from the camp that if it is not going to make me better, then I am not wasting my time.  LOL  So, I thought I would share some of my favorite, most recent "reads".  I need to tell you, though, that I truly believe the most "learning" is done when you the Bible. Period.  Hands down the number one book if you are looking for guidance.  And, I recently found something to help me do this DAILY!  It's an App created by You Version.  It's unreal!  It's free too!  Not only can you select a reading plan that suits you:  The One Year Bible or the New Testament just to name a couple...there are TONS of choices.  But, you can also choose the translation you prefer!  At this stage, I prefer the New Living Translation (NLT).  It's easier to read and comprehend (for me).  The Message is cool too but really "wordy".  So, having said that, here are some fantastic books that I would highly recommend:

Do I Know God?  Finding Certainty in Life's Most Important Relationship by Tullian Tchividjian

Crazy Love by Francis Chan

Radical by David Platt

Gospel-Centered Parenting by William Farley

Dying to Live by Clayton King

Sun Stand Still by Steven Furtick

In Light of Eternity by Randy Alcorn

Stream of Consciousness....

Where to begin.  It's been so long since the last time I blogged, I don't remember what I've posted and what I haven't.  Anyhow, I'm sure it was before Christmas.  We had a wonderful Christmas Eve.  Tarry and family came for our annual fondue-fest.  We added a beef tenderloin to the mix this year.  This usually equals major stomach distress for me but, thankfully, I was OK.  My dear friend Michelle went to church with us and then spent the evening with us.  We had the Christmas Day festivities at my sister's house and that included even more beef.  Yikes!  We had Connor's 7th birthday party at Pump It Up with lots of his friends.  But, before we did that we had the joy of taking Daddy to get a colonoscopy the morning of Connor's birthday.  I should not have taken the kids to that.  I wasn't anticipating anything but "see you in 10 years" but we found out, alongside the kids, that they found a large polyp about 15 inches up the colon.  We had some tears.  Pathology to follow in 2 weeks.  Not the news we were hoping for.  Jim is only 41!  Get a colonoscopy, people, even if you're not 50 years old!.........Payton is in the midst of Peter Pan rehearsals and Connor just wants to ride his new bike.  Jim started his "new" (well, not-so-new, but reorganization-driven) job this week.  He was in Chicago all week.  Payton was home all week doing her at-home project while Connor went back to school.  We found out last night that Jim's polyp is benign.  Praise God for that news!  The dog, oh where to begin.  The dog began getting sick on Connor's birthday too.  Not a great day for the Chadwick's now that I think about it.  Barfing, diarrhea, you name it, she did it.  Four to five long days of that and anyone would be tempted to part ways with the dog.  Monday we found out she had a bacterial infection.  No more pooping after the very first dose of medication.  Praise God for that, too!..........Connor bought the new iPod touch with his birthday money.  The thing can't hold a charge for more than an hour.  Back to Apple we go.  Tonight at 5pm to be exact.  Nothing is easy.  Jim and I have been trying to find a time to see Little Fockers.  No such luck at this point.  Maybe this weekend.  We finally got our surround sound system complete over Christmas break.  Speakers, receivers, HDMI cables....my head was spinning.  It took me 15 minutes just to figure out how to turn on the Wii today.  And, HOW is this better?  Next week resumes some normalcy with both kids back in school.  We start our new small group in a few weeks.  We ordered a study on the book of James.  Really looking forward to that.  Just found out my Grama might come out and stay with us for a few weeks in February.  Really looking forward to that too.  Reminded every day that life here on earth is short, temporary....our temporary home.  I want to live like it.  Like it's temporary.  That can be a daily battle.  Happy New Year ya'll.............