Tuesday, June 30, 2009

FEATURE FRIDAY

...starts this week. Have you turned your form in or e-mailed me your information??? I want to hear from everyone - 'cause every one of you is important. You're my sister!

If you haven't already done so, maybe you could bring me yours on Wednesday.

Thanks, girls!

BIBLE STUDY

For you girls doing Me Myself and Lies, I wanted to let you know that the "Listening Page" before each week corresponds with the video teaching series that is available for this study if you want to do classes. Since we are not doing that, you probably won't be able to complete those pages.

Have you started yet? I've finished the first week and it is working me over. I truly believe I will be different by the time we finish this study. I am looking forward to meeting for our discussion.

Friday, June 26, 2009

ONLY TWO MORE WEEKS

FEATURE FRIDAY IS COMING! In case you haven't read about it, this is a time we're going to feature the Sisterz of Crossroads. There was a form in last week's bulletin. If you missed it, let me know. We'll make sure there's some at the information center. Just fill this out and give it to me. Each Friday I will randomly select a Sister to feature in the blog. I would LOVE to have a picture as well. I can scan a hard copy or you can e-mail me one.

You don't have to use the form. You can e-mail me your information. Also, you don't have to follow the form. Tell me what you want to share with others - personal information, testimony, something inspirational.....

I'm really excited about this. It's going to be wonderful to learn more about one another.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

SATISFIED CUSTOMER

Some of you have already heard about my saga with the phone company. After having Verizon service for many years, we decided to change because everyone else has AT&T. (Yes, we were following the crowd!) The phones we received were junk, so we called the 800 number for refunds and exchanges. What an experience!

They told us to look online to choose what we wanted to get in exchange. We did that and called with all the information. That's where the dilemna began! The representative told us she couldn't give us what was online because it was for new customers. I thought I was a new customer - I mean we'd had their service for a whole week!!! I asked how we were then supposed to know what we wanted. They don't offer a catalog, etc. The woman was extremely rude and tested me to my limit. I was so frustrated and wondered what in the world we had gotten ourselves into - and for 2 years!!

After a few days of digesting the rudeness of this woman and trying to figure out how we would choose different phones, we ventured to Dyersburg and Blytheville to resolve it and try to find what we wanted. We were told we would have to go to Memphis, Jonesboro, or Cape Girardeau to take care of this. The prices in the store were much higher than those online - more frustration!!! -- and I had to drive/spend gas money to get there.

I just knew none of this was fair, so I called the store in Jonesboro and got a wonderful representative. She was appalled at what we had been through, talked to her manager, and promised to make us a satisfied AT&T customer.

So, after another trip to Jonesboro, I can say we are satisfied. When all was said and done, we got better deals in the store than online. We walked away with 3 free phones! If I had only not had to pay for gas to figure this out, I would feel that I really got a good deal!! None the less, they did all they could to make it right.

You know, life deals us junk sometimes - things that just aren't fair and we find ourselves feeling helpless. Thankfully, though, we have a representative - Jesus - who stands in the gap for us and makes things right. Circumstances may not change, but He makes it well in our Spirit. Aren't you glad we have an advocate with the Father and He is always looking out for us!

If you have a dilemma today - frustrated, concerned, been done wrong - turn it over to Him. He will make you a satisfied customer!

Have a Great Thursday!

Sister June

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

TODAY IS THE DAY


For those of you joining the Me, Myself, and Lies Bible Study, today is the kickoff day. The first video was posted on the Living Proof Ministries blog (Beth Moore's site). The link for the blog is http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/. If you want to go straight to the video, here is a link: http://vimeo.com/5281983.
I am going to Jonesboro today to pick up the books and will give them to you tomorrow night at church. Pat Crawford had a WONDERFUL suggestion. She is checking on this, but believes that we can connect to WiFi at Patty Ann's. Wouldn't it be great if we could meet together every two weeks to watch the video and talk!! I was so excited when she told me this. She's checking it out today and will let us know. If she can, we can follow through with the activities in this first video.


For all you ladies who have asked for a book, I will be in touch with you through e-mail to let you know about Patty Ann's. If anyone else would like to join us, call me IMMEDIATELY so I can get you a book. I will leave for Jonesboro by noon or so today. If you decide to join us and cannot get in touch with me before then, you can either go online and order your book from Lifeway (lifeway.com) or go to a Lifeway Bookstore in Jackson or Jonesboro to purchase one. You will need to purchase the member workbook. My cell phone number is 757-5246.

I am excited about this. Possibly this will be the beginning of a new ministry - having Bible Study in a public place together - what a witness!!! I am excited about doing this study and especially excited about sharing it with my Sisterz!


Thursday, June 18, 2009

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE

Scripture: Romans 12:17 "Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody" NIV

The story is told of a man named Sunny in Massachusetts many years ago who found his Christian neighbor's horse in the middle of his field. He was so angry about it that he determined to get even. He took the horse to the public pound.

Sunny met the owner of the horse, Mr. Hale, soon after. Sunny told him what he had done with the horse and added, "If I catch him there again, I will do the same thing."

Mr. Hale replied, "Well, the other night I looked out my window and saw your cattle in my field. I took your cattle and drove them over to your house --- put them in the barn --- and fixed your gate. If I catch them there again, I will absolutely do the same thing."

Sunny was reportedly so struck with Mr. Hale's Christian reply that he at once took the horse out of the pound and paid the charges himself.

Many times it is difficult to restrain from retaliation when confronted by an unkind act. My natural response is to repay evil for evil! But Jesus has a better way. He clearly states in the Bible to do good to those who persecute you. Think of the impact if every Christian repaid an evil act with compassion and kindness?

Prayer: Father help me to reflect Jesus in everything I do. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

Monday, June 15, 2009

Beth Moore Bible Study Blog

I received an e-mail informing me that Beth Moore will be presenting a blog Bible study beginning the end of June. She will be using Jennifer Rothschild's study Me, Myself, and Lies. It deals with the thoughts we allow/put into our heads and what we speak into our own lives.

Here is a link giving you more information:

http://livingproofministries.blogspot.com/2009/05/whats-up-for-summertime-study-siestas.html

Jennifer is a national speaker, author, and performer. Additionally, she is blind. She has been featured on Dr. Phil, with Franklin Graham, etc. Her message is always uplifting and encouraging.

I think this is a great combination - Jennifer Rothschild's material and Beth Moore's teaching. It only requires you to get the workbook and do the work independently (or you could team up with someone else who is interested in the study) for two weeks, then log into the blog and listen to Beth's teaching every other week. Comments will be posted to the blog in the form of a discussion.

Just think, you can do this study with others and still wear your pajamas!!!

Check it out - this just might be for you this summer!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

SQUEEZED, BUT NOT SQUASHED

We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 2 Cor 4:8&9

Take heart in this scripture. It tells us that we can be troubled - but we don't have to be distressed.

We can be perplexed, but not in despair.

We can be persecuted, but not forsaken.

We can be cast down, but not destroyed.

WE MAY BE BEING SQUEEZED, BUT THE WORD SAYS WE WON'T BE SQUASHED!!!

Saturday, June 13, 2009

FEATURE FRIDAY

We're bringing an addition to the blog - Feature Friday. Each Friday the blog will feature a "Sister" from Crossroads.

Won't it be great to get to know one another a little better? I bet there's some interesting facts about "us" that we don't know. I cannot wait to read the inspirational verses, testimonies, and encouraging words from one another. I believe we're going to enjoy "getting to know one another."

Look for the insert in this week's bulletin, give me your information and a picture (if you don't mind!) and let's get started. Look for the first feature on July 10.

Love you, Sisterz!

Sunday, June 7, 2009

HAPPY "WARSH" DAY

Never thought of a "washer" in this light before..what a blessing!
"Warshing Clothes Recipe" -- imagine having a recipe for this ! ! !
Years ago an Alabama grandmother gave the new bride the following recipe.
This is an exact copy as written and found in an old scrapbook - with spelling errors and all.

WARSHING CLOTHES

Build fire in backyard to heat kettle of rain water.
Set tubs so smoke won’t blow in eyes if wind is pert.
Shave one hole cake of lie soap in boilin water.
Sort things, make 3 piles
1 pile white,
1 pile colored,
1 pile work britches and rags.
To make starch, stir flour in cool water to smooth, then thin down with boiling water.
Take white things, rub dirty spots on board, scrub hard, and boil, then rub colored don't boil just wrench and starch.
Take things out of kettle with broom stick handle, then wrench, and starch.
Hang old rags on fence.
Spread tea towels on grass.
Pore wrench water in flower bed. Scrub porch with hot soapy water.
Turn tubs upside down.
Go put on clean dress, smooth hair with hair combs.. Brew cup of tea, sit and rock a spell and count your blessings.
================================================
Paste this over your washer and dryer Next time when you think things are bleak, read it again, kiss that washing machine and dryer, and give thanks.. First thing each morning you should run and hug your washer and dryer, also your toilet---those two-holers used to get mighty cold!
For you non-southerners - wrench means, rinse ;)

AND WE THOUGHT WE HAVE IT ROUGH

Thursday, June 4, 2009

FIRST DAY OF SUMMER VACATION

Well, here I am - my first day of summer vacation. It started out with me waking up at my usual 6:00 - without the alarm, though. Isn't it funny how you can't peel your eyes open at 6:00 on a workday and you fight the alarm to the last minute - but, when you don't have to get up, you simply wake up. I had intentionally turned my alarm completely off yesterday morning when it went off - knowing I wouldn't have to get up this morning. So much for intentions!

I looked outside and saw the wonderful "welcome to summer" weather outside. So much for going out and listening to nature this morning! Well, I guess I could have listened to nature - rain and wind. I decided that wasn't the way I wanted to welcome summer.

So, I got online and checked my e-mail. I had an e-mail from couponsurfer.com. Well, a few months ago I got on a kick and thought I would get myself well-versed in the coupon printing blitz and save us some money. I went from site to site for a few hours, got bored, and....well, the rest is history. I set the coupons aside and then had to throw them away because they expired!!! Then I look on my niece's website where she tells how she buys a couple baskets full of groceries for less than $100 - with coupons. So, I decided maybe it was time to give a bit more dedication to this procedure. So, I spent about another hour - printed a few coupons and signed up for a few cash-back deals from places I order online. I guess I've still not hit the jackpot website or something because my coupon total might be $5.00!!! I think I'm going to start talking one on one with my niece and find out all her tricks.

I would love to save on groceries like she does. You probably feel the same way I feel every time you go - how could that little cost that much??? I told Pastor the other night that we would really be in trouble if we bought snacks and junk food!!! We just buy the essentials!...and we don't have to have brand names either. I have heard some of the ladies talking about the deals at Piggly Wiggly and Hays lately. I may have to start shopping around a bit!! Anyway, that's what my morning has been about.

Today is Abby's birthday - so I wished her a happy 7th birthday today. They were taking her to Perkin's for her birthday breakfast. The girl LOVES her groceries!!! but, then - don't we all!!

I hope you are having a blessed day. Let's face it, girls - every day is blessed as we walk with our Father. He is so good to us! I just don't know what I would do without Him. Over and over we hear people ask, "How do people who don't know the Lord cope with life?" They don't sometimes - but we have such a hope. Aren't you thankful!

We have the last weekend of this month scheduled for a women's event. I am working on something for us. If you have any ideas - anything you would like to do either now or later - let me know. We want fellowship, fun, and the Word.

I love you girls! Have a blessed day!

Sister June

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Hey, Girls!

I am so sorry I have not posted lately. My internet was down over the weekend (yes - again!!) and that was about the only time I had to post. You would think I would have more time since school is winding down, but you know how it is. You always have other things to fill the spot. Actually, the end of the year is busy because you not only do things to close out the end of the year, but have to do things to prepare for next year. Anyway, it's almost over. I have ONE more day!!!

How about that service Sunday night? I am still rejoicing. God is so good. He knows what we need and when we need it. The word Bro. Morris shared was such a great reminder of the promises God has already made to us. I asked Pastor if he had ever shared those prophecies with Bro. Morris before and he said no. It was just another confirmation of what God plans to do at Crossroads....and I am so ready for it. I know you are too.

Girls, I want you to know I pray always for you....and am excited that I will have even more time to pray for you during the summer. Each of you is so special to me. Crossroads has one of the best group of women - so full of love for one another and the Lord. You are so caring and concerned about one another. I appreciate the friendship we all share with one another. We are better than sisters - we are Sisterz!!!