Friday, July 31, 2009

FEATURE FRIDAY


This week's Feature Friday sister is one we ALL love so much - Sister C. She is such a kind, loving person - always looking after all of us. What a woman!!!

Cecilia grew up in Colorado Springs through third grade. She has lived in Steele ever since. (Wow, what a change!!). She has been married 33 years to Jerry. We all love Jerry!!!! She has 3 sons - Jerry Wayne, Joey, and Jonathan. We, as well as Cecilia, are blessed to have Jerry Wayne and Jonathan right here at Crossroads with us. Joey is in the Army stationed at Ft. Leonard Wood. Along with her 3 sons, she has 2 daughters-in-law. Jerry Wayne is married to Christina. Jonathan recently married Becca. We all love these two gals!!! Of course, we can't fail to mention the 4 grandchildren. If you've ever seen her after church, you know how she feels about them. They're like a magnet drawn to one another as soon as service is over!!!

Cecilia is a teacher at Pathway Christian Academy as well as an adult Sunday School teacher here at Crossroads. In addition to teaching, she is the Care Ministry leader. She is an ordained minister with the Church of God. She loves to teach and preach, but her real calling is very evident. Cecilia loves to love people - and she sure does a wonderful job of it. It's hard not to be the recipient at some point of her love and kindness. She is a servant. She serves God first - but she also serves our church and Pastor. She won't turn you down - no matter what you need. If she can do it, she'll be there for you.

One trait I admire about Cecilia is her desire to learn and grow in the Lord. She is a student of the Word as well as others who can impart wisdom and knowledge to her. She desires to know and act on the truths of God's Word. She works hard to have a Godly character.

Cecilia's Christian walk began at an early age when she accepted Christ as Savior, but life changed for her on November 3, 1996. She received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in a Baptist church. Yes, I said Baptist.

Cecilia and her family have attended Crossroads for 10 years. She celebrates this event every Father's Day. Her coming to Crossroads was delayed one week. On the morning of the first Sunday she was going to attend, she woke up to a flood in her house. Jerry had begun roofing her house - and well, a torrential rain decided to move in. There was water everywhere. So, there we were - wet and muddy running to Wal-Mart to get plastic to tarp the roof, putting out and empty pots and buckets - even light fixtures filled with water. It was quite an eventful day!!! She wasn't sure what that was a sign of - should she come or not!!! We're all thankful she didn't base her decision on this event! Needless to say, everyone got busy and got that roof done as soon as it got dry!

One of her greatest spiritual trials was when her son, Joey, was sent to Iraq. It was then that she learned how to fully trust God and receive the peace that passes all understanding. After all, she's the kind of parent that needs to talk with her children very often. How was she going to survive this. "God taught me to trust Him to take care of Joey. He also showed me that He cared more about him than even I did. Although it wasn't easy and I had a few moments, I was able to trust God to bring my son home and He did - twice. " God proved faithful as she fully trusted in Him.

C, we all love you so much. We admire your character, your humor, and your service to all - as well as your cooking (She's a GREAT cook!). If I could describe you in one word - it would be "faithful." You are faithful to God, your church, your family, your students.... You give your all and we love and appreciate marvelous you! Your blessings will be great!!

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

REDUCE STRESS

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray
2. Go to bed on time.
3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.
4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule or that will compromise your mental health.
5. Delegate tasks to capable others.
6. Simplify and unclutter your life.
7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)
8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.
9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.
10. Take one day at a time.
11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.
12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.
13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.
14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.
15. Do something for the Child in You everyday.
16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.
17. Get enough rest.
18. Eat right.
19. Get organized so everything has its place.
20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.
21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.
22. Every day, find time to be alone.
23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.
24. Make friends with Godly people.
25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.
26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you, Jesus."
27. Laugh.
28. Laugh some more!
29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.
30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).
31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).
32. Sit on your ego.
33. Talk less; listen more.
34. Slow down.
35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.
36. Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Saturday, July 25, 2009

ME MYSELF AND LIES


I got tickled when one of the men of the church came and asked me what this study was about. I think it was the "lies" part that puzzled him. Of course, I wanted to give him an answer something like - "we teach each other how to lie and get away with it" or something like that - but I knew that would be pretty rude. So, I did the right thing and told him about the study.
We are truly enjoying this study and discussion group. In fact, we decided to ditch the schedule that was put out by those sponsoring the study and make our own. We are slowing down so we have more time to really dig in and learn more from it. It has truly ministered to each of us. One woman told me "It has set me free." Isn't that what the Word does for us, though. I am so thankful for the work of the Word.
Ladies, it's not too late to join us. It's up to you whether you want to do the workbook or just join us for the discussion. You'll gain from either or both. We meet every other Tuesday at 6:00 @ Patty Ann's. Our next meeting is August 4th. (Bet you can't guess why we're standing around the dessert menu!!!)

FEATURE FRIDAY


Our featured sister is having a very special day today - her 50th birthday!!! Happy Birthday to Tammie Cannon.

Tammie grew up in Gobler, Missouri and currently lives on the "outskirts" of Gobler! She has been happily married for 32 years to Leon Cannon and has two beautiful daughters. Laura will be 28 this year and Leah just turned 24. They are both married and she calls their husbands her "boys" - Josh is Laura's husband and Andy is Leah's. They have been blessed with three wonderful grandbabies - Levi, 6, and Avery, 3, are Leah and Andy's children. Cannon is almost 21 months and belongs to Laura and Josh. "Those grandbabies are my heart!! God sent them to me to complete my life. I never thought that having grandchildren would be so wonderful. I try to enjoy every moment I can with them. Life passes so quickly and when you are a young mother, you sometimes fail to cherish the things that you have right in front of you. I spent a great deal of time with my girls, but I certainly have chosen to take things slower and enjoy not only being with my grandchildren, but teaching them about God - about a relationship with Him. "

"I have been a Christian since about the age of 12. My grandparents were a huge influence in my Christian walk and it was in a little Baptist church that I gave my heart to the Lord! I had wonderful teaching in that church, but the greatest teachers were my Grandma Ragins and my Grandma and Grandpa Clark - their lives said it all. Later on I married at the age of
17 (almost 18) into a wonderful family and my husband's mother, Sarah Cannon, along with the ladies of Vicksburg Church of God, took me under their wing and taught me about spiritual matters."

"My favorite scripture has to be Psalm 139 - knowing that no matter what, God knows everything about me - what I think, what I say, where I go - everything and He still loves me and cares for me. To know that he formed me in my mother's womb and has a plan for my life - well, how can anyone fail if they trust His word and what He has set forth for us - finding that purpose is a part of the journey with Christ. I have to also add Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Knowing that God prepared me and that He has plans for me gives me so much encouragement and builds my faith daily!!"

Tammie is the oldest of 9 children from a yours, mine, and ours situation!! She says that growing up the oldest was trying, but rewarding, and that, along with being redheaded, contributed to her "strong will". She loves people and loves to encourage and build up. Thus her occupation as a school counselor is perfect. "I refuse to dwell in the land of negativity - life is too short for that. I want to be a part of the solution in all things - not the problem."

Tammie has a great sense of humor and can find humor in the most unlikely situations - not to make fun just to laugh and enjoy life!! She is full of surprises - "I even surprise myself sometimes at the things that I feel free to do - I am in a wonderful place right now in my life and I thank God for it. My journey hasn't been the hardest nor has it been the easiest, but by the grace of God I am what I am in the Lord!!"

Tammie was a member of the Vicksburg Church of God long ago and is a member of Crossroads Worship Center as well as a member of the family of God. At present she serves as Head Greeter and a Stephen minister at Crossroads, two jobs she takes very seriously!!

She shares this scripture with us. I Peter 4:7 & 8 - "The end of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self-controlled so that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." "I endeavor to live my life loving others and always aware that the Lord is coming soon!!"

"I love God, I love being a Christian, I love my church family and I love my earthly family. May God bless you all!!" ...and Sister Tammie, we all love you. You are such a blessing and encouragement to each of us. Thank you for being you and blessing us all with your wonderful "red-headed, " crazy personality. We can always depend on you for a laugh, for encouragement, and a Word of truth. You are truly a blessing from the Lord to ALL of us. ...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Monday, July 20, 2009

BUY AMERICAN

I don't know if this is something you're interested in, but I thought I'd pass this on from our State Women's Ministries Director, Sister Cathy Gilliam.


Want to buy US made products? BUY USA by watching for "0" at the beginning of the UPC number. This may be useful to know when grocery shopping, if it's a concern to you.

You may now refer to the barcode

00 - 09 …. USA & CANADA
30 - 37 …. FRANCE
40 - 44 …. GERMANY
47 ... Taiwan
49 … JAPAN
50 … UK

BUY USA by watching for "0" at the beginning of the number.

Saturday, July 18, 2009

FOLLOWERS


I have had several women tell me they read the blog, but have never signed up to be a follower. We'd love to know who's joining us. Becoming a follower also allows you to easily keep up with one another and make comments to the blog.

In the followers section of the blog, click on "join this site." Then set up a Google account using your current e-mail address. You will have to establish a password for this. If you have a Google, Yahoo, or AIM account, you can click on one of those three icons and sign up using one of them.

If you're not a "follower" - would you mind signing up so we can see who all our Sisterz are!! If you have a picture - wonderful. If not, we can still see who you are by putting the cursor over your icon.

Friday, July 17, 2009

FEATURE FRIDAY

See if you can guess this week's featured Sister! She got married in 1963 and has 2 children. She was saved at the age of 14 and has never regretted it! Her favorite Scripture is Psalm 91:4-6 (hint: feathers, feathers, feathers).

Now, for those of you who were attendees at Vicksburg, you have probably guessed her by now. Did the "feathers" give her away? Sister Wilma - our featured Sister - shared a story about a woman who was being attacked and all she could think to say was "feathers, feathers, feathers" in reference to Psalm 91:4 "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge." This is one of Sister Wilma's favorite Scriptures.

Sister Wilma was born July 20 and is a housewife/caregiver. She grew up in and around Vicksburg. "God has brought me through malignant melanoma and sent someone to take care for Sheree when I couldn't."

Something funny Sister Wilma remembers is a time the ladies from the church went on a shopping trip to Memphis. She had found a beautiful piece of material and made a skirt. In her words, "I thought I was styling." As they walked through a Penney's showroom, she found proof that she was styling. This picture of her proves it! "We all got a laugh," she said.

Many of you have told me over time how much you respect this wonderful woman of God. If there were one word to describe her, it would be dedicated. She is dedicated to God, her church, and her family. Not one of us has to do what she has to do in order to go to church, yet she is always there. Not only does she always come, she has a smile on her face and something positive to say.

Sister Wilma, we all love and admire you from the depth of our hearts! ...oh, and Happy Birthday a few days early!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

GOD'S NEVER ENDING LOVE

This is a portion of a devotion I received today. Isn't the love of God simply overwhelming!

Niagara Falls is the type of attraction that does not grow old. Every time I saw the falls it was strikingly different based on sunlight or wind. Each visit to Niagara Falls brought a special inspiring moment. One of my first glances brought to mind the love of God. Watching that torrent of water pour over the falls was awe inspiring --- the sheer continual volume was over whelming. 365 days a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day the water rushes over the falls without faltering or even slowing down.

What a perfect example of God’s love --- A mighty torrent continually pouring over me 365 days a year, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day!

May the love of God pour over you today and meet your every need. I love you, Sisterz!

Friday, July 10, 2009

GUESS WHERE I AM!

Well, guess where I am? In my favorite city....in the north.....it's cold and rainy......lots of people and buildings...yes, you guessed it - I'm in Chicago.

We're on our way to Michigan and Pastor took a "detour" and we came to see my family last night. We got here late, but had enough time to have a late dinner with all but one brother. He had to work. I'm hoping to see him today before we head to Michigan.

I didn't expect to have internet service, so I didn't bring the information for Feature Friday. I am so sorry!!! I hate that we started it last week and then didn't do it the very next. I hadn't planned all this - but it is nice that we're getting to see the family. It's been 2 years since I've seen my siblings and several years since I've seen some of Pastor's family. I can't remember the last time I went to Michigan - over 10 years.

So, I'll take this opportunity to tell each of you how much I love and appreciate you. I am so extremely blessed to have Sisterz like you. You know, it's nice to see my sister, but it is a GREAT blessing to me to have the Sisterz that surround me each and every day. He's even blessed me with some pretty good "brothers" as well as the Sisterz. I may not be around my own family, but I have a wonderful "family" surrounding me each day. You are the best!

Hope each of you have a wonderful weekend and are blessed mightly. We'll continue with Feature Friday next week. (Oh yea, I'm still waiting for some of you to turn your information in - hint, hint!!)

Love you, girls!

Sister June

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

FIRST DISCUSSION GROUP

The first discussion group was great!!! We enjoyed one another's input and fellowship. We really enjoyed the cheesecake!! - Thanks, Pat!

Even if you don't have time to do the workbook, come on out and join in the discussion. You will glean from the conversation and wisdom of your Sisterz.

Next meeting will be July 21 @ 6:00 @ Patty Ann's. Hope to see YOU there!

FOUR THINGS YOU CAN'T RECOVER

"The stone.....after the throw."

"The word.........after it's said."

The occasion.....after it's missed.

"The time.........after it's gone."

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

GOOD MORNING

Good Morning, my dear Sisterz. I hope all of you are doing well. Did you enjoy our first Feature Friday? Isn't Sheree precious!! There are several of you who have not turned in your info yet. I would really love to hear from you. Each of you are special and I want everyone to know it! Maybe you could give it to me Wednesday?? There are blank forms at the Information Center.

Well, one thing about today - it is not a day to watch TV - unless you're a Michael Jackson fan. Oh, if we could draw people to Jesus the way people have been drawn to this man...if people could/would honor our Lord in this way. We may not be able to get others to honor the Lord in this way, but we certainly can do it ourselves. May we NEVER forget who and what He is and may He always be high and lifted up.

Well, I'm going to cut this post short. I need to run to Patty Ann's to test the new WiFi. Tonight is our first discussion group for the Me, Myself and Lies group study. Even if you don't have the workbook, the discussion will be great. We'd love to have you join us.

I love you, girls. Praying you will have a wonderful day!

Friday, July 3, 2009

FEATURE FRIDAY


We're beginning this new feature with a person we all love and admire - our Sister Sheree! Sheree is otherwise known as "NuNu." She was born January 24th - and although she gave me the year - I'll just let you guess!

Sheree shares her life with her mom, Wilma, and father, John, as well as a brother Paul. Her brother, Jonathan, is in heaven waiting for her. Sheree has an extended family as well - two adopted daughters - NyTasha and Holly, a little sister, Dakota, and a little brother (you call him little???) - Jeffery.

Sheree has been a Christian since childhood. She had a very special gift on her 16th birthday - her baptism.

Anyone who knows anything about Sheree knows how much she loves to encourage people. She loves giving humorous birthday cards. How well I know that after my 50th birthday card discussed "sagging!!" If you have e-mail, you are well aware that Sheree also loves to share encouraging and inspirational e-mails (some of which I share on this blog). She loves to make people smile.

Sheree also loves to share recipes (even though she doesn't cook) as well as take pictures - particularly with singers.

Her favorite scriptures are Psalm 23; Proverbs 3:5,6; John 14:27; and Proverbs 3:24.

"It's been said I have "spunk". It shows up at certain times. Just call me Spunky, not Spanky!!"

Her theme: Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things..."

Sheree, we love and respect you so much. What a testimony - someone who goes through so much and deserves to be encouraged herself - yet your goal is to encourage others. You are such an inspiration to all of us. We love you and will forever pray for you.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

WE'LL SEE

Scripture: Psalm 20:5
“May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the Lord answer all your prayers” NLT

Once upon a time, there was a farmer somewhere in Europe. He didn't have a lot of money and instead of a tractor he used an old horse to plow his field.

One afternoon, while working in the field, the horse dropped dead. Everyone in the community said, "Oh, what a horrible thing to happen." The farmer prayed and asked God to bless this event in his life and simply said, "We'll see." He was so at peace and so calm, that everyone in the community got together --- and admiring his attitude --- gave him a new horse as a gift.

Everyone's reaction now was, "What a lucky man." And the farmer said, "We'll see."

A couple of days later, the new horse jumped a fence and ran away. Everyone in the community shook their heads and said, "What a poor fellow!" The farmer prayed and asked God to bless this event in his life and simply said, "We'll see."

Eventually, the horse found his way home, and everyone again said, "What a fortunate man." The farmer prayed and asked God to bless this event in his life and simply said, "We'll see."

Later in the year, the farmer's young boy went out riding on the horse and fell and broke his leg. Everyone in the community said, "What a shame for the poor boy."
The farmer prayed and asked God to bless this event in his life and simply said, "We'll see."

Two days later, the army came into the community to draft new recruits. When they saw that the farmer's son had a broken leg, they decided not to recruit him.

Everyone said, "What a fortunate young man." The farmer prayed and asked God to bless this event in his life and simply said, “Thank you Lord for answered prayer.”

There is clearly power in prayer. If you have any doubt just pray and asked God to bless an event in your life and simply say, "We'll see."

Prayer: Father thank you for answered prayer in my life. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!