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!

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!

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!!!

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!

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.
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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

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

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!!!