Saturday

I worked today at the restaurant. It was a good work day. I got to witness to a couple from Pittsburgh. They asked my why I was so happy..I told them about Jesus Christ being in my heart, and they said how much they needed to hear that. They were having some family problems and asked for me to pray for them. Since they are from Pitt, I told them about Steel City Church. They asked me to write down the info. They want to check it out.
Sweet. It was nice working with Emily. Emily is such a beautiful woman. She has the most giving heart of anyone I've ever met in my life. Her whole life seems to be about giving... If someone she knows is getting married, or having a birthday..or anything...you can make sure Emily will recognize the event! She's got a heart of Gold. She is Santa Clause and the Easter Bunny and much more to my girls! Every holiday she thinks of them, like they were her own grandchildren. So this is a shout out to my beautiful friend Emily!! I love you dearly! Thank you for ALL you do for my family and me!
When I got home, I checked my email, and I received two emails from local pastors who offered their help with our church plant. One guy offered to help us with a web site and web hosting, and another asked me to call him!! YESSSSSSSSS! Cross Current is getting so much closer to birthing!! I just can't wait to see how God is going to make this all come together!!
So much more to talk about, but so little time... I will talk more on Monday! I hope you're having a great weekend!!
Think about these great words from the great Mark Eberly, "Jesus Man, Just Jesus!"

Thank you Lois!

My girls received a very special present last week from a very special lady. Lois Jameson, hand knitted this beautiful afghan for my girls. Red, white & black are New Castle school's colors! Ally and Lauren both use the afghan to keep warm when they are sitting at their computer desks! They were so excited that somebody thought of them! Here are a few pictures




So, after receiving the afghan for the girls, I was so thankful and told Karen, (Lois's daughter) how much I loved afghans and had always wanted one to snuggle up on the couch with! I wasn't hinting..HONEST!! I was just stating a fact! The very next day Karen said, "What color would you like your afghan to be? It was within that very week, that Karen called me to tell me she had a present for me!!!!! I was blown away! Lois Jameson...THANK YOU sweet lady!! My afghan is so beautiful! It's warm and soft and it feels so good! It also looks very beautiful in my formal living room!! Don't you agree? I am blessed to have such wonderful women in my life! I will say it again and again and again!

Spending time with God today.. thinking about this.

A REVIVAL WILL NEVER HAPPEN...UNLESS SOMEONE STARTS IT!

Aflac scam

Watch out for this scam. Police are urging visitors to the city center to be especially vigilant for a new gang operating a slick routine that is aimed at stealing from unwary persons. They say that the gang is usually comprised of four members, one adult and three kids.
While the three younger ones, all appearing sweet and innocent, divert their "mark" with a show of friendliness and fun, the fourth---the eldest---sneaks in from behind the person's back to expertly rifle undetected through his or her pockets and bags for any valuables being carried. The below picture, taken by an alert passerby using a cell phone, shows the gang in operation.

Palm Sunday this Sunday!

Grand Entrance
Palm Sunday celebrates the day Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Test your knowledge of that day's events, recorded in all four Gospels, with these true or false statements.

1. According to the Gospels, the people waved palm branches when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

2. The date of Jesus' triumphal entry—five days before Passover—was a special holiday in his time.

3. By their actions, the people were publicly proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah.

4. The fact that Jesus rode a donkey portrayed him as a warrior king.

5. The shouts of "Hosanna!" meant "Praise the Lord!"

6. The route Jesus chose for his triumphal entry was down the side of Mount Zion.

7. When the people spread branches and garments in Jesus' path it was to pay him honor.

8. The shouts of "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" were words of a Jewish hymn.
ANSWERS BELOW!



1. False (Matt. 21:6, Mark 11:8, Luke 19:36, John 12:13). None of the four Gospels say the people "waved" branches but that they spread garments and branches in Jesus' path. Only John mentions palm branches, a tree not native to Jerusalem.

2. True. It wasn't called Palm Sunday in Jesus' day, but each Israelite family chose the lamb they would sacrifice for Passover on the tenth day of the month. As the people shouted "Hosanna," they didn't realize they were choosing the Lamb of God as their sacrifice.

3. True. When Solomon was anointed king, he rode into the city on a mule, to the shouts and praises of the people (1 Kings 1:43-45). Zechariah prophesied the Messiah would arrive the same way "gentle and riding on a donkey" (Zech. 9:9).

4. False. Conquering kings would ride war horses; the donkey symbolized peace and humility (Zech. 9:9, 10). Jesus' entry was a stark contrast to the war-like Romans, whose military presence was very visible.

5. False. The Hebrew word Halleluia means "praise the Lord;" Hosanna means "save us!" or "save!" The Palm Sunday crowd falsely assumed that Jesus would bring political liberation.

6. False. Jesus rode down the Mount of Olives offering him an excellent view of Jerusalem, which is built on Mount Zion. According to Zechariah 14:4, Jesus will again stand on the Mount of Olives at his second coming.

7. True. The people were boldly declaring that Jesus was their king, an accusation eventually written in condemnation above his cross. It was common in Bible times to spread garments in the path of princes and kings, especially at their coronation (see 2 Kings 9:13).

8. True. The phrases "Hosanna" and "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord" both come from Psalm 118: 25-26, one of the "Hallel" or praise psalms (113-118) used every Passover. These Jewish hymns would be as familiar to the Jewish people as Christmas carols are to Christians.

On Attitudes

In John Chapter 8, Jesus says,"If the Son sets you free you will be free indeed."
Comment- We are not set free from our circumstances, but in them. Not from life, but in Life. It is our attitude that determines our altitude everyday.

Chad Hurley

Hey! Did you know the founder of you tube went to IUP? I love you tube!! That's cool!


Chad Hurley is responsible for a Web site viewed by millions of people every day.
But did you know the "YouTube guy" graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania?

WTAE Channel 4's news exchange partners at the Tribune-Review reported that Hurley, who co-founded YouTube.com, is back in town this weekend.

Hurley, a 1999 fine arts grad, will be honored as one of IUP's 2007 Distinguished Alumni. He'll also participate in two panel discussions as part of the celebration.

YouTube made headlines last year when Google bought it for $1.65 billion in stock.

Hurley currently serves as YouTube's CEO and chief creative officer.

How do you feel? Check out what others are feeling all around the world!

coolsiteoftheday

Please..somebody save this bunny!

SAVETHEBUNNY!

Hidden Lives

I've posted this before, but you've got to check out this site
hiddenlives
Hidden Lives is a creative web project that seeks to unveil people's hidden lives. It aims to become a unique global artwork brimming with intimate, beautiful and moving self-expressions from people all over the world.

It's so beautiful!

He lives!

Alfred Ackley was in the midst of a weeklong revival in 1934. Thirty minutes after the crowd had dispersed on the final night, Ackley was also getting ready to leave when a voice stopped him.

"I have to know something," a young man barked. "Why should I worship a dead Jew?"

For a moment he thought about how to answer, then he felt a sudden rush of energy and blurted out, "He lives! I tell you, he is not dead, but lives here and now!" The words that began Ackley's straightforward reply to the young man's question stuck with him throughout the night. Unable to sleep, unable to read, and unable even to pray, Ackley got up and found a piano. Within half an hour Ackley was singing, "He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today, he walks with me, and talks with me along life's narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart; you ask me how I know he lives? He lives within my heart!"

Be a Lion Chaser!

Mark Batterson is another one of my favorite pastors. He is so inspirational. He is a good leader and a definite lion chaser! (He wrote this book.) He sent this book out free to all church planters! It's a great motivational book, about setting God sized goals and going after them with courage and zeal! It is one of those books that set me afire!!!
Mark Batterson was at Northway Church in Pittsburgh last night. I didn't get to see him, God had other places for me to be, but I did check out his website
www.evotional.com and this was a synopsis of his message last night, while he was at Northway. You have to read this paragraph, then read it again slowly.

Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away.

I LOVE these words!! I want to LIVE by these words!! I'm not there yet, but I'm getting closer! I am! I'm learning so much about life as I get older! We people are so weird!! We see quotes like "live like your dying, dance like no one's watching." etc.. and we love those those sayings, but why on earth don't we put them into practice??? How many of you live the life you really want to live? Who does? Who dances like nobody's watching? Who is free? What is stopping you from being free? Why do people worry so much about what others think? We DEFINITELY need to worry more about what God thinks!! Live for God!! Don't live for yourself..the more happy you try to make God, the more happy you're going to be! The more you GIVE the more you're going to get!! These aren't just words!!! It is the truth!!! The Bible is the truth!! They are not just words!! LIVE THEM!! LIVE The TRUTH! THE TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE. GOD.. IS THE TRUTH! GOD WILL SET YOU FREE! : ) I love you all!

American Idol thoughts

Good bye Chris Sligh
Ryan Seacrest in a faux-hawk
Gwen Stefani and Akon
Sanjaya's not going anywhere
Chris..ya started off great but fizzled out
Joe's winning the AI competition so far
He's the only one of us that still has his top 5 left.
Doolittle has no neck (she reminds me of a Flintstone character)
A cross between betty and barney rubble
Chris Richardson is most imporoved *in my opinion*
Gina too!
Who will win??? I have no idea

Breaking a bad habit!

Top 10 Ways to Break a Bad Habit
by Chris Adams,

Putting good ergonomic principles to work in your life requires you breaking some bad habits you've gotten into. However you can not institute a good habit if a bad one already exists.

Think of your brain as a mud bogging race. The easiest path is the one that is already there. If that path is not the most efficeint one it is almost impossible to get out of it if the ruts are deep (that's the bad habit). You have to fill them in completely then start a new rut to guide you on the efficient path (that's the good habit).

So you need to break the bad habit before you can start a good one. Here's how you do that.

1) Challenge Yourself
So, you might be living healthy and feeling good, but chances are there is a bad habit or two that you would like to change. Do not be afraid to challenge yourself. You can do it.
2) Make Your Intention Clear
Zero in on the behavior that you would like to change. For example, deciding to change computer mouse use to your left hand is much more focused than just deciding to use your right hand less.
3) Know the Benefits
Make a list of all the good reasons to break the habit and use this as a list of things to fight for when you feel like giving up. Maybe you are seeking pain relief from a repetitive stress injury by changing a behavior that you believe is causing the pain. Pain relief is a real and very desirable benefit and a great incentive.
4) Take Action
Set yourself up for success by taking immediate action to change your behavior. Go ahead and move that mouse to the left hand side of the computer so the next time you sit down, you will be ready to click.
5) Eliminate Excuses
Take steps during your downtime to eliminate excuses during your more hectic times. High stress times are also high risk times to fall back into your comfortable routine. For example, if you are committed to going to the gym right after work, put your workout clothes in the car the night before.
6) Enlist Help
Tell those people around you what you are trying to do. Co-workers and family members can help you recognize when you are slipping. Although this feedback is not always welcome, accountability is key to recognizing when you are not on track for success.
7) Track Your Progress
Keep careful note of your progress and if you are experiencing and of the benefits. If pain reduction is your goal, use the visual analog pain scale to record your pain levels each week. After a few weeks of hard work, you might need to see something to keep you going. Progress is an awesome incentive to keep going.
8) Do Not Give Up
If you slip, don’t throw your plan away. Just move on and keep going. Failure is only a reality when you stop trying.
9) Reward Yourself
While accomplishment is a reward itself, a tangible reward such as a new ergonomic office chair (can you say Aeron?), will certainly feel good as well.
10) Keep It Up
When you have succeeded, it will be easy to let your guard down. Changes in environment and routine can slowly bring bad habits back into your life. These are the times to be vigilant and make sure they don’t creep back into your daily routine.

Charles has a licking problem

I can't stop singing this song..and laughing..and I'm all alone and laughing..please somebody laugh with me.. Charles has a licking problem...charles..you have a licking problem. rofl

My favorite new food find!

I LOVE Birdseye steamed vegetables!! My kids and I eat them as snacks! Honestly they do! I've bought the green beans,corn,broccoli, mixed veggies,brussel sprouts,& cauliflower! Steaming vegetables is the best way to cook 'em for many reasons. Steaming lets veggies retain their nutrients and vibrant colors, and it eliminates the need for oil (and all the calories that go along with it). With Birds Eye's new Steamfresh line, cooking up perfect veggies has never been easier. Just pop a bag in the microwave for about five minutes, watch it puff up, and voila -- perfect, gorgeous, steamed veggies every time. Have you tried them? What do you think? What's your favorite?

One of my favorite pastors.. Perry Noble

Perry Noble is an incredible pastor and Christ follower! I listen to his podcasts every week. His sermons touch me EVERY SINGLE TIME!! I laugh..and I cry..and I nod my head EVERY SINGLE TIME!!! I listen on my ipod and my kids always think I'm nuts..because they can't hear what I'm hearing..they just see me sitting on the chair..laughing and/or crying and/or saying yes..and amen!! haha!! It's true! Anyway Perry is the pastor of Newspringchurch
in Anderson, South Carolina. He started the church in his living room with 8 other people, 7 years ago. His church has grown from those 8 people to 8000 people. Last week they had 100 people come forward and give their lives over to Christ! He's a great leader! He blogs every day. I love his blog posts. It's the first blog I read every morning. Here's the link to his blog site.
perry

This is his blog post today. It touched me so much. You know how much I love..LOVE! : ) Also, why don't you check out his podcast too and listen to one of his sermons. perry's podcast
They really are THAT good!


A True Love Story
America is WAY too fascinated with Hollywood and the “love stories” that keep coming out of there…sort of like vomit coming out of someone with food poisoning. Basically…all the tabloids are reporting is who is screwing who this month…and for some reason we are obsessed with it.

And movies…those are horrible as well when it comes to “love stories.” Remember the movie Titanic? Yep, quite a love story…girl meets guy on a boat & has sex with him without even knowing him (can anyone say “ho” boys & girls) and then swears she will never let him go! And when he dies…uh…she lets him go!!! And everyone in the theatre cried because they thought that was love.

Our world is so screwed up when it comes to identifying love…what true love is and how it makes a difference. Too many have equated love with a feeling…and when the feeling is gone then the love must be as well–so they jump from one relationship to the next, forgetting the vows they took before God and friends on their wedding day…and doing damage to their lives.

BUT yesterday–WOW–I heard a love story that put a lump in my throat. I am about to cry right now just thinking about it…and I want to share it with you.

Jason Wilson (Executive Pastor) and his brother Ken (Graphics/motion engineer) both work here at NewSpring. In fact, both of them were in the original group that met in a living room a little over seven years ago.

I’ve always told them that their family was “dysfunctional.” You see…their grandparents are still living on both sides…and there has been no divorce in their family…and their family actually loves hanging out with each other–isn’t that weird?

Anyway, their grandparents on their father’s side are the only set of grandparents that I have met…and they are two of the coolest people in the world. He is in his early 90’s and she is in her mid 80’s…and they are STILL together…still in love…and have established a legacy that is the same. I remember meeting them several years ago and being impressed with how full of life they were!

On Monday Jason had to leave the office rather quickly–he told us that his grandmother had fell as a result of a massive stroke and was in the hospital…and that they were not expecting her to make it through the night.

Yesterday morning he came in and we asked him what happened. He told us that she had fallen as a result of the stroke. The grandfather cannot hear very well–so he can’t make a phone call. And he could not pick her up because, well, he’s 92 I believe. So when Jason’s aunt could not reach the grandmother by phone she became concerned and went over to the house and found her mother lying in the floor…and her husband standing there right beside her. He refused to leave the side of his bride–for better or worse, in sickness and in health…’till death do us part!

They took her to the hospital and admitted her into ICU. After the entire family had gotten there they brought Jason’s grandfather into the room. He had to be brought in by wheel chair…and when they rolled him up by her bedside he got up out of the chair, leaned over his bride, kissed her and said, “I love you!”

THAT is a love story! Hearing that made me want to leave my desk & go home & hold my wife. I remember saying to Jason when he told me his story, “I want that so bad for my marriage–I want the only thing that can separate us to be death…and even when it tries it will know it has been in a fight!”

Love is not jumping from bedroom to bedroom…love is a commitment that sticks through whatever situation life throws at you. Ken & Jason were able to witness first hand the power of true love–Jason said when his grandfather kissed his grandmother that there was not a dry eye in the room…why…because true love is motivating!!!

Singles–my challenge to you is HOLD OUT for what is REAL! If he’s trying to get in your pants…or your relationship is based on something other than true love–then you may have what Hollywood has…vomit…and the pain that it will bring will leave a scar.

And if you are married–I challenge you right now to stop what you are doing–right now, pick up the phone & call your spouse & tell them that you love them…and that you always will!!!

I am not sure how Jason & Ken’s grandmother is doing right now…but please keep them in your prayers…and when you are doing so–thank God for allowing us to see a demonstration of the kind of love He has for us…a love that will not leave us…no matter what!

One of my favorite sites

Everyday I visit this site to enter for a chance to win a free book! inbubblewrap All you have to do is answer two silly questions and your name gets put into a drawing. It's random! It's bubblicious! I've won twice! I've won this book
Which I'm devouring right now that I've discovered a new passion for blogging!
and this one..
I read parts of it..don't even remember what it's about!
So go to this site www.inbubblewrap.com , sign up and maybe you'll win too!! It's really free!! Honest! No strings attached. Just bubble wrap : )

The condition of the church in America

1. 1,400 pastors in America leave the ministry monthly.

2. Less then 20% of churches recognize or appreciated their pastor in some way annually.

3. Only 15% of churches in the United States are growing and just 2.2% of those are growing by conversion growth.

4. 10,000 churches in America disappeared in a five-year period.

5 The number of people in America that Do Not attend church has doubled in the past 15 years.

6. No more then 38% of the population attends church at all and that’s in the Bible belt. The next highest is the Midwest at 25%, West 21% and the Northeast 17%.

7. Though the Bible Belt still boasts the highest percentage of church attendees, yet many of those churches are filled with legalism or extreme liberalism.

8. The vast majority of churches have an attendance of less then 75.

9. In 70 % of the churches in America, the pastor is the only full-time staff person

10. There are almost 100 million unchurched Americans, 11-20% of them claim to be born-again. They have either left the church or never connected for some reason.


11. The median adult attendance per church service in 1999 was 90 people, which is slightly below the 1998 average of 95 adult attendees and in 1997 it was 102. There seems to be a slight gradual decline.

12. Only 1/5 of the adult population attends Sunday school or some sort of Christian training.

13. 23% of church attendees say they attend a small group for growth and accountability.

14. Only 65% of Americans donate to a place of worship. Evangelicals however 85% donate to their church yet only 9% tithe.

15. 20-25% read their Bible consistently, 59% attend church weekly, 16% listen to Christian radio, 7% watch Christian TV, and 11% are held accountable to someone.

16. Only 60% of Christians say they are deeply committed to their faith, yet 85% of evangelicals make this claim.

17. Among the 71% of those who have heard of spiritual gifts, 31% can name a spiritual gift they believe they possess.

18. One in four have a place in the church where they serve.

19. Less then 50% say that the Bible is totally accurate, yet 60% of those that clam to be born-again.

20. Just 1/3 of church attendees believes that they have a personal responsibility to share their faith with others.

21. 56% of the population believe that salvation can be earned and shockingly, 26% are among evangelical churches.

22. Giving to charities increased in the past decade yet giving to local churches is declining.

23. Out of 100,000 churches in America less then 2% are considered mega-churches, (1,000 or more).

24. In his book, “Who Shall Lead Them”, Larry Withham said, “20% Of US Churches Have No Future”

25. 1 out of 4 church attendees are considered church hoppers.

27. On average, just 7% of new church attendees are formally unchurched.

28. Leading church analysts such as Lyle Schaller, George Barna, and Mike Regele stress the alarming truth that over 80% of American Protestant churches are in plateau and decline.

29. The typical U.S. Congregation draws an adult crowd that’s 61% female, 39% male. This gender gap shows up in all age categories.

30. This Sunday almost 25 percent of married, churchgoing women will worship without their husbands.

31. As many as 90 percent of the boys who are being raised in church will abandon it by their 20th birthday. Many of these boys will never return.

32. 88% of children from Evangelical churches will leave the church after High School.

33. And estimated 15 to 20 million people now in America have said they are Christians but they simply don’t want to be a part of the church.

34. Only 4% of America’s churches will ever plant a daughter church

Are you getting enough rest?

Jesus rested, even though he knew he had only three short years to accomplish his ministry on earth. And he didn't feel guilty about it. As a human being—the Word become flesh (John 1:14)—Jesus knew his physical limitations. To find solitude and rest, he often trekked alone into the wilderness or mountains, or sat on the grassy hills above Lake Galilee, rubbing his tired feet.

Jesus also urged his disciples to rest. The gospel writer, Mark, gives us a special insight into one chaotic event: "Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, [Jesus] said to them, 'Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.' So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place" (Mark 6:31–32).
Take the time to rest. It's good for your mind, body and soul!

sanjaya sports a mohawk!

Dude! Wow! Dawg! Actually...I loved how Sanjaya looked tonight! That took guts! He seems to be growing out of his shyness! He sure had a bold attitude tonight. You go Sanjaya! (alot of people mean that seriously.. GO!!)

Ouch!

NBC's 'Today,' March 26, 2007. 'Today' co-host Vieira hit her head on the ice rink at Rockefeller Center Monday during a live segment in which Ferrell was promoting his new ice skating movie.
Vieira and Ferrell were on skates during a segment just before 9 a.m. EDT, with Ferrell showing Vieira some moves he had learned for "Blades of Glory," which opens Friday. In one maneuver, Vieira passed under Ferrell's legs when she fell backward and hit her head.

"Owww, that hurt," Vieira said as a surprised Ferrell helped her get back on her feet. Vieira didn't miss a beat, however, adding, "We'll be right back."

Ferrell asked, "Oh my God, are you OK?"

Vieira returned after the commercial break, on the ice with Ferrell, substitute co-host David Gregory and co-host Natalie Morales, and they replayed the fall from several angles before 9 a.m. A "Today" spokesman said Monday that she was checked out and that everything was fine.

Sistas!

One more thing..


I have the most wonderful friends anyone could have. I want them to know, how much I love them. You know who you are! You rock my world! I am so grateful to have you in my life. When one of you hurt..I hurt too. When I hurt..I know you hurt too. God has given us this gift of sisterhood. You are my sisters..we are forever entwined in each others lives. Thank you my sistas! I love you dearly : )

Prophet Jose'

WOW!! THe most amazing thing just happened to me!!!!!!! First off, Kim and I had lunch today at the Tuscany Grill. WONDERFUL MEAL!! First time I've ever eaten there, and I highly recommend it. Great ambiance, great service, great food!
Afterwards I went to Ollie's to look for some books to give as Easter gifts to friends and family, and I saw Pastor Tim Klein (pastor of Solid Rock Ministries). I've felt that GOd has wanted me to get together with Tim, and help him with his ministry and also share my testimony with him.
I went to Tim's church two Sunday's ago, and met with Tim afterwards and told him that I wanted to get together with him and talk.. The week after, he was going out of town to a conference, but said that we could get together the next week. (which would be this week!)
Tim had a man with him, who he introduced as Jose' something.. (sorry, I should remember). We shook hands and Jose said, "Susan, can I pray with you?" I said, "sure!" So I bowed my head, and he said, "Look up..look at me" So I did, and he said this to me...(I will quote it the best I can remember)"Susan, you have a huge heart for God, you have a heart that gives and gives and gives, but you get so little in return. Your heart aches because you get so little. You wonder why God hasn't poured blessings onto you..why God hasn't rewarded you for all that you give. Sister, God wants you to know that those blessings are right around the corner. They are coming. God is going to pour them out onto you. Many, many blessings." Then he said, "you are going to be surrounded by babies and young people. You are going to be surrounded by them. You are going to help them, to nurture them. Many of them." Then he finished and looked away then back at me. He said, "When I say babies and young people, I don't think it means young "age wise" not real babies and young people..I think it means babies and young people spiritually..new Christ followers..baby Christians." WOAH!!!!!!!!!!!
HE LOOKED INSIDE OF MY HEART!
People...I don't understand prophesy...I don't understand speaking in tongues...but I don't deny it. The Bible says people have those gifts. I know that God has given me the gift of vision..being able to see things that others can't, and my former pastor also told me I have the gift of prophecy, because I can see truth. But I really had never been prophesized over... wow...I am still just amazed. He was dead on... I'm telling you he saw inside of my heart. God saw inside of my heart and spoke through this man to tell me.... Oh God, you are amazing!! you are everything to me!!!! Lord, I thank you so much for those words...to keep hanging on..keep going...don't give up!! That's what You told me!! Thank you Jesus!!! WOw.....wow...
Please, if you read this, please pray for me. Pray that God gives me that strength to keep going. With His AMAZING and NEVERENDING love, Susan

Get caffeinated!

Wanna know how much caffeine there is in a red bull or starbucks coffee or a resees peanut butter cup? Check out the caffeine databank!
Get Caffeinated!

Today's devotion

VISION BY PERSONAL CHARACTER

Come up hither, and I will show thee things.

Revelation 4:1

An elevated mood can only come out of an elevated habit of personal
character. If in the externals of your life you live up to the
highest you know, God will continually say - "Friend, go up higher."
The golden rule in temptation is - Go higher. When you get higher up,
you face other temptations and characteristics. Satan uses the
strategy of elevation in temptation, and God does the same, but the
effect is different. When the devil puts you into an elevated place,
he makes you screw your idea of holiness beyond what flesh and blood
could ever hear, it is a spiritual acrobatic performance, you are
just poised and dare not move; but when God elevates you by His grace
into the heavenly places, instead of finding a pinnacle to cling to,
you find a great table-land where it is easy to move.

Compare this week in your spiritual history with the same week last
year and see how God has called you up higher. We have all been
brought to see from a higher standpoint. Never let God give you one
point of truth which you do not instantly live up to. Always work it
out, keep in the light of it.

Growth in grace is measured not by the fact that you have not gone
back, but that you have an in sight into where you are spiritually;
you have heard God say "Come up higher," not to you personally, but
to the insight of your character.

"Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do?" God has to hide
from us what He does until by personal character we get to the place
where He can reveal it.

Steel City Church

We visited our friends at Steel City Church last night. It was great to see Damian and Annie and Rita & Fred again. There was an editor from BGC world magazine in attendance, doing an article about Steel City. I interviewed with him for about 15 minutes about Cross Current. He even took my picture. I wonder if it will make it in the magazine? I asked him to please ask his readers to pray for our church plant.
It was a good night. I enjoyed riding home with Al and Cindy. Cindy is a smart lady. We had some good conversations.
.

Space Mountain

Take a virtual ride in space mountain. This brought back awesome memories of vacations in Disney World...

Peyton Manning

Peyton Manning was the host of SNL this weekend. He was really funny! Not only is he a good quarterback, but a good actor too! Check out his monologue. : )

This is exciting. Union Twp. is where we plan to open Cross Current!

Union Township site is chosen for college

NEW CASTLE, Pa. — The wrangling over where Butler County Community College will locate its Lawrence County campus is over.

The college board of trustees announced Wednesday the new branch campus would be located off U.S. Route 224 in Union Township near the intersection of Covert Road.

Multiple developers from New Castle and Neshannock and Union townships had been vying for the project since the college made it known that it would wanted a larger facility.

The college now offers courses at the Lawrence County Learning Center in New Castle, the Lawrence County Career and Vocational Center in Shenango Township and Neshannock High School.

Bill O'Brien, vice president for continuing education and off-campus centers, said they want to consolidate their credit courses into one building, but they still intend to use the three other sites for overflow classes, continuing education classes and partnerships they have with area universities that allow students to complete a bachelor's degree program.

The college has signed a 10-year lease with builder/developer Leo Golba, O'Brien said.

What's planned


The new site includes 13.4 acres with a proposed 25,000-square-foot building and 384 parking spaces. There also is room to expand, he said.

O'Brien said they have asked Golba to consider putting a day-care center, coffee shop, restaurant and gym facility at the front of the property to give Lawrence County pupils the same amenities that are available in Butler.

Since 1989, BC3 has offered credit and noncredit classes and now serves approximately 500 students each year at its three locations in Lawrence County.

According to Bill O'Brien, Vice President for Continuing Education and Off-Campus Centers, BC3's enrollment in Lawrence County has grown 10 percent each year for the past five or six years. The school needed of a centralized location to better serve students, he said.

Construction is slated to begin in late spring, and school officials hope to open the new location in May 2008.

Lawrence County Commissioner Ed Fosnaught, a supporter of locating the campus in downtown New Castle, said he would still like to work with college officials to keep tuition costs down.

Lawrence County residents pay the Butler in-county tuition rate of $91 per credit, plus $10. As of July 1, the college will be charging all Lawrence County residents its out-of-county rate of $164 per credit.

Fosnaught had tried to persuade his fellow commissioners to kick in some money for the downtown proposal with the caveat the college not raise tuition. The other two commissioners did not want to favor one site but said they might consider some type of contribution once the decision was made.

The decision to use Golba's site is subject to the final agreement on the lease terms, school officials said.

cioffi@vindy.com

Cool optical illusions

Women's health fair

I had a wonderful day today! I went to a women's health fair with 6 wonderful women! Kim, Tracey, Brenda, Cindy, Darlene and Donna were my homegirls for the day! Lots of laughing, good speakers, great information, a yummy breakfast and lunch at the Rosemont. Thanks Kim, for inviting me.
Tommorow we are taking the kids to a big restaurant food show at the David L. Lawrence convention center in Pittsburgh. Then we are heading over to worship with our friends at Steel City Church! The editor of BGC World magazine is going to be doing an article about Damian WIlliams, the pastor of Steel City Church, who is also the pastor that is helping us plant our church! Damian asked me to come and be a part of the interview! I can't wait to talk about what God has done and is doing with Cross Current! I hope you all are having a great weekend!
Me

All the Rocky Movies in Five Seconds!

TODAY'S INSPIRATIONAL MESSAGE

Love your neighbor as yourself.

"By this shall all men know that you're my disciples when you have love for one another." (John 13:35)

It's not complicated : )

Now walk it out!

my travels have taken me here..

Hidden Lives :: Pause. Reflect. Reveal.
YESSSS! My Hyperlink worked!! Just click on the above line to take you there!
This is an interesting place to visit when you are on the web.
Pause Reflect and Reveal. It's good for your soul :)

13 is such a tough age to be. i remember. zits. clothes that don't fit. hormones goin' crazy. you're not a child but not an adult either. you want hugged and kissed but are embarrassed to be hugged and kissed. kids at school are mean. boys are gross and stupid but you're beginning to like those gross and stupid boys. but they don't like you back. they say you're weird. at least they did to me : )
Lauren is 13. 13 is a tough age to be.

Yesterday, was one of the most heartwarming days of my life. Lauren has been going through a little bit of a rough time, being thirteen. She went to a Christian school since pre-school, and this is her first year in public school. Public school is tough. The kids are tough. Lauren is soft. She is so sweet and kind and loving. She has God in her heart, and doesn't understand why kids are mean, and why they swear and say bad things. She's never been in an environment like that before.
I felt as though Lauren needed some one on one time with me,and also, she needed something to make her feel good. So a few days ago I told her that we were going shopping to buy some new clothes and shoes, and go out to dinner...just Lauren and me.
You have to know Lauren, but she's not a shopper. She hates shopping. She doesn't like clothes. They are only a necessity to her, definitely not something pleasurable. Trying them on, for her is torture. But she desperately needed new clothes.
I picked her up from school and off we went.
She was hard at first...grumpy..whining..but I began to talk to her. I began to tell her how beautiful she was, how special she was, what an AMAZING daughter and child of God she was. As I showered her with love, my love and God's love, she began to soften. She'd say, "oh mom..quit saying that." But it was the same as the hugs and kisses, they say stop, but inside they beg for it..Oh they need to hear it constantly. Over and over again, children need reassurance.
I asked her about her dreams. I asked her what she thinks about before she falls asleep. I asked her to tell me what she feels inside of her heart. What does she want to be when she grows up. She opened her heart up to me..We talked and dreamed together..
We sang silly songs at the top of our lungs, while listening to the radio. We ate pizza and salad and brownie desserts for dinner. We played video games. We found the PERFECT CLOTHES, that fit beautifully! We found a purse that she loved. We found shoes she adored. We held hands as we walked through the mall together. We took pictures of ourselves making funny faces. We hugged. We laughed... a lot. We re-connected. It was one of those moments in time, when everything was just right with the world.
I will remember this day for the rest of my life. Mother and daughter. I felt her grow up that afternoon. I got to know her as a woman, instead of just as a child. I like the woman she is becoming. She is a sweet and kind and loving young woman. This post is dedicated to you Lauren Elizabeth. I love you my beautiful daughter.

This is me.

Read my VisualDNA™ Get your own VisualDNA™

Sanjaya, Stephanie & American Idol

Defying any sort of rational analysis, Sanjay Malakar lives to sing another week on American Idol.
I'm beginning to think American Idol is not, by any means, a singing competition, no matter how many times Simon Cowell says otherwise. It is a popularity contest that masquerades as a singing competition.
If that is not true then why is Sanjaya still around, and Stephanie is not?
1) The little girls like him?
2) Vote for the worst.com?
Will this be the undoing of American Idol? Is it really about picking the best singer? Should Sanjaya still be on the show? Why is he still on the show?
What do you think? Let Your voice be heard!!

Daniel Tammet

WOW! Imagine the capabilites our brains have, but we haven't tapped into...
Daniel Tammet is a savant who has miraculous metal capabilities involving mathematics, language, and sequence memorization. He holds the European record for reciting pi to 22,514 numbers speaks nearly a dozen languages. (Tammet offers language courses through his Web site, Optimnem.) Interestingly, Tammet does not exhibit any form of the mental disabilities common with savants. 60 Minutes has posted a selection of interviews and video clips from their Brain Man profile of Tammet. From the bio on his Web site:
He can calculate huge sums in his head in seconds and instantaneously recognise prime numbers, but he finds emotions difficult to understand and has trouble telling left from right. One of fewer than fifty such people living worldwide, Daniel is unique in his ability to articulate his savant experience.

He describes his visual experience of numbers as complex synaesthetic shapes with colour, texture and motion. Thirty-seven is lumpy like porridge, while eighty-nine reminds him of falling snow. Sequences of digits form visual landscapes in his mind.

Spiritual Pep Talk!

I found this on another blog and I loved it! The author says he recites these words each morning after he wakes up!
When you're feeling down or having a rough day these are great words to remember! We should all have confidance and power that comes from the Lord!



I am a child of God. 1 John 3: 2
I’m an heir of God and joint heir with Christ. Romans 8: 16-17
He has made me a king and a priest. Revelation. 5:10
I look like God. Genesis 1:26
The Spirit of God dwells in me. 1 Corinthians 3: 16
I am more than a conqueror through Him who loved me. Romans 8: 37
He who is in me is greater than he who is in the world. 1 John 4: 4
I’m the head and not the tail; above only, and not be beneath. Deuteronomy 28: 13
By His stripes I am healed. Isaiah 53: 5
I am His workmanship. Ephesians 2: 10
I have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2: 16
Behold, I have authority to trample on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall by any means harm me. Luke 10: 19
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4;13
My God shall supply all my need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philipians 4:19
The joy of the Lord is my strength. Nehemiah 8:10

Happy first day of spring!

Spring makes me feel bouncy : ) (As if I wasn't bouncy enough!) I love to wake up with the sunrise and hear the birds chirping. I love when my house is peacefully quiet. It's just me and our Lord sharing some convo together. Unfortunately..this morning was anything but bouncy or peaceful! MY ALARM DIDN'T GO OFF!!!! I woke up at 7:30 (normally I get up at 6:30! The kids are supposed to be at school by 7:40! So Ally woke up unhappy because she was late ..rushing around, Lauren woke up slowly (nothing unusual), the shower turned cold, so she decided to sit and wait for it to warm up. She started getting dressed and popped a button on her pants. She couldn't find others to wear, so I had to sew a button back on ..(Have you ever try to do this in a hurry??), Joe started yelling at everyone because he felt we weren't rushing enough...and then Lauren couldn't find gym clothes (she's supposed to prepare everything the night before! *sigh* It wasn't a good morning. : ( I don't like sending my kids off to school unorganized and in a negative mood and atmosphere...It makes me feel bad all day, and I know it affects them as well. Hopefully the day will get better! Hey it's the first day of spring! Spring is a time for new beginnings.. I think I'll go back to bed and start all over again!
Have a great day today! Happy Spring!

Free Iced Coffee today from Dunkin' Donuts!!

Dunkin' Donuts Puts Winter "On Ice" by Heralding First Day of Spring With First-Ever Nationwide "Free Iced Coffee Day"
Dunkin' Donuts Restaurants Across the Country to Offer Free Iced Coffee All Day on March 21
CANTON, MA. (March 1, 2007) - Dunkin' Donuts, the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world, wants to help customers put winter "on ice." On Wednesday, March 21, the official first day of spring, Dunkin' Donuts will host its first-ever all day, nationwide "Free Iced Coffee Day."

For 24 hours on March 21, customers can visit any participating Dunkin' Donuts restaurant in the country and receive a free 16 oz. cup of Dunkin' Donuts' premium iced coffee, which is double-brewed to ensure full flavor with every cup.

"We look forward to treating everyone to a free cup of our delicious, freshly brewed iced coffee to celebrate the arrival of spring," said Robert Rodriguez, Dunkin' Donuts brand president. "As the category leader, Dunkin' Donuts has been brewing iced coffee for more than 25 years and we are thrilled to be kicking off another iced coffee season with this all day, nationwide event."

Iced coffee is fast becoming as "hot" as the classic cup at Dunkin' Donuts. While iced coffee sales typically spike in summer months, Dunkin' Donuts has seen rapid growth year-round, including during the winter months. Iced coffee is the second most frequently sold product after hot coffee at Dunkin' Donuts.

According to NPD CREST data, Americans drank more than 450 million servings of iced coffee in restaurants in 2006 - a 16 percent increase from 2005 -and Dunkin' Donuts sold more than 150 million servings of iced coffee last year.

Millions of iced coffee lovers turn to Dunkin' Donuts because they recognize the quality of its iced coffee. Dunkin' Donuts has been at the forefront in developing an innovative process for brewing iced coffee, which has set the standard for the industry. The unique process, called double brewing, uses twice the amount of coffee when making the beverage to achieve consistent flavor and freshness that are never compromised at the expense of serving it cold. The result is a smooth, rich taste sensation - iced coffee that is never bitter or watered down.

For more information on Dunkin' Donuts' iced coffee and other products, please visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

###

About Dunkin' Donuts

Founded in 1950, today Dunkin' Donuts is the number one retailer of hot regular coffee-by-the-cup in America, selling 2.7 million cups a day, nearly one billion cups a year. Dunkin' Donuts is also the largest coffee and baked goods chain in the world and sells more hot regular coffee, iced coffee, donuts, and bagels than any other quick service restaurant in America. Dunkin' Donuts has more than 7,200 restaurants in 30 countries worldwide. Based in Canton, Massachusetts, Dunkin' Donuts is a subsidiary of Dunkin' Brands, Inc. For more information, visit www.DunkinDonuts.com.

Contact: Michelle King

Did you know?

Watch this.. very interesting!

It's Tuesday. Date night! We're going to Outback Steakhouse for dinner tonight. :)) (that's my double chin wiggling with excitement) Oh what Joy!

American Idol's love Jesus too! : )

'American Idol' Christian Crew Pumps Up the Church
By Kevin Jackson

Christian singers are continuing to show success in the sixth season of American Idol as three Gospel Music Association (GMA) favorites - Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle, and Chris Sligh - moved on past the vote last week.


Four Christian artists have moved into the final 11 for this season's Amerian Idol.
Related
Christians Represent in 'American Idol' Final 12
Among the contestants, one more vocalist has emerged as having a gospel music background – Phil Stacey, minister of music at First Coast Christian in Jacksonville, Fla.

This places four Christian artists among the final 11, encouraging viewers that this year’s winner may represent Christian talent.

Besides his connection with the church, Stacey also attends Liberty University, an independent fine arts Baptist university located in Lynchburg, Va.

Despite the fact that he passed this week’s vote, Stacey was one of the bottom vote-getters and may have to struggle to stay alive in the competition.

The GMA has been strongly supporting the four contestants, making them a large part of their weekly GMAil - a weekly industry email newsletter that contains weekly charts, news, links to resources, and information about upcoming industry events, available to GMA members only.

Besides the GMA, other groups are spurring on the finalists.

According to GMAil, Christian elite Michael W. Smith is telling his fans to vote for Sparks on his website; Music City is pushing for Doolittle, a graduate of Nashville Christian school Belmont University, as well as the local Fox affiliate; and Sligh’s home church in South Carolina holds weekly American Idol parties to support their favorite.

This past week, contestants sang to a Diana Ross theme night. On the upcoming show on Tuesday, the theme will be the British invasion.

Spiritual Spring Cleaning!

How to Spring Clean Your Spirit

While you're cleaning out closets and sweeping under the furniture, think about this: Spring cleaning, while worth the effort, will only last for a season, but spiritual cleansing could have an eternal influence. So don't just dust behind those book shelves, dust off that favorite Bible and get ready for a spiritual spring cleaning.

1) Cleanse Your Heart - Get Spiritually Healthy:
The Bible encourages us to draw close to God and allow our hearts and bodies to be cleansed. This is the first step in our spring cleaning project. We can't clean ourselves. Instead we must draw near to God and ask Him to do the cleansing.

Psalm 51:10
Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. (KJV)
Hebrews 10:22
Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. (NIV)

2) Clean Out Your Mouth - Deep Clean Inside and Out:
Spiritual cleansing requires deep cleaning -- it is housekeeping that goes beyond what others see and hear. It's a cleansing from within -- inside and out. As your heart gets clean, your language should follow. This is not just talking about bad language, but also negative talk and pessimistic thoughts that contradict the Word of God and faith. This includes the challenge to stop complaining.

Luke 6:45
The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks. (NIV)
Philippians 2:14
Do everything without complaining or arguing... (NIV)

3) Renew Your Mind - Take Out the Garbage:
This is one of the biggest areas of struggle for most of us -- removing the garbage from our minds. Garbage in equals garbage out. We must feed our minds and spirits the Word of God instead of the garbage of this world.

Romans 12:2
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (NIV)
2 Corinthians 10:5
We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)
4) Repent from Hidden Sin - Clean Out Your Spiritual Closets:

Hidden sin will destroy your life, your peace, and even your health. The Bible says to confess your sin - tell someone, and reach out for help. When your spiritual closets are clean, the heaviness from hidden sin will lift.

Psalm 32:3-5
When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD"—and you forgave the guilt of my sin. (NIV)

5) Release Unforgiveness and Bitterness - Get Rid of Old Baggage:
Any sin will weigh you down, but long kept unforgiveness and bitterness is like old baggage in the attic you just can't seem to part with. You are so familiar with it, you don't even realize how it is hindering your life.

Hebrews 12:1
Therefore ... let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders our progress... (NLT)
Ephesians 4:31-32
Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (NIV)

6) Involve Jesus in Your Daily Life - Let the Son Shine In:
What God wants most from you is relationship - friendship. He wants to be involved in the big and small moments of your life. Open your life, let the light of God's presence shine into every part, and you'll have no need for a yearly spiritual cleaning. Instead experience daily, moment to moment refreshing of your spirit.

1 Corinthians 1:9
God ... is the one who invited you into this wonderful friendship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (NLT)
Psalm 56:13
For you have rescued me from death; you have kept my feet from slipping. So now I can walk in your presence, O God, in your life-giving light. (NLT)

7) Learn to Laugh at Yourself and at Life:
Some of us take life too seriously, or we take ourselves too seriously. Jesus wants you to enjoy yourself, and learn to have some fun. God made you for His pleasure!

Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song. (NIV)
Psalm 126:2
Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, "The LORD has done great things for them." (NIV)

Obama Ad featuring Hilary Clinton

Political races have become giant marketing campaigns. Canidates have become products. Good advertisements can sell anything. No matter how nasty something may be, if you market it well, people will want to buy it. We are consumers. We are being sold defective merchandise with no return policies. Imagine a world with no media. What would it be like? Good or bad? Why? Let me know what you think...

My favorite you tube video of all time! How can you not help but to laugh??

Want to live longer? Have more wine, chocolate and sex!

Top 10 Fun Ways to Live Longer

A healthy lifestyle doesn't have to mean treadmills and salads everyday. Many activities that are fun and pleasurable are also good for you. By understanding how these activities can help you live longer and what to do to get the most benefits, you'll be putting some fun into healthy living.
1) Drink Red Wine
Red wine is packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant. These work to protect your body against the effects of aging. One or 2 glasses of red wine a day can help keep your body young.
2) Eat Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a wonderful food that contains a large amount of antioxidants that protect your body from aging. Find good quality dark chocolate, learn to appreciate it, and have a bit of it each day. Eating chocolate may lower your blood pressure and cholesterol while providing an energy boost.
3) Smile
Smiling is a great way to change your attitude, connect with people and give benefit to your body. Like relaxation, smiling can work to counteract the effects of stress. By forcing ourselves to smile, we "trick" our body into believing that everything is good, thereby reducing stress. Like a switch, smiling can actually change your mood. So put a smile on, even if you don't feel like it, and pretty soon you'll be smiling for real.
4) Have More Sex
Sex and touching are thought to be essential parts of health. Sex releases an assortment of beneficial chemicals in the body. Sex and touching help us bond with others, strengthens relationships, and increases our own self-worth. Frequent sex may even extend your life by years.
5) Relax
Relaxation is the opposite of stress. While stress brings harmful health effects, relaxation helps our bodies to rest, heal and function better. By practicing daily relaxation techniques, you can train yourself to turn off your stress and replace it with calm energy. This will improve your blood pressure, heart rate and ability to cope with life's challenges.
6) Make Exercise Play
Physical games and sports are a great way to keep both your body and mind healthy. Simple exercise routines are great for maintaining balance, flexibility, endurance and strength. Group games and sports can give your mind a workout as well, as you anticipate other people's actions and how to work together. Find a game and activity that suits your level of physical ability and play often.
7) Sleep
Sleep is an essential body function. Most Americans do not get enough sleep. Medications, stress, illness and poor sleep habits all can prevent you from getting between 7 and 9 hours a night. The health benefits of sleep include more energy, better immune function, and more.
8) Spend Time With Loved Ones
Relationships are an important part of health. Not only do strong bonds with other people mean you will have help when you need it, being connected also means protection from loneliness, depression, and mental illness. Spend time cultivating your relationships with friends and family to improve your health and your life.
9) Solve Puzzles and Play Brain Games
Mind games are a great way to stay involved and engaged in the world. Games can exercise different parts of your mind and entice your curiosity. If possible, choose social games like chess or bridge that exercise your brain while keeping you connected with others.
10) Be Positive
Having a positive attitude about aging can add more than seven years to your life, according to researchers. Avoid the cultural push to glorify youth and regret each passing year. Find ways to to pleasure in your increasing age and enjoy greater learning, experience, and control in your life.

www.digicc.com/fido

Ooooh something freaky!


http://digicc.com/fido/
I wish I knew how to get my hyperlinks to work! Have fun!

I want to be a warrior for my KING!!

Do you?

Solid Rock

Today, We went with Karen to Solid Rock Ministries to worship! Wow! Tim Klein, the pastor of Solid Rock, has a vision to reach the street people of New Castle. He has turned his church into a REFUGE for those who want to come and get help and healing! I could feel the spirit in that house this morning. I believe God has led me to Tim and Solid Rock for a purpose. I don't know if it's for him to help us, or us to help him, but I know that God has a plan! I'm meeting with Tim Wednesday to give him some info on Cross Current and also hear more about his story with Solid Rock! I believe wholeheartedly that every single church should be working together for THE CAUSE!
Tim said that his church is the opposite of most churches in our area. Most churches have youth leaders and a good youth program, and try so hard to reach unsaved youth in the community. At Solid Rock, they get between 100-200 unsaved kids that come to their church on a Friday or Saturday night, but not enough Christian leaders to help minister to these kids. Once again, I will say, WHERE ARE OUR WARRIORS??
Tim needs help! These kids are coming, but they need Christian men and women to help lead them to Christ! Our Christians only concerned about what's happening in their own church? Are they only ministering to each other? It's so wrong!! Tim said that most Christians won't come to his church. It's located at the "wrong" side of town..It's not pretty and fancy...it's not comfortable! It's out of a lot of Christian's comfort zone. Please Pray for the ministry of Solid Rock! Please pray for God to guide your heart to some way help! Follow Christ! March ON!!!!
Susan

300

Joe and I went with Al and Cindy to dinner and a movie Saturday night. We saw 300! I think you'll be surprised at my review. First of all, and some of you might roll your eyes at this, others understand.. but I usually don't see R rated films. I can't stand cursing, and violence, and sexual impurity causes me to have impure thoughts, which is something that I definitely don't want to have...BUT, Joe really wanted to see this movie, and he didn't want to be a third wheel with Al and Cindy, so I went.
There was a lot of violence, I don't think there was any cursing, and a few quick nude shots (I closed my eyes) I DID!!!! HONEST!!!! I'm a nerd..I know..I am...!! I really just strive to have a clean and pure heart. I don't want it polluted!
SO back to the movie.... it was okay..the reviews have been phenomenal...it's been the number one movie for two weeks..but Joe and I both thought it was just okay.
BUT..I really felt stirred by the movie! Do you want to know what stirred me? I loved seeing those men,who were so strong and courageous be so willing to give up their life for their cause. They were WARRIORS!! They were proud to die for their freedom, for their King!"WE ARE SPARTANS!" was their battle cry.
How many Christian men are warriors today? How many Christians are willing to die for their King, Jesus Christ? Are we warriors? Are we loud and brave and courageous? It seems to me like we are losing our freedoms in this country. Who is willing to stand up and fight? What has become of us? We are allowing gay marriages to be legal! Where are our warriors? We are allowing our freedoms to be taken away! Where are our warriors? We are allowing them to take prayer out of school? Where are our warriors? We are allowing millions and millions of unborn children to be killed? Where are our warriors? We are allowing thousands and thousands of people each day to die of starvation, when we have so much? Where are our warriors?
Our King must be so disappointed in us. He's asking, who will follow me? Who will fight for me? Who will die for me? Where are MY warriors?

If I find in myself a desire which no experience in the world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."

~ C. S. Lewis

No other people in the United states share my name! How many share yours?

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 0 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

Happy St. Patricks Day!

St. Patrick's Day

History
St. Patrick's Day, celebrated every year on March 17, is a holiday honoring Saint Patrick, the missionary credited with converting the Irish to Christianity in the A.D. 400s. Saint Patrick's real name was Maewyn Succat. For his first 16 years, Maewyn lived a normal life as the son of a wealthy landowner and magistrate in Britain.

At 16, Maewyn was captured and sold into slavery by a group of pirates who raided his village. After six years of herding sheep, Maewyn escaped, went to France and became a priest, adopting the name Patrick.

During his training, Patrick discovered that his calling was to convert Irish pagans to Christianity. He returned to Ireland, established monasteries across the country, set up schools and churches, and converted many with his winning personality. Patrick carried on a very successful mission for thirty years. When he died on March 17, that day was commemorated as St. Patrick's Day.

Originally a Catholic holy day, St. Patrick's Day has evolved into more of a secular holiday. In America, in fact, St. Patrick's Day is basically a time when everyone becomes Irish, wears green and goes out to party.

Fun Facts

Did you know...

That green is associated with St. Patrick's Day because it's the color of spring?

That the shamrock is a traditional symbol because Saint Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to represent how the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit could exist as separate elements in the same entity?

That the first St. Patrick's Day in America was celebrated in Boston in 1737?

That the following things on St. Patrick's Day will bring you good luck? Finding a four-leaf clover, wearing green, and kissing the Blarney Stone!