Whining

We got a dog this summer. Watson. He’s super cute and well behaved. He rarely barks and he loves us, kids, and other dogs.  BUT (you knew there had to do be one) he whines.  Of all the things that are potential issues, this would be the one my dog has.  As I’m writing this, he is whining.  When he isn’t getting what he wants, he whines. He whines because he’s sad, when people leave, or he wants to go outside.  When he is playing with his toy, he whines because he’s happy.  For. The. Love.

Watson reminds me of how God must feel when we complain and whine. We live in the wealthiest country in the world.  We live in freedom.  We have 24/7 access to the Bible.  We have a public education system where we received an education and learned to read. 80% of the world lives on less than $10.00 per day.  My life should overflow with gratitude and joy, especially considering that I spend $70 a week in gas alone and I have 3 Bibles within eyesight of where I’m sitting right now.  There should not be a whine coming out of my mouth.  And yet, if I’m being honest with you, I have found myself whining these past couple of weeks; forgetting the abundance in my life and focusing on the areas where I feel like I’m missing out and things aren’t fair.  Do you ever find yourself whining when you should really be grateful?  For. The. Love.

Thankfully, God’s patient and forgiving and he’s given us people like Richard Stearns (President, World Vision U.S.) who can help us reset our posture from whining to thankfulness. Richard reminds us that we are needed to help build God’s kingdom. Our time, money and resources are the very things that can change someone’s world. Richard will be joining us live at our Woodbury Campus Saturday, October 18th at 4:15pm, and Sunday, October 19th at both 9:15am and 11:15am. He will be speaking about our response to those who live in the margins and World Vision’s work happening in the Congo alongside Covenant Kids Congo.

Don’t forget! We are offering a Health care Directive Seminar on Saturday, October 11, 9:00-11:00 am at the Woodbury Campus. A Health Care Directive, formally known a living will, is a written document allowing you to name who would be in charge of your health care in the event you’re not able to advocate for yourself.  At this seminar, we will help address your fears, beliefs and other important values in regards to your health. Child care is now closed, but you can still register by clicking HERE to attend without your kids.

Let’s find time this week to be thankful for all that we have and pray about ways that we can help in our community and/or abroad. Join us this weekend for the final week of The Starting Point: A Journey Through Genesis. It’ll going to be a great weekend!

Lisa Adams
Director of Missions and Care

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2 Are Better Than 1

I like to do things that hard way. Well, I don’t really “like” it, but more often than not, that’s the way it goes. It’s frustrating for 100% of the people who love me. To add insult to injury, I also like to figure things out by myself. I have a very 2-year-old “I do it” mentality when it comes to new things, especially things that are challenging or give me anxiety. The reality is, that I’d rather do it myself, so if fail, and trust me, i do, no one else will know but me.

Much to my dismay, we are not designed to do things alone. God designed us to live in community with each other. The very reason God made Eve was so Adam would have a helper. Out of dust and rib the first intentional community was born, and it was good.

When I think about my community, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m especially grateful for the people who have paved the way into adulthood for me. My parents, and mentors, and older, wiser friends, who, when I am feeling very self-sufficient love me enough to keep me honest, offer advice (even if I don’t take it) and love me regardless of the outcome. They’re constant cheer leaders and broken heart menders, and I’m very thankful for that.

We all need that, don’t we?  People who come along side us, who pray for us, and help us when we need it most.  During days when live is ordinary and regular, they’re cheering on our sidelines celebrating every day victories. I’m so grateful that God created us to work together, to share heavy loads and big laughs, and ultimately to be tangible reminders of His love and provision. That is good, isn’t it?

At Crossroads, we feel privileged to pray for your prayer requests. We have prayer teams at each of our campuses that care deeply about you and pray passionately. We believe in the power of prayer and that our God is a God who hears and answers prayers. Week after week the most frequently requested prayers are for health-related issues.

In response to this, we are offering a Health care Directive Seminar on Saturday, October 11, 9:00-11:00 am at the Woodbury Campus. A Health Care Directive, formally known a living will, is a written document allowing you to name who would be in charge of your health care in the event you’re not able to advocate for yourself.  At this seminar, we will help address your fears, beliefs and other important values in regards to your health. If your family should face an unexpected tragedy we want you to be prepared.  Let’s face it making difficult health care decisions during such a time can be overwhelming for your family, and we want to help lighten your load.

Please consider coming to this FREE seminar. FREE childcare is also provided if you register by October 8, click here for details.

Additionally, a quick reminder that we will be having a Honduras mission’s trip meeting this Sunday at our Woodbury campus immediately following the 11:15 service, please come hear how you can be a part of this amazing mission team. No sign ups necessary, just come in to the auditorium and take a seat and see who God might be adding to your community of people.

Please join us for week 4 of our current series The Starting Point: A Journey through Genesis. It’s going to be a great weekend.

Nicole Case & Lisa Renlund
Web Admin & Missions and Care Coordinator