A Church?

Does this look to you like a place where a church would meet?

Well, beginning on 01.10.10 it will be on Sunday Mornings!

The next location of Real Church Detroit will start right in this

room... which is on the top story of a beautiful building in

Midtown Detroit.

The waiting is FINALLY over! Thank you, Jesus, for providing!!!

To read more about it... and the irony of it all... please click

on Chilly's blog at www.ichilly.com

And please pray.

We need portable chairs & sound equipment

kid's puppets and a portable stage.

(I'll be starting this new kids' ministry, too!...

and I'm excited!)

Diss the "Dis" in Discourage = COURAGE!

Discouragement comes.

God knows that.

But what's the appropriate response?

Psalm 61:2-3 (NLT)

"From the ends of the earth my heart is overwhelmed.

Lead me to the towering rock of safety,

for YOU are my safe refuge,

a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me."

CRY OUT!

My strength is renewed when I'm crying out to God

-for help

-in praise

It's not a lack of faith. It's a result of faith!

(complaining & self-thought comes from Lack of )

OVERWHELMED?!

As I expressed my heart to God this morning I

realized suprising things were overwhelming me.

Stuff I hadn't realized were truly bothering me.

How refreshing to lay them down.

TOWERING SOLID ROCK!

He's above me... and when so many things in my life

are uncertain, the IMPORTANT elements are NOT!

I had to stop right here & praise Him for a while.

He's towering above - so I must look up!

When I do that I become so aware of HIS presence.

Then I'm reminded that He's a ...

SAFE REFUGE!

His presence remains constant.

It's me that focuses on other things.

When I stay aware of His consistent, precious presence

then...

ENEMIES CANNOT REACH ME!

That discouragement & "overwhelmedness" loses grip.

and I'm free!

SO....

What things are overwhelming you?

Have you truly "cried" out to God or just complained?

Are you aware of His presence?

Then you're free!

Freedom is COURAGE!

Menu Plan Monday, Dec. 28, 2009

Well, we KNOW we're planting another church in the

Midtown are of Detroit... on 01.10.10

What we still don't know it is WHERE.

Location. Location. Location.

grr

I hate wait.

But, while many things in our lives are on hold,

we still must EAT!

and thus..... this post.

MONDAY

Lunch- Do Overs

Dinner- Homemade Lasagna with Homemade Noodles

TUESDAY

Lunch- Loaded Baked Potatoes

Dinner- Chicken Fingers (Hmmd), Noodles, peaches

WEDNESDAY

Lunch- Pergoies

Dinner- Chilton Chili

THURSDAY, New Year's Eve

Lunch- French Fry Salad (and canned soup if it's snowing)

Dinner- Chicken Enchiladas (crockpot)

FRIDAY, Happy New Year!!!!

Lunch- Homemade Pizza Bar

Dinner- Broccoli Bacon Soup (hm md)

SATURDAY

Lunch- Waffles, yogurt & fruit

Dinner- Crockpot Gumbo over Rice

SUNDAY

Lunch- Crockpot Meatballs & Spaghetti

Dinner- Do Overs or Loaded Nachos

More ideas.... www.orgjunkie.com

Whatever, Whenever, However!

Looking forward to the next step.

New people to reach.

New area of the city.

I love Detroit.

Midtown- so full of history & variety.

Living in limbo for months & months.

Not knowing what or when or WHY the wait...

simply knowing what God said.

Hanging on to that.

Obeying that.

It has to be enough.

Anything more would be man-made,

and that's recipe for trouble.

God doesn't lie.

He doesn't mislead.

He doesn't mess with us.

But my feelings, do... all of those things.

They lie to me.

Mislead me.

Mess me up.

They try to discourage me.

My feelings want "NOW!"

My feelings want "HOW!"

My feelings aren't getting what they want-

it can be very discouraging.

If I focus on "how things are effecting me",

then I'm a mess,

for sure

But my feelings won't rule me.

It's not about ME.

I choose JESUS!

My life belongs to JESUS.

He can do

whatever,

whenever,

however.

Life is really ONLY about YOU, JESUS!

(more details about the Midtown Church

can be found at www.ichilly.com)

This post is NOT about Baking!

Baking!

I love to bake!

Haven't done too much of it this year, though.

BUT...

while I was making a couple batches of yummy treats & adding

the ingredients together it struck me...

- All the things added to cookie dough are kinda gross on their own:

raw eggs, baking powder, flour, sugar, etc...

- But mixed all together and then baked they're irresistible!

JUST LIKE THE CHURCH!

-Each of us has something to offer, but by ourselves were not

very appealing or effective.

- Mixed together and baked in the warmth of the Holy Spirit

our efforts are WONDERFUL!

So...

eat and cookie... (or two) and thank God for the Christians

He's put in your life.

Name them.

Pray for them.

Then go eat another cookie...

it IS Christmas, after all!

Menu Plan Monday, Dec. 21, 2009

MONDAY

Lunch- Scrambled Eggs

Dinner- TBA

TUESDAY

Lunch- Broccoli Soup, Bread

Dinner- Crockpot Green Chili Enchilada, Rice

WEDNESDAY

Lunch- Soup (of some sort)

Dinner- Crescent Roll Chicken Pot Pie

THURSDAY - Christmas Eve

Lunch- Veggie Wreath & Canned Soup

Dinner- Mama's NOT cookin!

CHRISTMAS DAY!

Main Meal- Beef Wellington, Yorkshire Pudding,

Date wrapped in Bacon, Fruit Tree, Gr. Bean Casserole,

Cheesey Potatoes (I'm not making all of these)

Zillions of cookies & Jesus' B-day Cake

Later- Crackers & Cheese, Veggies, Desserts

SATURDAY

Lunch- Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Fruit

Dinner- Chicken Alfredo, Peas, Salad

SUNDAY

Lunch- Salisbury Meatballs in crockpot

Mashed Potatoes in 2nd crockpot

Green Beans

More ideas? www.orgjunkie.com

DIY Encouragement!

It's super CHIC to do stuff yourself this year.

Recycle.

Reuse.

Repurpose.

There's a zillion DIY blogs out there with ideas about

how to make, create and craft yourself a fantastic Christmas.

(and I've read about 1/2 a zillion of them)

Did you know...
God is all about DIY!

"What?" (you're thinking)
"We can't do anything of worth without JESUS, right?"
RIGHT.

But He's given us the tools to get outa discouragement,

to walk away from disappointment and the things

that came wear us down into ineffectiveness.

Many of us hit a big bump in the road and then we're
bummed, smiling that pathetic "I'm-trying-to-make-
you-notice-I'm-not-ok-smile."

We don't have to walk around looking to other people

to "cheer us up" or to help us feel better.

Look was Jude tells us ...

Jude vs. 16, 20-21

"...grumblers and faultfinders; they follow their own evil desires"

"But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most

holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit.

21 Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our

Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life."

So, strap on your spiritual tool belt and

fix your sad face & weary heart:

D- Don't Complain

Jude calls complainers & grumblers "evil!"
Are you "evil" according to this definition?

Ungratefulness is selfishness.

Selfishness is putting self first.

Putting self first is taking God out of first place.

And that's serious!

(see Ten Commandments, #1)

Stop complaining... even if it's just in your head.

Enough said.

I- In the Spirit/In HIS Love

This isn't some weird spiritual trance...

it's living according to The WORD!

So you hafta READ it...

and LIVE it.

THINK on it.

Pray it!

Notice that verse 21 says

"keep OURselves in God's love."

His love has already been given.

It's up to US to stay close. Stay in it.

(This has a great deal to do with your thoughts

and attitude, too. See the first point again if need be!)
Pray as the Holy Spirit directs you.
Rejoice cuz JESUS loves You!
Then the Holy Spirit can be at work in you.

Y- You can Make a Difference

We cannot have mercy, share God's love &
snatch others from the fire & save them if
we're busy thinking about ourselves &
how discouraged we are.
Stop thinking about "self" and make a difference
in someone else's life!

You can decide to do this.
These steps are NOT feelings.
But feelings will eventually catch up with these actions.
Chose it!

Encourage yourself.
Do it.. yourself... with the power of GOD's WORD!

His WORD .... an AMAZING CHRISTMAS GIFT!

READ IT!

APPLY IT!

Things Overheard in Our House Recently...

(No promise of humor or insight of any kind...

just random facts that give you a peek into

our lives lately.)

(Jos Campau Street in Hamtramck at Christmas time)

"Mom, are you going anywhere today? We never go anywhere."

"Mama, please play a game with me!"

"I'm cold."

"Do you think the boys' room is warm enough?"

"Hey, Kids! Look outside!!! It's SNOWING! Yippee!"

"Where's my other glove?"

"Where are you going all bundled up?"

"The basement, just doing laundry."

"Would someone please let the dog out?"

"Would someone Please let the dog in?"

"Would someone PLEASE clean up the muddy dog prints

on the kitchen floor?"

"Did you hear the radio commercial raising money for the pets of

people who have lost their jobs. What's with that?"

"Let it snow... MORE!"

"No, Son, you don't need to wear your boots in the house!"

"No, we haven't found a building for the next Real Church...

YET!"

"Shhh. Please be very quiet for a minute while a make a phone call."

"Can we go to the craft store.... again?"

"I REALLY like driving the new (well, new to us) Suburban!!!"

"Online versions of stores are nothing like the actual stores."

"What? Christmas decor 60% off even though it's still over a week until

the Big Day!"

"Crazy. Valentine Decor is now taking up TWO rows of craft store. Grr"

"Mom, can I have a Valentine's Party with some girls from church?"

Little Ones: "Mom, another package on the porch. It's for you!

How come you keep getting all the presents in the mail?"

Mom: "Please just putt'um in my room & leave'um alone!"

"What are you doing Mom?"

"It's Christmastime, remember? I don't have to explain

anything... secrets are allowed!" (smile)

"Hey, Mom already said I could help wrap those presents!"

"I've had this ready for weeks. But if it doesn't get mailed

soon it's gunna be late... again this year!"

"A package came for ALL of us! Can we open it NOW?"Pleease?"

"Mom, please tell him to stop talking! MOM!

MOM! Please! Would you PLEASE tell him to stop talking!

MOM!?! He will NOT be quiet. MOOOOOM?"

"You must not believe in Santa cuz you're being baaaad!"

(it's NOT the parents saying this!)

"What is this? Do I have to eat it?"

"Can I have a cookie if I eat this?"

"Oh, did you make some poppy seed bread for us, too?"

"Can I please have another turn on the computer?"

"Can I play wii? I haven't played it today?"

"What do you mean we're not getting presents that require

batteries or that plug in?"

"Can you please turn up the music?"

"Can you please turn down the music?"

"Watch, Mom. This is the song we're doing on Stage at

Church. Watch. Mom, WATCH!"

"Can we just stop doing school for now & start Christmas

break already?"

"Can I watch a Christmas show?"

"Charlie Brown shows are sad. I don't like'um."

"Can I invite the neighbors to my Christmas play?"

"Look, I made a picture of Baby Jesus."

...... and then...

......I Smile....

(Smiles don't make noise, but they speak

louder than all the rest!)

Menu Plan Monday, Dec. 14 2009

MONDAY

Lunch- Cranberry French Toast, scrambled Eggs

Dinner- TBA

TUESDAY

Lunch- Crockpot Beef Stew

Dinner- Grilled Cheese, fruit

WEDNESDAY

Lunch- Taco Bowls

Dinner- Lunchables (homemade)

THURSDAY

Lunch- Yogurt, Apple Slices, Tiny PB & J Sandwiches

Dinner- Chili in Crockpot

FRIDAY

Lunch- Canned Soup (w/ leftover Veggies added)

Dinner- Homemade Pizza

SATURDAY

Lunch- Homemade Mac & Cheese, Broccoli

Dinner- Do Overs

SUNDAY

Lunch- Crockpot Meatballs over Spaghetti

Dinner- Crescent Roll-Ups

For More ideas check out Organizing Junkie

What are you doing that day?

What are you doing on January 10, 2010?

(Besides wearing warm clothes, eating lotsa

soup & shivering occasionally?)

We've made our plans!

and yet,

The future is completely UNKNOWN at this point...

But we know this...

There's another church opening in Detroit on that day!!!

No building... yet.

No specific funds available... yet.

But God knows HIS plans.

Where He guides He provides!

(That's not just a catchy Christian cliche'...

it's the truth! Our lives are living proof of

that OVER & OVER!)

You can read more of the story on Chilly's Blog.

Is God asking you to be involved ?

I dare you to ask Him.

Menu Plan Monday, Dec. 7, 2009

My schedule bulges with events, errands,

projects, surprises & TONS of room for

Jesus to do miracles!

(more details about that later!)

I'm shopping @ Kroger & buying way more

"quick foods" this week that usual. But with

coupons & online coupons loaded on my store

card it should work out OK.

_______________________________

MONDAY

Lunch- Scrambled Eggs, Oranges

Dinner- Lasagna, salad

TUESDAY

Lunch- Veggie Wraps

Dinner- Canned Soup & Toast

(w/some fresh veggies added)

WEDNESDAY

Lunch- Car Picnic

Dinner- Crockpot Cornbread Casserole

THURSDAY

Lunch- Cresent Roll Ups

(chicken, veg & cr. cheese, wrap in Cresent roll, bake)

Dinner- Brats, Gr. Peppers, Rice

FRIDAY

Lunch- Chicken w/Sweet Potato Fries

Dinner- Pizza

SATURDAY

Lunch- Chilton Chili & Rice

Dinner- Do overs

SUNDAY

Lunch- Roast Beef & Potato, Carrots

Dinner- Cheesy Biscuits, canned fruit

For more ideas check out Organizing Junkie.

"Waiting is Poopy!"

My kids have been known to say ...

"Waiting is Poopy!"

I've said it, too. Quite a lot lately, but just to myself!

Our lives currently sit in a holding pattern as we

wait for Jesus to reveal details regarding the next

church plant in Detroit.

Waiting isn't a mistake. It's purposeful.

The following is taken from my journal entry just a few days ago...

______________________________________________

Selfishness overwhelms me.

Desires of "what I think I need"

are constantly fighting with my faith.

Of course I know better than to do this.

Of course my heart knows Jesus' way is the best way!

Why do I battle?

Sin is ugly. Sneaky. Sly.

It parades proudly like the "normal desires of all people."

"Normal" all right!

Normal as SIN.

Jesus,

Forgive me.

Forgive my sin of "want."

It hold me captive.

It feeds me lies that I believe.

Please forgive me for trying to fulfill my own needs;

it only adds to my bondage.

YOU!

Jesus, YOU are Liberating King.

Your plans.

Your will.

Your direction.

That's FREEDOM!

You ARE joy! Freedom! Song!

Today... YOU!

Always YOU!

It's HIS Birthday

Everyone wants things to improve

until it requires us to change something.

Change happens when we're willing to

let the Holy Spirit improve us.

Hangin' on to something?

Lay it down at Jesus' feet.

It's His Birthday, after all...

Give Him the gift He's wanting!

Jonah 2:8

"Those who cling to worthless idols

(anything I'm unwilling to lay down)

forfeit the grace that could be theirs."

1. What change are you hoping for?

2. What is Jesus asking you to do?

3. Are you doing it?