Thursday, December 31, 2009

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!)




Tuesday, December 29, 2009

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!




Monday, December 28, 2009

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


Sunday, December 27, 2009

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)















Wednesday, December 23, 2009

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!



Monday, December 21, 2009

Menu Plan Monday, Dec. 21, 2009






MONDAY
Lunch- Scrambled Eggs
Dinner- TBA

TUESDAY
Lunch- Broccoli Soup, Bread

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


Friday, December 18, 2009

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!






Wednesday, December 16, 2009

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!)











Sunday, December 13, 2009

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
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

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

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.




Monday, December 7, 2009

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.

Thursday, December 3, 2009

"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!








Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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?