He is our Rock

He sees the wind and the storm, and He sees the waves and the wind that have beat against our house.

Yet, as we have been obedient to God, we have been established on the Rock, for He is our Rock.

He tells us that the winds and the waves will not bring destruction, and we will endure this time and gain the victory.

He is giving us success in our struggle, for he has called us to rise up and be a doers of the Word. As we go forth in obedience we will not compromise; we will not sit down; we will not turn around or go back. We will go forward in His plan and purposes for our lives.

This storm will not destroy you, but it will make you stronger, says the Lord.

Matthew 7:24-25 "Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock."

Acts 29

We had every intention of going to Rockpointe today but we were a bit unclear as to where they are located so we opted to go to Hamtramack to check out Acts 29.
www.act-29.us

a church sponsored by the Christian missionary Alliance church

Phone #: 313/365-acts (2287)
Address: Hamtramack, MI 48212

... Ministering in the communities of Hamtramck and Detroit in Southeast Michigan.

Acts 29 is a continuing story of men and women who are taking Jesus commission seriously to spread the news of Jesus to our community and beyond.

Their mission is to develop a Christ-Centered, community-focused team of Believers who are intent on establishing a biblically-balanced ministry that addresses physical, social and spiritual needs in such a manner that a community is literally transformed for Christ.

They Assist with community critical need repairs of homes
They Network with community leaders for proactive land development
They Develop land for residential housing
Purchase land and build homes

They are a team of Christian leaders in Detroit-Hamtramck dedicated to prayerful discernment of the "felt needs" of their neighbors. They are creating opportunities for a bright and faith-filled future for all children and their families. They envision a community in which every child is safe, successful in school, and is fully prepared in body, mind, and spirit for his or her future on earth and in eternity.

They are a shining example of how the church is suppose to function today. If you want more information on Acts 29 give Matt a call he will be happy to introduce you to how you can make a difference not just abroad but 20 miles down the road.


So maybe we will check out Rockpointe another time. The next two Sundays we will be away. We have a church to check out in the Washington D.C. area as well as a church in Central Florida. Warmer weather here we come!!!!

Easter Egg Hunt

Brrrrrr......... It was a cold and windy day!
The weather man said it was suppose to be
a balmy 48 degrees today! As of right now it
is only 35!
















We had our egg hunt at Orchard Ridge Church
of the Nazarene today. (This is the church that
meets in the younger boys school)
There was lots to do; from this Army truck ride
around the parking lot, face painting balloon animals
to cotton candy, hot dogs chips, soda and lots of
Caribou Coffee for the grown ups.
(Yes! Matt was there this morning but he did not bring
me any home because he ran into Pastor Steve
picking his up for the hunt and came home and told
me they would have some there.)






























At a certain time the siren sounded and the children
to their prospective zones where there were 1500
eggs ready and waiting to be scooped up by the masses
of kids participating in this Orchard Ridge 3 annual Easter Egg Hunt.





























After finding all you eggs you had to empty
so daddy helped the boys while mommy was
busy taking pictures. If you found the special
eggs of which there were 16 in all you got to take it
to the prize table to redeem your prize. Micah
was fortunate and won a medium size prize which
made him the proud owner of a new SLINKY!
Upon returning home he promptly tried it out on the
bedroom steps to the foyer. I had forgotten how
much fun those things could be to a 7 year old.















A cold yet rewarding day was had by all.

Dinner and a Movie

A few days ago Zach got a phone call from
the youth Pastor at Orchard Ridge of the Nazarene.
He had an extra ticket for Battle Cry, the former
Aquire the Fire. We did not think he would want
to go using the excuse he does not know any one.

Well he surprised us and wanted to, so last evening
I dropped him off at Duncan and he boarded the
bus with 50 other teens for Ford Field and the
weekend. I will let you know how it goes.

In the meant time I subbed at Duncan for a lunch
yesterday and Aaron bombarded me wanting to go
home with Ben and spend the night.
After confirming with Matt we agreed.

When we realized we only had Noah and Micah for the evening
we decided to do dinner and a movie. We chose Uno, Chicago Grill
right down by the theater. They have a special spend a
certain amount of money on your entrees and get discounted
movie tickets good any day anytime.



















































The movie was "Ie Age- The Melt Down"
It was a cute family movie, with the message
being family matters. Each one of us makes our family
complete and makes it unique. Each one of us has something
different to give and we are all important. Kind of
like the Body. We need each part to function the way
God intended us to function.
Where would we be with out each other?
While the movie obviously doesn't spell it out,
there are profound spiritual lessons wrapped in Ellie's
coming to grips with who she really is and the innate strength she holds.
Likewise, the film also contains several strong positive messages
beneath the surface about the importance of family,
being content with yourself, loving others unconditionally
and acting out of selflessness

For more of a review go to www.focusonthefamily.com
and then Plugged in, the review site for FOF on movies, music videos,
books and more

Anway we thought it was a good movie.

Caribou Anyone?

Caribou on 26 mile road remains to be the Favorite coffee spot for the locals.
Since returning from Louisiana my personal favorite is the Coffee with Chicory from "The Cafe Du Monde"; However since I have gone through the can I brought home with me and I have not ordered anymore, Caribou is the place for good coffee in the neighborhood.
My preference is a Light White Berry with Rasberry as my berry. Mmm Mmm good. Nothing better than a good cup of coffee especially when you can share it with friends. (except maybe chocolate covered strawberries:))

Lately Matt can be found at Caribou http://www.cariboucoffee.com on Saturday mornings. He has kind of made it an office away from home. Having him home has been nice but occasionally.......(well that is another post). If you want to see him just show up at Caribou on Saturday mornings; he usually can be found with a book, newspaper or journal. He will meet you there other days as well,but you can count on him to be there Saturdays. However tonight was my night.

Thanks for the invite ladies, it was fun. Let's do it again soon.

By the way is any one else surprised Mandisa got voted off American Idol last night?
Personally I loved her version of Shackels last week, it was almost as good as Adrienne Bindig Hayes. Love you Adrienne:)

Rockpointe & Easter Egg Hunt

Rockpointe Community Church --
"A Creative Community Founded Upon Jesus Christ"


Imagine a place you could go where you would be accepted no matter who or what you are.
A safe place to explore your faith and ask tough or simple questions without fear or embarrassment.

Suppose the style was casual, the people genuine, and the conversation engaging and thoughtful. Now, suppose the place imagined were a church. Interested?

Their services are geared to be accessible to those who are seeking to understand what role God plays in their lives as well as to those who have fully devoted their lives to Him.

Contemporary music and drama combined with a clear presentation of the Bible provide an overall message that is both fresh and relevant.

Their community is made up of a diverse blend of people, with a passionate pursuit of truth expressed in worship and mutual support with life-changing results.

we will join them this week and experience "the unforced rhythms of grace."

Services are 9:00 am and 10:45, we will be doing the 10:45 service:)

read more about rockpointe community church http://www.rockpointe.org

38100 Utica Rd
Sterling Heights,MI

Between Shoenherr and Hayes
586.939-8590


PLUS

Saturday at Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene (meets at Duncan Elementary school, on 26 mile between Shoenherr and Hayes) is having their 3rd annual Easter Egg Hunt

From 11:00am until 1:00pm

They have been scouring the neighborhoods inviting anyone who wants to come.
Since this is our first year without a home church during the Easter Season and our younger boys go to school at Duncan we thought we would give it a try:

Orchard Ridge Church of the Nazarene is a vibrant and growing congregation serving north Macomb County, Michigan. They opened in December of 2003 and have quickly grown in attendance to over 200.

If you're looking for a family-friendly church that is Bible based and loves people.

Find out more @

http://www.orcn.info

Evidence of Faith

I've seen in several news reports that Christian t-shirts are selling better than anything else out there.

Yes - this means that the majority of Americans will choose to buy something with a snappy spiritual slogan on it versus an Abercrombie logo or a shirt honoring the NBA team of their choice.
Maybe our "In Case Of Rapture This Shirt Will Be Empty" thinking has finally caught on... or maybe the fact that the shirts are often marketed by smiling girls in relaxed poses has something to do with it????????

I know I should be happy, because I've been a part of this madness over the years. I have a couple of shirts hanging up in my closet that I bought at a Christian concert or convention and recently saw in Meijer a "Honk if you love Jesus" t shirt. I refrained from buying it however

In fact, even though I don't buy very many Christian t-shirts these days I still support the heart of the concept... given the choice to promote Jesus or an overpaid athlete, I'll always go with the Savior. I just am a bit bothered by how commercial it's all gotten.

While I look forward to the Narnia movie, for instance, and we pre purchased a copy that we are saving for our next car trip. I am not a fan of seeing my local Christian bookstore sold out to Disney. By the way, it is there (as well as on-line) where you can find many of the products that I will highlight here:

The iBelieve iPod Shuffle Cap: Now you can protect the coolest toy on the block by turning it into a cross. This allows you to not only listen to some cool tunes but will make you wonder if your playlist is random or somehow predestined by some higher power. Some assembly required... if the chain breaks you may be required to carry your own cross

I feel like I gotta get moving...Dance Praise: That's right - no longer do you have to put up with the crazy tunes of Dance Dance Revolution. Instead, you can jump around to DANCE PRAISE - the NEW interactive dance game that turns your PC into a dance arcade with over 50 top Christian hits! If you're non-Pentecostal, though, don't worry. Because you're told where to step it isn't actually official dancing but can be categorized at "strategic choreography."Whoah... I think we need to slow down a bit. Maybe be still and get all postmodern for a second.

........His Essence: Apparently someone got the fragrance of the Messiah into a candle. The company was inspired by Psalm 45:8 - "All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia..." - to create a candle that smelled like what Jesus will be wearing when He returns. "The result is a scent, which serves as a reminder of His Presence."

Hmm.......
Did you know...
The retail clothing store Forever 21 has the verse John 3:16 printed on the bottom of its bags?

Starbucks will be printing quotes from Rick Warren's book Purpose Driven Life on its cups in the spring?

In Rob Bell's book "Velvet Elvis" he writes:
"The word Christian first appears in the Bible as a noun. The problem with turning a noun into an adjective and then tacking it onto words is that it can create categories that limit the truth.

"Is it possible that in winning the war of Christian marketing...
Switchfoot on secular radio...The Passion Of The Christ setting box office records...The Purpose Driven Life selling twenty-three million copies...that we have lost a significant piece of the Gospel along the way?

click on the the words in red to follow the link to articles relating to subject:)

****** today is My dad's birthday: IF you want to send him and e-card send it to

Bob Johnson
c/o

gingerjonson@juno.com

Frank Turner

Anchor Frank Turner has filed a complaint against Channel 7 for not letting him host an evangelical radio program in his spare time.

The station says that they have exclusive contracts with their on-air talent that don't allow them to work for other broadcast stations, but federal law requires them to provide "reasonable accommodation" for an employee's religious beliefs.

Should Turner's obligation as an evangelical Christian to share his faith be considered a reasonable accommodation?

For the full story click here.

http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060331/METRO/603310347/1003

Keep your Fork!

There was a young woman who had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and had been given three months to live. As she was getting her things "in order," she contacted her pastor and had him come to her house to discuss aspects of her final wishes. She told him the songs she wanted sung at the service, what scriptures she would like read, and what outfit she wanted to be buried in.

Everything was in order and the pastor was preparing to leave when the young woman suddenly remembered something. "There's one more thing," she said excitedly.
"What's that?" came the pastor's reply.

"This is very important," the young woman continued.

"I want to be buried with a fork in my right hand."

The pastor stood looking at the young woman, not knowing quite what to say. "That surprises you, doesn't it?" the young woman asked. "Well, to be honest, I'm puzzled by the request," said the pastor.

The young woman explained. "My grandmother once told me this story, and from there on out, I have always done so. I have also, always tried to pass along its message to those I love and those who are in need of encouragement.

In all my years of attending church socials and potluck dinners, I always remember that when the dishes of the main course were being cleared, someone would inevitably lean over and say,

'Keep your fork.'

It was my favorite part because I knew that something better was coming, like velvety chocolate cake or deep-dish apple pie. Something wonderful, and with substance!'

So, I just want people to see me there in that casket with a fork in my hand and I want them to wonder "What's with the fork?"

Then I want you to tell them: "Keep your fork. The best is yet to come."

The pastor's eyes welled up with tears of joy as he hugged the young woman good-bye. He knew this would be one of the last times he would see her before her death. But he also knew that the young woman had a better grasp of heaven than he did. She had a better grasp of what heaven would be like than many people twice her age, with twice as much experience and knowledge. She KNEW that something better was coming.

At the funeral people were walking by the young woman's casket and they saw the pretty dress she was wearing and the fork placed in her right hand. Over and over, the pastor heard the question "What's with the fork?" And over and over he smiled. During his message, the pastor told the people of the conversation he had with the young woman shortly before she died. He also told them about the fork and about what it symbolized to her.

The pastor told the people how he could not stop thinking about the fork and told them that they probably would not be able to stop thinking about it either. He was right.


So the next time you reach down for your fork, let it remind you ever so gently, that

the best is yet to come!

You are Captivating!

Remember when I said my camera was broken? During that time you got posts with out pictures...... I also said I was reading a whole lot, 3 or 4 books at one time...... Well John and Staci Eldredge (john wrote "wild at heart" for the men) together they co- authored a book called "Captivating. " Unveiling the Mystery of the Woman's Soul.

Women you will LOVE this book.

Why do little girls love to dress up in twirling skirts? Why do they dream of a day their prince will come and together they will live in a great adventure happily ever after?

Why do women abandon those desires when they grow up? Seriously? .....is it routine, chores, demands, loneliness, emptiness, just the day to day living.


Life is hard on the heart of a girls. And women. Every woman was once a little girl. And every little girl holds in her heat the most precious dreams. She long to be swept up into a romance, to play an irreplaceable role in a great adventure, to be the sleeping beauty of the story- But every fairy tale also has a Hero. The story of my life(your life too) is also the story of the long and passionate pursuit of your heart by the God who comes both to ransom and restore you.

The message of Captivating is this: My heart and your heart matter more than anything else in all creation. The desires we had as a little girls and the longings we still feel as a women- they are telling us of the life God created us to live. He offers to come now as the Hero of our story, to rescue our hearts and release us to live as a fully alive and feminine woman. A woman who is truly Captivating.

Staci says Eve was created as the crown of creation, the image bearer of an intimate, passionate, and captivating God. This book is an invitation to become that again. Just as Cinderella was invited to the ball, God is inviting you to a great romance with Him, "The eyes of his heart is ever upon you. The King is Capitvated by your beauty."




I read it once but it is worth a re-read. Anyone interseted in a study? Let me know.

Friends

How much do you like Garlic?

Last night we met some friends for "Italian"; of course that word does not even do justice to the food served at Buca Di Peppos. An immigrant Italian restaurant, where they have "meatballs as big as you head..........."

About 25 of us or so crammed into the Romance? room, (we wanted the Pope room) but you take what you can get, right?

There was pasta everywhere ; white sauce, red sauce marinara sauce, garlic on the toast , on the salad,(is that Rob eating something green?) on the pasta. I think we are still smelling garlic, but hey! We all smell the same right?

For dessert there was coffee, espresso, cheesecake and Tiramisu. I'd say all in all the evening was filling, in more ways than one:) It was great to be with all of you.

Let's do it again soon.

It's about time!

Micah just learned how to tie his shoes....















I finally got tired of hearing
"mom will you tie my shoes?"

















It only took two tries......Hooray!

If you see Micah congratulate him!

Epic

Doing church should be an adventure—

tossing aside the tame and tired to pursue God-sized dreams with boldness and creativity.

we are going to check out this church on Sunday......
it meets at 9:45 am
at the AMC Forum 30
@ hall road and Mound

Plus I AM GOING TO WEAR JEANS
can you believe it?
jeans to church

to see more about EPIC
http:// www.epicwired.com

Ep . ic

1. a dramatic compositon celebrating the feats of a legendary hero

2. an artistic expression through story

I have been telling any one who will listen, why should the church not be creative?
In the begining God Created

Lighten Up!

Winter is the season of layers – scarves, sweaters, gloves,hats, even longjohns, depending on how cold it is in your part of the world. Picture a small child, ready to go out and play in the snow, so wrapped up that he can barely move. That happens to us sometimes. Things like always trying to be perfect, resentment, or unforgiveness, bitterness, pile on until they’re so tightly wrapped around our hearts that we can barely feel.

As we head into spring (the first official day was March20th), it’s almost time to pack away our winter wear and start enjoying warm days in the sun, at least in Michigan, last week in Louisianna I was in t-shirts and Aaron wore shorts a few days). Perhaps it’s time to discard some of the layers that have been suffocating our souls, as well. ???? Unlike a warm scarf, a negative emotion serves no useful purpose – so why hang on to it? Ask God to help you let it go. You’ll feel so much lighter!

The Heartache No One Sees.

I am reading several books right now. Okay, I know.....Me especially, several books at one time? Usually that is Matt. I read one at a time, he reads one in the bathroom, one in the bedroom one in the living room, etc. But not me..... Well times they are a changing....:)

Anyway I am on page 154 of Sheila Walshes book "the Heartache No One Sees. Sheila is a best selling author and popular speaker for Women of Faith with a heart for reaching out to broken women because she used to be one of them.

In "The Heartache No One Sees" Sheila shows us why some people are able to access and maintain an absolute hope that cannot be shaken- while others lose it like the morning mist.

Truly God's Grace is Amazing He knows all that is true of ME yet He love me!

We can talk about Grace our whole life but only when you stand before God with nothing left to commend us and in that desperate place you become the one to receive that grace, then we finally understand what is so amazing about Grace.

I look back at God's track record with me and He has been faithful to me despite myself.....

Do I believe, that God has saved my best days for the days that lie ahead? Will you believe that for me?

Spring " A Time for Pruning?"

Okay, by now, since I have not posted any pictures in a few days you have realized maybe my camera is broken. You would be absolutely right! On the last day of our trip in New Orleans it gave up, Therefore so you have been STUCK with my ramblings, here is what I am thinking today.....

Is God ready to open the windows of heaven to pour out a blessing on those who have been faithful and obedient to his word?

Will those who have sown in generosity reap in abundance? Will I be Be sensitive to HIS direction? I know there are still seeds to be sown before the time of the harvest. Do you?

Proverbs 11:24 There is one who scatters, yet increases more; and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it leads to poverty.......

Do not harden your hearts in rebellion against HIS word,to do so will bring sudden destruction beyond that which I am willing to bear.

Repent for any hardness of heart and open myself to receive correction. (blaaahhhhh... )

Certainly, HE loves you and me enough to bring correction, which will be of great benefit to us both now and eternally.

Forgiveness is the key to softening my (your) heart and releasing bitterness and is a necessary prerequisite to our spiritual progress. UGH! I hate when HE does this!

Come before Me, says the Lord, and let Me do this great work of conviction. (Funny that today is the first day of Spring, perhaps a time of pruning?????)

Isaiah 30:13 Therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, a bulge in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly, in an instant, in a twinkling fo an eye:)

Mostly this is for me, I am just letting you in on what I am feeling and thinking, if it helps you too great! If not, I am sorry(kind of) but it is my Blog and I can say what I want right?



In the mean time : Zach was involved in a car accident yesterday(church van actually)..... He is okay, a little sore ,a bit shaken up and a little bit of a headache today but otherwise okay.
Yes! I did send him to school.... am I the worlds worst mom or what? I gave him some tylenol and made him a chiropractor appointment for after school, but he has begun to miss a bit more of school than I prefer( if you recall he missed a week during his Mexico trip, then a half day to go to Winter Jam and last Monday for no reason whatsoever) so he really can not afford to not go to school today.

Anyway, they (youth group student leaders) were on there way home from Sarnia, Canada, and were hit on the drivers side both vehicles going about 20mph. The driver, Jr Hi pastor, Jason Fullum was taken to the hospital in Sarnia and given to tylenol and sent on his way. He ended up with a concussion and was later taken to the hospital here in the states and kept over night for observation. I have no word on him as of yet this morning. The boys are a bit shaken up and my understanding is that several of them are experiencing the same symptoms as Zach. Please keep them in you prayers the next few days as I am sure the accident will be on their minds for a while.

Who ever said life is never dull was absolutely right.......

Oh by the way, I am working on getting a new camera, maybe this week, any suggestions???????

Isaiah 60:1

If you will be still and quiet your soul, and rise up in the realm of the Spirit, God will push back the fog of obscurity.

Trust God to bring forth light in the darkness and give clarity to the issues that have brought confusion and indecision.

Ask, and God will most certainly give you(me) wisdom.

Move forward in the assurance that God has begun a good work in you(me), and He will bring it to perfection and completion.

Have faith, says the Lord.

Arise, shine; For your light has come! And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you. Isaiah 60:1

Psalm 27:14

Beloved, be careful of jumping to conclusions or stepping out ahead of My timing.

Haven't I said that I will guide you and direct your steps?

Then, wait for Me to confirm to you the way you should go, for you do not yet know, nor can you perceive what I have in store for you.

What seems to be a logical conclusion for this time is only presumption. Keep yourself in present, objective truth, and you will avoid great disappointment. Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD; Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the LORD!

*Matt had a phone interview with a church last week, and he will be meeting with their search committee next week for a second interview. It would be nice to finish out the year knowing what the future holds, but I do know who holds the future and am trying to be patient. Will you pray this way with us, to just wait on the Lord? We are taking this FAITH thing to a whole new level. It is a learning experience!

Making God Your Priority.

As a nation, we are truly challenged when it comes to establishing God as our top priority

Success in God's kingdom is not based on earthly fame, degrees earned, material wealth, or popularity; it hinges on obedience to God's commands.

As followers of Christ we are to be known for the authenticity and depth of our relationship with God, genuine love of people, and the spiritual fruit we produce.

We call being molded into Christ-likeness by the Spirit....... the discipleship process.

How are we doing in discipleship today?

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations…"

We are back

Up till last week(New Orleans) I thought I had seen many things.....The pain was so great I still am putting it into perspective.......There is still so much to be done (and I like to get things done) yet it seems never ending.....it will be years until people can return home.

Trust Me, says the Lord.

Refuse to get discouraged in the face of difficult circumstances, for the trial of your faith will produce great strength of endurance if you don't give up. When I have no idea what to do, I ask for wisdom, and He will give it. Then, if I establish myself in the faith He will bring me through this time into great victory.

Be strong!(the work was hard and I wanted to give up) 1 Peter 1:6-8 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, I have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of my faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire (or flood), may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love.

Though now I do not see Him, yet believing, I rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.