3rd Week At Northfield Church!!

I stole some photos off our Northfield Church Fan Page on Facebook! Thought I would share a few with you all! I'm the one that looks like a little kid on the Praise Team! ha! Enjoy!! If you're ever in the Nashville area on a Sunday morning, please come visit our church!! We would love to have you! God has great things in store for this congregation!!

Northfield Website

Just had to let you all know, our church's new website is up and running! Feel free to check it out if you get a chance!

Northfield Church

Back Home!!

Well, my family and I made it safely back home from Illinois. My uncle's service was really nice. I think he would be proud of everything. I was amazed at how many people came to his visitation, and even his funeral. He has impacted many people, and I don't know that anyone ever had a bad thing to say about Uncle Gene. It was hard being there considering the circumstance, but it was also nice seeing family I haven't seen in years, as well as meeting some friends of my folks from high school. It's funny when I meet my mom's friends for the first time...the first thing out of their mouths usually consists of "Oh my goodness! It's Kathy made over!" I don't really see the resemblance between my mom and myself, but everyone else sure does. I'll take the compliment cuz I think my mom is pretty! Of course, maybe I'm a little prejudiced. :-) Speaking of mother's, that reminds me of another funny incident while I was home this past weekend. One of my friends at home, and I have been asked many times if we're sisters. I guess we look alike, as well. Keep in mind, my friend is just 3 years older than me. Well, we we were at church on Sunday, and this older lady comes up to her and says "Oh, are these your babies?", meaning her 11 year old daughter, and me! hahaha! Of course, I found it QUITE hilarious...my friend?? Not so much! :-) I think she likes it better when people think we are sisters, not mother/daughter! haha! I told her she would never live this down!! She rolled her eyes at me, and said "Oh I'm sure of that!!" haha!

So anyway, to my Uncle Gene, may he RIP! He is my favorite uncle, and we will all dearly miss him. But we also know he's in a better place now, his race is run, and he's out of his pain! I can't wait for a sweet reunion one day with him, my grandparents, and countless others! Thanks to all of you for your thoughts and prayers for us during this time! Have a blessed day!

Fun Times!!

I'm sorry I've not blogged in a couple of days, I'm out of town, and not been on the computer much. I may not be on here for the next few days since I will be traveling with my folks to my Uncle's funeral. I promise I will be back as soon as I can! I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend! God Bless!!

My Uncle!!

Well, I posted a blog about a week ago about my uncle, who has terminal cancer, and not doing so well. I received the call tonight that he passed away today. I don't really know how I feel right now. I mean, I'm at peace with his passing, as I fully believe he is now home with God, and my grandparents (his parents), and so many other family members who have gone on before. But on the other hand, I don't think it's really hit me yet that he's gone. I'm in Illinois this weekend, and my folks are coming to get me on Sunday, and we will make the trek up to Northern Illinois for the funeral. I was talking with a friend tonight about all of this, and wondering how people who have no hope, or no belief in God get through times like this? I mean really, can you even imagine that? I am SO thankful to know my Lord, who is there when we need to cast our cares and burdens on him during times such as these. If you did not have God in your life, where or who would you cast your cares upon?? I know my uncle has now been welcomed home by so many of my family members who have gone on before. I know they are having the sweetest reunion, and I cannot wait to be a part of that myself. So to my uncle, I say, not goodbye, but "see you later". For it will only be a short while until my "mist vanishes away", and I will see him again. Please pray for my family at this time, and our safe travels up north. Thank you all so much! Keep your eyes on the prize, because it's all that matters!! Have a blessed day!

It Is Well With My Soul!!

I posted this video on my Facebook page, but realize some of you reading this are not on Facebook. So, I decided to post it here as well. This is one of my all time favorite hymns, and I want it sung at my funeral. If it could be sung like this, that would be even better! :-) Are any of you guys up for the task?? :-) The ending is incredible. So please take a listen when you have the chance, and really focus on the words. I think many times we sing songs and don't think about WHAT we are singing. If you really listen to this song, and focus, it will bring you to tears. Is it really well with your soul?? God Bless!

"Like Sands Through The Hour Glass..."

Ok, so yes, I "stole" this line from a cheesy soap opera, but when you really think about it..."like sands through the hour glass, so are the days of our lives". TRUE TRUE TRUE!!! Do you even stop and think about how FAST time goes? I mean, just yesterday, I was in high school, and now I'm in my 30's. It just doesn't seem possible. I keep finding more and more gray in my hair which is just a reminder that I'm growing older! I don't mind the gray hair so much, but why won't they lay down?? HA! Our lives our short, and sometimes we live like we are going to live forever. I have these moments at times, but we need to live each day as if it's our last. The book of James is one of my favorites, there are so many verses in there that "hit home", and I just love to read it. This verse especially opens my eyes: James 4:14 "Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." (NIV) What truth to these words! We go on about our business as if we are going to be here forever, when we don't know what tomorrow or even the next minute holds for us. Time is nothing. Live each day as if there is no tomorrow, because you never know when your " mist will vanish away." I hope you all had a blessed day in the Lord!

My Halloween Costume!!

My Halloween costume is going to be the Twitter Logo. I will show up on your doorstep, and say "Twit" or "Tweet"!! Give me some candy!!

The Father's Love Letter!

Not sure how many of you have seen this website, but it's pretty neat if you want to check it out at The Father's Love Letter. You can click on the colored letters, and it will take you right to the site. There are free downloads of this "letter" available to share with your friends and family. A friend of mine shared this at a girls devotional I attended a few years back, and I just thought it was great, and love to share it any time I get the chance! It's a little lengthy, but so worth the read, so I do hope you'll read it when you have time. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did! :) Have a wonderful day in His love!!


My Child…

You may not know me, but I know everything about you
…Psalm 139:1

I know when you sit down and when you rise up
…Psalm 139:2

I am familiar with all your ways
…Psalm 139:3

Even the very hairs on your head are numbered
…Matthew 10:29-31

For you were made in my image
…Genesis 1:27

In me you live and move and have your being
…Acts 17:28

For you are my offspring
…Acts 17:28

I knew you even before you were conceived
…Jeremiah 1:4-5

I chose you when I planned creation
…Ephesians 1:11-12

You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book
…Psalm 139:15-16

I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live
…Acts 17:26

You are fearfully and wonderfully made
…Psalm 139:14

I knit you together in your mother's womb
…Psalm 139:13

And brought you forth on the day you were born
…Psalm 71:6

I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me
…John 8:41-44

I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love
…1 John 4:16

And it is my desire to lavish my love on you
…1 John 3:1

Simply because you are my child and I am your Father
…1 John 3:1

I offer you more than your earthly father ever could
…Matthew 7:11

For I am the perfect father
…Matthew 5:48

Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand
…James 1:17

For I am your provider and I meet all your needs
…Matthew 6:31-33

My plan for your future has always been filled with hope
…Jeremiah 29:11

Because I love you with an everlasting love
…Jeremiah 31:3

My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore
...Psalms 139:17-18

And I rejoice over you with singing
…Zephaniah 3:17

I will never stop doing good to you
…Jeremiah 32:40

For you are my treasured possession
…Exodus 19:5

I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul
…Jeremiah 32:41

And I want to show you great and marvelous things
…Jeremiah 33:3

If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me
…Deuteronomy 4:29

Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart
…Psalm 37:4

For it is I who gave you those desires
…Philippians 2:13

I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine
…Ephesians 3:20

For I am your greatest encourager
…2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles
…2 Corinthians 1:3-4

When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you
…Psalm 34:18

As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart
…Isaiah 40:11

One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes
…Revelation 21:3-4

And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth
…Revelation 21:3-4

I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus
…John 17:23

For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed
…John 17:26

He is the exact representation of my being
…Hebrews 1:3

He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you
…Romans 8:31

And to tell you that I am not counting your sins
…2 Corinthians 5:18-19

Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled
…2 Corinthians 5:18-19

His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you
…1 John 4:10

I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love
…Romans 8:31-32

If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me
…1 John 2:23

And nothing will ever separate you from my love again
…Romans 8:38-39

Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen
…Luke 15:7

I have always been Father, and will always be Father
…Ephesians 3:14-15

My question is…Will you be my child?
…John 1:12-13

I am waiting for you
…Luke 15:11-32

Love, Your Dad. Almighty God

Pics From Northfield!!

Here's some pictures from a Northfield Planning Meeting, and one from our inaugural service this morning.


Picture from our Inagural Service this morning!


Praise Team discussion!


More Praise Team discussion!!

The Northfield Church

I attend one of the largest Churches of Christ in the country. I'm not sure we are the biggest anymore, but we used to be. The Madison Church of Christ runs about 2000 members every Sunday. I am not saying all this to brag, but I will say this is the most incredible body I have EVER been a part of. I don't care what "denomination" you are affiliated with, if you are not moved in this church, you must be dead! ha! Talk about God working! And buddy, when this body of believers prays, you get results like I've never seen before. It is amazing! It has been said many times "This ain't your mama's Church of Christ". Praise be to God for that because I'm really sick of the stereotype that the C of C has..."Oh, you're a part of that group that thinks you're the only ones going to Heaven." NO! I do not believe that, nor would I EVER say to anyone that they are lost because they are NOT C of C. Give me a break! God is the judge, and thank goodness he is! This church has broken out of the "traditional" C of C setting, and have figured out what it means to TRULY worship God, BE HAPPY while doing it, and stop pointing fingers at other churches. I grew up thinking I couldn't smile in church. Where did this concept come from? Are we going to be in Heaven with frowns on our faces?? NO WAY!! We are going to be in the presence of the Almighty FOREVER! If that doesn't make you smile, I don't know what will!! For crying out loud people, SMILE! Christians should be the happiest people on earth. Well again, that's another topic for another time. The Madison church is awesome because they always have "visions" for our future. The Elders of our church started a project called Vision 2009. In this vision, one of the things was to start a new branch of the Madison church in another community of Nashville. A core group of about 20 families or so were asked to be a part of this special outreach. The primary focus and goal is to reach the unchurched, or those who may not want to drive miles to attend church, or maybe just haven't found a church that's right for them. We are going to be heavily ministering to this community, and be the church God wants us to be. I've been a part of so many churches in the past that don't outreach. We'd come together week after week to "church", and that's just it...church. Anyone can sit in a pew for 2 hours, and go home, but what are we really doing to reach the lost if we're not reaching out and growing? I'm so excited to hear the vision of this new church, which is called The Northfield Church. Plans are already being made to go out in the community, and tell people about Jesus! THIS is what being the church is all about! We are currently meeting in an elementary school cafeteria. This is what the picture above is, and who knows where we may be 10 years from now, only God knows. Today was our first service with the core group. We will be meeting this way until the first Sunday in November, just to get things started. On that first Sunday in Novemeber, we will open our doors to the community! It is going to be great! I am singing on the praise team, and I can say that I have already been blessed by the worship we had this morning! Please pray for our efforts in this ministry, and let us all be used for God's glory! If you're ever in the Nashville area, please come worship with us...the Northfield Church, a campus of the Madison Church of Christ! God bless!!

Think On This...

"If God does not exist, then nothing matters. If God exists, then nothing else matters." - Patrick Mead

Think about it!

Encourage And Build Each Other Up!!

I'm constantly amazed by my amazing friends! It can be friends I talk to on a regular basis, or ones I just hear from every now and then. I had the best coversation with 2 of my best friends last night. We constantly encourage each other, and I don't know how they feel, but I'm "pumped" the way they encourage me. I need this, you need this, we all need to be encouraged! Of course on the other hand, I have people in my life who don't encourage me. Everytime you talk to them, they are "down in the dumps" or "life is just not fair" or "well you'll never believe what happened to me now"...yes, you know the type! These kinds of people don't encourage me, they just wear me out. I think you could give some people a million dollars,and they would STILL find something to gripe about. You know, when I look around, we really don't have "rough lives", and if we do, alot of it is made by our OWN stupid choices. Oh sure, we have our rough spots, but it always gets better. We live in a country of freedom, food to eat, a roof over our head, clean water, good health care (sometimes! ha!), we have freedom of speech, and most importantly we have freedom to worship! Sometimes I want to tell my complaining friends if you think your life is so rough, try living in Africa for awhile. That's another blog for another time. Is life REALLY so bad here in this country?? We need to encourage each other, when your life isn't going smoothly, you need people there to encourage you, and build you up, not tear you down. 1 Thess. 5:11 says it all "Therefore encourage one another, and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." Don't you love to be encouraged? Doesn't it make you feel "on top of the world" when someone builds you up, and tells you how much you mean to them?? I love to hear it, and I'm pretty sure you do, too. Just be sure you're not always "taking" the encouragement, but give it, too. It means more to your friends than you will possibly ever know. To my wonderful friends, I'm blessed more than I deserve to know each and everyone of you!! I love you all! Hope you've all had a blessed day!

PRAY!!!

I saw this on someone's Facebook status today, and wanted to share. PRAY!! Nuff' said!!

"Start your day with prayer. Keep praying throughout the day. Pray as you drive. Pray at work. Pray before your lunch break. Pray when you get that difficult phone call. Pray when you are disappointed about something. Pray when surprises come. Pray instead of worrying. Pray as you listen to troubling newscasts as well as during your own trials. First of all, pray." - Chuck Swindoll

Singleness And The Virtuous Woman! Prov. 31:10-31

My life is funny at times, mostly because I'm STILL single. You know like I have a "disease", or you have the ones who are like "Poor Julie. She must be so lonely." I think that's pretty funny because I am not lonely, in fact when I see posts on Facebook like I just saw from a friend who has been married 2 years, she is pregnant, and her husband is having some major problems and they are contemplating divorce, I realize my life is actually just GREAT! I have NO problems! But it's still the tireless questions, I have many people saying "Why aren't you married, or at least dating?" Oh and the constant "I have the perfect person I want you to meet..." The "fixer uppers" as I like to call them always make me laugh because once the person starts telling me about this "perfect person", after about 30 seconds I am like "no thanks." Some people have the concept that if you're single, you're not "complete". Trust me, I do not need a man to complete me, I need GOD to complete me. If I don't have Him, nothing will complete me. I'm not really sure where this idea comes that being single is a bad thing. It's all in what you make of it. I'm not saying NO to marriage, but if that "right person" doesn't come along, well life goes on, and I will serve God through singleness. I have dated enough jerks in the past to know that I don't want just anyone for my husband. I can honestly say if I had married some of the guys from my past, we probably wouldn't be married today because spiritually, they are not what I'm looking for. God knows best, and HE is the one in charge of my love life, not the "fixer uppers"! I love the verses in Proverbs about the Virtuous Woman. Check it out if you get a chance: Prov. 31:10-31. If I do get married, I pray that I can live by these verses. Dating is hard these days, and the older I get, the harder it is to find someone. I write this blog today for all the "singles" out there reading this...don't settle just because you think it might be your "last chance". God will bless you with that right person if you wait, and trust in him to take care of it. So enjoy your singleness while you have it, don't look at it as a bad thing. God is using you, just trust Him! To those of you who are married, and have wonderful marriages, I commend you because I know very few couples who are happy, so if you're marriage is great, I want to thank you for giving us who are not married yet, HOPE!! Have a blessed day!!!

Prov. 31:30 "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised."

It's October!!!

Well, it's that time of year again, Fall, October, and the Baseball Playoffs! Well, I'm slightly excited because my beloved St. Louis Cardinals are in the running for the World Series this year. So, my eyes will be glued to the TV for several days. I know many people reading this, or seeing my Facebook profile picture of the above logo, and status just can't understand this fascination I have with the Cardinals, but St. Louis is "Baseball Nation", and to understand, you just have to be from there or from Southern Illinois to really "get it". We are crazy about our baseball, and when I was a kid, we went to games all the time!!! I also know some of you reading this DO understand what I'm saying because you are just as silly over the Cardinals as I am! All I can say is bring on a World Series Victory for 2009! Let's do this for my uncle! And now...back to the game!! Have a good one!

Life!!

Wow! Sometimes life throws you for a real loop. I know you all know just what I'm talking about! I come now typing this blog through tears. This is not a sympathy blog for me, or anyone, it's just an outlet for me, so please don't think I'm looking for sympathy, I just want to take a minute to talk about a very special person. My Uncle Gene, who has been battling cancer since May, is in his final days. My mom just called, and he wanted to talk to me. Let me just say, that was probably one of the toughest phone calls I've ever endured, but also a blessing because it might be my final time to ever hear his voice. Although growing up 5 hours away from him, and only seeing him, my aunt, and my cousins on holidays, it doesn't make it easier when losing a loved one. My Uncle Gene was one of the greatest and funniest uncles anyone could ever ask for, and even now on his death bed he has not lost his wit and sarcasm. I give all the credit to him, and my father for my crazy sense of humor. :-) Uncle Gene is a HUGE St. Louis Cardinals fan, and he told me "The Cardinals are going all the way this year, aren't they??" Then he says "And I'm gonna be selfish, but I think they're gonna do it just for me." I told him that was it for sure, and he could be selfish! :-) Although death is never easy or something any of us want to deal with, the fact of the matter is, we are all going to deal with it at one time or another, if not with a loved one, it will be our own. Uncle Gene is scared to die, as I think we most all are. It's a "fear of the unknown". We don't know what's going to happen, and to be honest, when we're 20 or 30 somethin' years old, it's usually the furthest thing from our minds, but we just never know when it's going to be "our time". Life is tough sometimes, and as much as I hate to see my uncle going through this, I know there is a better home waiting for him, and we will see him again. I try to remind myself in the tough times such as this that it's not goodbye, but see ya later! Isn't that what it really comes down to? I will miss my Uncle Gene more than he knows, a loving father, husband, wonderful uncle, and one of the greatest Cards fan on the face of the earth! He asked my dad if Heaven would be better than Busch Stadium? :-) I have a feeling he will be absolutely amazed at just HOW MUCH BETTER it will be than Busch Stadium! I can't wait to get there, to find out for myself! Please just pray for our family at this time as it's pretty tough, and just remember to tell the ones you love that you truly love them while you have the chance because you never know when you might not get that chance again! God Bless!

WOW!

Ok..so I really am NOT doing well with this blog. :-) My laptop crashed, and I really couldn't even remember WHERE this site was since I got a new one. Is that a sign of old age?? Don't answer that! :-) I couldn't remember the address or anything. Well thankfully, I just recovered it through another friend's blog when I decided to "follow" her. WOW! That makes me sound like a stalker! Well anyway, so much has happened since last I blogged in February 2009. My parents have since moved to Tennessee. Yes, they have been Tennesseans since March of 2009. I have since moved in with them to save some money. They are enjoying Tennessee, although I think they do miss "home" from time to time. They are getting heavily involved with the church here, and meeting new people who are becoming lifelong friends. All in all, the transition has gone quite smoothly, and they're loving it. I see joy in their life again since moving here which has been wonderful to see. I think we all need a new start from time to time. That's my excuse for living in 4 different states since graduating from high school. haha! For me, I love having them here, but it seems I miss HOME more than ever since they've moved. I can't quite explain it, but it's an odd feeling going home now knowing they're not there. And someone new is living in "our" house! It's just not right! haha! Tennessee is nice, but home will ALWAYS be home to me, and one day I hope to move back. So...let's see... I guess that's pretty much our life in a nutshell at this moment. God continues to bless our family on a regular basis with health and happiness. Life is good, and we are blessed beyond anything we deserve! This picture is of mom and dad's new place, it's a condo, and we love it! If you're ever in the Nashville area, let us know because we'd love to have you stop by! I also hope to do a better job keeping up with this blogging thing. Sorry to be such a slacker. :-) Hope you all have a wonderful day!