Old Spice

Author: Katie

I love the smell of Old Spice aftershave. It takes me back to when I was little and I'd sit on my Dad's lap. I would snuggle up to him in his recliner and I would smell that scent that I call the "Daddy" scent. I was (and even today at 34, I am still) Daddy's little girl. I buy him Old Spice every year for Christmas. When I buy it, I like to take a good sniff before wrapping it up. Since Dad is so far away, it brings him close. For a brief moment I can close my eyes and I'm Daddy's little girl in the recliner curled up on Daddy's lap once again. Those were the days when Daddy was Daddy and he was my hero. Oh how a fragrance can take a precious memory from the past and bring it to life in the present.... even for a moment. I should do a commercial for Old Spice! LOL.

How about you? Is there a certain scent that takes you back in time? What do you think of? Why not take a trip back in time just for a moment right now. Think of that scent and spend a few minutes reminiscing! (I do recommend you think of a pleasant fragrance, it works better that way.) I will blog more later. I can't wait to tell you about the most awesome Thanksgiving!!!!

Sue, I AM THE MOST BLESSED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In this time of Thanksgiving, I thank God for the sense of smell (among many other things).

Laundry and an Observation

Moms need a raise. I do not think I work as hard at work as I did on the laundry tonight. Of course, I know what I am doing at work...I do not know what I am doing with the laundry. This might explain why I am still unmarried, and a NOT the momma! Katie's kids crack me up because sometimes they will come to me with something, (usually a boo boo) and turn around and say..."nevermind...you are a 'not the momma' and this is a momma thing." LOL Instead, they have learned to come to me when their bikes need fixed or they need money. Hmmmmmm, wonder if they read my blog "The Blessing"?

Well, at least the laundry is 90% sorted (I don't know what goes where!) and 99% folded. That will hopefully lighten a bit of the load for my dear friend Katie. She is coming up on finals this week with numerous exams and big assignments due. She also will be taxi-ing her kid to and from "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever" rehearsals and performances this week. She's a busy woman! Pray for her...she is too blessed to be stressed, but with everything going on this week...well...she's gonna need God's grace.


How do you fold a fitted sheet?

Have a washing machine...have a dryer...SOMEONE NEEDS TO INVENT A FOLDING MACHINE!

AND A SOCK SORTING MACHINE!

I have 15 socks left over...WITHOUT MATCHES! HOW IS THIS EVEN POSSIBLE?

Once Saved, Always Saved

I will finish reading the bible cover to cover next month. It's been a wonderful journey. (Well, the trek through Leviticus and Deuteronomy was very l o n g. I'm not sure I'll commit that that again!) LOL

I have learned so much about my Father in heaven and my love for Him is even deeper now. He's still mysterious, even with all He reveals. That's another awesome thing about Him. Kind of like human relationships in a way. I have a best friend Katie. I know her pretty well, but every now and then a new tidbit of info about her will pop out. At those moments I realize that I don't know everything about her and it's exciting to learn something new! So, God reveals enough to allow us to know Him and love Him, but He keeps parts of Himself hidden so we still want to learn more. It's the mystery, the discovery that makes the relationship fun!
Today I ran across a blog at this site.

"A thought
I came down with a really bad cold this evening, so I'm drugged up and tired. But, I just wanted to comment on how interesting it is that Calvanists hold to preservation of the saints in such a way as once saved always saved. I was reading through Credenda Agenda and noticed articles on end times and salvation. He quoted from John about Jesus stating that he would not lose any that God had given to him. I keep reading that (in context) to mean that he would not lose any of the 11 disciples that God had given to him. It's not that our salvation is waxing and waning, like one hour we are saved, and the next we are not, because we have sinned. It's more like an active rebellion against God, after you have tasted of the glories. The wedding banquet parable comes to mind, how God invites many to the feast, and yet they don't come, so he invites anybody that wants to go. Yes, I think this talkinga Jews first, then Gentiles. Yet, what about the man who showed up and wasn't in wedding clothes? He got kicked out. Perhaps it is those who have come to Christ, but didn't bother to put ON Christ. Of course, Calvanists would say that the man never knew Christ in the first place. Oh well. I'm still holding to my belief's that faith can die...at least for now."

I had to comment on it. I may agree with the blogger's assessment of the scripture used to defend the argument stated above, as being out of context, however, I do not agree that one can lose his salvation, that faith can die. Faith is a gift from God. If one can lose his salvation is a point of disagreement in Christian circles, but I wanted to post my response here, well...just because!

Once saved always saved. Salvation is a promise from God if we accept His son. God does not break promises. 
 
Nehemiah 1:5
Then I said: "O LORD , God of heaven, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and obey his commands,

Daniel 9:4
I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed: "O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and obey his commands,
The Spirit of the Living God is given to those who accept Christ. That Spirit is a seal.

Ephesians 1:13
And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

2 Corinthians 1:22
set his seal of ownership on us, and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

That seal is just that...sealed!

2 Corinthians 5:5
Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 1:14
who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession–to the praise of his glory.
 
I know that many disagree with once saved always saved and honestly I can't imagine my Father giving me the gift of salvation and then taking it away. I can't imagine what it must be like to live in fear of losing salvation. God does not want us to live in fear, a reverent fear for Him yes, but not an ungodly fear.

If we would lose our salvation when we sin, and turn from Him, would not Christ need to die on the cross again so we could accept Him again? When Christ hung on the cross, He said "it is finished"...not "so far so good, hopefully I won't have to do this again."

I AM SAVED BY THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB!WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

The Osbournes

I do not watch tv. We get but one channel here. Channel 7 locally and it is affiliated with ABC. Justin had the tv on for awhile this afternoon and noticed that tonight A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving was going to be on. FRAMILY NIGHT! I can't resist the "snoopy battles the lawn chair" scene! After that we watched Winnie the Pooh.

After the shows I came back to the puter to play. Kids showered and went to bed. Katie continued to watch tv and it was a Barbara Walters interview with Sharon Osbourne, the wife of Ozzy Osbourne. It was scary, what I was hearing from the other room. I know that The Osbournes is some show on MTV and was a huge hit, but I really cared less. Now that I know what goes on in that show I am appalled. The language! Between all the "bleeping" I couldn't make out a sentence! At one point Mrs. Osbourne was asked why the children are allowed to talk to her the way that they do. She answered "I talk to them that way. I talked that way at work and unfortunately brought it home with me." She also explained that the kids know when to use that kind of language and when not to.

I have a couple of points to make on that: First, Sharon Osbourne said "unfortunately" she brought that language home and used it when talking to the children. Unfortunately. She said "unfortunately" which tell me she knows that it is wrong and does it anyway. Second, obviously the kids do NOT know when to use that language and when not to. One should NEVER use that kind of language!

I think I even heard our president somewhere in there with some words that were respectful and somewhat edifying to the Osbournes. This disappointed me. Is he really condoning this?
So Ozzy Osbourne hears voices in his head. Is he being treated for mental illness at all? Does anybody care about this?

The whole thing seems messed up to me and what makes it worse is that the American public embraced this show, that family, and supports it. I just don't get it.

Evil is in this society. Everywhere. It creeps in subtlely and sucks you in before you know it. It is idolized. Evil is worshipped.

What is wrong with this world? Why can't people see? Hearing what I did tonight just makes me long for Jesus to come take me home with Him NOW!!!!!! Ohhhh, to sit at the banqueting table He invited me to! It might be the first banquet I actually enjoy being at! I hate potluck...I hope it's not potluck! Then again, maybe in heaven I will like to eat tasty things! Hey, I might even enjoy a pizza party! Woooohoooooo!!!!! (Do you know what it's like to be a minority? I'm a pizza-hater!) But, in heaven...I may just love to eat pizza! and maybe even meatloaf! I could sit and eat with my family and be finished before dark! Oh, I'm getting excited now!

2 Timothy 2:22
"Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart."

As Christians we are not of this world. Yes, we live here, for now, but we must "press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called (us) heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Heaven is our home...so get your fill of the Osbournes here! (although I would advise against filling your mind with that stuff)

One In a Million Church

I was told today that my church is one in a million. I believe that to be true. Wonder why God placed me in a "one in a million church"?

Worship is the Only Gift

"Worship is the only gift we can bring to God that He himself has not first given us.

We pondered that in SaLT group one day.

Do Angels Sing?

I've always thought that angels sing. Then I tried to prove it biblically. It's not easy to do! It's one of those things we assume about the bible. (Kind of like the 3 wise men...they were not there immediately following the birth of Christ, they came into the picture a few years afterward!)

Are angels "morning stars"? If so, then Job 38:7 would indicate that angels sing. But, that's an interpretation...kind of a gray area. Then in Revelation 5:9-13 it appears that angels sing because they are included in "every creature in heaven" I figure, and will be "singing".

Hmmmmmmm? I wonder about the original Hebrew and Greek texts? In my Internet research I found this at Clarifying Christianity: Note: different Hebrew words—ranan and rinnah—are used for the “singing” of inanimate objects, instead of shiyr and zamar—the words normally used for human singing in the Old Testament.)


Although there is a lot of singing going on, it is interesting that the Bible never states that angels sing. Yes, many Christmas songs have lyrics indicating that the angels sang when Jesus was born—and we suspect that angels have the ability to sing. Still, it is interesting that the Bible never actually reports that angels do sing.


Note: the text in some English translations of the Bible contain verses stating that angels sing, but they are poor translations of the original Greek word lego, which means “to say” or “to speak.” Typically, this happens in Luke chapter 2, verse 13 and in Revelation chapter 5, verses 12 and 13.

It's probably going to have a lot to so with the translation you read and your interpretation. I prefer to imagine angels singing, but it would ruin my theory that God is tone-deaf. (How can he stand to hear me sing praises? I'm a star in the car, but you really don't want to hear me singing at close range! LOL) I know I know...God is perfect, so how could he be tone-deaf? Well, I'm not tone deaf and notice I sing bad. LOL Others are not tone deaf and notice I sing bad. How can I sing praises to God and let it be bad?...either He is tone-deaf, or He works a miracle. He has a "miracle ear" or something and by the time my praises reach Him, they sound good! Sorry...I digress.

Check it out for yourself...Do Angels Sing?

I may sing bad, but I play a mean trumpet!

Alone

Yesterday Katie said to me "you like to be alone". It's true. I like to be alone. I don't want to be lonely, but I do like being alone. Not always, but sometimes.

I am rarely alone. I have lived in TN for almost 3 years and in that time I have rarely been alone for an extended period of time. Before I came here, I had only 1 roommate and we shared a living space for about 14 years. She worked a lot, so when I was off work I had a lot of alone time. I enjoyed that time. What did I do with it? Well, I played video games, saw movies, watched tv, listened to music, ran errands, stuff like that. After I became a Christian I cherished my alone time even more because it was great time of worship and prayer.

I remember playing on the computer listening to my worship music and Christian rock on my favorite online radio station. I really enjoyed just doing my own thing and listening to my tunes! Music that glorified God! I prayed a lot. I remember longing for my alone time with Him in my room. I never had to schedule it because I was always alone. Whenever I felt Him leading me, I could go to Him. When I needed Him, I could go to Him.

God has blessed me with a new life. Unfortunately, sometimes I don't think I have adjusted very well. I ache for alone time now. Time to just do what I want to do, when I want to do it. I am free to do whatever, don't get me wrong, but it isn't as easy when other's are around vying for attention. I sometimes feel guilty because I want alone time. I could go off somewhere, but I like being home. I am rarely home. On my days off, I want to be at home.

Home...I love my home. I am relaxed here. I spend 50-60 hours away from home working and travelling to and from. On my days off, I wish to spend them at home. My friend however who is cooped up at home, likes to spend them away from here. We used to love to go to the river on God days. We would spend Wednesdays, my day off, at the Tennessee River. We would worship, pray and do bible study. It was awesome! I wish we could recapture those times! His Spirit was so alive! Today's hectic schedule makes it seem so impossible.

I think I need to be better about making alone time. It isn't just gonna happen anymore. I have to seize it when I can!

It has been difficult being a single woman who went from not much of a life, to a life filled with activity. Kids everywhere wanting this and that, vying for attention. Movie's playing while I'm trying to listen to music. Video Games drowing out everything. Multiple loads of laundry every other day. It's an adjustment! Exciting at first, but the novelty is gone. Now I am still trying to understand what has happened! LOL I can't just get in the car and go anymore...I have to wait until people are ready. I'm not complaining...I really am not. I am simply trying to explain that there is a difference and life today is not what I was used to for so long.

I wouldn't trade what I have now though. God has given me a framily. Why He sought me fit to be in the lives of two growing kids, I don't know. I see my friend Katie being such a mom, a good one too, and I think to myself "I could never do it! This is why God keeps me single!" I can't deal! I think it would be different if I had been around the kids from their infancy, but I was just thrown in! I dove in! I know God wanted me here, but I had noooooooooo ideeeeeeeeeaa! LOL

That's my blog on wanting alone time. I just need recharging time. Heck, Jesus took a lot of it. He was always retreating from the crowds and going off alone, seperate even from the disciples. He used it for worthy causes. I need to do that too!

Where To Hammer in My Nail

Back in August the message at church was "Being Servants in a Selfish World" as part of a series: Being Churched in an Unchurched World. Our church has been working its way through I Corinthians and the message back on that August day was centered around I Corinthians 4.
Paul, one of our full-time pastors, broke the chapter down like this:

I. Servants are faithful (1-5)
II. Servants will be judged (6-7)
III. Servants will suffer unjustly (8-13)
IV. Servants are held accountable (14-21)

He made the point that Christians are servants of God and we are to be faithful only to Him. He alone will judge us. Paul had us view a scene from Gladiator, the scene where the Gladiator's were being picked. I learned from that that Gladiator's were not the prime elite of the military force, they were basically despensable humans that would make for some good entertainment as they were killed. That was there purpose for being thrown out into the arena. They were told they would go out to the sound of applause. Paul had us think about "going out to the sound of applause...hopefully of God." Paul also shared that servants are held accountable. What God entrusts us with in the way of gifts and talents, he gave to us with an intent for us to use them to better the church and to glorify Him.

At the end of the service we were instructed to take a nail. Sure enough at the exit was a large bucket of nails. We all took a nail...about a 12 penny nail I'd guess. I still have it in Jeepers, my jeep. We were asked to think about where we are to put our nail in Northbrook, and that at the annual Covenant Renewal, we will be asked to "hammer it in". I'm not all sure how it's gonna play out, but I have been thinking about where to put my nail.

At Northbrook in order to become a member you must attend a new member class, Northbrook 101. In it people learn the Mission of Northbrook Church, the Biblical Values, and what members are expected to do, things like attend services regularly, participate in SaLT groups, use talents and gifts to edify and build up the church. Paul is having us figure out how we are to apply the principles of I Corinthians 4 personally, to the church. Think about where to put our nail.

I attend services and love SaLT group. At one point I was involved in 3!!!!!!!!!!! I have also wanted to find my niche, a place where I might use my gifts and talents. I found one way to contribute a bit as I will be helping to administrate a message board on the church website. I'm not sure I understand exactly what my responsibilities will be, but I'll learn it no problem. I got involved when I emailed the webmaster and made suggestions about the site.

This week I found another way to help. I was asked to help out with the Ministry 2 Women Newsletter. I'm excited!!!! Just another way God is going to use my talent and interest in computers to edify the church! Woooohooooooooo!!! Can't wait for my first issue to be hot off the presses!!!!!!!!!

So little by little I am hammering in my nail.

The Blessing Part II

I received an email from a reader of my blog. She expressed concern for my decision to walk with a stranger, across a dark Mall parking lot, to the ATM. It's crazy I know. It's also faith.
I can't defend my decision because it was based on faith. A faith God has given me.

On my way home, I was thinking some things about the encounter. I had talked with the man, a bit more than I shared in my blog. I learned that he was a carpenter by trade and had been for 14 years. He is currently employed by a construction company just down the road. I kept thinking about Matthew 25:40

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' I thought it was cool that he was a carpenter, just like my Jesus!

I also thought about Luke 10:33

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him." 36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him."

Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." I try to do as Jesus teaches. Just like the Samaritan who thought more of the man in need than of himself. Would any of us ever do anything if we always stopped to consider how it will effect us? That's what Jesus taught over and over again..."Do unto others", "Love one another", "sell your possessions and give the money to the poor".

The reader of my blog wondered if he was a con man. Maybe he is. Maybe he isn't. If he is a con man, he is a dumb one because he gave me his address, offered to show it to me on his cellphone bill, he had ID, and he had his wife's prescription. He also mentioned that he had gone into some other churches who basically sent him on his way. I didn't want to share that because it is not edifying, but it was for some of these reasons that I chose to help him. It was the right thing to do.

Yes, it was risky, but living for Christ is risky business. I believe that had I been beaten and robbed, I still did the right thing by God. He knows my heart and He is who I have to answer to.
Jesus did not teach that following Him would be easy. Matter of fact, He explained that it wouldn't be easy at all, but it is always right. Did Jesus ever do anything to please Himself?

I am troubled by this world. So many Christians out there didn't, and won't help the Rick's of the world. Have you ever found yourself in need? I have, and I am so thankful that God placed people in my life to help cover that need. I know that it is not possible for one person to help everyone and everybody, but isn't it possible that if we all looked to God for guidance on that, He would be able to get everyone's needs met! Imagine it! If we all "loved one another as ourselves" it would really work! I can see a time where there would be no need at all! Will it start with you? me? Who then?

I Exercised

I exercised my right to vote today. It's the only exercise I will get for another year.

The Blessing

I worked a double today. One of my associates was ill. I knew she was ill, she didn't look good yesterday, so I wasn't surprised when her mom called. I hope she is feeling better. None of the associates I called were available to work, so I worked from 8:14 until 9:40 tonight. I love my job, but I LOVE HOME TOO!

Work has been so stressful lately. Way too many tasks to be doing and I do blame Corporate. I don't think sometimes the "pencil pushers" really know what's going on in the field. They expect miracles and those don't come frequently in the field of retail! Anyway, I am feeling very defeated like I will never be on top of things in my store again. Christmas is coming up and I am so far behind now it seems hopeless. My DM, although he does understand, still needs this turned in by last week and that turned in yesterday. I told him today "I am not the manager I want to be! I love music retail, I love it, but right now I hate being here!"

I was tired. Cranky. Stressed. Worried about all the things not getting done. Starting to feel quite apathetic about it all anyway and then God sent me a stranger. I had a little over an hour until the store closed, the moment I was anticipating more than any other this day, and that's when God sent me a blessing. It gave me appreciation for what I did have. It helped me feel like God was watching over me. It helped me realize Whom I work for. I remembered my purpose for being there, in my store in TN.

God is so awesome. The stranger probably went away thinking I helped him...when, actually he allowed me to gain a blessing. God set it all up. It's what He does. He's the Master!

A man came into my store and asked if I was the manager. I told him I was and he told me he needed a favor. As a manager I hear this stuff all the time...they want donations of product or whatever I can give. I asked him what he needed. He said "My wife is very sick." I started thinking..."oh, here we go!""She needs medicine and Tenncare doesn't cover it." (I believed that! LOL) He told me he asked the pharmacist if he could work for the medicine, but was told he couldn't because of "insurance regulations" or something like that. The man said "I have nothing. Only my cellphone bill to prove that it's mine. I'll let you keep it until I can pay you back. I will work for it. I have asked so many and no one can spare $27, could you please let me borrow $27. All I have is my word that I will pay you back. If you can't help me, do you know anyone who can?" I could tell by this man's facial expression that he was sincere. I could see the desperation in his eyes. This man was willing to do just about anything to get this medicine for his wife. It broke my heart. I told him "wait here, I will help you."

I went to get my bank card. I was praying to myself because what I was about to do could have been very dangerous. I was trusting this man, but more so I was trusting the Lord to protect me. I told my associate that I was going outside for a few minutes and would be right back. The man kept saying "this is so embarrassing. I have a job. My wife, she is so sick and has been out of work for so long, we have lost almost everything." As we were walking over to the ATM across the Mall parking lot, I was aware that I was taking a stranger with me over to the ATM and withdrawing some money. I was asking God's protection as I entered my pin number. The man kept trying to give me his cellphone, drivers license and show me his bill to prove he owned the phone. He was attempting to prove his cause was legit and give me "collateral" or something. I motioned with my hand to put that stuff away and explained "I said I told you I am trusting your word." The man's eyes welled up with tears.

I took the money from the ATM. He accepted it I turned to him and asked him "what is your wife's name?". He said "Renee". I said "I am going to pray for Renee, and my church will pray for Renee". I also asked him his name and that I would pray for him as well. He looked into my eyes so deeply and I could see the fear and desperation in him. His eyes were teary and his lips quivered as he muttered a soft "thank you". I told him that if he needed food that he could come to my church, Northbrook Church, on Wednesday night because it was fellowship night and we will eat A LOT. There will be plenty of food for him if he has need. I gave him directions and I told him that Northbrook Church was "all about helping someone in need!" (Oh, I gave him gas money to get there too!) I explained that I know first hand that Northbrook reaches out to those in need because they did just that for my friend, for me, and for so many others.

Before that moment the man asked me for money, I had been so stressed about my financial situation. I have bills I am paying late. Late. That's all. They are late. They miraculously still get paid. This man is down right now. He was so willing to work for the money for his wife's medicine, but he needs more than medicine for his wife. He needed love tonight. Christ showed him love tonight. I am praying for Renee and Rick. I wish so badly I could have done more for the man, but it is in God's hands. I am praying that God will lead him to come to Northbrook for FWF (First Wednesday Fellowship) and that Northbrook will extend God's open arms to this man and his wife. God took my pity party for myself, and made it nothing. It is nothing. Not only did He make me realize that I have things pretty good, He gave me an opportunity to share what He has given me.

Interesting to think that if I hadn't had to work the double, none of this would have taken place.

Rick had so much humility tonight. God loves the humble. God humbled me tonight. God loves the humble.

I asked Rick where he lived. I am hoping I have enough information to find him, since Thankgiving is just around the corner.

Time to go to bed.

Thank God for all that you have tonight, and while you are at it, will you lift Rick and Renee up in your prayer?

The Offering

Today my church, Northbrook Church, took up an offering. That was odd. There is even more to the story. I'll explain why it was odd, and what "radical" thing I witnessed today as well.

Northbrook is an Acts church. A New Testament church working very hard to be a church with Jesus as it's Head. Northbrook seeks God's Will in every decision and sometimes does some things that are "radical" to most. I say "radical" in jest because, it is never anything outrageous, it is just that we do things in our church that I haven't seen done in other churches. Like the offering today.

Northbrook does not usually practice the normal taking up of a offering. We have a "box" at the exit/enterance of the Big Room called The Gathering Place. This box is covered and has a slot in it for members/regular attenders to put their tithe in. It's rather anonymous, so nobody feels obligated to give. Northbrook works within it's financial means. The giving is obviously sacrificial because while we don't have many wealthy individuals who attend our church, we have amazing resources. It is obvious that the resources are an overflow of the blessings of God within our congregation. We only try to give back what He has given.

I've heard some people say that they don't go to church because they don't like being asked for money. Many churches pass around the collection plate and some people feel obligated to put in money. No church I have been in ever made it obligatory, but I guess those who don't understand the purpose of a tithe might feel odd about not contributing when those around them are digging in pockets and purses to add to the offering.

The tithe is a joyful giving of the resources God gave you. Everything on earth belongs to God. The tithe is giving back to God what is already His.

At Northbrook Church today we were asked to give and I wonder if what I am about to tell you next will ever make the newspapers:

As the offering baskets were passed around, people were told that if they had a need, that they were to "take from the baskets. It may be the way God is providing for you." Pretty radical!

So to those out there who don't want to go to church because you don't like being asked for money...why not try a church where if you have a need, we will do our best to take care of you?

I have seen my church care deeply for it's members, and non-members alike. I have seen Northbrook help families in financial need. I have been the recipient of some physical labor from my pastor and his family when I needed help moving. My church reaches out and touches the community around it. We are not a perfect church, but we are a church filled with people who have teachable hearts. We have a compassion team that actively pursue's those who are in need and tries to help those who are "down and out" get back on their feet. My church will respond to anyone who makes a need known. We will pray for you. Northbrook will love you.

Spur One Another On Toward Love

Author: Katie

The Bible says we should speak edifying words about our brothers and sisters in Christ.....encouraging words, not harmful ones.

"Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Eph 4:29-37

I say this as I attempt to remove the plank(s) from my own eye. When personal thoughts are available to the public, one should always be careful to consider the effect the words said may have on those they speaks of as well as those who are listening. Although what we speak may not necessarily be "evil," it may not necessarily be "good" either. What one person considers "dirty laundry" another may see as perfectly harmless. What one person considers harmless may cause pain for another.

A message to all bloggers:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." Heb. 10:24