Warning
You know how I love to talk about great food and great places to eat so here's your sign: Stay away from the "Crispy Brick Chicken" at Applebee's. It's the pits!
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Signed Up?
"Crosswire" will be our weekly email newsletter that features information about the various ministries and events at Crossroads. "Crosswire" is a great way for you to stay connected! If you are not on our email list, you can sign up by going to our website and entering your email address.
You'll be glad you did.
You'll be glad you did.
Say It Ain't So...
For those of us who are addicted to Starbucks (of course we have to drive out of town to feed our addiction) we find the following information that was printed in the New York Times:
Your morning Starbucks latte may never seem as sweet again.
If you thought you were being nutritionally virtuous by stopping at Starbucks instead of McDonald’s, the Center for Science in the Public Interest says, “Wrong!’’
A venti — or 20-ounce — Caffè Mocha with whipped cream has 490 calories, equivalent to a Quarter Pounder with cheese. And a 24-ounce Java Chip Frappuccino with whipped cream has 650 calories, not to mention almost an entire day’s allowance of saturated fat.
According to the center, a nutritional advocacy group, the Frappuccino is equivalent in calories to a McDonald’s coffee plus 11 of their creamers and 29 packets of sugar.
Makes the Quarter Pounder sound pretty healthy!!!!
Your morning Starbucks latte may never seem as sweet again.
If you thought you were being nutritionally virtuous by stopping at Starbucks instead of McDonald’s, the Center for Science in the Public Interest says, “Wrong!’’
A venti — or 20-ounce — Caffè Mocha with whipped cream has 490 calories, equivalent to a Quarter Pounder with cheese. And a 24-ounce Java Chip Frappuccino with whipped cream has 650 calories, not to mention almost an entire day’s allowance of saturated fat.
According to the center, a nutritional advocacy group, the Frappuccino is equivalent in calories to a McDonald’s coffee plus 11 of their creamers and 29 packets of sugar.
Makes the Quarter Pounder sound pretty healthy!!!!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Community With Insiders
Last week I was giving a little insight into one of the three vital relationships that we at Crossroads like to see people pursue, "community with insiders."
When you think of church you traditionally think of the larger worship environment, but at Crossroads we put value on "authentic community." Authentic community is found in our small groups or as some people call them "community groups."
Authentic community is a place where people genuinely connect and people are encouraged and challenged in their relationship with God. It's not a support group, but a place where you can connect relationally with other people and you can experience the grace and the love of God. It's not a place where we line up in rows, but a place where we turn our chairs towards each other and talk well. Authentic community is a dynamic that we all need and it has the potential to radically shape us.
When you think about authentic community you realize that it is not a new concept. Take a look at Acts 2 and you can see it was Gods way all along. The early church is a great example of authentic community. It was a relational church....they ate together, they met together and they were relational.
We have to realize that the christian life was never meant to be lived solo. God has always intended on us being in relationship.
When we are experiencing community we are experiencing:
When you think of church you traditionally think of the larger worship environment, but at Crossroads we put value on "authentic community." Authentic community is found in our small groups or as some people call them "community groups."
Authentic community is a place where people genuinely connect and people are encouraged and challenged in their relationship with God. It's not a support group, but a place where you can connect relationally with other people and you can experience the grace and the love of God. It's not a place where we line up in rows, but a place where we turn our chairs towards each other and talk well. Authentic community is a dynamic that we all need and it has the potential to radically shape us.
When you think about authentic community you realize that it is not a new concept. Take a look at Acts 2 and you can see it was Gods way all along. The early church is a great example of authentic community. It was a relational church....they ate together, they met together and they were relational.
We have to realize that the christian life was never meant to be lived solo. God has always intended on us being in relationship.
When we are experiencing community we are experiencing:
- a place where you can celebrate and where you can comfort
- a place where you can rejoice and where you can morn
- a place of encouragement
Check back as we look deeper into relationship #2 "community with insiders."
Makes You Wonder
I have to tell you that over the last couple of weeks as we have really tried to finish up the major constrution and set our official launch date we have run into all sorts of unique problems and complications.
It just makes me wonder.......what's going to happen once we get this thing going?
It just makes me wonder.......what's going to happen once we get this thing going?
I think it's huge! We need you to jump on in!
Monday, September 25, 2006
Why?
As you read the conversations of Jesus you find that he used everyday images to reveal deep theological concepts about who God was and who we are.
I love the way Jesus breathed life in to the very ordinary, overlooked things of his day.
Why is it so hard for the church to do the same today?
I love the way Jesus breathed life in to the very ordinary, overlooked things of his day.
Why is it so hard for the church to do the same today?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Next Week
Crazy Week
This week has been a little crazy. We have tons of stuff going on and the construction work that is being done at Crossroads is entering the finishing stages.
My entries this week have not been what I had hoped due to the need for me to be around the construction site.
Here is what I need from each of you:
My entries this week have not been what I had hoped due to the need for me to be around the construction site.
Here is what I need from each of you:
- Please sign up for the email blast. This will enable you to keep up with whats going on around Crossroads.
- Think and pray about where you can serve. We need lots of additional volunteers to help pull this together when we launch.
- Consider making a financial contribution to help us finish with all of the last minute details. You can do this online with your bank card.
I hope to hear from you!
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Community With Insiders (relationship #2)
When I think about a worship service I tend to think of them as a large groups. In worship type environments we usually experience great music and someone speaking. There never is much interaction with other people.
At Crossroads we believe that large group environments like worship are designed to be a step, never an end. They are not the places where we are going to get our needs met. We believe that every person should find a place in true authentic community and we know that will happen in "small groups" or as we refer to them as "community groups."
Community groups are groups of 4 to 6 couples or 5 to 8 individuals. This is a place where you will spend time in fellowship (eating! my favorite part...if you don't believe it just check out all my posts on eating), bible study and prayer. It is in this environment that we believe sustained life change occurs. In authentic community the masks come off.
The best place for you to be all God wants you to be is in the context of healthy relationships with other believers.
At Crossroads we believe that large group environments like worship are designed to be a step, never an end. They are not the places where we are going to get our needs met. We believe that every person should find a place in true authentic community and we know that will happen in "small groups" or as we refer to them as "community groups."
Community groups are groups of 4 to 6 couples or 5 to 8 individuals. This is a place where you will spend time in fellowship (eating! my favorite part...if you don't believe it just check out all my posts on eating), bible study and prayer. It is in this environment that we believe sustained life change occurs. In authentic community the masks come off.
The best place for you to be all God wants you to be is in the context of healthy relationships with other believers.
Great Eats
If you have a chance you need to try out "J. Alexanders" on West End in Nashville. The food, atmosphere and the company were great.
I started off with the Mexico City Spinach Con Queso....then moved to the Cypress Salad and finished it off with some excellent Carrot Cake. I have to admit, this was the best Carrot Cake I have ever tasted.
Bon Appetite!
Been Down
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Coming Up
In some of my posts over the past week or so I've been talking about "intimacy with God," one of the three vital relationships that Crossroads encourages people to pursue.
During the next week, I am going to get into the second of the three which is "community with insiders."
Make sure and check back as I dive into another of these very important relationships.
During the next week, I am going to get into the second of the three which is "community with insiders."
Make sure and check back as I dive into another of these very important relationships.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Great Food
If you want a great place to eat, try "McAlisters Deli."
Today I had the pleasure of eating there with a couple of my friends and I have to say that every time I leave there I am truly "feelin good."
Try the "club sandwich," its the best........with a sweet tea!
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
See/Do Part II
When I was younger I use to spend time reading my bible on a very irregular basis, I mean I would do it here and there. It was when I had time or made time. No time, no reading.
During the last few years I have found that what works best for me is scheduling a time that I can spend alone, just me, God and my bible. I prefer the morning, first thing out of the shoot. By scheduling this time I have found that it is part of my daily routine and what better way to start the day than spending time alone with God. It's during these times that He reveals Himself to me and in many ways He reveals things in me that I need to deal with.
Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper that the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." (NLT)
This verse alone reminds me of all that God can and will do if I will just spend time with Him.
"Intimacy with God" is one of the three relationships that Crossroads values and encourages each person to pursue.
Would you consider scheduling a specific time each day to spend alone with God. Try it for a week or so and see what happens.....
During the last few years I have found that what works best for me is scheduling a time that I can spend alone, just me, God and my bible. I prefer the morning, first thing out of the shoot. By scheduling this time I have found that it is part of my daily routine and what better way to start the day than spending time alone with God. It's during these times that He reveals Himself to me and in many ways He reveals things in me that I need to deal with.
Hebrews 4:12 says, "For the word of God is full of living power. It is sharper that the sharpest knife, cutting deep into our innermost thoughts and desires. It exposes us for what we really are." (NLT)
This verse alone reminds me of all that God can and will do if I will just spend time with Him.
"Intimacy with God" is one of the three relationships that Crossroads values and encourages each person to pursue.
Would you consider scheduling a specific time each day to spend alone with God. Try it for a week or so and see what happens.....
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
See/Do
When I talk about spending time with God, one of the things that most people struggle with is reading their Bible. So many people say they can pray or read a devotional, but reading the Bible just puts them to sleep or it doesn't seem like its relevant to the life their living today.
Let me give you a little insight into why I thing it is so important.
I once heard a saying that went something like this, "if we see life as God sees, we will be more inclined to live life God's way."
When I first heard that it really made sense....but then I thought how can I see as God sees?
With a little help I figured it out, the only way I can truly see as God sees is to spend time alone with Him in His Word. Take time to read Psalms 119:97-113 and I think you can see how David valued the Word of God, you have to remember that he didn't even have all of the word that we have today.
One recommendation that I would make is that you read from a more contemporary translation such as the NIV or The Message. These translations help bring out a clearer understanding since they use more contemporary language.
I think you like David will, "understand life."
Let me give you a little insight into why I thing it is so important.
I once heard a saying that went something like this, "if we see life as God sees, we will be more inclined to live life God's way."
When I first heard that it really made sense....but then I thought how can I see as God sees?
With a little help I figured it out, the only way I can truly see as God sees is to spend time alone with Him in His Word. Take time to read Psalms 119:97-113 and I think you can see how David valued the Word of God, you have to remember that he didn't even have all of the word that we have today.
One recommendation that I would make is that you read from a more contemporary translation such as the NIV or The Message. These translations help bring out a clearer understanding since they use more contemporary language.
I think you like David will, "understand life."
Monday, September 11, 2006
Check Your Gauges
I drive a 97 suburban. A few months back I was having to renew my tags so I headed out to wait in the dreaded (you know what I'm talking about) line so they could check my emissions. Little did I know that my check engine light had come on and so I instantly failed.
Doesn't it seem that life is just like that. We're motoring down life's highway just going about our business when our spiritual gauges are sending us all kinds of warnings, yet we fail to check them and then wonder why our engine overheats (spiritually speaking).
I was talking with a friend the other morning and he said, " you know the world just begin to crash all around me and that was when I realized that I had gotten so busy and I hadn't been doing my devotional time. It's amazing how things seemed to smooth out when I started spending time in God's word and in prayer like I knew I should ."
One of the three relationships that we encourage most at Crossroads is "intimacy with God." We believe that everyone should spend time alone with God every day. That time alone should include bible reading, devotion and prayer.
Let me encourage you to take some time each day and set it aside for just you and God. It may be in the morning or afternoon, it really doesn't matter. I guarantee it will make a difference!
Doesn't it seem that life is just like that. We're motoring down life's highway just going about our business when our spiritual gauges are sending us all kinds of warnings, yet we fail to check them and then wonder why our engine overheats (spiritually speaking).
I was talking with a friend the other morning and he said, " you know the world just begin to crash all around me and that was when I realized that I had gotten so busy and I hadn't been doing my devotional time. It's amazing how things seemed to smooth out when I started spending time in God's word and in prayer like I knew I should ."
One of the three relationships that we encourage most at Crossroads is "intimacy with God." We believe that everyone should spend time alone with God every day. That time alone should include bible reading, devotion and prayer.
Let me encourage you to take some time each day and set it aside for just you and God. It may be in the morning or afternoon, it really doesn't matter. I guarantee it will make a difference!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Great Lunch Spot
Hey, if you love great affordable Mexican food you need to try Jalisco's. Their located at 1290 Sparta Pike in Lebanon.
Take it from me and try the #9 on the lunch menu. It's a grilled chicken salad and it's great.....and also very filling.
Try to keep yourself away from the chips and salsa, they will fill you up before you even get to the salad.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Do we all have an Agenda?
I don't know if you have been able to catch the reality show "Big Brother All Stars."
During the last few weeks these guys have done whatever (and I do mean whatever) it takes to try to get to the end and win the big money. As I have listened to each one give their take on why they came and did the show, I constantly here them say, "well we all have our own agenda."
Agenda....now just exactly what do they mean? If you look at the true definition of the word it simply means, " an underlying often ideological plan." I guess when I think about it I really have an agenda in most everything I do. The test I'm constantly put to is can I put down my agenda in favor of someone else.
I love what the apostle Paul said, "Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead." Philppians 2:3-4 The Message
Having an agenda is not a bad thing, we just need to be able to put other peoples agenda before our own. Isn't that what Jesus did?
During the last few weeks these guys have done whatever (and I do mean whatever) it takes to try to get to the end and win the big money. As I have listened to each one give their take on why they came and did the show, I constantly here them say, "well we all have our own agenda."
Agenda....now just exactly what do they mean? If you look at the true definition of the word it simply means, " an underlying often ideological plan." I guess when I think about it I really have an agenda in most everything I do. The test I'm constantly put to is can I put down my agenda in favor of someone else.
I love what the apostle Paul said, "Don't push your way to the front; don't sweet-talk your way to the top. Put yourself aside, and help others get ahead." Philppians 2:3-4 The Message
Having an agenda is not a bad thing, we just need to be able to put other peoples agenda before our own. Isn't that what Jesus did?
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
New Music
Here's some great music.
I highly recommend the new release "Good Monsters" from Jars of Clay.
This album takes us back to what "Jars" started out doing best!
What Makes Crossroads Different?
One of the things that we realized early on was the need for the church to be relevant. Relevant you ask? Just what do you mean by relevant?
Well here is one thing I think of when I think of relevant, "is the church helpful?"
Most churches today are empty because they are not helpful. Simply put, they are not meeting the needs of those who are attending so they inturn are not inviting their unchurched friends. I can't tell you how many times I have had a conversation with someone who currently is not attending and their response is, "I've tried to plug in and get involved but it just doesn't seem like the church has anything to offer me." Can you believe that most church leaders are hearing that comment on a regular basis and still failing to take the steps necessary to reverse that trend.
At Crossroads we have been very interested in creating every ministry environment with three things in mind. Is it appealing, engaging and helpful. We think that if we can say yes to those three things then we will have a relevant environment where the Holy Spirit is free to work in the hearts and lives of people.
That's one thing that makes Crossroads different!
Well here is one thing I think of when I think of relevant, "is the church helpful?"
Most churches today are empty because they are not helpful. Simply put, they are not meeting the needs of those who are attending so they inturn are not inviting their unchurched friends. I can't tell you how many times I have had a conversation with someone who currently is not attending and their response is, "I've tried to plug in and get involved but it just doesn't seem like the church has anything to offer me." Can you believe that most church leaders are hearing that comment on a regular basis and still failing to take the steps necessary to reverse that trend.
At Crossroads we have been very interested in creating every ministry environment with three things in mind. Is it appealing, engaging and helpful. We think that if we can say yes to those three things then we will have a relevant environment where the Holy Spirit is free to work in the hearts and lives of people.
That's one thing that makes Crossroads different!
Commitment
This weekends performance by the Vol football team was amazing.
I truly didn't know what kind of season we were going to be in for and at this point all indications are that this could be an exciting fall.
I have always been amazed at the commitment that fans make to sports teams. They will change jobs, change schedules and even disown family, all in their loyalty to their team.
When we look at our commitment to Christ and His call on our lives are we showing that same commitment?
Just a thought.
I truly didn't know what kind of season we were going to be in for and at this point all indications are that this could be an exciting fall.
I have always been amazed at the commitment that fans make to sports teams. They will change jobs, change schedules and even disown family, all in their loyalty to their team.
When we look at our commitment to Christ and His call on our lives are we showing that same commitment?
Just a thought.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Where Were You?
The date is August 1, 1981....where were you?
Some of you probably hadn't even been born yet. Some of you were to young to know about what amazing thing was happening. Some of you never realized the significance of what was about to happen. What is it you ask????
I can remember exactly where I was when it happened. I was sitting on a couch at a friends duplex on Winwood Drive in Lebanon, Tennessee. It was amazing, the coolest thing I'd ever seen.....the marriage of music and video, the birth of MTV!!!!
So now I guess you wonder why are we talking about MTV here? The truth is simply this:
Some of you probably hadn't even been born yet. Some of you were to young to know about what amazing thing was happening. Some of you never realized the significance of what was about to happen. What is it you ask????
I can remember exactly where I was when it happened. I was sitting on a couch at a friends duplex on Winwood Drive in Lebanon, Tennessee. It was amazing, the coolest thing I'd ever seen.....the marriage of music and video, the birth of MTV!!!!
So now I guess you wonder why are we talking about MTV here? The truth is simply this:
- MTV is the #1 media brand in the world.
- It is the favorite and most watched network for teens ages 12-19
- MTV targets young adults ages 18-34, that represents 29% of the U.S. population
The above information about MTV should be alarming if you also consider the following facts:
- 88 percent of children from evangelical homes are leaving the church shortly after they graduate from high school.
- 49% of Boomers, 43% of Busters and 33% of Mosaics attend church on a given Sunday
- "Denominations and youth workers have estimated that between 65 percent and 94 percent of their high school students stop attending church after they graduate."
- Southern Baptist Convention President Dr. Frank Page said, "It is a disturbing trend and part of it is that your churches have become one or two generation churches, and we've failed to learn how to reach out to this younger generation."
The truth is this......I have grown up on MTV, yeah maybe some of its programming leaves a little to be desired and maybe I am not the audience they are trying to reach anymore but if all we do is complain about the programming and the music then we as a church are going to continue to lose out in reaching this generation.
It does seem that the MTV audience as it stands is ignoring the church.
At Crossroads we're not about to let this generation slip away. We want them to know that there is a God who loves them more than they can imagine!
Upcoming Stuff
Hey, I hope you had a great weekend!
The next couple of weeks are sure to be pretty full of stuff around here. I want you to make sure and check in here on a daily basis, this is the place where you can really keep up with what's going on.
We hope to make our official launch date available by the end of next week. This is all going to depend on how things come together in the next few days. Later today I am going to pick back up on talking about what makes Crossroads different from other churches. I gave you a little insight into that in one of my previous posts.
Stay tuned!
The next couple of weeks are sure to be pretty full of stuff around here. I want you to make sure and check in here on a daily basis, this is the place where you can really keep up with what's going on.
We hope to make our official launch date available by the end of next week. This is all going to depend on how things come together in the next few days. Later today I am going to pick back up on talking about what makes Crossroads different from other churches. I gave you a little insight into that in one of my previous posts.
Stay tuned!
Friday, September 01, 2006
Construction Update
Hey, we want to keep you up to date and excited about whats going on with our construction.
The first of this week we began installing all of our cable for the audio, visual and lighting. This part of the installation should take about two to three weeks. We have selected one of the best companies in the nation to pull off all of our audio and visual needs. I believe that you will be able to tell their commitment to excellence the minute you walk in the room and hear it kick'n.
We are about two weeks into the installation of our heating and air conditioning. Hopefully, we will have some A/C in the next week and that will help things move along a little faster.
All of our furnishings are either in route or are in storage. Were about to get this plane off the ground!
Just in case you may not know exactly where we will be meeting you can click this link. We are in the west end of the building that Intrigue Athletics is in. You will see our very large, very good looking entrance as you drive back.
Continue to get the word out.......it won't be long!
The first of this week we began installing all of our cable for the audio, visual and lighting. This part of the installation should take about two to three weeks. We have selected one of the best companies in the nation to pull off all of our audio and visual needs. I believe that you will be able to tell their commitment to excellence the minute you walk in the room and hear it kick'n.
We are about two weeks into the installation of our heating and air conditioning. Hopefully, we will have some A/C in the next week and that will help things move along a little faster.
All of our furnishings are either in route or are in storage. Were about to get this plane off the ground!
Just in case you may not know exactly where we will be meeting you can click this link. We are in the west end of the building that Intrigue Athletics is in. You will see our very large, very good looking entrance as you drive back.
Continue to get the word out.......it won't be long!
About me
- I'm Randy S. Cook
- From Lebanon, Tennessee, United States
- Lead Pastor, Crossroads. While I am the Lead Pastor for Crossroads Community Church, the views expressed here are mine and not necessarily theirs, and some of them I just copied from people who really have an idea of what they're doing! Ha!!
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