Crossroads Talk

Just a reminder...

2007-08-08T05:46:00.000-07:00

I ain't blogging at this address any more.....

Go to www.crossroadstalk.wordpress.com or just click here!

We have moved.....

2007-08-06T15:45:00.000-07:00

We are officially gone from here.....

You can now check me out at www.crossroadstalk.wordpress.com

Make sure and sign up so you get the updates.

I am one happy dude now.....

Change is coming

2007-07-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Don't think I've quit blogging....I am in the process of changing over to a new blog.

It's going to take me a little while, I am not to good at the tech stuff.

Sunset Resturant

2007-07-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

I usually don't eat at Sunset for lunch. The food is just so good that I eat so much and it just makes me sleepy (can anyone relate?).

But today Chris and I gave it a go and we were there when they opened the door (along with all the senior citizens).

I have to tell you, the food there is the best!

Busy Summer

2007-07-24T13:33:00.000-07:00

For most church people (people in ministry) the summer is a time of doing nothing. They really just want to concede that everything is going to be off (attendance and commitments) and so they just give up.

I decided during the spring that I wasn't going to give in to that line of thinking and I started praying for God to do something different. He did!! He really did!!

So needless to say I am running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get caught up. That should happen this week. I really think God is laughing.

Be careful what you pray for!!!!!

A little catching up...

2007-07-19T14:21:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday was probably one of the most memorable in the short history of Crossroads.

You guys stepped up in a big way. About forty of you made the commitment to get in the game and partner with others in what God is doing right here at Crossroads. Many more of you still have the strategic service cards and are praying about what role you are going to fill.

We had two great services and this summer has been better than we ever could have expected. God is so good!!!!

We are looking for great things in the coming days. I hope to get more blogged in here tonight or tomorrow.

Ok, Ok!

2007-07-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

Yes I have to admit that I am still running behind.

For you Crossroad people you know what that means (busy, busy, busy). I am going to do the best I can to get some of the happenings up to date as soon as possible.

I'm off to Nashville today (trying to beat the President before he screws up traffic) and then I will be back in Lebanon later and hopefully get caught up.

Have a great day!

Yes, Yes

2007-07-18T05:41:00.000-07:00

Ok, I realize that some of you think I have fallen off the face of the earth but that simply is just not the case.

Look for me to try to get caught up with all that's been going on later today.

Life is good....God is great!

Special Announcement!!!!!

2007-07-14T10:39:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, we have a family in our church that needs our prayers.

Seth & Lisa Lowrey's son Kambryn (4 yr old) has been diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma. We are asking you to pray for this family, that God would give them strength and direction in every decision they will make in the coming days and weeks. Pray for the doctors and medical personnel who will be treating Kambryn. Pray that the cancer will not spread and that he will be cancer free.

We will be putting together a basket for this family on Sunday 07/15 and we would like for you to bring items to put in the basket. Items such as goodies, snacks, crayons for their other children as well as Kambryn, pens, paper...any type of items that will come in handy as they are dealing with this change in their life and schedule.

I would also suggest gift cards to local resturants and stores such as Walmart.

Thanks for your help and being part of the greatest thing on earth....the local church.

Weekend Reflections

2007-07-10T11:49:00.001-07:00

This past weekend we finished our series on "Intimacy with God." I can hardly believe that we took nine weeks to "git r done." The truth is I could have gone on about four or five more but I felt like it was a great time to take a break. We will pick up on this later.

It has been really encouraging for me to hear from you guys some of the changes that you have been making to help improve the intimate relationship you have with your Heavenly Father. That's what its all about.

Thanks for continuing to invite people. The stories are amazing......just remember we need you to invest in the lives of those around you and one of the ways you can do that is by building a relationship and then inviting them to Crossroads. It's a safe place.

New look

2007-07-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Hey, check out the new look....it's a temporary change.

Summer is over!!!

2007-07-05T13:18:00.000-07:00

Well not really, but when I was younger it always seemed like once the 4th of July was here that summer was about to be over.

The truth is that is the way it seems. Time seems to have this amazing way of getting by all of us so quickly.

Doesn't school start in just a few weeks? Maybe summer is about over, oh well!

Have a great July 4th!!

2007-07-04T07:37:00.000-07:00

(Take the time and read this. I thought it was worth sharing)

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the American flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of our flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of our belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing our ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of our country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.

The 6th fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that We pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States Of America, and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding us of our nations motto, "In God We Trust."

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges and freedoms we enjoy today.

Hey, Hey, Hey!!!!

2007-07-02T13:30:00.000-07:00

Check out the entry from Monday 07/02 in the CrossBlog!!!

Where I'm reading today....

2007-07-02T13:12:00.000-07:00

Still on the journey in the book of Luke.

Chapter 20

-With religious people its all about credentials.
-Jesus was always turning the tables on the people that were trying to trip him up. (I love it)
-Public opinion affected people in Jesus day just like it does now.
-After we (believers) die all of our focus will be on God.
-Jesus was constantly warning people about the "religious."

Chapter 21

-Many times we give what we want miss instead of giving our all.
-We don't have anything to worry about, Jesus has got us covered.
-The Word will last forever-everything else is going to wear out.
-The things of this world will distract us if we let them.

Weekend Reflections

2007-07-02T13:06:00.000-07:00

Well it has to be said, "I realize that I am not in control."

That's right. I know it may come as a surprise to some of you and yesterday was proof.
The attendance for this past weekend stunned me. With a holiday in the mix I didn't really figure we'd see many people and once again I was wrong.

I love not being in control.

Has it come to this?

2007-06-30T10:13:00.000-07:00

Man, I am so glad to see the rain we've had the last couple of days I just had to blog about it!

Send some more!!!!

Today's reading.......

2007-06-29T07:45:00.000-07:00

I'm still cruising through the book of Luke, that's Dr. Luke if you know what I mean. (sounds like he should of been on Days of our Lives)

Luke 18

-Prayer should be a way of life not just something you do at a certain time of day.
-Never give up.
-Religious people: it's not about the religion, its about the relationship.
-Being like a child makes a difference.
-Are we willing to give it all up to follow Jesus? Really give it up?
-Faith: the ability to see it!!!

Luke 19

-Jesus is always dealing with tax men. (seems like I do too)
-All kinds of people wanted to see Jesus. (even the short guys)
-Jesus always wants to visit us, to be with us.
-Are we willing to take a risk for the sake of the kingdom?
-Jesus wasn't some sweet talking push over. He could break bad when he needed to.

I'm whacked...

2007-06-29T07:42:00.000-07:00

Yeah, this has been a busy, busy week in the church world and I am beginning to feel the effects.

We had a great first meeting of potential "community group" leaders last night. People seem really excited to get this "party started." If you are interested in being a group leader and you didn't get to make last nights meeting, let me know.

You can email me at randy@crossroadslebanon.com.

Cracker Barrel still rocks!

2007-06-28T14:09:00.001-07:00

BBQ, corn and green beans with corn bread and cool glass of water.

Is it any better than that?

Ate at the CB in Whitehouse, TN today! (I think George W. and Laura were out of town)

Where I'm reading today......

2007-06-28T14:04:00.001-07:00

Today was tough.....isn't it amazing how it is easy to push aside our time with God? Remember, if it's not on the schedule...it ain't happening!

Luke 16

-Adversity happens, make the most of it.
-You're not getting away with anything.
-What's more important?
-It doesn't matter how the world looks at you.
-God uses many things to prove His love for us.

Luke 17

-Set a great example.
-Forgive, forgive-it's worth it!
-Faith, you just gotta love it! A little goes a long way.
-Jesus always met people at the point of their need.
-Are you grateful for what God is doing in your life?
-As T.D. Jakes says, "get ready, get ready, get ready."

Community Group Meeting Tonight at Crossroads

2007-06-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hey, don't forget tonights meeting 7 p.m. at the church.

See ya then!

Here's where I'm reading.......today!

2007-06-27T04:47:00.000-07:00

Luke 14

-Jesus can tell the most amazing stories
-One of the things that Jesus loves doing is giving the religious people a hard time
-Don't try to be somebody else, just be yourself
-Make time for God
-There is a cost to following Jesus. Are we willing to pay it?

Luke 15

-Jesus loves hanging around with people who had bad reputations (thank goodness!)
-Jesus tells three stories to emphasize the value of those who are lost (do you think the church will ever get it?)

Listen to this....

2007-06-26T13:29:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that someone actually stole some of the flowers out of our flower pots at the church? They did......man if you got the kahona's to do that I don't want to be standing beside you in a storm.

Flower thief!!!!!!

Why did you get so tore up?

2007-06-26T10:48:00.000-07:00

I guess some of you have been wondering why it was so emotional for me to read from my journal on Sunday.

If you remember I said that when you take the time to write things down, you are basically recording the activity of God in your life. When you make a record of the things that are going on in your life on a daily, weekly or monthly basis and then you pull that record out a few years later and read it....it will blow your mind.

That's why I think you should do it. Yes it takes time and sometimes its a little inconvenient, but it is well worth your effort.

Now you know. And trust me, if you do it, it will be the same for you. Guarantee!

Here's where I'm reading....

2007-06-26T07:20:00.000-07:00

I'm working myself through the Gospels right now.

Today I am in the book of Luke. You just can't read the Gospels too many times if you really want to know about the life of Jesus.

Read on people......and then write.

More later.

Weekend Reflections

2007-06-25T09:35:00.000-07:00

Hopefully you guys were in attendance this past weekend, but the truth is that a whole lot of you probably weren't.

I think the vacation monster had finally reared it's ugly head because it seemed that there were a bunch of people gone. Once again the visitors picked up a good bit of the slack and we came out with a fairly decent Sunday.

The notes from yesterdays service have been posted on the Crossroads website. If you want you can just click here and it will take you there.

Take a few minutes and either print those off or write them down and stick them in your Bible for future reference.

Keep your eyes on the website as we are adding some new features. Just last week we added the CrossBlog which will keep you in the know with news and events. You need to check back daily as we will be posting information about all different ministries and happenings around Crossroads.

Have a great week and for those of you on vacation, ENJOY! (but get your tail back)

Usless info for your weekend

2007-06-22T13:10:00.000-07:00

Reindeer eat moss to keep warm.

African elephants only have four teeth to chew their food with.

The Barbie doll was invented in 1959 by Ruth Handler (co-founder of Mattel), whose own daughter was called Barbara.

Ever wonder?

2007-06-22T09:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered if God really knew what He was doing?

Well let me tell you, sometimes I do. Yeah, that's right. Sometimes even little old me gets to really questioning God and asking Him does He know what the heck is happening. And the truth is I am in one of those situations right now. I mean I am looking at what's happening and I am saying, "God this doesn't make any sense. What the heck are you doing to me?"

But one thing I know is true. When we get down the road a little bit and look back we usually can see that God knew exactly what He was doing.

I didn't write this post to say this, but this Sunday I am going to share a little bit about how you can be sure and follow God's hand in your life.

Oh well, back to work......and, "hey God.....how's this gonna work out?"

We got it goin on!

2007-06-21T15:11:00.000-07:00

Keep your eyes on Crossroads the next few weeks!!!!

We got some stuff about to hit the fan! (in a good way)

The funk

2007-06-21T06:59:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I said, "funk."

Isn't it amazing how some days you get up and you just find yourself totally out of the zone and in the funk....I mean when I went to bed it was all good! What happened?

Maybe a few hours of intense study will shake it off.

A big thanks

2007-06-20T14:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just wanted to say a big "thank you" to all of you men and women who pitched in this past Saturday to make the work day a big success.

We had people of all ages show up on Saturday and do an amazing day of work at our building. (and some of you have got the poison ivy to prove it) In addition to those that showed up, some others donated materials and money to help buy the refreshments and lunch.

Thanks to all of you!

It's people like you guys that make Crossroads the great place that it is!

What a change!

2007-06-19T13:09:00.001-07:00

Man, am I glad to see some rain....hard to believe that its been so long since we have actually seen any measurable water coming from above.

Weekend Reflections

2007-06-18T15:24:00.001-07:00

Wow! What a weekend...

The truth is that when my butt hit the bed last night I was dead. Why you ask?

Well just in case you didn't know, we had our first official work day at Crossroads this past Saturday. We asked people to come and bring their tools (toys for the guys) and be ready to get down and dirty doing all the things that needed to be done around our facility. We ended up with around 25 people who took the time out of their summer and their weekend to see that our building looked the best that it could. And man did they all do a great job!

We finished around 2 p.m. (after consuming lots of donuts, orange juice, water, drinks and about 10 large pizzas) and we got just about everything on our list done.

It looks great!

Then Sunday rolled around and I didn't know if I was going to have the energy to walk up on the stage....but I made it, two times to be exact. The crowds were great and we ended up with probably two of the best services we have had so far.

Then last night I went out with my family to J. Alexanders and had a little fathers day dinner. Now here's the real bummer to this story...I ordered the steak (since someone else was paying) and I could only eat half of it so I asked the waiter to get me a to go box which he did. Then I walked out and left the darn thing on the table.
I have been sick ever since! Oh well, it was a great day and Crossroads is the place to be!

We have a lot to be looking forward too....and some great stuff coming later this summer and this fall! You are gonna love it!

Useless info for your weekend...

2007-06-15T11:43:00.000-07:00

Baker's Dozen

A regular dozen is twelve, but a baker's dozen is 13. Years ago in England there were strict penalties for those who gave short weight. During this era Bakers were usually not educated and terrible counters. So to avoid any penalties, the bakers would give 13 instead of 12 for a dozen, just in case they miscalculated.

Chip on his Shoulder

This idiom simply means to carry a grudge. It dates back to the 19th century. Fighters would put a chip on their shoulder and dare others to knock it off.

Looking forward to tomorrow...

2007-06-15T09:50:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we have our big work day!

For those of you who may be worried you can rest easy. We have donuts for you when you get there along with juice and coffee and we have tons of drinks and then for lunch we are gonna do pizza!

Yep, we're taking care of you.

See you bright and early on Saturday and if you are one of those people who didn't know if they could come and now you realize you can, come on!

Summer Don't have to be a bummer...

2007-06-13T13:21:00.000-07:00

I just love summer!

And when I think about summer I think about putting on the shorts and flip flops and just taking it easy. Which is what a lot of you guys are doing even as I type this.

Well at Crossroads this summer we have decided to keep it a little on the exciting side. It seems that at many churches they just want to take the summer off and you really can't plan on going to their place and see anything exciting. Well that is certainly not the case at Crossroads.

We have a slate full of events for the summer and we don't want you to miss out on a thing, so make sure and be there every chance you get this summer. Oh by the way, we have some really exciting things planned for the fall.

Stay tuned......

I finally did it...

2007-06-13T08:29:00.000-07:00

And I will tell you about it later....don't you love suspense.

Reminder of upcoming workday

2007-06-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

This Saturday, June 16th we will be having our first workday.

We will start promptly at 8 a.m. and we will work till sometime after lunch. And speaking of lunch, we will be picking up the tab for lunch as well as water and other drinks.

Wear some old clothes and we hope to see you on Saturday.

(Don't forget to bring your weed eaters, gloves, dynamite etc.)

Sunday's 06/10/07 Starbucks Gift Card Winner

2007-06-11T07:54:00.000-07:00

The winner for Sunday was Judy White!

Congrats to Judy......see what happens when you fill out those little tear offs.

Reflections on Sunday

2007-06-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

We can truly tell that summer is here.

Many of you are enjoying time with family and friends and I couldn't be happier for you. That brings us to yesterday. We had really good crowds at both services and I have to admit that when I looked out at the faces there were a lot of you guys who were missing.....and I mean a whole bunch of you were gone. The bright spot is that there were a bunch of new faces in the crowd, that help make up the difference.

You are probably going to hear it a bunch....we look forward to having you regulars back and we welcome all of you guys who were visiting.

It was a great day!

Just a little more useless info.....

2007-06-08T14:47:00.001-07:00

Aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosnt mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter
by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Useless info for your weekend....

2007-06-08T14:45:00.001-07:00

A snail can crawl over the edge of a razor without cutting itself.

This Sunday

2007-06-08T12:41:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our look at one of our three vital relationships, "intimacy with God."

This week we are diving into an area that seemed really important to Jesus.

Make sure and be there this Sunday and bring a friend.

When Jesus Arrived...

2007-06-07T13:28:00.000-07:00

He described God as a "shepherd looking for a sheep" as a "woman looking for a coin" as a "father looking for a lost son."

If that's the way Jesus described God then why does the church (that's us) forget those outside its walls and turn inward so quickly?

Just something to think about....

Starbucks Card Winners

2007-06-07T13:25:00.000-07:00

Here's a list of the card winners and the weeks you won. The cards have been mailed to your home address and you should receive them shortly.

05/06/07 Sarah Yancey
05/13/07 Teresa Lemmons
05/20/07 Tina Johnson
05/27/07 Milton and Vickie Sledge
06/03/07 Kate Lovelace

I'm bringing it back out...

2007-06-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

That's right!

I will be bringing out the slamin' and jamin' whip here in the next few days. You probably won't know me until I pull up and you say, "man, where'd he get that whip?"

Just wait, it's about to happen! That's the way I roll!

Work Day Coming Up

2007-06-04T08:31:00.001-07:00

We are planning a work day at the church on June 16th and we are going to need everyone's help.

If you can paint, wipe, clean or do anything please make sure and let us know. We will be posting more info about this day on this blog and on the website.

You can also email us and let us know of your willingness to help. Email info@crossroadslebanon.com.

Thanks

Sunday June 3rd

2007-06-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

Another good day....and for those of you who were there and you were looking for the info that I suggested you should write down, click this link and you can get it!

We are in serious need of some rain...

2007-06-02T09:48:00.000-07:00

I am sitting in my office looking out at this somewhat overcast day and I just thought to myself, "how long has it been since we have had any significant rain?"

This week things have really started to turn brown and the lack of rain is starting to show everywhere.

Maybe that will change in the next few days......

Useless info for your weekend!

2007-06-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Common water strider's, the mosquito-like bugs that skim the surface of streams and ponds, don't sink because of the hairs on their legs.

(that's why I don't shave my legs)

I try not to get to preachy.....

2007-05-31T15:40:00.000-07:00

But it amazes me that when things seem to really be going good, the old enemy is out there raising his ugly goat smelling butt, trying to cause me trouble!

He takes on many disguises, but the truth is the truth....."he is a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour."

Get behind me you old goat smelling jerk!

I'm a regular schedule kind of guy

2007-05-31T15:36:00.002-07:00

I know that most of you just love the holidays and so do I for the most part.

The problem for me gets to be that when you take that day off as we did on Monday, it just seems to compound all the work for the rest of the week. I have been playing catch up all week.

That's why I tend to just love the same routine schedule. It just seems to work so well and their are a lot less headaches.

And we're up again....

2007-05-31T15:36:00.001-07:00

Website is back up and going.....gotta love technology.

And then it's down again

2007-05-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

oh well, still having server problems with the Crossroads website.

Be patient my little pretty!!!!! (Wizard of Oz talk there)

Back up and running

2007-05-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

The Crossroads website is back up and running.....

Just in case you wondered

2007-05-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

The Crossroads website was down for most of the day......should be back up in a few hours.

Summer is officially here....

2007-05-29T08:12:00.000-07:00

Ok, for most of you guys summer is officially here.

You already have most of it planned and I am sure that it includes some great trips. I spent Memorial Day with some people who are going to be headed to Hawaii later this week (must be nice).

I would love for some of you to post your summer plans. You don't have to leave your name, just let me know what kind of neat things your going to be doing between Sundays. You can post it as a comment on this blog.

Have a good week!

Monday....

2007-05-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

I just happen to be sitting in the office this morning trying to keep up with all that's going on around Crossroads.

We had a great couple of services yesterday.....I am always amazed at how God seems to show up on days that I know are going to be a little off (because of the holiday).

Many of you made the decision yesterday to get something out of the way that had been the "barrier" between you and God. Some of you went as far as going down to the front and you just said, "God, I am going to lay it down right here and I am getting it out of the way, because there is nothing I want more than to have an intimate relationship with you." Amazing!

God is good.....have a great day!

Have A Great Weekend!

2007-05-25T09:11:00.000-07:00

The weekend weather is going to be great and we hope you have guys really have a great time with friends and family.

With all that you have going on, we hope you try to make to one of our services this Sunday!

Peace like hair grease!

Heads Up!

2007-05-25T09:06:00.000-07:00

Hey, I just wanted to let you guys know that the entrance to Crossroads has moved over about 50 feet from where you use to come in.

The Mill Street entrance has been turned into a dead end street so that means that you will now have to enter through the "main" Mill entrance and snake your way back to our area.

We hope to have the North Greenwood entrance paved and open sometime during the summer.

Thanks!

Just in case you were to be on Jeopardy

2007-05-24T12:37:00.000-07:00

Do you know what Wilma Flinstone's maden name is?

It would be.....Slahoopal!

Why did I say that?

2007-05-23T07:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had some words come out of your mouth and you go, "where in the heck did that come from?" It happens to me more than I like to admit and the truth is that it probably happens to all of us more than we would like to admit.

Behind everything we say there is something going on and its usually going on in our hearts. Matthew 12:34 says that "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." The truth is that what is in the heart will always come out....and it amazes me what I find in my heart sometimes.

I think it always pays to look at what we've allowed to creep into our hearts and you will always be able to tell what's in there by what is coming out!

Randy's over used words....

2007-05-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

amazed
unbelievable
freakin
idiot
amazing
off the hook
jacked up
screwed (I know)
far out
fantastic

(I will add more as they come to mind)

It's time to change the bulbs.......

2007-05-22T14:14:00.000-07:00

Because this will give you a bad name!

It's time for you to get in the game!

2007-05-22T13:13:00.000-07:00

Crossroads has been going for about six months now and some of you have jumped in and helped from the beginning, but others of you have just been sitting in the stands and you're just watching the game.

The truth of the matter is now is the time for you to take the walk, walk right out of those bleachers and get yourself into the game that God has been nudging you into by His Spirit. You know He's been telling you, but you just sit there waiting for someone else to keep doing it.

There is no way that we can do what God has called Crossroads to do with you sitting in the stands.

Come on and get in the game!

Nothing Like a Free Lunch

2007-05-22T12:07:00.001-07:00

Hey, I think its too late for you to go now, but Gibbs Pharmacy was having a Grand Opening today and they were offering free grilled burgers and dogs. If you didn't have the opportunity today to make it I would sure encourage you to stop by and check out their new diggs....it's really nice and as most of you know we at Crossroads are really into cool environments and they have a really cool place.

Check it out! and spend a little money with those guys.

Yesterday

2007-05-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

I continue to be amazed at what God is doing at Crossroads.

We had two really good services yesterday and as one person made the comment, "there was really a spirit of worship there."

Thanks to our great musicians.....you guys do a great job and it was good to have Milton Sledge filling in (I guess that's the way you say it) at percussion, it made such a difference and I have had some really good feedback.

Thanks for all you guys do!

This Weekend

2007-05-18T14:44:00.000-07:00

We are continuing our look at one of the three vital relationships this weekend.

"Intimacy with God" is the first of the three vital relationships that we believe that every believer should have. Last Sunday we started looking into this most important relationship and we will pick back up on it this Sunday morning. It promises to be a great day!

For those of you who have middle and High School students, please remember that they the middle school (xtreme) will meet during the 11 a.m. service and the high school (InsideOut) meets on Sunday night at the church at 6 p.m. Please help us get the word out about the start of these new ministries.

You might try this...

2007-05-18T09:59:00.001-07:00

If you are interested in reading this blog (I wonder about you then!) and you don't like looking it up every day, then you can scroll down and enter your email address in that little box and then you will receive the things I post in your email....how in the heck do you like that!

It may save you a little time....remember I am here not to be served, but to serve!

Here's a great salad!

2007-05-18T09:17:00.001-07:00

Go to Subway and order the Club Salad....tell them to leave off the Roast Beef and add a little extra turkey. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, a little spinach (without e-coli) and top it off with pepper jack cheese.

Do not add any dressing, just a little oil and a heck of a lot of vinegar. Tell them to sprinkle sale, pepper, and oregano on the top. Drink a glass of water and you will enjoy being full without all the blah feeling.

It's really good!

(if you get really bad diarrhea that means you forgot to ask for the spinach without the e-coli)

Try This

2007-05-18T07:02:00.000-07:00

Grab your Bible, which I know you all do every morning! Flip over in the New Testament to the book of First Timothy and read it all the way through. When you run into the name "Timothy" substitute your own name. This is so, so powerful, try it. (I got this idea from a friend who advised me to do it....man, it was great)

I've been catching it...

2007-05-16T09:45:00.000-07:00

Grief that is. For the last few months I have really been taking some heat for carrying my "man bag."

I always have so much stuff to carry around that I found this great leather bag that enabled me to keep the things I needed with me organized. So immediately after I started carrying it, I caught heck from a bunch of you, but the tides are turning.

Several of my friends have also jumped on board and now have their own "man bag."

The truth is, I just love mine....and it matches my shoes!!!!!

Great Start

2007-05-16T09:43:00.000-07:00

We had a great start this past Sunday to a new series where we are looking at one of the three vital relationships that we believe every believer should have, "intimacy with God."

Thanks to all of you guys who have already given me some very positive feedback, its always great to know that you are working on applying God's word to your lives.

Have a great week!

It's late on Friday

2007-05-11T15:49:00.000-07:00

And I am still sitting in the office getting ready for Sunday.

The rain is starting to hit the window and I am thinking how much we really are needing this rain. Here in the big city it has been a pretty dry spring and we need a few days of some good soaking rain to try to get us caught up.

I just can't stand it when the ground gets dry and the plants all start looking fatigued....oh well, you can tell I am bored.

Shout Out to all you Mom's!

2007-05-11T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hey, Mothers Day is coming this Sunday and I want to take this opportunity to say a big thanks to all the mothers out there....we appreciate you every day, not just one day a year!

Friday looking to Sunday

2007-05-11T06:56:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we're going to start looking at one of the three vital relationships that we believe is important in the life of every believer, "intimacy with God."

I am really hoping that you guys will try to make it to one of the two services and that you will take the time to invite someone. If you would like to invite them using email, just go to our website and use the evite and it will send them a personal email invitation from you.

Have a great day and we hope to see you Sunday!

Prayer Request

2007-05-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys....be praying for all of our students as many of them will be starting their final exams.

I have to tell you....

2007-05-08T15:13:00.000-07:00

I am loving being Lead Pastor at Crossroads!

These are amazingly exciting times and you guys are some of the best people I know. God is going to use all of you in amazing ways!

Listen...be open...He has some great things waiting!!

Student Ministry

2007-05-07T15:46:00.000-07:00

Our Student ministry got a great kick off this past weekend.

xtreme, our ministry for middle school students met during the 11 a.m. service and InsideOut, our high school ministry met on Sunday night in the main auditorium at 6 p.m.

We invite you to help us get the word out....we are starting off small, but we intend to grow this baby!

Whatever you call it?

2007-05-07T15:39:00.000-07:00

Some people (sticks in the mud) have made the comment that the services at Crossroads were just entertainment......well I guess I have to say something to you, "Do you know the definition of entertain or entertainment?"

It means to "keep, hold or maintain attention" and if you're using that definition then you are exactly right! What in the heck do you think Jesus did when he told stories? He got and held peoples attention! Give me a break.....

People are coming to know Christ at Crossroads and some people just want to complain. I'm just glad that God has given us a vision bigger than I can explain. If you don't like it, talk to God!

We're having fun!

What a weekend!

2007-05-07T15:33:00.000-07:00

Well as most of you know I had one of my daughters graduate from MTSU this past weekend. Needless to say, it was a very busy weekend.

After the graduation we had family over to do the cookout thing. It's funny now how that since I have to speak on Sunday I like for Saturday to be a little lower key...not! The past two weekends have both been packed with things personally and with church stuff.

Today I find myself totally spent.....time to get ready for next Sunday!

Another milestone!

2007-05-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

We have a daughter graduating from college this weekend.

It is hard to believe that I am 39 and already have one graduating from college.....

Coming this Sunday

2007-05-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

This Sunday we will be winding up the teaching we started last week. In case you weren't there we were focusing on how God could and would allow something like the events that happened at Virginia Tech.

Make sure and be there this weekend as we finish it all up! It's gonna be good!

Focus

2007-05-03T12:02:00.000-07:00

I remember as a kid using a magnifying glass to take the sun light and focusing it on a piece of paper and after a few seconds the paper would start smoking and before long you would have a flame.

Focus is huge! If you really plan on having any impact at what your doing then you need to be focused on exactly what that is.

Crossroads has no problem with focus, but I must admit that every day we have to make sure and keep the main thing the main thing. There is always someone that is wanting you to do what they want and what they think and very quickly you can loose your focus.

The challenge is to just keep focused. We say it this way when we talk about the leadership at Crossroads, "we keep one eye on our effectiveness, and the other on the next step God seems to be showing us."

We stay focused!

Certain people

2007-05-02T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have been amazed over the past several months how people that don't even attend Crossroads have helped us.

Sometimes its just really hard to get your arms around what God can do through each of us if we will just let him.

A special thanks to you people.....you know who you are!

Just a reminder

2007-05-02T15:10:00.000-07:00

We are going to be scheduling a work day on one of the Saturdays later this month or early next month. Please try to keep that in mind, we are going to need some help from everyone!

I have something to say......

2007-05-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

Thanks!

Sunday Reflecting

2007-05-02T06:28:00.000-07:00

I just now realized that it's flippin' Wednesday and I haven't even made an entry here since last week.

We had a great day on Sunday. The crowd was down a little in both services but I think that everybody enjoyed having Adam Cunningham fill in for Mike (our guitar dropping worship leader). Adam and his band did a great job and it is always encouraging to see other people using their gifts.

Sunday also brought us some new people visiting. Being all new and stuff, we get a lot of tire kickers. The good thing is that most of them are coming back.

Tonight!

2007-04-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Don't forget that tonight is the "Grill Out, Chill Out and Know Out" for our Student Ministry. It is taking place at the Freels house at 692 Holt Road, that's the road just beside Friendship Christian School and it starts at 6 p.m. and runs until 8 p.m.

Have Fun!

I just love Crossroads

2007-04-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

And one of the reasons I love it so much is the simple fact that God has given us a very clear vision. You have heard me say many times that the vision for Crossroads became really clear a little over three years ago, and I mean really clear.

We took the time between then and now and started putting that vision into action. Here's the really cool thing. Some of you are really getting it! Yeah, that's right, some of you are really starting to catch on and feel the momentum that we have. That's the reason I love Crossroads......God made it clear and we are moving on. Now no one said it would be easy, we knew it would be exactly the opposite and that is proving true also, but we have already experienced great days and the best are still ahead of us.

If you can't line up with the vision that God has given Crossroads that's alright too. Just find a great place that you can line up with the leadership and get involved. We need to win people to Jesus.

See ya!

Just a thought

2007-04-28T06:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought that after a while the church kind of seems like a club?

I mean think about it, it's like the people that are inside know all the rules and the little things that they have to do but the people who visit come in and it all seems so foreign to them. They don't know when to sit or when to stand, they don't know what to say or do and they surely can't speak the churchy church talk.

I am so amazed at how the church builds walls instead of bridges. If you look at what Jesus said in Luke 15 when he speaks about the lost sheep. He doesn't put all of His effort into the 99 that he already has, he puts into finding the lost sheep.

We need to be concerned about those who are lost. That's what the great commission is all about isn't it?

Have we got a suprise for you!

2007-04-24T07:31:00.000-07:00

Just be there this coming Sunday (04/29/07).......

Did you miss yesterday?

2007-04-23T07:49:00.000-07:00

If you missed yesterday at Crossroads, then you missed it! What did I miss you ask? You missed a great service where we featured our great vocalists and musicians. Man, those were a couple of great services!

Crossroads is indeed honored and blessed to have such great talent and yesterday we took both services and allowed them to share with us their amazing talent and the great thing that God is doing in each of their lives. And it was truly unbelievable!

Thanks for a great day!

Prayer for VT

2007-04-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Heavenly Father,

Our heart breaks for all the victims and families involved in the tragedy. We pray that You will make Yourself known to all who are grieving. May your presence comfort those who mourn. We pray for the leaders of the school, the police, the doctors, the students, the wounded, the community, and the extended family members. God use the churches and believers to somehow minister to all the broken people. We pray that people would turn to you, oh God. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

(you may add your prayer in the comments section)

Work Day Coming

2007-04-21T10:39:00.000-07:00

We are going to be scheduling a work day at the church in the next few weeks. We will be doing some general cleaning inside and some work outside. If you would be willing to help, please let us know.

Saturday Soccer

2007-04-21T10:37:00.000-07:00

Alex my son plays soccer in the city league, so we spend Saturdays at the soccer field.

I was really excited to see and hear from so many of you today. Your excitement about Crossroads is really contagious. Continue to get the word out!

Student Ministry

2007-04-21T10:32:00.000-07:00

Hey, most of you guys know that we brought Chris Arnold on staff to head up our Student Ministry. Chris is already doing a great job and he really hasn't even got started yet. Here's what we need for you to do.

We really need to start getting the word out about our Student Ministry. Chris already has some great things planned and we are already talking about things that are going to be happening next year. Several of the churches in our area are reeling from the lack of direction in this area, please help us get the word out and we are also going to need some of you to give more and volunteer more to make sure that we pull off the very best Student Ministry we can.

Great days are ahead...just make sure you are a part of it!

This Sunday...

2007-04-20T08:02:00.000-07:00

We are going to be doing something a little different this Sunday.

Make sure and be there........and bring someone with you too!

Great Quote

2007-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

I heard a great quote yesterday from good old Sponge Bob. He was talking to Mr. Crabb when he said, "You can take care of anything with a little hard work."

So there you go, take it from Sponge Bob!