So...Why Did God Choose to Start with the Shepherds???

Have you ever wondered why God had the angel start with the shepherds with the birth announcement of Jesus?

I believe one of the reasons is the laid-back life style of a shepherd, which in this case meant receptive hearts that were ready to receive the message and were excited to go and tell others about it!

Can you imagine if God had the angel make the announcement today? What if the angel had to bring his good news of great joy to one of us? Other than being freaked out by the scary angel, are we in a place where we would hear him...especially at this, most wonderful time...of the year? The chief priests helped the wise men find Jesus, yet felt no compulsion to follow them.

I'll be delving deeper into this topic this coming Sunday evening, during our 5:30pm service.

Luke 2:15, "When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about."

Funny Questions

Call it lack of curiosity, but I really don't care why the chicken crossed the road...

But I am curious about other things. I've heard people say that they have a list of questions for God when they get to heaven. Usually they start out with, "Why did you allow...?"

But that doesn't describe my questions...No, I have questions about things that I read in scripture. No, not, "Where did Cain get his wife?"

My questions are more about wanting to know whether or not there were things said in between some of the sentences in Scripture...

I'll put a big red question mark where I would like to ask God if any further words were said...

Numbers 22:28 - Then the Lord opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?" ? 29-Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now."

One more...
Hosea 1:1-3, "The Word of the Lord that came to Hosea..."Go, take to yourself an adulterous wife and children of unfaithfulness, because the land is guilty of the vilest adultery in departing from the Lord." ? 3-So he married Gomer..."

Does anyone else out there have any???

ANCIENT WORDS

This Sunday in our 8:30am Contemporary Service, we will begin our series for the month of December,

"Ancient Words".

Who would you say guides you in your life decisions?

Oprah?

Dr. Phil?

You?

There's a MUCH better place to go to for help in making life decisions (hopefully we will listen to God better than the Israelites did, as you notice the last line):

Jeremiah 6:16 {NIV} - This is what the Lord says:

"Stand at the crossroads and look;

Ask for the ancient paths,

Ask where the good way is and walk in it.

And there you will find rest for your souls.

But you said, "We will not walk in it."

Psalm 119:152, Long ago I learned from Your statutes that you established them to last FOREVER.

LOOK WHO CAME TO OUR CHURCH!!!

John 11:43-44,

...Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face.

Matthew Short played the role of Lazarus to critical acclaim in our 8:30am Contemporary Service, and Tyler Leming in our 10:30am Traditional Service. THANK YOU GUYS! I truly believe people were shocked, almost as shocked as the friends and family of Lazarus...

The Luce Family is Coming to Faith Christian Assembly!

We are so excited that Pastor Dennis Luce, Nicole and their precious children are going to be with us this Sunday in our Contemporary Service at 8:30am and at our Traditional Service at 10:30am. Dennis has a very unique and down to earth style of sharing the gospel. Join us!

Martha's Vineyard 5K

Here's one of the few pictures of me on our trip. I much prefer to take the shots than be in them. But I'm usually happy to pose for a race.

Sadly, this is the only race I've run so far this year. (Other than the one I'm trying to run with perseverance, that is) But views of the Atlantic and the lighthouses were incredible. I couldn't believe how beautiful Martha's Vineyard was.

Hebrews 12:1 - Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

I Went to Harvard

This is my new quote, "I went to Harvard". Think anyone will believe me? I even have the t-shirt to prove it!

Lexington, MASS

This is the very spot in Lexington, Massachusetts where the "shot heard 'round the world" was fired that begin the American Revolution. This town was so very rich with history. Much civilian blood was shed on these grounds. A bunch of farmers showed up to take a stand against the British Redcoats. Sadly, they were fired upon, and the only weapons most of the farmer's had were muskets, which didn't do much. It was awesome to walk around the town and think about these brave men.

Throughout New England there are beautiful trees with white steeples in between. I JUST loved seeing that! We saw Paul Revere's home as well as the North Church where the "one if by land, two if by sea" lanterns were hung.

Isn't it strange that the older we get, the more we appreciate American history?

Lazy Lobster

If only I could have everyone who reads my blog over to my house to give you one of those 'this is what I did on vacation' slide shows. Oh well, I guess that's what blogging is for, isn't it? So, please forgive me, but I wanted to share a few more of our New England pictures with you. Evidently we brought New England good luck...I think we are personally to thank for the Red Socks World Series win!

We went to this place while we were in Maine called, Mabel's Lobster Claw. We found out while we were there that President Bush and Barbara have eaten there. It was delicious. But we ordered what was called, lazy lobster. We were a little panicked about cracking our own. We found Kennebunkport to be one of our favorite little towns. And we were absolutely giddy to see our first shots of the Atlantic ocean.

Do You See Anything?

This was the question Jesus asked the blind man from Bethsaida, who Jesus touched. His response was,

"I see people, they look like trees walking around."
This is what I'll be speaking about this coming Sunday morning in our 8:30am Contemporary Service as well as our 10:30am Traditional Service.

It's so cool when you read through the scriptures to see that Jesus was never predictable. He didn't tie himself to a method. He did not heal by rote.

I believe Jesus is asking us the same question, spiritually. Do you see anything? What is our answer? Are we going to walk away from Jesus, content to continue seeing "people looking like trees walking around"? Or are we going to keep standing in front of Jesus until He touches us so we can see clearly?

I invite you to come and be a part of one of our services this Sunday. It may even improve your vision! :-)

HAPPY OCTOBER 31st!

I realize there's a great debate out there among Christians about whether or not to "celebrate" Halloween. Many believe the answer is to have their houses go dark and refuse to give out candy. Hmmmm...I haven't heard of anyone coming to Christ when the Christians stay in their houses, but I digress....

A better way, is what my friend Roberta does. See, she realizes that this is the only day of the entire year, that so many people from the neighborhood are coming to her house! So, she makes Chili. Chili? You say. YES! She sets out a bunch of chairs and makes a big pot of delicious chili, and invites the neighbors over to enjoy it together. She got some strange looks the first year...but people came anyway. Now, they just expect it. This year, unavoidably, she isn't able to do it. And she is very sad about it. So, I thought a great way to help her with this is to invite anyone who reads this to make some chili in your neck of the woods! God can use times of even casual conversation for His eternal purposes!

WORLD'S BEST CHILI

4 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 lg. onions,chopped

4 lg. garlic cloves, minced

4 lbs. lean stew meat, cut in sm. cubes

3 lbs. bulk pork sausage

2 (1 lb. 12 oz.) cans whole tomatoes

2 (6 oz.) cans tomato paste

6 tbsp. chili powder

3 tsp. cumin

1 tbsp. oregano

2 (1 lb.) cans baked beans

2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. sugar

2 tbsp. unsweetened cocoa powder

2 (15 oz.) cans kidney beans, drained

1(15 oz.) can pinto beans, drained

In a large heavy saucepan, heat oil. Saute onion and garlic until soft but not brown. Add beef and sausage. Cook until brown; drain off fat. Add liquid from tomatoes. Chop tomatoes and add to meat mixture with tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, oregano, baked beans, salt, sugar and cocoa powder. Simmer partially covered for 2 hours stirring often.

If too dry add a little water. Stir in kidney and pinto beans. Cook 30 minutes longer or until meat is very tender. May be refrigerated or frozen. Before serving remove any excess fat. Invite the neighbors and ENJOY!

SOUP FOR ME!!!

Sheri in New England,
eating New England
Clam Chow-dah!!!

God's Delays

This Sunday morning in our Contemporary Service (8:30am) I'll be speaking about "God's Delays". Often, we mistakenly think that God's Delays are God's Denials, but that isn't necessarily the case. Abram thought God was not going to give him a son, and that he would have to make Eliezer his heir (Genesis 15). But God emphatically reminded Abram of the promise to make him into a great nation.

I recently heard someone who was impatiently waiting in a line of traffic in Minneapolis. They didn't know why the traffic was so bad, and they were really tired of it. The reason, they later found out, was because the bridge collapse that killed 7 and injured over 60. That person said they will never complain about traffic again.

Unfortunately, we can't always see that there's a good reason for God's Delays. But we can always trust that there is.

Isaiah 55:8-9, "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are My ways your ways." declares the Lord. "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts..."

Noah David Aragon

Noah David Aragon entered the world on Monday, September 17th. He weighed in at 7lb, 14oz. His mom and dad, sister and brothers are very proud, as they should be. I got to see him for just a brief moment yesterday, he seemed to be in a hurry to get back to the nursery.

We are so excited that he's here...and he is gorgeous, by the way!

Welcome Noah! We've been waiting for you, and are so thankful that you're finally here!

GOOD PAIN

I just read this story on Drudge...

Carlos Camejo, 33, was declared dead after a highway accident and taken to the morgue, where examiners began an autopsy only to realize something was amiss when he started bleeding. They quickly sought to stitch up the incision on his face.

"I woke up because the pain was unbearable," Camejo said, according to a report on Friday in leading local newspaper El Universal.


I guess if "unbearable pain" wakes you up and keeps you from being put six feet under...I would call that really, really good pain.

In God We Trust...right? This Sunday evening service (5:30pm) I'll be talking about trust, specifically, our trust of God, entitled, "Do you Trust ME?"

There are times in our lives, when we may find it easy to trust God. Things seem to be going well, we're feeling great, and positive.

Then there are those other times, when we are fearful, doubting, anxious, tired. When we're afraid, does that mean we've stopped trusting God? Some would say yes, but I believe David told us something different...

Psalm 56:3, "When I am afraid, I will trust in you."

September 11, 2001

I follow the Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan, which gives you daily Scripture to read from the O.T., N.T. Psalms/Proverbs. Check out the reading for 9/11...

Isaiah 30:25, "In the day of great slaughter, when the towers fall, streams of water will flow on every high mountain and every lofty hill."

YOWZA!

God Allows U-Turns

I'm speaking in our Contemporary Sunday (8:30am) service this week about Hezekiah. As a kid, in Sunday school, the only thing I could tell you about Hezekiah was that there wasn't a book of the Bible named after him. I know this because teachers used to often try to get kids to turn to the book of Hezekiah, just to see who would. Anyhoo...I digress....

Specifically, I found my study of Hezekiah's life so very inspiring. He followed after the reign of king Ahaz, a godless man who had been instrumental in turning the hearts of Israel to idolatry, and he also just happened to be Hezekiah's father. Good lesson to be learned here...no matter how you may have been raised...God allows U-Turns!

Hezekiah followed God wholeheartedly. This is evident as you read about his life in 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles. He restored worship to the Temple and removed the sources if idolatry from the Israelites and from the Temple.

The Bible also talks about another king, named Amaziah. In one of the saddest verses you can read it describes his life...

2 Chronicles 25:2, "He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, but not wholeheartedly."

If you feel that your devotion to God is less than wholehearted...no fear...GOD ALLOWS U-TURNS! :-)

Anthropocentric

I discovered a new word today. I came across it as I was reading. For those of you who already know its meaning, you may want to stop here and go to a more scholarly blogger :-)...

ANTHROPOCENTRIC

Function: adjective

1. Considering human beings as the most significant entity of the universe

2. Interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences.

3. AMERICA (ok...that last definition was mine...but you know what I mean...)

The Power of Clarity....NOT!

What would happen if you had to rely on Miss Teen South Carolina to call 911?

http://www.maniacworld.com/Miss-Teen-South-Carolina-Calls-911.html

God's Beauty

I've been getting a lot out of this book by Calvin Miller. He really has a beautiful writing style. Here are the most recent things I've been chewing on....

• God lives freest in those whose eyes are snagged by His artistry. Creativity is one way we respond...
• But some evangelicals have become junk dealers, substituting art for trinkets of our "sloganeered faith."
• There are many ways to glorify God, yet "Jesus junk" bears no glory and indeed is but the tinseled foolishness of evangelicals who have never seen the Lord high and lifted up. YOWZA!!!
• Some sermons and sanctuaries have been void of both art and interest. Our chatty religious spewings have become an idolatry of froth.
• Art is praise - high praise - and comes in all degrees of excellence. When Jesus touched Handel, he wrote "The Messiah." Handel yearned not only to praise Christ but to do so from the highest pinnacle of human genius.
• Making Christ in our image avoids the painful work of being conformed to His.
• Golden calves are the glitzy work of those Aarons who have not traversed the upper slopes of Sinai. Those who have, meet that God who is the only food that can appease their hunger.
• Too many churches are community centers and too little are conservatories.
• Too often we are the bland who no longer cry out to make God beautiful.

I know some of these quotes are tough, but I think we need to shake ourselves occasionally and ask (as David Powlison put it...) "Has something or someone besides Jesus Christ taken title to my heart's functional trust, preoccupation, loyalty, service, fear and delight?"

Romans 12:2, (The Message), "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what He wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you."

Philippians 2:13, (New Living Translation) "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him."

Spiritual Disciplines

Unfortunately, I think when many of us think of the word, "discipline" we often get an image something like this one (I'm obviously dating myself...I doubt anyone sits in a corner anymore).

This weekend, in the Contemporary Service (Sunday, 8:30am) I will be speaking on The Spiritual Disciplines....or at least 4 of them:

Meditation

Prayer

Fasting

Study

I think our culture is missing out on so much richness, because we live in a society that doesn't value discipline, unless it's to gain wealth, or get you in great physical shape.

Too often our barren lives are a result of not cherishing those four elements of discipline. They bring such richness to our lives, not to mention incredible joy. Too often, I think we believe they will do the opposite...and turn us into holier-than-thou Pharisees. But if we remember, it wasn't the 'sinners' that Jesus so often rebuked...it was the Pharisees.

So, I think each day before our feet hit the ground, we all have a decision to make...Are we going to conform to what society tells us? Can we really trust our culture to show us how to live?

OR...

Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

(Romans 12:2,The Message)

Snorkeling or Scuba-Diving?

This Sunday in our Contemporary Service (8:30am) we're going to be talking about going out into the deep with God.

There's a tendency sometimes to snorkel, when God is calling us to scuba-dive. Snorkeling, is nice, not to mention safe. But there's so much more in the deep to be explored...

When we get out into the deep, there is peace, there is quiet, and there are unfathomable wonders. The deep is the dwelling place of God.

Too often, I think we fear the deep, because it is hidden, mysterious, full of the unknown. It can feel dangerous.

But there's really great news. God doesn't send us to venture out into the deep alone...He's already there waiting for us. His arms are loving and open waiting to catch us and take us to the awesome places He has for us...

1 Corinthians 2:7, 9, 10 - We speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God has destined for our glory before time began...it is written
"No eye has seen,
No ear has heard,
No mind has conceived
What God has prepared for those who love Him."
But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit.

What God has prepared for us doesn't hold a candle to the shallow life!

Why Did God Choose Us To Help Spread His Gospel?

I must admit something. I have a pet-peeve. It's careless spelling mistakes that I've seen more than a few times in anything to do with church. I fear that they add to the stereotype that Christians are ignorant, and also fear that they don't do much for advancing the Kingdom. I found this picture online and shivers went up my spine....

All of that to say, that God did choose us to spread His Gospel. For reasons He knows, He chose imperfect, human, misspell-ers. The important thing is, that we in fact, do spread His Gospel everywhere we go. I pray that's our passion. Speaking of which, I have a book recommendation, "Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybells. I wish I could give a copy to every Christian I meet. It has a way of exciting you about reaching out to the lost. Here's a great quote:
"In His life and in His death, Jesus deftly and ruthlessly protected his people-priority. His every word and every action proclaimed, 'There is nothing better than pouring your life into the goal of welcoming home a wandering soul'. Just imagine what life would be like if you lived with this same exuberance for reclaiming God's people for Him!"

Luke 15:10, "...there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

May we all shift our motivation in this life to things that are eternal, and give every aspect of our lives to doing our part for the Kingdom! He wants to use all of us...even if we can't s-p-e-l-l!

Encourage One Another

This Far Side made me laugh this week, because I felt a little bit like Reuben. What is it they say,

Tragedy+Time= Humor

Seriously, I'm over-dramatizing the entire week, but let's just say it hasn't been a banner week for the Lemings. Which is why I'm glad that I've had the opportunity to dive into the One-Another's of the New Testament, for our Sunday Night series. One I particularly was drawn to was...

Hebrews 3:13, "But encourage one another daily as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sins deceitfulness."

God is so good. He sent more than one person this week to encourage me, and they had no idea what kind of week it had been. It's a good thing God knew.

So, let me encourage you...encourage someone Today. Because after all, it's still called Today, isn't it?

One Another

This Sunday Evening, in our 5:30pm service, I will continue our series on, "The One Another's of the New Testament".

One of the many perks I've discovered about being here at Faith Christian Assembly, as we begin our brand new Contemporary Service, is watching and enjoying the many friendships that develop...friendships among all ages. Friendships like the one between Gabrielle and Tarlan. They encourage me so much, as it's obvious how very much they love coming to church, and love their friendship.

One Another...such awesome words, and such a godly principle. The One Another's bring us life, and joy and encouragement.

Start Spreadin' The News!

I'm SO excited. I just got off of the telephone with my wonderful husband (did I mention we've been married for 25 years???), and he just made reservations for NEW YORK CITY! This is our big Silver Anniversary trip! Yippy - Skippy! Above is a picture of our 2 day trip to Carmel...isn't that true beauty? And the scene behind him is too! :-)

What a difference a day makes. Yesterday, while we were just sitting at home, minding our own business Gary's car was totaled (by a poor little girl practicing with her permit and her big sister), so today is a much better day!

Here's my favorite 25th Anniversary quote:

Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century. Mark Twain

Our Baby is 22!

Well, obviously, he's no longer a baby, but he will always be the youngest in the family! Yesterday, he turned 22! How old are we???

He's working hard...at Pavilions...at Wells Fargo. He's been working 50-60 hours a week. We're so proud of you Tyler! He even takes the time to support us here at church with his trumpet playing and his willingness to do whatever is needed. He's really made the 10lb 1oz birth a distant memory...pretty much. :-)

Love you Tyler! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!

25 YEARS!!!

Today is Gary and my 25th Wedding Anniversary! I'm so excited! It's been a great 25 years and I look forward to at least 50 more!

We're in Carmel for a couple of days, enjoying all of the beauty that God has created. I'll probably post pictures later of Pebble Beach. What a scene it is! This happens to be one of our favorite spots.

Just had to share our moment. Check out our picture! Think we've changed?

Life as a Fountain

Last Sunday (8:30am Contemporary Service), was out first Campaign OUTFLOW (Outflow by Steve Sjogren and Dave Ping). We talked about how to offer ourselves to God every morning for Him to use our lives in any way He wants to. It's like the Holy Spirit is the water springing up from the middle of a fountain, and our lives overflow..refreshing everyone around us!

This is how Bill Hybels puts it in Just Walk Across the Room...Historically, there's been the opinion, that if you're talking to someone, and the plan of Salvation doesn't get explained, then it's been an "unsuccessful conversation". BUT, that's simply not true! On some occasions, the Holy Spirit may ask us to be an opener. We're supposed to break up some really hard soil in someone's heart so that the next person to come along might have some influence in planting a seed or two.

On other occasions, God may ask us to play the middle guy - carrying around a watering can and helping quench a few thirsty souls.

Still other times, we may get to pick really ripe fruit off of the vine.

Another way to look at it is this, many people begin their spiritual quest at a -10, and our role is to facilitate their movement to a -8. But thinking this way involves a deep level of trust that the Holy Spirit is the one who will follow them and complete the work.

1 Corinthians 3:6, "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow."

Our efforts may feel fruitless at times, but if we just persevere the potential is colossal! THINK ABOUT IT...A priceless human being might be snatched from the clutches of a horrendous lifeless eternity because you took the time to walk across a room and allowed the Holy Spirit to use you!

Here's a great prayer to start off your day...
"Dear Lord, My life is in your hands. Use me to point someone toward you today. I promise to cooperate in any way I can. If you want me to say a word for you today, I'll do that. If you want me to keep quiet, but demonstrate love and servant-hood, by Your Spirit's power, I will. I'm fully available to you today, so guide me by Your Spirit. Amen."

It's Your Serve!

I've been studying and thinking a lot about serving in preparation for Campaign OUTFLOW, which we will delve into every Sunday in our Contemporary Service (8:30am) in July. And as I did my typical google image search to come up with a picture, I realize that there are many different ways of "serving". As you can see, when it comes to tennis, well, it doesn't get much better than this guy. (I keep wondering what kind of killer-tennis players that he and Stefi are going to turn out)...Anyway...I digress...

I'm drawn to a scripture in Acts 13:36 that talks about David and how he "...served God's purpose in his own generation..." WOW! What an awesome thing to be said about you. I pray that God feels this way about me, that I am serving His purpose in my own generation. But this is where it often gets tricky...Serving isn't about being a cool, good-looking, rich tennis player...Serving God can sometimes look like this...

Or like this....

All I know is, there is only One who knows in what capacity each of us should serve, and He is the same One who helps us want to serve.

Philippians 2:13 (NLT) "For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey Him and the power to do what pleases Him."

A New Command

In preparation for this Sunday's (Contemporary - 8:30am/Traditional - 10:30am) message, I've been studying a lot about that new commandment Jesus gave to His disciples...you remember...the one that said that they should love one another. In Leviticus 19:18 - Mosaic Law commanded that one should, "Love thy neighbor as thyself" but Jesus brought something new in John 13:34, "A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." This was a "deeper, perfect, lay down your life" kind of love that Jesus was referring to. YOWZA!

It occurred to me that we can't hear this message enough. Because just when I think I may have learned how to love others...
...someone cuts me off on the freeway
...someone brings me the wrong food
...someone doesn't seem thankful enough for the things I do for them
...someone reveals their humanity...As I daily...every moment...reveal my own!

But the task is huge to love one another as He loved us. In fact, we just cannot do it...unless we are abiding in Him. And that's vital because there are so many who need to know that we are His disciples by our love for one another.

Miss Lauren

You'll have to pardon me, but as a mom, my buttons...well...they are a-poppin'! Lauren graduated from CSULong Beach this month. It seems like yesterday when I tearfully (my tears, not hers) dropped her off at kindergarten! Lauren still has a few classes to go, and officially graduates in December, but they don't have a ceremony in December, so her parents "made" her walk in this one. She's so humble, she didn't really see the need, but I think she's glad she did it. It was such a great day! Soon, she'll be a teacher. I'm so happy for any child who will have her to guide them, not just in class, but in life.

3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth."

Just Walk Across the Room

I've been reading a great book. It was written by Bill Hybels, and it's titled, "Just Walk Across the Room". It's about evangelism, and how it can be as simple as taking a walk across a room and talking to that one person who is standing alone...maybe they're in the lunchroom at work, at a party, in your neighborhood, or at school. If we can step out of our "circle of conversational comfort", you know, those groups of people we often find ourselves clinging to, where it's easy and effortless for us to engage? Just Walk Across the Room. And it isn't about telling someone that they're going to hell. It's about being friendly, and engaging them in a conversation about their life. Just basically, being a friend. I highly recommend this book, it's been very inspiring to me, especially during our, "Adopt a Friend" campaign in June here at Faith Christian Assembly.

Can it really be that simple? I believe it can. After all, we're not really the ones doing the "work" anyway...it's the Holy Spirit that compels people. To quote from the book, "The key is this: my objective is not to contrive ways to 'get someone saved'; rather, my objective is to walk when He prompts me to walk, talk when He says to talk, fall silent when I'm at risk of saying too much, and stay put when He leads me to stay put."

So our challenge this week, is for each one of us to prayerfully take one of our You're Invited to my Church cards, and give it to one person...just one. God only knows what can happen. What if redirecting a person's forever really is as simple as walking across a room?

June: "Adopt a Friend" Month

Pastor Vaughn spoke last week, a very powerful message about friendship. June is, "Adopt a Friend" month here at Faith Christian Assembly. What does that mean? Thank you for asking...it means that we follow the model of Jesus and take part in the ministry of friendship.

Jesus started his ministry by finding 2 friends, Simon and Andrew, then he found 2 more, James and John, and then...Matthew (the tax collector).

Allow God to bring people into your life that you can nurture and protect. Maybe even people who may have been rejected, people you can help heal and renew.

We must pray that God opens our eyes to see these people. Ask God to adjust your focus so you will be able to see them, and see the Kingdom work that can be done in their lives. It can start with you.

When we do this:
1. We enlarge our world.
2. We rid our soul of selfishness.
3. It justifies the reason for our existence.
4. It brightens our outlook on life.

Proverbs 17:17, "A friend loves at all times..."

Memorial Day Fun

Look at how much fun we had on Memorial Day! These shots were taken at ESPN Zone after we walked around Downtown Disney for a while. Don't worry, I don't think Paul or Louise shot anyone. And I think Lauren and Gary are going to have trouble insuring their cars after watching them race and seeing all the damage that was sustained to their vehicles...and Matt and Kim should be expecting a call from the NBA draft board any day now...and Ashley will be appearing soon in Vegas going toe to toe against Tyson (watch your ear!). And Tarlan especially enjoyed her day because she got to go inside the park! She was kind enough to offer me her pass so I could go too. I told her that sadly, I would not be able to pass for her. Thank you everybody! It was a blast! You people are so much fun!

We Love our Jr. Highers!

God has done something really cool here at Faith Christian Assembly, in our Contemporary (Sundays - 8:30am)Service - He has sent us Junior Highers! Paul, Lauren and I took some of them to see Pirates of the Caribbean last Saturday. We had a blast with them! We saw the movie (all 2 hours, 45 minutes of it), then went to lunch, and just hung out, talked, laughed, and ate...FUN!

If you're going to see Pirates, I highly recommend seeing it with someone this age, seeing as they can explain the plot questions you will inevitably have. So, thank you Andrew, Matt, Courtney and Heather. You guys were so much fun! We'll have to make this a tradition, I know I'll need help understanding Pirates 13.

Knock-Knock. Who's There? JESUS

It seems like every day there's a new story on the dangers of global warming.

This Sunday, I'll be speaking in the Contemporary 8:30am Service and the Traditional 10:30am Service about something I believe is even more dangerous...

Global Luke-Warming. Look around...it's everywhere. And the more I study Global Luke-Warming, the more I am beginning to understand the very frightening fact that if you have a lukewarm heart, you generally don't know it, or even care...thus making you lukewarm.

I encourage you to read about the church of Laodicea in Revelation 3. They thought they had it all together, but guess what...they didn't! Jesus even told them He was standing outside of their church, asking that they let him in...Can you imagine that? Jesus, waiting outside of your church doors, and no one letting Him in??? HOLY COW!!!

Also, I invite you to come to Faith Christian Assembly this Sunday as we study Global Luke-Warming together. No knock-knock jokes, I promise!

Jean's Glasses

I was teaching our Thursday morning Bible Study last week. Before we begin the study, we have a time of prayer requests, and prayer. Jean, a Bible Study regular raised her hand. She said that she had misplaced her reading glasses and had looked everywhere for them, but couldn't find them. Well, the entire group went to prayer on Jean's behalf...

Do you think God is not concerned with things like this? Do you ever shrink back from bothering the Creator of the Universe with things like missing glasses? Guess what! The Creator of the Universe loves us more than we will ever comprehend...

...Yesterday at Bible study Jean told us that her mail man came knocking at her door and told her, "Did you know that there is a pair of glasses hanging on your mailbox?" Needless to say, we all rejoiced together with Jean. She had no idea who put the glasses on her mailbox, but we all agreed that it had to have been an angel sent by the Creator!

1 Peter 5:7, "Cast all your cares upon Him, for He cares for you."

I Sought the Lord and HE HEARD ME

This portion of Scripture is taken from Psalm 34. Pastor Paul was reading from it last night at Tuesday Night Prayer. I've probably read this verse hundreds of times throughout my life, but last night, it just overwhelmed me. When I seek God...He hears me. He really hears me!

Is it just me, or does that thrill you too? Maybe one of the reasons it makes me so happy is because listening is very important to me. Is this because I'm a girl? Maybe. To be listened to is a gift. It seems to be a gift that is becoming extinct in our society.

I went to lunch the other day with my new friend from church. Her name is Karin and I just love her! I noticed something about her during our lunch. She listened to me. Does that sound simple? It isn't. I really enjoy listening to people too. I think God's creatures are so interesting. People's lives and their stories really capture my attention.

How incredible is it that God feels that way about us? When we seek Him, He's not too busy to hear us. He doesn't just nod and say, "A-huh...", but He truly listens. Our words aren't like Charlie Brown's teacher, "wah-wah-wah..." but they are understood by Him.

How cool is that?

BUNCO NIGHT

We all enjoyed ourselves so much at our recent Bunco night. I had played Bunco once, so I think we enjoyed the biggest laughs as we were trying to figure out the game, and then trying to figure out how to move. But the entire point was to have fun, and to fellowship and as a brand new church service to get to know one another, and that's exactly what we did. So much fun, in fact that we're planning to have another Bunco night on Friday, May 4th at 7:30pm. This time, instead of Pizza, we'll be having dessert (home made by yours truly). So, if you like to laugh, and you like to eat dessert please join us. We also have fun games, food and prizes for the kids too!

Story Time

This month I've been reading about the great leader Joshua. What a mighty man of God he was, especially considering he had to follow Moses. He had big shoes to fill, but he followed after God in leading the Israelites into the promise land. But then...Joshua died. And there's a very sad verse in Judges that follows the death of Joshua...

Judges 2:10,12,17 "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel... They forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers who had brought them out of slavery.....they...prostituted themselves to other gods and worshipped them. Unlike their fathers they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked, the way of obedience to the Lord's commands."

WOW! After all of the triumphant battles, after receiving their inheritance of the promise land...the next generation lost out with God. But why???

My Quest study bible puts it this way...

How could a whole generation not know the Lord?

• The Israelites had failed to teach their children. God intended for parents to pass His laws and moral values along to the next generation. Gradually influenced by the surrounding paganism, however the Israelites surrendered to the prevailing cultural and social values, despite explicit warning.

This sounds like our society today. As people...as parents, we have to be extremely cautious about how much of this world's prevailing cultural and social values are coming through our front door into our hearts and the hearts of our kids.

We MUST be intentional about telling our kids stories of God's faithfulness, of His provision, of His great love. Sure, nursery rhymes are fine...but don't forget to pass down those first-hand encounters of God's incredible work in your family.

Paganism is EVERYWHERE. BEWARE!

Nuts or Sane? Check the Ear

I was out the other day, and I spotted someone seemingly talking to themselves. Then I discovered she had a hands-free cell phone ear device. Suddenly, I no longer thought she was nuts, she suddenly became a normal human being.

I'm sure you have had similar experiences. It's the "new normal". People seemingly talking to themselves used to be disturbing. Now days, we just assume they are on the telephone.

My daughter, who works at a grocery store said she was ringing up groceries for a customer the other day and the lady said something to her, and she responded back. My daughter thought she and the lady were having a conversation, but they weren't. The lady finally realized that my daughter was responding back to her, and seemingly annoyed, pointed to her ear.

I sometimes wonder what those people who really do talk to themselves think about those who use the ear phone device. They probably think they're nuts too. Who knows...when you think about it...we've come to a place in our society where we can't leave our homes, our cars, our jobs, even go to the grocery store or a restaurant without a phone hanging off of our ears...maybe we aren't so sane afterall...

Mark 4:9, 24 - Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear. Consider carefully what you hear"

My Heroes

Well, this is it. Our brand new, never before, first time ever Contemporary service begins this Sunday at 8:30am. We are so excited. We took a group of 23 out last Saturday who helped us pass out 3500 of our 10,000 postcards. Did I mention most of these precious people were seniors? What an encouragement they have been. I am so thankful for each of them!

We had a precious mom and her daughter visit our core team breakfast for the very first time a couple of weeks ago, and they came to help us pass out postcards too! What a day it was.

Then there's Elena. She is legally blind, yet still passed out postcards on her block. WOW! What a fantastic woman of God she is!

Today, my own wonderful Gary passed out over 2300 postcards all by himself. What a wonderful man God blessed me with 25 years ago!

Not only were these postcards hand delivered, but each one of them was prayed over that the people receiving them would be open to the Gospel.

Luke 24:1-6, "1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee."

HE IS RISEN INDEED!

Hug a Soldier Today!

One of the many cool things about working here at Faith Christian Assembly, is my office. One entire side of my office is floor to ceiling windows. (Did I mention my last office was smaller than my closet?)

As I was sitting her today working, out my window was a huge military jet taking off straight to the sky. It was quite a sight, and quite a sound! I LOVED IT!

It made me think of video footage I saw this morning of a sailor-dad surprising his 6 year old son returning home from Iraq. The little guy ran crying and grabbed his dad in a huge embrace. It was one of the most touching things I've EVER seen! I encourage you to watch it and see if you don't tear up. If this link doesn't work, go to the today show link.
http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?f=00&g=889466da-5eb2-42da-aed6-2edd2b656525&p=hotvideo_m_edpicks&t=m5&rf=http://today.msnbc.msn.com/&fg

God Bless our Soldiers! I am So thankful for their sacrifice, especially in the midst this sad time in America where the loudest mouths near the microphones are America-haters. I pray that our honor of our soldiers drowns them out!

LET FREEDOM RING!!!

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!

As some are doing...

Hebrews 10:25, New Century Version says, "You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together and encourage each other. Do this even more as you see the day coming."

I would imagine in our society today, this isn't the most popular scripture. It is, however, a scripture that we in ministry love. The reason I love it so much is because it gets right down to why we should come together regularly to church. I'm so glad it doesn't say, "You should not stay away from the church meetings, as some are doing, but you should meet together, and listen to the sermon that tells you how bad you've been all week, and how mad God is at you..."

No, the scripture tells us the reason not to stay away from church is because we will miss out on encouraging each other.

This is something that I'd like to say to Bill Gates, but as our paths rarely cross, I decided to blog about it. I read a quote from him this week...

In an interview with TIME magazine, Bill Gates is quoted as saying: "Just in terms of allocation of time resources, religion is not very efficient. There's a lot more I could be doing on a Sunday morning."

While I agree with Bill that religion is not very efficient, I pray that one day Mr. Gates comes to know a relationship with Jesus Christ. Efficiency doesn't even begin to describe a relationship with Jesus, and His Bride, the Church and the encouragement that comes from that!

Which makes me think of another verse...

Matthew 16:18, "...upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it."

Banner Day!

This past week I ordered 10,000 postcards and 1 big banner to announce our Easter Services. It's been fun and a little scary as I've proof-read them over and over to make sure we have no mis-spellings of anything.

Our banner arrived today. It was quite a moment. We all came in the office and looked at it. We're very excited.

I was reading a cool verse in Psalms that really seemed to capture how we all were feeling...

Psalm 60:4, "You have raised a banner to gather those who fear you. Now they can stand up against the enemy. Selah"

My study Bible says that banners were carried into battle to rally the troops and raise their morale.

That's exactly what it did in our church office today! :-)

How Are You???

So, the phone was ringing this morning, so I answered it. There was a friendly voice on the other end, "Hello Ms. Leming, How are you today?"

Sadly, it was at this moment that I realized that although I sign up for every Do Not Call list out that I can find, this was indeed a sale's call. The reason why I think this is sad, is that the thing that tipped me off to that fact was that she asked me, "How are you today?"

Some day I would really like to answer that question to the sales people who ask and see what they do...

"Well, right now there's a guy in my driveway fixing the flat tire that we discovered on our car late Saturday night...Ya know, we're starting a brand new church service in Seal Beach on Easter Sunday, and we've been working really hard, so the flat tire right before our Sunday gathering was a real pain...plus with the Spring season on its way and flowers starting to bloom, I've had a headache behind my left eye for about three days now..."

Wouldn't that be great? Some day I should do that. But for today, I politely said, "Please remove me from your list, Thank you." and hung up the phone.

I'm such a coward!