The Age of Accountabilty

When I was a kid the magical age of accountability was 12. One could be baptized and even though I did not understand how being dipped in that dirty Trout river was going to make me clean, I put on that while robe and down to the river I went with others who had turned 12.

It's a different world now. Ryan turned 12 yesterday, but Ryan has baptized when he was just months old. He cooks and cleans and can do his own laundry. He has a laptop, a Wii, a Play Station 2, a PSP and of course a cell phone. Just think how the world will be when Ryan has children...and I'm a grandma.

The cycle of life continues no matter what. Praise be to God!

Now that Summer is officially over, we prepare for a busy Fall. There's a different energy in the air. So before you get too busy find a place in nature, take a few minutes and breathe in and out. Then you will find your mind drifting to pleasant thoughts of colored leaves, apple cider, pumpkins, footballs games and getting together with family and friends.

Love, joy and peace are found in the moment.
Let go of yesterday
Do not worry about tomorrow
Enjoy this day that God has made for YOU!

What a Glorious Day!

Yesterday was like a little taste of heaven! We saw old friends and made some new ones. We had two great worship services followed by a feast of delicious food. And then Rev. Lee jumped for joy as he preached about his love and passion for Jesus the Christ. And how about news of Cornerstones new building which will seat 450 people! Thanks also to Alton and the Cornerstone choir for joining our choir for the re dedication service. That was some powerful singing!!!

I know God is an overwhelming God and was I overwhelmed yesterday!

Thanks to everyone who attended any and all of our glorious day. To God be the glory!

More Than Cool

Future quarterback!








The watermelon was so good Cindy had to have two! Thanks Maria!

Okay, so I thought I wanted to jump into 68 degree water but I was wrong! I made it up to my knees and I had to retreat back to dry land.

But for those who were brave enough to jump in, a good time was had by all.

Then there was the father/daughter bonding that took place!

And those who broke the rules!

And the beautiful bug we really didn't need to see!

All in all, it was a fun day! Thanks Outreach, we had a good time.

What Does God Want From Me?

If you find yourself asking that question then you need to be at church tonight as we begin a new Bible Study on Secrets of the Vine from the little book written by Bruce Wilkinson. He also wrote The Prayer of Jabez. We begin at 7PM and are finished by 8PM so take an hour out of your evening and come learn what it is that God wants from you.
I hope to see you tonight.

Vacations Are Good - Coming Home is Great!

Today I returned to work after my two week vacation. How marvelous is was to see the Christ window installed. What a difference you will see and feel when you walk back in. I know we are going to have a great day in worship tomorrow. There is so much to celebrate.

One of the joys of vacation for me anyway is the opportunity to read. I read three books that truly spoke to my heart and mind. I look forward to sharing bits and pieces over the weeks that lie ahead. One of them I hope to use as our next Wed. night series. Even while on vacation God speaks to my heart and leads me to resources we can use.

One of the off-the-road stops we made was to see Carrie's mom, Mrs. Hardwick. I promised her if I ever went to Arkansas I would stop and see her. It was only about two hours out of the way and we could only stay an hour but I am so glad we did it. She hugged and hugged me. Tears came to her eyes as she again thanked me for all Holy Cross did for her when Carrie died. She's excited about coming to worship with us when she come to visit Pensacola. Through our love in action she was reminded of God's love for her and her daughter. That's what it's all about.

I can't remember when I have been so excited about returning from a vacation. Maybe that's because I came back early and rested some. I know we will have a special time of worship together tomorrow. I thank God those who worked so hard to move things around and get things right today. After the finishing touches were complete and everyone was gone, I just wanted to sit with my eyes on Jesus and fall in love all over again. Never will anyone have to question if we are the church of Jesus Christ. It's obvious in a big and beautiful way. Thanks Ralph!

Take Time to Laugh

Tonight we have an opportunity to not only learn about the importance of living in the present moment but to laugh as we do so! Freddie Webber will be with us at 7PM so invite a friend and come laugh and learn with us. She performed at Cornerstone last week and Rev. Lee called to say we are in for a treat.
I hope you had a good 4th of July and that you have a blessed week.

Joy and Sorrow

It's unanimous, our sisters and brothers from MCC's Regions 7 and 2 who met here last weekend love our building! Having enjoyed it for almost two years now it's easy to forget how very blessed we are. I was reminded time time again. Not only from the voices of people but also from the ebb and flow of the entire weekend. The meals were great, the building was nice and cool (despite record high temperatures) and of course the sound and video are state of the art. Yes, we are blessed.

It was a time of joy and sorrow as we learned of the death of "Big Andy". What a celebration of life we had for him Sunday at his visitation and then at the wake. Thanks to all of the choir members who were present to sing the songs he had requested. His family was blown away with the 11Am service and then celebration. My heart has been sad all week as Andy was like a big brother to Ryan. Not to mention that he stopped by to visit with my dad often.

So this last week has been a quiet time with Ryan in Texas and everyone tired from the last weekend. I have had a chance to regroup and I am ready to go again. I have my garment of praise on and the armor of God and I am ready to do the work of the Lord...which is love. No matter how complicated people try to make it, God's way is love. It is the most important gift we can bring to our little corner of the world. So take the time to express love to someone today. And then go to church on Sunday and express your love to God. When you have the chance to choose - always choose love because that's what it's all about.