Kim Keith - Children’s Director

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Today’s chapter talked about dreaming big. You know how when you are a kid you dream of what life will be like when you grow up. You dream of what you want to do some day. The book talked about how dreams that come from God will be so big that they will require big faith in God to see it happen. The dreams that come from God will also benefit others, they are not selfish or self centered. Dreams like this come from the heart, the very core of your being.

One of the questions for today was, “If you knew God would bless it what would you dream of doing?” I feel like for the most part I’m living beyond my wildest dreams. I absolutely love what God is allowing us to do in serving at CrossPoint. I was telling Carl today, I just can’t believe all the amazing people He has surrounded us with. I feel we have the “dream team” along side us in this ministry. There is a dream that God has placed on our hearts that we haven’t seen happen yet. We want a youth center for Martinsville and Henry County. Not just a little place for 30 teens to hang out. We really would like to see a state of the art awesome place for the youth in our community to have as their very own. Can you imagine a place for them to go and be safe, have fun and have people there that would invest and care about their lives? I dream of that. A place where young people would enjoy just being themselves without pressure to have sex or drink? I would love to see the pregnancy rate in our area cut in half, because these teens had something fun to do and people to talk to that would give them good advice. I dream of that! I can see God putting together teams of people that could rock this community with an outpouring of love for these kids.

I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but I do know that this dream falls within God’s guidelines. It will most certainly take the power of God for it to happen and it would benefit a lot of people.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Well today’s chapter couldn’t have come at a better time. Today is Saturday, followed closely by Sunday. Tomorrow Carl and I are doing a team lesson in front of the church. I don’t preach, I am not a preacher and that’s not what I am called to do. I am a Preacher’s wife; I do come along side him in this ministry to be his help mate in any way that he needs me too. I love that role. I do not love being in front of people and speaking. People find this hard to believe, they say, “You don’t look like you ever get nervous. I’m sure it’s just a breeze for you.” I say, “No, not hardly.”

In the chapter today of OMTL, Pastor Kerry talks about how his son wouldn’t trust him and let go of the monkey bars and just fall into his arms. His son knew his dad loved him and always was there to protect him, so why would his dad just let him fall to the ground and get hurt? Pastor Kerry was talking about how we do God that very same way. We try to hang on to all our stuff and keep our control on everything in our lives instead of turning it over to God and letting go of our monkey bars, allowing Him to catch us.

The scripture for today’s reading was about the Master that went out of town and left money behind with 3 different servants according to their abilities. Well, 2 of the servants doubled the money for their Master, but the last one buried his and played it safe. He was ruled by fear of failure. Many of us are like that as well. We are ruled by fear of failure. We will not take that leap of faith and do what God wants us to do, we just will not let go of those monkey bars. God doesn’t want us to fail. He doesn’t want us to fall and get hurt. So tomorrow morning I will let go of those monkey bars and walk out on that stage with my husband. In my own power, I will be terrified, when I open my mouth, no sound will come out. I am praying that He will catch me and that He will breathe the words into my brain to come out legibly.

I would be much safer backstage tomorrow, that I know for sure. But I love the quote on today’s chapter…”A ship is safe in the harbor, but that’s not what ships are for. William Shedd.

So what is it that God is wanting you to do? What are you hanging on to that you need to let go of? God is right there ready to catch you. Just let go and let God.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

Have I said lately how much I love my job?

Towards the end of 2008, Pastor Carl started talking about offering me a full-time position at CrossPoint.  I was out-of-my-mind excited about it.  Any time it was brought up, a big smile would come over my face.  I couldn’t wait until the time would actually come.  I would have been fine with remaining a volunteer, but to get to do this for a living was the dream of a lifetime.

Then the day came when Pastor Carl asked me to a meeting and the official job offer was made.  The moment I had waited for had finally come.  He offered me a full-time position to be on staff at my favorite church.  My reaction: stomach in knots!

Fear crept in.  Something I had wanted for so long had finally come and yet I was scared, really fearful.  I knew this is what I had really wanted and felt like God was calling me to, but now that it was real, I was frozen.  It was definitely a “monkey bar” moment.  But I took the step and don’t regret it for a moment.  Now the times I have to go out on stage are still tough.  My stomach gets in knots and my palms get sweaty. But each time it gets a little easier.  With the first step on stage, I’m letting go and God is catching me.

That’s just a couple moments for me.  There are other times in my life where I just hang on for dear life, not trusting enough to let go.  What’s God calling you to do?  What is the thing you would do if you knew God would bless it?  That’s your call to greatness.  Trust God to catch you. He won’t let you fall.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Today’s chapter starts off with the routine the stewardess gives you in the airplane about if the oxygen mask drops down, you should put it on before you try to help your children or anyone else in trouble. It talks about how difficult it is sometimes to take care of yourself, physically, spiritually, emotionally and relationally because you’re trying to do things for those around you.

Hello Moms! Does that sound like you? Sometimes you even feel guilty if you take a moment just for yourself. But in Matthew 22:37:39 it says, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.” The second part is, “And love your neighbor as much as you love yourself.” Now most of us hold on to the part about loving God and loving our neighbor, but we skip right over that part about loving yourself. That means take care of you. Your body is God’s temple, that doesn’t mean it’s to be worshipped, but you’re not supposed to trash it either.

All through this book it talks about giving God your first fruits; the first part of the week, Sunday to worship and the first part of the day, quiet time with Him. If we are going to leave a legacy and make a difference in our place in this world, we have got to put our oxygen mask on first. Physically, spiritually, emotionally and relationally we need to take care of us. I know this isn’t easy, especially if you work, have children who are involved in activities and have a home and laundry that you are responsible for. But if you let yourself go, who will be left with all that when you are completely spent out?

I’ve also found that when I’m slipping in these areas of physical, spiritual, emotional or relational health, I might get the job done, but I’m not very pleasant to be around! Most of us women are multi-taskers anyway, so try this…take a walk with your significant other or a girlfriend, you will be working on your physical health and your relationships as well, and you can talk about your emotional and spiritual health. Or you can take a walk and just pray and talk to God and have some fellowship time with just you and Him for your spiritual health. If you don’t schedule it or make it happen, no one else is going to do it for you. Today’s thought: Breathe first and then you will be much more effective in helping and ministering to those around you.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

At the end of the chapter is this question:

How would you rate your health in each of the four areas (spiritual, physical, emotional, relational)? What’s the greatest challenge to improving your health in these areas?

Spirtual Health – I would say it is improving. I still have a way to go, but really working to make sure I spend some time with God each day does wonders. There are times in my life when I can look back and say that God felt distant. But in reality I’ve learned that God didn’t move; I did. He never left me, but I strayed. And during that time, my spiritual health was all but flat lined. But when I started seeking Him daily, I find that things began to pick up. I still have trials and some tougher days, but I know that God is with me through it.

Physical Health – Again, I have more improvements to make but I’m thankful for an “I’ve had enough” moment in 2004 when I topped out at 200 pounds. Nikki had just given birth to Sheridan and I was tired of being tired. I wanted to have the energy to play with my daughter and be around for my family. So I set a new year’s resolution for 2005 to lose some weight and get in shape. Four years later, praise the Lord I’m 40 pounds lighter and in better shape. This year I’m really focusing on building strength and endurance. I love what I get to do for a living. As a staff, we’ve made our health a high priority. We want to be able to do this for as long as we can.

Emotional Health – This is an area that made me stop and think. As a guy I don’t think about my emotional health very much. So it’s not something I feel like I can assess at this time. I like to think I’m easy going and try to not let things get me too ruffled. But this is something that God will have to direct as I get a better grasp of where I am here.

Relational Health – This is an area in which I need to improve. And I know this. I’m a doer, a task-oriented person, and I don’t think I’m naturally a “people person”. And this is an area God is still working on me. While I’m not naturally outgoing, I do believe God can do a work to change some things to become who He wants me to be. Growth Groups are a big step for me to grow closer others.  God wants us all to live in authentic community.  And He wants us to disciple others believers.  God doesn’t desire that we become an island Christian.  It’s just more natural for some people.  So I continue to pray for His direction and leadership in this area.

Carl Keith - Lead Pastor

Jesus said, “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

The thing that stood out to me in my reading today is “pruning is the key to producing the best fruit.” I have always been a “can do” person where I always try to attack situations as they come and then take care of it. My timing is not always God’s timing and I have to realize that I have to really focus in my communication with Him. Getting the cart before the horse can bring on some ugly results. Staying connected to the vine can be challenging in itself, but now pruning, the cutting away of things in my life. OUCH! Pruning can be very painful. But I must realize that by pruning me, He can produce more fruit through me. He knows the things that do not need to be in my life and if He doesn’t prune me, most likely, I will not get rid of the THINGS.

Father, may your will be done in my life, even though it may be painful at times. I want to stay connected

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

One statement stood out to me today in reading One Month to Live by Kerry and Chris Shook, “The key to spiritual health is maintaining a strong relationship with your Creator. If you are connected to your Creator, you will grow like never before, and you’ll experience real power to make lasting changes.”

Check out John 15:1-5. We are just the vine, Jesus is the branch, the vine cannot grow or produce any fruit just hanging out there by itself, if the vine isn’t connected to the branch it will just die, it can’t do anything on its own.

My role in life is to stay connected, it’s not up to me to produce results. I’m not responsible for producing fruit, Jesus is. I think that kind of relieves a lot of the pressure we put on ourselves. All I need to do is communicate to God by just talking to Him through out my day, just like I would a friend and make sure I stay real with Him about my mistakes and failures, He will take care of the rest. Sometimes life seems so crazy, so busy and so complicated. If I only had one month left to live, I would really want to know that I made a difference in the lives of the people around me. As much as I would like to I can’t manufacture change in other people. I would like for my kids to learn from the mistakes that I made and not have to go through any hurts of their own, but that’s not up to me. However, I am responsible for the words and actions that they hear and see from me now. I can’t be the mother, friend, wife, daughter or anything that I need to be apart from God. I need to concentrate more on my spiritual health more than anything else. My physical health will not always last, fact is we are all going to die some day. Your spiritual health is the only thing that last forever, so how’s yours and what can you do to improve it? It may not be as hard as you think, get connected and stay connected and you will be amazed at what God will do.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

Two points jump out at me from today’s reading:

Kerry referenced Matthew 11:28-29:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

The part underlined above jumped out at me one morning during my quiet time. We’ve always heard verse 28. Jesus offers us rest when we’re burdened, tired, beaten down, and broken. I believe that. Jesus is the answer. But what is our next step? How can he helps us live in the full abundant life he promised in John 10:10? The answer is in the next verse: “learn from me…” Jesus is our ultimate model. Jesus modeled the one month to live lifestyle. He knew how long he would have on earth, he knew when his day would come to face the cross yet I never see him hurried or in a rush. It doesn’t really make sense to me. The one who came to seek and save the lost was always in complete control of his time, he never let it control him.

Another thought was on constant communication. I used to hear men pray prayers that sounded like they were right out of the King James Version. Words I didn’t understand and very “flowery”. So I grew up thinking you had to pray as thou speaking to a 17^th century king. Needless to say, my prayer life struggled. (Disclaimer: not knocking those people. Just no one taught me to approach him on my level.) But then someone really explained Galatians 4:6-7:

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.

“Abba” is like saying “Daddy”. When Sheridan approaches me, I don’t want her to say, “O most excellent Father, if thou wouldst grant me one request…” I would stop her right there and say “Climb up in my lap and just talk to me, on your level.” That’s what God wants us to do. If we have accepted God’s free gift of His son, then we are now His children. And He is not some stately king that is unapproachable, but instead He is now our Dad. Talk to Him like you would your earthly father, or if you’re a parent: talk to Him how you would want your child to approach you.

He wants to hear about our day, our hopes and dreams, our hurts, and what makes us happy. Everything good is from God (James 1:17) so rejoice and glorify The One who blesses. And when He’s doing some pruning (John 15:1-5), He’s right there with you through it, so talk to Him about that too.

Kim Keith - Children’s Director

Today’s chapter was about how we spend our time every day and about being busy and about wasting precious time. One statement kind of stuck with me today, Richard Koch, author of The 80/20 Principle, says that for most businesses, 20 percent of their activity produces 80 percent of their profits. He says the same is true for most individuals, 20 percent of what we do produces 80 percent of our results. The other 80 percent of our time is pretty much wasted. I was really feeling this principal this week. Kayla was so ready to take her test at the DMV to get her learners permit. Carl and I had several appointments and it was just shaping up to be a busy week. We had a counseling session set up with a couple and it was going to be time consuming to pick her up from school, go to the DMV and then get her some lunch and take her back to school. Well, when we got to the DMV the photo thing was down, we left and returned and waited, and still no photos today. It’s hard enough to get any time off from school and I was feeling very frustrated that the whole morning had been wasted. Now we will have to figure out a time and go try the whole process over again…grrrrh.

Frustrations like this are bound to happen, and it’s so easy to get irritated about it and it’s also easy to take it out on those you really love. I could feel myself getting snappy, and in all reality Kayla had absolutely nothing to do with the fact that the photo machine would not work. When we hit those bumps in the road and have to endure the time wasters that will surely come we just have to try to make the best of it. Kayla and I did have some good conversation and she knew that I was trying to get her what she needed. Also this week, Carl had to have a root canal, which meant a ride to Greensboro and waiting in a waiting room. We studied and I read to him on the way down and back. I wrote yesterday’s blog post and road out and bought a shirt on sale, so it wasn’t wasted time after all. In the busy world we live in time snatchers are bound to come. We just have to make the most of it. Unfortunately, a lot of life is maintenance and mundane. So our challenge is to make the most of the moments, to look for teachable times with our children and to look for what God is trying to teach us in those moments.

Jonathan Chaney - Creative Director

Time: once it’s spent, it’s gone. That’s a sobering thought in today’s reading. It doesn’t seem like I’ve been married for over 7 years. Sheridan cannot be 5. I’m 30 years old. Those are years that are gone and completed. I can’t change them but I can do things today that will impact the years still to come.

I love the 80/20 principle. As I’ve written before, time management is something God is really driving home in my current season of life. Being intentional about everything I do: time with my wife, time with my daughter, and even what I spend time on in ministry. At CrossPoint, we talk about keeping things simple. We work hard to keep things simple because it’s human nature to start creeping into complexity. And that’s no different with our life.  For so long we’ve mistaken activity for results. Somehow it feels weird to have a day off.  If we have a day empty on our calendar, we want to fill it with something.  But how are we filling our days?

When it comes right down to it, we only have 24 hours each day. Someone is going to get cheated in your schedule. Who will it be: Work? Spouse? Kids? Housework? Media? Your health? God? There’s only so much time to have each day. As Pastor Carl has preached, you have to get the big rocks in first.  If we found out we only had one month to live, I don’t think I’m going out on a limb to say the big rocks would be our only focus.

Some things I’m learning to do: have a weekly date with my wife. I’m a typical guy in that I compartmentalize things. So it’s very easy for me to stay task-oriented and focus on each day’s to-do list and not slow down to connect with my wife. So a weekly date night allows us time to just connect.

Something else is a weekly date with Sheridan. She’s growing up so fast that I want to spend as much time with her as I can and pour into her life. One day, she’ll be leaving the house and on her own, whether I like it or not. So now is the time to teach and train her for that day. (Truth be told: she usually teaches me a lot more when we’re together and I just let her talk.)

Add to those an annual family vacation and a getaway for just Nikki and I. We make those high priorities in our family budget and sacrifice in other areas to make them happen. And while we don’t have something tangible to show for them, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

I don’t have anything tangible to show for those hours each week, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything.