Monday, August 1, 2011

Crossroads

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As usual there seem to be themes that pop up in my life. I have accepted it as Gods way of talking to me in certain areas. One of those themes is crossroads.
 

When I was 16yrs old I was able to get my driving permit, and eventually my license. That gave me the ability to get a better job at any distance I wanted to drive. I no longer had to rely on my mom to get me places, and I definitely didnt have to rely on the city bus. Getting my license lead me to Sears Portrait Studio as a photographer. I went to "Crossroads Driving School".

A few years later I was in a relationship with a guy. After about a year we decided to move in together. Even though it was against my better judgment. It was a 3yr relationship that ended horribly. And I promised myself and God that I would never again live with another man unless it was my husband. The apartment we lived in was called Crossroads Apartments.
 

A few years later, married to wonderful man we find a home church that helped us grow in our faith in ways we couldnt imagine. During our year and a half there we were baptized together, took several bible studies that freed us of lots of baggage, and then even lead a few studies ourselves through the church. We gained spiritual strength and growth and some amazingly supportive friends/family.
This church is called Crossroads Church.(lovingly called CRC). 


Then Sheldon and I began having that inner feeling that we wanted and needed to do something. What that was, we werent sure. We talked about hosting several bible studies outside of the church, community outreaches, neighborhood watches, and a few other things. As we prayed, we were given the opportunity to pray for a new church plant. So we prayed for the new church, and in that we began to feel led to be a part of helping plant this new church. But there was that feeling of not wanting to leave our home at CRC. So we prayed some more.
 

Then we got convicted. The Holy Spirit gently reminded us that as christians we were not called to sit in a comfy spot and worship God. We are not suppose to "sit on our blessed assurance", but to go out into the world. To share the gospel with every nation. And that means every community here in our own state as well.
 

So it was no longer a question of "well we really feel led to go be a part of this new church, but we dont want to leave our home because we love it!", it became "we feel led to do it, so lets DO IT!" 

The roads I have chosen in my life I have outlined what my life has become. 
**Getting a car lead me to my 1st photography job and preened my skills which lead me to owning my own business. 
**Living in that apartment with that guy taught me to put my foot down and learn my value as a woman. I had to set and stick to what I wanted out of any future relationships which lead me to a man who was looking for the same thing and we married within 5 months of dating. Since we are going on almost 5 years of a happy marriage I would venture to say that was a great outcome! :)  
**And searching out a new church and finding a home that was so welcoming and nurturing we learned how to grow. Which lead me to the opportunity of being the Womens Ministry Leader at a brand new church called South Oaks Community Church. We shall see where this road leads me :)

So as I cross these roads in my life, I pray that God is my guide the whole way. Whether it was learning to drive and be independent, making mistakes and learning what it means to be in a wholesome healthy relationship, or it was finding a home church and growing closer to God.....
I am GRATEFUL for all my cross roads!


And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. Mark 16:15
Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Provers 16:3
I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5


Special thank you to Pastor CJ & his beautiful wife Cheryl for loving us so warmly and embracing us as we were a part of your church. We love you guys and appreciate everything you have done for us and with us! We will be praying for CRC to reach above and beyond your expectations!