Love Life, Embrace Risks, and Live for Eternity

To Build Up and Not Break Down

Words are potent! They can either build someone up or break someone down. Everything that comes out of our mouth will have some type of impact on an individual.

Years upon years ago, someone spit in my face and called me an ugly b****. Those words remained in me for a long time. Those words damaged my self esteem. Then one day, I realized who I am.  

Sadly, there have been some words that poured out of my mouth that I truley regret. Today, I repent. I pray that God helps me control my heart, my mind, and my speech. I pray that I build others up and that I have a positive influence on their life. I want to encourage, inspire, and motivate others.

"A tongue that brings healing is like a tree of life. But a tongue that tells lies produces a broken spirit." Proverbs 15:4

"Because with every action, comment, conversation, we have the choice to invite Heaven or Hell to Earth." Rob Bell

A Journey with Six Young Married Couples

 
For the past three weeks on Tuesday evenings, I have gathered together with six young married couples to process the journey that we are on as individuals. This small group is a place for each one of us to grow and challenge each other. It has surely been a trip!

Here are a few of the weekly topics.

• Jesus Wasn't a Christian
• Jesus is Unfair
• Jesus Wants You to Give Up
• Jesus' Love is Absurb
• Jesus Isn't Quiet

Every week we each received a challange. Sometimes, we all receive the same challenge while other times we receive different ones. Some of the challenges are really difficult. While others are easy. I have even tried to trade certain challenges with others but they wouldn't let me.

Here are a few of the challenges that I have received:

• Extend some grace to someone-and it could be anyone-by surprising them with an unexpected gift
• You need to forgive someone for something. Your challenge is to take some time to write a letter to that person, forgiving them for something specific. This communication is about you, not them, so you don't have to send it. (in fact don't, especially if the person doesn't know they hurt you)
• Visit a local cemetary and listen to (or read) this week's challenge while you are there 

It has been years since I have sat in on a small group. So far, this weekly commitment has been well worth it. I have been challenged, encouraged, and loved. I am looking forward to the next three weeks with the six married couples and a one friend that is single. 

My Prayer on May 15th!

"Satisfy me in the morning with your unfailing love, that I may sing for joy and be glad all our days. Make me glad for as many days as you have afflicted me, for as many years as I have seen trouble...May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon me; establish the work of my hands for me-yes, establish the work of my hands"  Psalm 90:14-15, 17

Make up the bad times with good times. I have seen way too many bad times!

Update on the Monday Night Coffee Shop Group

Every Monday, I gather with individuals in a coffee shop who are spiritually curious. We have some that believe Jesus Christ is God while others are not too sure. Until then, I continue to use the Bible as our curriculum. We have read over the Gospels and now we are in the sweet book of Acts.

Lately, we have been spending around ten minutes looking over archeological evidence that proves that the Bible is real. We have also dove into the scientific studies as well as historical proof. We have discussed the findings and the meaning behind Dead Sea Scrolls. We have also discussed the big hoax of the half ape half man when it comes to evolution. We have had some great discussions!

We have been slowly diving into the book of Acts. We read a chapter. Discuss it. And then apply it to our lives. The book of Acts stirs me up big time to make an impact here on earth. I love reading when...

• Peter healed the crippled beggar
• Peter and John were filled with the Spirit and spoke with great boldness before the major big wigs
• The apostles performed mriacles, signs, and wonders in front of the crowds
• More and more were added to the church
• The apostles never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news of Christ even amongst major persecution

Just if we saw this nowadays!

The Beauty of Grace

 "The world can do almost anything as well as or better than the church. You need not be a Christian to build houses, feed the hungry, or heal the sick. There is only one thing the world cannot do. It cannot offer grace." Gordan MacDonald

I thank my Lord for the beauty of grace!

A Lesson Learned During My Saturday Morning Run

My goal was to sleep in yesterday. Well, I failed. I ended up rolling out of bed at 8 a.m and I headed out in the bitter cold for a run.

Within the first 5 minutes of my run, my ipod shut off for some odd reason. Now every time I run or workout, I have to have my ipod on. It is a must. I usually mull over a sermon or music that will spur me on. Listening to something is much better than focusing on the pain  and torture of a run. When my ipod began to get a bit moody, I was ready to just give up seeing that I desperately needed something to listen to. I knew that the kind of run I was going to do was going to be rough. I wanted to instill sprints, skipping, and shuffling in the middle of the 2 mile run. Pure torture! I am telling yo...I really needed my ipod!

Well, I decided to run without it which was rough at first. During the run, I reflected on my life journey here on earth. Then, I began to reflect on who God is to me. Yes, to AnneMarie! I began to think about His character and His amazing attributes. I began to think about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. I began to think on how I can trust Him with my life journey. I can trust that He loves me and that He is guiding me. As I reflected on Him, the run became easier and easier for me. Surprisingly, I ended up running a longer distance.

Huh! Getting my eyes on Jesus Christ makes a big difference not only in the middle of a hard run but also in every day life. It is just so simple!

The Sacred Text

I am amazed that the Bible...

• was written on three continents
• has 11,000 chapters and around 31,000 verses
• has ancient manuscripts that have been found
• was written by philosophers, kings, sheppards, and even tax collectors

Nothing or nobody can beat that. The Bible is a unique book and it can be trusted. It is true and it has much value. It causes reaction and it creates faith. The Bible produces change, renews one's mind, and brings forth healing. It is a powerful book!

Ah! Just if others would see that!

M & M's @ 9:30 a.m.

The other day I gathered with 30-35 middle schoolers at 9:30 a.m. in a nearby high school. Yes, I did say 9:30 a.m. The room was filled with energetic students eating Krispy Creme donuts and M & M's. Healthy, eh?! When I first arrived, some were playing the good old game of four square while others were playing floor hockey.

That morning, we talked about M & M's. We talked about the mysteries and miracles of Jesus. Every teenager had a Bible cracked open while listening attentively to the speaker. I was impressed with the spiritual hunger that was in the room. Some of the students were seekers while others have put their faith in Christ. It was great!

By hanging out with those students, I was awakened to how critical for us to reach that age group. Middle schoolers along with high school students are in a chancy stage of life.

Whever you have the opportunity, reach out to a student. Take them out to lunch. Love them. Listen to them. Mentor them. Encourage them. Even take some time to discuss M & M's of Christ. Students need our attention!

My Next Read

Anne Jackson, a woman who is currently on staff at Cross Point Church, just recently wrote an interesting book called Mad Church Disease.

The book is for those who are in vocational ministry or even volunteers in ministry. Anne shares her personal story of burnout in the church. By reading this book, one will be able to comprehend, avoid, or even begin the healing process when one received the raw end of the deal when it comes to ministry and the church.  

This woman is helping many process through the intense hurt and pain that some may have received. The good thing is that she pushes individuals to trust God and His sovereignty no matter how deep the wounds are. Sounds like a great booK!

Healthy Getaways

"Early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus woke and left the house. He went to a lonely place, where he prayed."  Mark 1:35

As I study more and more about the life of Jesus, I realize how critical it is to connect with God on a daily basis. It is so important to separate myself from the madness of my schedule and to commune with Him. Jesus did it and so should I.

Healthy getaways with God are worth it. It brings healing, joy, and a greater sense of His presence!

Letting It Simmer In My Mind

"Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another-showing us truth, exposing rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to love God's way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us." I Timothy 3:16-17

It is extremely important for Christ-followers to have the Word of God stored up inside of them. We need the be constantly reminded of truth in order to combat any rebellion or wrongful actions that we might be tempted to take part in. The Word is there to encourage us and inspire us. The Word encourages us to dish out love and expose people to who Jesus is. It is critical for Christ-followers to be in the Word daily. Not only to crack it open but to meditate on the Word, memorize the Word, speak the Word, and to daily apply it to our lives. By doing that, we are then prepared to move forward with the mission that God has for us here on earth.

For several years, I worked hard on memorizing Scripture. I would do it the old school way by writing them out on note cards. I would carry the note cards everywhere I went. If I had any down time, I would pull them out and let the Scripture sit deep within me. If I was on a treadmill or stair master, I would tape the Scriptures onto the machine. I would read the verses over and over and over again until I had it memorized.

Today, I repent for not letting the Word simmer in my mind and take over my mind. I have decided to commit to diving in the Word more. I commit to spending more time on meditating on the Word and memorizing it. I want to correct my mistakes. I want to correct any rebellion that is within me. I want my mind to be constantly set on Christ. I want to love God's way. I want to be put together to move with the mission on impacting lives here on earth.

Eternity

"Smart players are clear on what last and what doesn't. It is wise to store up treasure in heaven in what's eternal: God and people." John Ortberg

The Wii and the iphone will not last forever. My tv will not last forever. My laptop will not last forever. God and people will. And that is where my focus should be on. My attention should be primarily on what lasts.

Souls last forever!

Turning the Tables

Monday Nights: Learning to Love!

Monday nights in Downtown Royal Oak are well worth it. It is a time where we bring spiritual Truth in an area that is desperately in need of Jesus. The coffee shop we gather in on Monday nights is always jam packed full of people. I enjoy seeing the regulars along with the newbies. I just love the people!

While reading through the book of John on Monday nights, I am constantly reminded how important it is to love others. It is so critical that Jesus commanded us to do so. It is especially important when you face those who believe the Bible is just filled with folktales and not actually history. Or when one picks and chooses what to believe in the Bible. Or when one believes in the supernatural but has a hard time believing that Jesus was raised from the dead.

Arguments and debates will not win them. But, love will! I pray that God gives all of us Christ-followers the strength to love!

"And I think that's what our world is desperately in need of - lovers, people who are building deep, genuine relationships with fellow strugglers along the way, and who actually know the faces of the people behind the issues they are concerned about." Shane Claiborne

The Monday Night Coffee Shop Group

Christ-followers inquire all the time on the Monday Night Coffee Shop group in downtown Royal Oak. So many questions get thrown at me. How was it started? How many attend? What do I use for curriculum? Are we affiliated with a church? What is the goal of the group?

Lately, I have been thinking and reflecting on the goal of the group. The goal is not to fix those in the group. It is to connect them to God. The goal is to introduce them to the Word. To let the Spirit speak to them and help them understand it. To help them apply it to their lives. The goal is to love them. To represent Jesus to them!

Here is a quick update on what has been going on:

• We are currently reading over the book of John and just finished chapter 12. We have had great challenging discussions as we read verse by verse.
• I love how everyone stays afterwords to drink coffee and chit chat.
• This Monday night we are having our monthly desert and game night at my place.

I pray that God's authoritative Word speaks and cuts to each one of our hearts as we read it. I pray for salvation, redemption, healing, and reconciliation. I pray for more to join in on exploring the Scriptures on Monday nights.

My Personal Mission

                                              

"Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily becaome a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized-whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ-but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead thosee I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!" 1 Corinthians 9

A Sinful Church

There are so many people that are straight out upset with the Church. Sadly, too many have had a bad experience with either a "Christian" or a Church. As a result, some have a hard time trusting the Church because they were left hurt or even emotionally angry.

Why does this happen? How does it happen? Why do some have negative impressions on the Church?

Maybe it is because the church is too political, too prejudice, too anti-homosexual, too fake, and all. Just recently a large church in the Detroit area hit the streets and asked individuals in downtown Royal Oak what comes to their mind when they hear the word "Christian". Their responses were quite embarrassing and even sad. We were faced with the brutal truth.

Many have checked out on Church and not necessarily Jesus. Gandhi once said, "I like your Christ but not your Christians." Wow! That is a powerful statement.

I believe that some of these individuals are right. This issue has been taking place even when Jesus was walking the earth. Just check out Matthew 23! If we are really honest, we would admit that we the Church has screwed up. We have set a bad reputation. For example. Instead of loving the homosexuals, walls have been put up and doors have been shut on them. Some homosexuals have even sensed hatred from the Christians. I have personally spoke to one awhile back that stated, "When I walk into a church, I feel as if everyone is staring at me and my friends. I feel as if we are the gay club." It is sad, but true!  

Lets face it. We, the Church, have been hypocritical in so many ways. We need to stop misrepresenting Jesus. We need to initiate forgiveness. We owe many an apology. We need to repent and pray for the sweet healing to begin.

In the Midst of Chaos...

No words can express how hard I have been hit this week. In the midst of all the chaos this is what I need to do:

"Take your everyday, ordinary life-your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life-and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him.

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 12:1-2

Church Outside of Church

Months ago, I was threatened that if I was ever to call the Monday night coffee shop group "church" then some action will need to be taken. I was completely shocked that one said that to me. It just shows me how the enemy is at work.

There is no need for me to turn this group into a church, non-profit organization, or even a business.  I will not file for a 501(C)3 with the Monday night group seeing that I do not take up tithes. Actually, I refuse to take in tithes. We have no incoming revenue however there are expenses. Money is invested in people by purchasing Bibles, coffees, deserts, and even dinners.

Over the past year, I have learned that "church" is not a building. It is the body of Christ. On Mondays nights, a few of us reckless followers of Christ have decided to take a risk by investing in those that do not believe and/or who are unchurched. We have chosen to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ outside of the typical Sunday morning thing and outside of the four walls of a church.

Running church outside of church has been a trip. Taking the Gospel to the coffee shop has been interesting but God has surely been at work. We have seen decisions made for Christ. We have had those that are spiritually confused have their questions answered. We have seen people crack open the Bible for their first time. We have helped some talk with God for their very first time. And lately, more and more are starting to purchase their own Bibles. I love it! There is nothing better than seeing those that rarely cracked open the Bible take it upon themselves to purchase one. I crack up when I see them get so excited when they bring their brand new Bible to the group.

I love it. But please know that I am not anti church inside of church. There are times when we are called to have church outside of church to reach different people groups.  You should try it sometime!

Hanging with the Irrelegious, Unchurched, and Spiritually Confused

Hanging out in Downtown Royal Oak is what I have done for many years. I have fallen in love with that city and I have also developed a deep concern for that city.

Til this very day, I gather with individuals that are irreligious, unchurched, and spiritually confused. I have taken risks and developed friendships with many hoping that God has a purpose behind it. While engaging in conversations I constantly ask, "God, what are you up to with this particular person?"

The painting posted here is a piece of work from a man that I have known for awhile now. He decided to paint a picture of me last Wednesday evening while I was meeting with a woman. He attends the Monday night coffee shop group every now and then. When he attends, he doesn't crack open a Bible. He just listens. Little by little this man shares his life story that has much heartache and some hard lessons. And little by little we challenge him spiritually when appropriate praying that he will one day respond to what God has to offer him. Everyone in downtown knows this individual. I can just sit back and imagine the eternal impact he will have on people when he experiences the Living Water. 

It is all about loving, sowing, and reaping! If that is the only reason why I am still living then so be it!

"Smart players are clear on what lasts and what doesn't. It is wise to store up treasure in what's eternal: God and people."  John Ortbert

Investing in People on Monday Nights

Monday nights are a time where a few of us pour into the lives of others that would not typically walk into a church setting. I love Monday nights in downtown Royal Oak!

Here is the update on the group!

• We are in need of a new male leader. Nick moved to New York! :(
• We are currently walking through the book of John verse by verse. Great discussions! Great Q & A time!
• This past Monday we had two new guests join us. One just sat right across from me not seriously not knowing what he was getting himself into. The other was given a personal invite to the group. I love how God draws new people in!
• Week after week we expose people to who Jesus is and now we are seeing some discovering the Truth of who He is.
• Last week was rough seeing that one of the guys that attended is spiritually confused big time.
• Those that do not attend the group but hang out with us before or afterwords are starting to develop a trust which leads to deep honest discussions about their status in life. Before, I would get frustrated that they wouldn't join the group but now I see that God is at work with them. He is piquing their spiritual curiosity.  

The group is a diverse group and I love it! That is what it is all about! Call me crazy but we will continue to openly accept seekers, skeptics, cynics, and all to the group. We encourage them to throw out questions, doubts, and concerns when it comes to spiritual truth.  

An Eminent Challenge

Reaching the gay community has been a well known challenge for the church. Some are hesitant or even afraid to reach those that are living a homosexual lifestyle. While others may be ignorant on how to reach them. It is surely a challenge that the church faces and will continue to face.

At times, some have used the wrong methods and approach to reach out to them. I strongly believe that the Body of Christ should not to react with a Jonah spirit. Jonah wanted destruction on the people of Nineveh instead of life. In the same way, some tend to scream out destruction on the gay community. It kills me when I see or hear people shouting fire and brimstone on those living in a homosexual lifestyle. 

Instead we need to react with a healthy balance of grace and Truth. We need to dish out love, gentleness, compassion, and mercy upon individuals. And we need to stand on Biblical Truth. It is all about having a balance.

We are to be Christ's visible expression here on earth. We need to truly get a hold of His heart and mind when it comes to the eminent challenge of reaching the homosexual community. We need to love them and embrace them. We need to represent Jesus to them.  

Infecting People With Love

Jesus amazes me when it comes to His relational skills. He hung out with a wide variety of people. Think about it. He spent time with the tax collectors, the poor, the sinners, the little ones, the sick, the disciples, and all. People were attracted to Jesus. People were changed by the words He spoke and the bodies He touched. I am amazed!

Jesus is the One I want to shadow.

Over the past year, I have had the great opportunity to spend time with people I did not have time for in the past. I have even had the opportunity to develop new friendships with those outside of organized religion. Drinking coffee, eating dinner, walking together, working out together, going to concerts, or even shooting pool. I have listened to many life stories. I have listened to the hurts, struggles, joys, and dreams of others. It has been an experience that I am so grateful for.  

There have been some where I have engaged in spiritual conversations with. Others, I continue to wait for the right moment and pray that the Spirit guides me.

Until then, I ask God to give me an intense favor in these relationships. I ask God to give me an intense love for them and a desire to truly get to know them.

Lord, help me not to screw these relationships up! Let them be attracted to You!  

  

An Honest Post

My life is very uncomfortable right now. I humbly admit that over the past few months, I haven't been at ease about the fact that I have no sense of direction. No dreams. Notta! Nothing!

It has been dark, lonely, and scary at times even though I am constantly surrounded by people.

While I was on vacation, I went on a long walk and I dished it all out to God. I poured out my thoughts, feelings, and emotions when it comes to my future. I put it all at His feet with my hands up in the air. I gave up.  I surrendered to even having a simple little dream to live for. It was a well needed talk with God.

Even though life beats me up at times, I can still say that God has been so good to me. Even though every demon in hell seems to be coming against me, God has been so good to me.

Everyday, I will continue to roll out of bed and make satan angry. I will continue to live for Jesus Christ and His mission to impact lives. I will continue to love life, embrace risks, and live for eternity.

Thank you God for being so good to me!

Hi AnneMarie!

"We have to participate in our own sobriety."  Author Unknown

Alcoholics Annoymous is well needed in today's society. More and more people are fighting the ugly disease and AA gives them the direct support they need.

Last week, I attended my very first AA meeting to support a friend and to obtain a better understanding of what AA is all about. Just under one hundred people gathered in a basement of a church building in Royal Oak that evening. All ages were represented in the warm welcoming environment. I was even greeted by everyone at one time with the famous "Hi AnneMarie".

I quickly took note that Jesus was left out. Faith was brought up several times and one man even encouraged everyone to make the right steps to obtain spiritual progress. However, Jesus was left out. The meeting closed by everyone joining hands and reciting the Lord's Prayer.

Why was Jesus left out when He is the One that can deliver the addicted? My heart broke that evening. They are missing out!