Lori Biddle

a night for family

2010-03-11T22:36:00.008-05:00

After several very busy nights with small groups and other responsibilities we headed off to Ashland to celebrate our nephew, Bradley's birthday. We ate great grandma food, sang way too loudly and off key (on purpose of course) and ended the evening with a rousing game of slide Sorry.

What more can you ask for...

I would love to know, are birthdays a big deal for your families?

dancers

2010-03-10T22:12:00.006-05:00

Tonight we had a dance audition planned at Crossroads. I was very encouraged when we had close to 12 dancers that signed up to come.

As time drew closer, one by one they dropped out - one guy said his girlfriend signed him up as a joke (that was actually really funny!) one student had too much homework, volleyball practice, not feeling well, and some probably just forgot. Regardless the conflict we ended up with only 3 dancers. They danced to the music and then sat and talked a while and now when we see one another in the crowded halls at Crossroads we will know these new friends.

When things seem to fall apart you can either get discouraged or force yourself to find God's intentions. That is what we did.

Kari - the ballerina we have used the most often through the years at Crossroads, came to help me, as well as one of my dearest little girlfriends Shanna. I watched as they talked, evaluated dancers and then we invited Kari to join our drama small group. Exactly what God intended.

Tonight may not have been about dancers at all - it ended up being about new connections - possible ways to use dance in the children's areas, on ministry teams and new small group members.

cheap is good

2010-03-10T16:32:00.002-05:00

Here are Rite Aide Coupons I thought you might like!

Here are some links for free samples and a free Snikiddy Snack...whatever that is!

I am soooo behind on couponing with no catch up time in site...

Does anyone have any shortcuts, or management tips to share for couponing?

what I learned today

2010-03-09T23:03:00.017-05:00

Tonight at the artists small group we talked about the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines. Creatives perhaps even more than some need to be disciplined enough to slow down in order to even be creative! We talked about how difficult it is to say 'no' and stick to it.

Perhaps our favorite quote was this "inspiration is strained when hurried...this is because inspiration is a dialogue, and we must hear before we create." We must hear from our God! The other thing we all agreed on is the fact that the true artist is a worshiper! We then learned what the attributes of God were - focusing silently on this list for a few moments...this evoked worship!

After discussing the attributes of God , we each chose one as the focus of our "automatic drawing" exercise. We approached the paper in a 'fencing' stance - fully extending our arm to just touch the paper. Oh yeah, did I mention we used our left hand or whichever hand was our non-dominate hand? One of the artists informed us this would cause us to create new brain cells since we were not using our usual hand. (If that's all it takes to create new brain cells I think I just became left-handed!) We painted 5 minutes, then stepped away from the paper and looked at our painting then began again drawing inspiration from the attributes of our God. It was very challenging to not do 'good' paintings for the artists since they are each so talented, but, automatic drawing challenged us to respond to the Lord without trying to create anything specific. So fun! I enjoyed the night immensely drawing encouragement from being surrounded by artists who love the Lord!

my day off

2010-03-08T12:52:00.003-05:00

So thankful for today. Trying to finish laundry, organize unfinished work and prepare to lead the artists group tomorrow.

As I spent some time reading about prayer this morning I was greatly encouraged by what I read. It was a section discussing prayer specifically within community - and specifically the duty of the leader in prayer. I have always preferred to pray privately. I do not find it hard to be honest and desperate before the Lord - to the point of exhaustion at times.

However, due to my position I often need to lead prayer publicly. This is something I sometimes almost dread because it's usually with the same teams over and over and I worry about sounding authentic and not repeating myself. So I try so hard to focus on just talking with the Lord, but also trying to be careful to make sense - not too personal... often feeling like I have failed miserably. How embarrassing is that to admit!??

I have never prayed trying to make myself sound all spiritual or better than anyone, that's not what I mean, but, it just feels so plain and like nothing inspiring... I am certain there have been times when I have not spiritually prepared myself before the Lord and that could make prayer sound mechanical I suppose...

Then today I read about the proper way to publicly pray, or rather the value in consistently praying for our fellowship. This is what it said, "It is precisely when a person, who is borne down by inner emptiness and weariness or a sense of personal unworthiness, feels that he would like to withdraw from his task, that he should learn what it means to have a duty to perform in the fellowship, and the brethren should support him in his weakness, in his inability to pray. Perhaps it is right here that one will realize the profound truth of Paul's words: "We know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered" Romans 8:26...an amazing promise.

So on my day off the question to myself once again is this, why do I waste so much time worrying about stuff or trying to figure things out instead of immediately searching the Word for instruction and comfort? The next time I lead in prayer I will remember these words and just let the Spirit use me to make intercession for those I serve.

weekend report

2010-03-07T19:42:00.005-05:00

O my goodness...so good to be in the house of the Lord worshiping! The team was focused, well practiced and completely ready to forget about the notes, the words and just lead worship. Their preparation paid off and they lead us seamlessly into the message, and I do mean INTO the message. The words were thematic and Pastor Tim took it from there and God spoke through his mouth loud and clear! So good...so thankful to part of these teams!

Our setlist:

Pre-service Instrumental: The Power Of Love - Huey Lewis (this put smiles on everyone's faces as they entered the auditorium!)
Announcements: Jesse Rider - our Senior High guy took care of the announcements LIVE from the Youth Room (with kids punching one another in the background! ha ha)
Praise: How Great Thou Art - Baloche
Praise: You Are Good - Lakewood
Worship: Lead Me To The Cross - Hillsong United
Worship: Inside Out - Hillsong
Message: Ephesians: Deconstruction/Reconstruction Pt.8 Tim Armstrong
Closing song: You Are Good

To see what other ministries around the country used in their services go to www.theworshipcommunity.com

To watch our services on Monday go to www.crossroadswired.com

radio opportunity

2010-03-05T22:45:00.007-05:00

Jocelyn's future brother-in-law Cody invited her to sing with him when he was featured on the Berklee Radio Station with one of his original pieces of music. It was a great experience!

While I was uploading this video I heard a gasp as Jocelyn received the news that she had in fact been accepted for Graduate School at Boston University. They originally told her she would not know until April so we were totally shocked to find out so early! Looks like I'll be making many trips to Boston in the future...(heavy sigh with a smile on my face)...

back from Boston

2010-03-05T21:25:00.013-05:00

We just got back from Boston where we visited our future son-in-law, Aaron and his buddies! Celebrated everyone's birthday - watched a radio broadcast featuring our daughter Jocelyn and Aaron's brother Cody. We checked out Berkley School of Music where Aaron and his brother attend, visited Boston University where our daughter has applied for Graduate School and walked through Harvard! We had a blast - walked miles and miles investigating all areas of Boston - ate constantly and drove up to Maine! And we enjoyed one day of shopping that ended in sleep at the train station. Very, very, very fun! Here is a peak at what we saw.

lead sentence

2010-03-03T19:08:00.003-05:00

In writing, the first sentence of each paragraph is always the most important sentence, or at least considered the 'lead' sentence. The fact that I never consider this to be the case may say something about me I guess.

I am ALWAYS drawn to the inside of a paragraph more than the beginning. I found the most profound, most memorable information hidden deep within the text. Always.

Now...this could be because it takes me a while to get focused whenever I begin most anything. Or it could be that writers hide goodies deep within a text just waiting for someone to discover what abides there. Either way - I never only read the first sentence and I am almost always glad that I read more. Kind of reminds me of God's Word...so many 'devotions' just take a verse or two and offer suggested readings - I think this robs us of the rich discovery waiting if it is studied in context. I have been very convicted of this lately - skimming - just squelching the nagging guilt of no study at all. I really do want the meat of the Word and that takes work - no 'just reading the first sentences'.

Are you a skimmer, or are you willing to do the work?

passing from this earth

2010-03-02T22:32:00.003-05:00

My Uncle Smith passed away today. I was not able to be with my Dad as he lost his brother, this made me sad. As we talked he described my uncle's passing including how he seemed to linger until the final goodbyes were spoken.

I was reading the words of Deitrich Bonhoeffer earlier today where he talked about the scripture that says, "Sing unto the Lord a new song"... he goes on in much detail about what this means to the body of Christ, but, in the context of my Uncle's passing I loved this selection of his writing. "On earth it is the song of those who believe, in heaven the song of those who see..." No longer is it just by faith but by site!

He goes on to say "the fact that we sing it (on earth) only expresses the fact that our spoken words are inadequate to express what we want to say, that the burden of our song goes far beyond all human words."

My Uncle at this very moment can 'see' the song...their praise raising to their King, my Uncle singing perhaps the very loudest as one of the newest arrivals. Tonight he sees the song!

my day off

2010-03-02T00:25:00.004-05:00

I heard someone say today, "vacation is not a luxury, rather something we need, time away to detach, withdraw, replenish..." I obviously didn't blog yesterday and considered taking a week off, but I find I miss writing too much. It's not that I have profound things to say, I just need to get thoughts out, written down, and organized instead of being globs of letters, words and sentences floating in my brain.

Today like many days I found myself surrounded by young adults, college students. They discussed the future, their plans, art, music and the desires of their hearts. They are ready at a moments notice to give opinions, share even risky ideas, they have more confidence than I possibly ever have had. Some are already leaders in their areas of study poised to create brand new never before thought of things. I watch and listen and can hardly contain my excitement as they plan and dream.

I am forced to look closely at my own life asking if I have followed through on the ideas of my youth. Do youthful thoughts only belong to those starting out, or can we dream too? Does God give dreams to middle aged people - dreams He wants fulfilled? Or are they simply moments of imagining and glimpses of what might have been?

I hope we never get too old for God ideas...could he be waiting for us to dream big enough so it can be recognized as God's? Our dreams must go with us into our everyday jobs and responsibilities - we need them with us where they can become something that inspires everyone to go off to dream their own God given dreams. The young do not own the only dreams and ideas-I have my own - do you?

my husband is home

2010-02-27T16:14:00.004-05:00

FINALLY the Asia's Hope team returned! I am so thankful - praising the Lord for a life changing trip for this group of Crossroadians'! (That's slang for a team from Crossroads that just returned from Cambodia and Thailand yesterday).

How amazing to travel around the world and show God's love in practical ways as they showered the previously unvisited orphanage with belated Christmas gifts from all the people at Crossroads that sponsor them!

Reports include one little boy that was completely hidden from view by the size of his gifts! They love receiving gifts - but the love they GIVE back far, far outweighs anything we can possibly give.

So exciting to hear the stories of how Crossroads' love is changing these children's lives clear across the world!! Thanks Crossroads sponsors!

And - so glad to have hubby back safe and sound too!

anticipation

2010-02-24T08:58:00.005-05:00

Wednesday is a day I have been looking forward to. I was blown away as I stepped from my door and saw a beautiful new blanket of snow. The difference this time was birds were singing at the top of their lungs (do birds have lungs?) and there was a sense of change in the air - anticipation. Hope for spring - and a promise from God's birds that it is not far away!

The anticipation (or dread) for our staff will end today as well! We are doing a staff 'late' valentine exchange/valentine box competition today at Crossroads. Although the planning team has endured quite a bit of teasing because of how corny this event is, today I watched as all the staff walked around looking at everyone's boxes as they dropped valentines into each box.

So... surrounded by criticism we pushed on...we now have turned the corner and the notes describing what they appreciate about one another will soon be opened during lunch together.

Sometimes it takes a corny, relaxed setting to bring out thankfulness and fun! (the last picture shows the homemade frames leftover from the Children's ministry - that will frame the smiling faces of our amazing staff by each place setting!)

Have you done anything at your place of business that ended up being a powerful or fun event for everyone? I would love new ideas!

my day off

2010-02-22T17:08:00.004-05:00

I have thoroughly enjoyed my day off so far. My sabbath! How could you not enjoy a day that begins with your dear mother-in-law and pancakes? I'm just sayin...

Anyway, I followed up pancakes with the gym and then home sweet home!

As I sit on my couch working through my precariously teetering stack of books and papers waiting to be organized - I began preparing for the Artists Small Group tomorrow night. The new "Expressive Drawing Book" was right on top. My hope as I began this book was to come up with some exercises that we could use to have fun at our meeting. What I found was something that struck me as a parallel to some theological struggles I see around me.

"Drawing is often equated with rendering, or conveying accurate information about the visible world. Change came however, with the Modernism art age. This art era argued that art can be about the unseen - drawings could now be about internal realities - dreams, feelings and imagination. ... you as an artist are filtering experiences of your life to create a new reality as you draw."

In the area of creating an artistic drawing this is acceptable, in the area of theological doctrine it is not!. People and churches are creating a new reality and it's all about them. What's convenient, what feels good,what makes everybody happy and what in most cases allows them to live anyway they choose.

I have to assume the author of this art book had no interest in theological debate - but I thought it was a good description of what we have seen all around us recently, even here in little 'ole Mansfield, Ohio.

Be wise, study God's Word and let's join together to walk, speak and serve as Pastor Tim reminded us in Ephesians 4.

champion

2010-02-21T22:42:00.003-05:00

Shall we not have some champions, in these times, who will deal sternly with heresies for the love of the truth,—men who will stand like rocks in the center of the sea, so that, when all others shake, they stand invulnerable and invincible? Thou who art tossed about by every wind of doctrine, farewell; I own thee not till God shall give thee grace to stand firm for his truth, and not to be ashamed of him nor of his words in this evil generation. Charles Spurgeon

I want to be a champion. Do you?

weekend report

2010-02-21T12:26:00.004-05:00

So - simple is SOOOOO good. It was good to be in the house of the Lord with my brothers and sisters!

Setlist:
Smooth
Announcements - Bill Hill
I Surrender
What A Friend - Baloche
Be Glorified - acoustic version instrumentally
I will Boast
Silent Responsive Reading
Be Glorified - full band version
I Will Boast
Message: Ephesians Pt. 6
I Will Boast

To see what other ministries used in their setlists this weekend go to theworshipcommunity.

To watch the services at Crossroads go to www.crossroadswired.com on Monday.

does creativity = bad theology

2010-02-20T23:41:00.003-05:00

I have been disappointed recently by what seems to be a real lack of sound theology especially from leaders connected to creativity.

Why is it so prevalent for believers to not know where they stand theologically, or at least to not take a stand theologically? I think our society has brainwashed us into thinking we have to accept whatever people want to believe. I LOVE creatives, artists, musicians, actors anything creative. But many times in the name of 'art' they seem to be way too tolerant. This is disappointing.

I would actually respect people more that took a hard stand in wrong theology, at least then you would know where they stand and you could even try with the Lord's help to reveal the truth to them. But it's that in-between somewhere state that doesn't deserve following. And it drives me crazy!

I need people that can teach me in the areas in which my responsibilities lie. I feel extremely alone at times as I try to lead, not alone physically (I have amazing friends and staff around me), but there are so few leading the way strongly in the creative areas of ministry! Is there anyone out there who is SURE of where they stand, SURE of what they won't compromise on, and SURE of what we need to do, to know, to produce?

I guess the best we can all do is to make SURE our own theology is so rock solid that none of the in-between junk ever sucks us into the mediocre abyss of anything goes...

our speak

2010-02-19T22:29:00.002-05:00

How do you speak? Are you sarcastic, rude, loud, crude?

Some of my friends went out tonight to eat and were discussing Pastor Tim's Ephesians series and specifically his teaching on little white lies (there is no such thing) and sarcasm, how we speak.

We discussed how difficult it is to just talk without entering into talk unacceptable for a Christ follower. Not in horrible foul language or anything that extreme, but just sarcastic teasing or slighting embellishing the truth.

I highly doubt if there is anyone who likes to tease and taunt as much as I do! So to take a step away from this and really examine the way I speak is daunting and quite a challenge. There is nothing I won't attempt for the Lord - so here I go...if my speech can be more pleasing to Him then I will try my very best with His help to change!

Do you have trouble with exaggeration or stretching the truth? Do you think the way your speak is pleasing to the Lord?

a deep tired

2010-02-18T22:16:00.003-05:00

I am deeply tired! I have had a home full of guys the past week and I am SO tired!

We have had a blast running around late at night and laughing together and eating at crazy times of the day and night. But, I am so tired!

Funny how I get tired whenever I am taken out of my regular routine? I used to be able to stay awake forever! Now I am old I guess!

What makes you tired? Work? Kids? Stress? I would love to hear from each of you!

cheap is good

2010-02-17T20:02:00.005-05:00

Got a great deal at WalMart!

The website that talked about the Olay sale said there should be $3.00 coupons that we can use on several different Olay facial cleansers or moisturizers. Not only those worked, but also 2 - $1.00 off coupons worked!

So...

I bought 3 Olay Regenerist Facial Cleansers for the sale price of $5.47 each.

I used 2 - $3.00 off coupons and 2 - $1.00 coupons and paid - $8.41 plus tax.

I then copied off this Rebate form and mailed it in to collect $15.00! So I MADE almost $6.00 to buy these 2 products!

And best of all - that is all I bought!

what I learned today

2010-02-16T10:57:00.006-05:00

I have a confession. I am guilty of judging people based on their contributions to the ministry. Both serving as a volunteer in some capacity as well as lack of giving. (I don't see giving records - but based on needs of the church MANY people do not tithe). I am guilty of assuming this means that people either do not have a personal relationship with the Lord, or that they are selfish or spiritually immature. There I said it...now I must ask for forgiveness.

Today I was reading in "Life Together" by Bonhoeffer and became very convicted and looked hard at my own life.

I am a dreamer - I know what I THINK a Christian community should look like. God deals in absolutes - He makes it pretty easy to understand - our junk makes it difficult. This is what I read today...

"Innumerable times a whole Christian community has broken down because it had sprung from a wish dream. The serious Christian, set down for the first time in a Christian community, is likely to bring with him a very definite idea of what Christian life together should be and to try to realize it. But God's grace speedily shatters such dreams...God is not a God of emotions but the God of truth. Only that fellowship which faces such disillusionment, with all its unhappy and ugly aspects, begins to be what it should be in God's sight, begins to grasp in faith the promise that is given to it.

He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial. God hates visionary dreaming; it makes the dreamer proud and pretentious. The man who fashions a visionary ideal of community demand that is be realized by God, by others, and by himself."

I stand convicted - letting go of my own agendas - and thanking God for each little thing. I will be satisfied with the "small measure of spiritual knowledge, experience and love that has been given to me - so I constantly look forward eager for the highest good!"

I love Crossroads and all who attend. May our community truly reflect our thankfulness to God for all things and become a genuine Christian - non-judgmental community that attracts the lost to Jesus!

tradegy in Thailand

2010-02-15T11:15:00.002-05:00

PLEASE pray today for the orphans of Asia's Hope - who just lost their "House Father" in a Moto accident in Thailand. This accident happened yesterday or today, not sure... His wife and child were also seriously injured and his older child sadly witnessed the whole tragedy from a second Moto.

Our Crossroads Go Mission team will be entering Thailand late this week and need our prayers to meet the needs of this orphanage!

I cannot imagine the grief of the children who have now lost a second pair of parents in their young lives.

God is sovereign, he knew our team would be there next week, just pray with me please that God will use them in a mighty, mighty way! And pray that Asia's Hope has another couple ready to step in!

weekend report

2010-02-14T20:38:00.006-05:00

It was a night of changes on Saturday and amazing results on Sunday thanks to flexible - talented volunteers and staff working side by side!

We cut a song, completely reversed the order of worship, and presented nearly perfect services on Sunday! The thematic flow was clear and the message was strong, God was so good to us!

Stephanie McAuley was our AMAZING actress and Steve Browning was the voice of God and chisel sound effect from the wings backstage.

God's Chisel from Steve Browning on Vimeo.

This drama was supposed to be performed by two live actors, but, our male actors were not available so we placed the voice backstage. It was magnificent!

The final special was performed by my daughter Jocelyn, who was home from college for the weekend. So fun!

Have Your Way from Steve Browning on Vimeo.

Our setlist:

Instrumental: China Grove
Announcements: Wendell Anderson (stewardship pastor)
Worship: Rescue - Desperation Band
Praise: Trading My Sorrows - Darrell Evans
Praise: Lift the Name - Anderson
Message: Ephesians: Deconstruction/Reconstruction Pt. 5 - Sr. Pastor Tim Armstrong
Drama: God's Chisel - The Skit Guys Actress: Stephanie McAuley (the voice - Steve Browning our amazing Tech Coordinator on staff).
Special Music: Have Your Way - Britt Nicole performed by - Jocelyn Biddle (yes...MY daughter!)

To see what other ministries around the country used in their services go to www.theworshipcommunity.com

To watch our services on Monday go to the Crossroads website.

crazy day

2010-02-13T23:47:00.008-05:00

Our day had quite a variety of activities!

We began our day by watching my nephew Bradly
play basketball in the Upward Basketball league.

When we got home our daughter received valentine flowers from her fiance. So, it leads me to ask you...do you get anything for Valentines Day?

Do you buy something for your valentine?

I need helpful suggestions please!

the green room

2010-02-13T01:25:00.006-05:00

One week from today the Green Room is coming to Crossroads!

We will be hearing from some of the top leaders that have served and lead for years in our areas of ministry - cool to think that we will be joining brothers and sisters from across the country LIVE via satellite.

Any of you reading this that are involved in any way with the Creative Arts in your ministry, worship, drama, artists and technical volunteers and leaders, none of you will want to miss this event next Friday at Crossroads. It begins at 10:30 and wraps up at 5:30.

I still have $25.00 tickets available. just call us this week at 419-529-0750 for more information. Or you can order tickets on line at the Green Room. I hope you will join us!