Recap Weekend & a Little More...

Just a quick recap of this past Sunday at Flamingo Road Church Kids Doral. We had record time for setup and tear down. Great job to all the Life Changers who made it possible!
My friend Gio is interning with us until the end of December as our Praise Team Coordinator. She had her first meeting this past Sunday with parents and kids. She recruited several parents to SERVE!!! How exciting!! I actually spoke to a mom today about it and she is so grateful for the blessing the Church has been to her and her family that she said she would serve wherever needed,not just in praise team. Praise the Lord! Love to see God use other people- Gio thank you!!!!
After church, we had our Life Development: Family Movie Day. Though not many families came, this time, God sent the right ones into our arms. Thank you to the Lema's for opening their incredible home of love for our families. There were some leadhers there ministering to other moms. It was off the charts. The kids made 3D glasses, home made mini pizzas, enjoyed plenty of sweets, played, and watched
The Adventures of Shark Boy and Lava Girl.
Someone reminded me that it doesn't matter how many people we expect to come out to an "event", sometimes God just sends the right number of folks that need a Hug, Prayer, Encouragement or just some good ole', plain fun. Thank you Jesus for using us- with all our failures, tiredness, etc. Help me and others who have been entrusted with your Sheep to love them and lead them closer to You.
And as I close, FRC Kids Doral is having an Attendance and Friend Contest. At check in, we want our kids to fill out their name on a ticket and drop it in a box. For every visitor they bring, they can add another ticket. They have until November 8th to throw in as many tickets as possible to win the prize. The contest prize: WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE book AND MAX the plush toy. So come and invite! That's all for today. Goodnight! ;)

What a "I Miss You" can do...

At Flamingo Road Church we just concluded our Heroes and Villains series. Hands down, one of my all time favorites. You can always check the teachings out right here. I was challenged to live a life living and choosing to be a hero rather than a villain. We saw 341 baptism. We had record attendance across the board of 12,000 +. God just is moving so huge. I am grateful to be part of the ride.

At FRC Kids Doral we totally had a blast. And for all those families that missed out---- ahhhh----- try not to again. There is just way to much AWESOME stuff that we are learning from GOD'S Word. How amazing is that!!!

Well, as you read the title to this post, I have a great story from this past Sunday. We are trying to be more consistent in writing "We Miss You" cards & Birthday Cards to our kids. This Sunday one of our little second graders came. [He hadn't been with us for almost 2-3 weeks] Right when his mom picked him up, he stopped and asked me, "Did you guys send me a postcard saying you missed me?" I said, "Yes, we did! Did you like it? Did it make you feel special?" The little boy replied back, "Yes, I loved it! Thank you so much for remembering me."

I cannot tell you what I felt at that moment. You see, his parents are separated. That's why we see him on and off. But you should have seen his face. It's like his whole world just lit up. His mom told me later on that he put that postcard right on his wall and would look at it everyday!!! OMG! I could just cry all over again. I share this only because you never know who may need a little encouragement or acknowledgment- whether YOUNG or OLD.

FRC Life Development Doral Newsletter...

Here is our second newsletter for Heroes and Villains at Flamingo Road Church Doral [life development]. One day I know I'll figure out how to make it much larger. But for now, just click on the newsletter and it will open a new tab where it will appear, I hope, larger. God is doing some mighty great things at our church, especially at our Flamingo Doral Campus. 18 folks were baptized at the beach!!! Grateful for every "life changer" at every ministry there. Enjoy!


P.S.: PARENTS!! DON'T FORGET TO COME THIS SUNDAY WITH YOUR KIDS. DON'T MISS OUT.. IT'S JUST WAY TO MUCH FUN GROWING CLOSER TO JESUS!!!! ;)

FRC Life Development Doral Newsletter...

Here is the 411 at FRC Doral's life development ministries. [preschool-elementary] If you missed us then you NEED to come this Sunday. Man, Heroes and Villains started off to an incredible start!!!

-Serving Him,
Marcy

Heroes & Villains: Power Up..

This past Saturday, the Flamingo Road Church Doral Life Development team got together for our "Heroes Power Up". FRC's new series, Heroes and Villains, kicks off this weekend- Sept. 12-13. At our Power Up, we had 3 Heroic teams put in place: a street team, phone team, and creative team. Our street team, led by three moms and a group of Rushlians, passed out over 150 invites to folks in our community. Our phone team called families and our creative team built, painted, and drew tons of exciting props for the weekend Environment. The Diversity, Collaboration, Thinking, Creativity, and Potential of this day was off the charts and we can't wait to see what GOD has in store for us at our FRC Doral Campus. I just wanted to thank each adult and teen there. You planted seeds for people to take a step closer to checking out what the church is all about and who Jesus is totally all about. THANK YOU!!!

So, if YOU aren't planning anything for this weekend why don't you stop by Flamingo Road Church. We have different locations and different times. One of them being right in the City of Doral: every Sunday at 10:30 am at Ronald Reagan High School- 8600 NW 107 Ave. Don't come alone and we'll see you there!

Bloggers Book Study: Crazy Love...

Book 2 has begun. If you missed, check it out: Ch. 1 & 2: Genie , Ch. 3 & 4: Yoel,
Ch. 5 & 6: Stacie

Chapter 7: You're Best Life, Later:
Chan states that we need to make a distinct choice: to either just live life OR actively run to Christ. There is "Beauty in a deep walk with Christ."

I love that he bases a lot of this chapter off of Hebrews 11- The Hall of Faith. Woopee!!
What should or does our life look like daily? When we look at the "Hall of Faithers" :) do we feel that we would never be as "spiritual" as them?
Chan reminds us that all had their mistakes, failures, etc... but they ALL trusted and had faith in God. "By faith.."v. 17

Faith: doing what others see as crazy... And when we think of all the "hall of faithers" were called to do, it was a huge leap of faith.
Chan: "Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers"
Vs. 35-38: The martyrs... "the world was not worthy of them"-- read hebrews 11: man it is incredible!
Bottom line is these believers had faith in a real God; they obeyed to the end- even if they saw what was promised or not...they gained a better resurrection.

There is so much to write, but as condensed as possible, Chan shares what love is..It is based around Christ's two commandments: love God with all & love others. He talks about what if we take the Bible literally. Giving and loving. "As we love more genuinely & deeply, giving comes more naturally, taking becomes unattractive." Jesus is the ultimate sacrifice. Just dwell on that for a while. Live a life of reckless abandon. Compassion. Loving the poor, the weak, the lost.

Chapter 8: Profile of the Obsessed:
Obsession: "to have the mind excessively pre-occupied with a single emotion or topic."

Lovers: obsessed with true love; a kind only found in Christ. [Luke 6:32-36; Luke 14:12-14] Be willing to forgive and LOVE those who have hurt you.
Risk Takers: obsessed with God's kingdom.
We have all prayed on a trip, "God protect us. Put your angels around this car..etc." We need to pray "whatever it takes" prayers.
Friend for All: obsessed to connect their lives to the poor in some way.
Chan saying here that we need to be intentional to meet people not like us who are in need.
Crazy Ones: obsessed to obey God rather than doing what is expected or fulfilling to status quo
Chan shares his selling of his house for a smaller one. Everyone thought he was crazy. But he asks "who really is the crazy one?" Those gladly sacrificing time, house, comfort are trusting in God's promises.
The Humble: obsessed with knowing the sin of pride is always a battle. Fight pride with focused prayer
Servers: obsessed with knowing that serving is not a burden.
Chan used to "work" hard to show commitment to God. Now he has realized he serves out of being madly in love with Christ.
Givers: obsessed with giving to those in need.. not takers
Soul Journers: obsessed with thinking about Heaven frequently.
Ex. of his wife's grandma: at a play. He asks her if she enjoys it. She answers "I don't know if this is where I want to be if Christ returns."
Engrossed: obsessed with a committed, settled, passionate love for God above & before every other thing & every other being [Deut. 6:4-9]
Unguarded Ones: obsessed with being RAW with God. To have true intimacy with God, we need to be "naked" before Him.
The Rooted: obsessed with meditating on the Word with delight, not out of religion or schedule.
The Dedicated: obsessed/more concerned with his/her character than comfort
Sacrificers: [Psalm 50:9-12;14] just being faithful to our Savior in every aspect of our daily lives

After listening to these chapters [free audio book here] I'm not sure how I felt. I don't know if I agree or disagree with some of the ideas shared. I appreciate Chan's heart to live a totally unselfish, abandoned life. I get what he is saying. Like he said, many accept salvation to get a spot in Heaven and forget that there is a life that needs to be lived for Him. Jesus told the disciples to leave ALL and follow Him. I guess I was torn between what is over spiritualized and what is just getting and living out the two commandments. Well, you decide if you want to read or listen to the chapters and expand your thoughts for discussion.

Follow Miguel's blog tomorrow as he ends the last two chapters.

Being Robbed Stinks...

Man, if you haven't joined our Bloggers Book Study I am telling you, you are missing out on some really great growing tools. Jump on over to Pastor Lilibeth's blog and read her chapter review. Really great stuff!

Last night, Heredes and I arrived home around 7:30ish to find out our house had been broken into. The burglars went through our bedroom. They stole: our flat screen TV, Wii with games, DVD player, a guitar, two Minolta cameras, some of my jewelry, my broken iPhone, a shuffle [a kid left at church, boo], Heredes MVP watch, a laptop and a mini mac.

I'm glad the burglars had a sweet time shuffling through our house. Hope they meet Jesus one day- cause Heredes and I, well we forgive you guys. I'm so grateful God really places His peace in our hearts. I was reminded last night [I controlled my anger & tears very well] that all this stuff is just STUFF. We live in a fallen world. And no matter what God will supply ALL our needs. Thank you Jesus for your protection- that is all I care about.

Heredes- so courageous- invited the four cops to FRC. And I was able to bake cookies with a thank you card and Flamingo invite for our neighbors. Praying for a relationship here- who knows maybe we'll have a Parilla cook off- Brazil vs. Argentina.

Just a reminder that all this material stuff doesn't fulfill. It is just Stuff. And God works everything for GOOD for those who Love HIM!!!

Day 8- Bloggers Book Study

Before I begin, if you are joining us for the first time, you will want to catch up on the previous chapters. So, click here. If you missed Chapter 9, you have to check out Matt Miller's blog.

Today I will be summarizing Chapter 10: A leader's Prayer. Here goes...
"God, Mold and Shape Me to My Full Leadership Potential."
Hybels opens with a moment on his boat in Lake Michigan praying and journaling to God saying, "God I want to be a better leader..." He felt led by the Holy Spirit to take a trip down the Old & New Testament & study some of the greatest, diverse leaders & take a look at the "praiseworthy components of their leadership." And so he begins...
God, make me like David:

• His faith-based OPTIMISM
• Attempted feats for God where more cautious leaders would never have considered.
• A giant could not intimidate him, a murderous king could not paralyze him, & genocidal enemies could not defeat him
• Where God pointed David, he marched confidently expecting grace & power to be revealed along the way
• David clung to hope even when he morally failed.. "I [David] thought, 'Who knows? The Lord maybe gracious to me & let the child live." 2 Samuel 12:22
• "Optimists expect to experience God's greatness & love, even when they're facing bleak circumstances."
• The people we lead hear way to much pessimism. They need & deserve to hear leaders who are optimistic, who will be passionate about the hope that is there & ahead. Change can happen, will happen. Transformation will happen through the changing power of Jesus' love & forgiveness.
• Leader, don't we need that optimism?

God, Make Me like Jonathan:

• His capacity to LOVE
  
• A bright, gifted, young leader whose "position in life was not as impressive as the condition of his heart."
• He offered his heart on a platter & offered it to David. [Who would be the one to take the throne]
• Pastor Troy says this to us all the time, we are not here to use people, they are not our little tools. We should not sacrifice community on the "alter of kingdom cause."
• Don't we all want to be remembered as leaders who LOVED, rather than just a man/woman of vision, of strategic intent, or one who achieved a lot of goals?

God, Make Me like Joseph:

• His INTEGRITY/PERSONAL HOLINESS
  
• We know his story right? His power & influence grew quickly/meteoric [i like that word]. His family didn't appreciate that very much. They actually hated him for that.
  
• Power/leadership tends to corrupt
• Oh but Joseph was such a leader, a man who never gave in to corrupt behaviors. He didn't screw up his leadership. He stayed unstained
• The Key to his integrity? He saw his leadership as a holy stewardship; He would stand accountable to God. Yikes! That puts it in a whole different perspective.
• We can achieve this integrity by being surrendered daily to Christ
• He shares what is probably my favorite hymn & line: "Come thou Fount"- Prone to wander Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.
• Hybels share how he fights these moments of wandering with a few spiritual practices: writing out prayers, solitude, accountable to people, secret acts of service.
  
• What will your practice be? Mine?
  

God, Make me like Joshua:

• His DECISIVENESS
• One of his finest moments: Joshua 24:15
• More and more we leaders must take responsibility for leading people to decision points concerning life issues
• This is the guy who is plainly going to ask, in love, "who will you choose- God or not" "Come on get on board, don't wait or simply get out"
• Hybels pretty much says, if your looking for that person to ask people to get serious about membership, tithing, volunteerism, small groups [Lily], etc. this is the man for the job.

God, Make Me like Esther: [here you go leadhers]

• Her COURAGE- For real!
• "I'll do the right thing.. and if I perish, I perish." [Esther 4:16]
• Placed into leadership practically because of her beauty, she was at a crossroads to either save her people or not
• Willing to loose all status, position, security, etc. to do what God Called her to do
• Believed that certain values were worth living-and dying-for.
• "I find myself thinking that for church renewal to occur, a whole generation of leaders is going to have to manifest the courage of Esther." -Hybels
• What or who is stopping you and me to lead courageously?
  

God, Make Me like Solomon:

• His WISDOM
• Hybels shares a bit of the sleepless mind of a leader. All those questions & thoughts that go on in the middle of so many nights.
  
• To solve those questions, etc. we need to pray and ask for wisdom. And when someone asks how they can pray for you- tell them, I need wisdom; I desperately want it.
• People look to leaders to set direction
• How can we choose the right course apart from God's wisdom?

God, Make Me like Jeremiah: [Just finished reading about him, so loved reading this section]

• EMOTIONAL AUTHENTICITY
  
• Boy, talk about someone's ministry that never, ever went well
• He was so honest to God. He wasn't cynical or crazy, just plain honest. He told God how he felt, many times alone, abandoned, but he always allowed the Healer to mend his broken heart
• He stayed Faithful to his calling
• He was able to turn from despair to hope because he was honest with God, he didn't deny his disappointments
• Hybels talks about those times when we put on the "game face" only to be hurting or disturbed inside. You know those moments, or maybe not, when you just smile & you convince others your okay- but you don't convince your heart that it isn't
  
• When we are "emotionally authentic" like Jeremiah, God just pours down his hands and touches us with "healing balm". Lamentations 3:2b-23
  

God, Make Me like Nehemiah:

• His COMMITMENT TO CELEBRATION
  
• Led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. 52 straight days of non stop work
• This man new how to celebrate a win; He knew how to throw parties!!!
• As leaders we need to be "intentional in planning the victory parties as we are at setting & achieving the organizational goals"
• All work and no play makes for "dull people and dull churches". No celebration is a formula for wearing people down & draining their joy.
• Leaders, Have you [I] planned any parties lately?

God, Make Me like Peter:

• His INITIATIVE
• Poor Peter, the Bible shares everything about his leadership- the good, bad and ugly.
• But even though many times he may have not made the best choice, he was always the first one to take initiative- even if that meant cutting a soldiers ear off to protect his Savior & friend who was being falsely accused
  
• He was the only disciple who got out of the boat
• Hybels shares when other church leaders bash other church leaders who are taking bold initiative to make a kingdom difference. We need to join those leaders that are "initiating kingdom action, trying something new, & launching out in ways that keep the enemy on his heels." - that's why I'm at FRC ;) Thank you Pastor Troy
  

God, Make Me like Paul:

• So Hybels ends with this great leader, Christ follower, lover of Jesus Christ!!
• We see Paul's INTENSITY.
• Hybels does a little modern day comparison. Michael Jordan [intensity to basketball] & Paul [intensity x's 1,000 for Jesus Christ].
  
• Heather, I mean Chicagoans have an enormous advantage when it comes to understanding the concept of intensity because of the man- Michael Jordan.
• Jordan's legacy of focus, work ethic, competitiveness and drive to win shows pure intensity
• I just love this statement: "My heart's desire is to pursue an imperishable wreath with the same intensity that Michael Jordan pursues a perishable one."
• Let's ask God for greater intensity, not the type that is "frenetic busyness" but an "intelligent, Christ-honoring, apostle Paul-like intensity"
• May our prayers shape us, & may God's grace lift us to our full leadership [God] potential.
  

I am so glad God allowed me to read this and share it. I look at the lives of these men and women who have gone before us and they stinkin' ran the race and they reached their God potential! I love that I can be at a church that thrives and pushes for that. I share this verse with you all and then I will close the way this chapter closed. Hebrews 12: 1 "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders & the sin that so easily entangles, & let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." -They & above all, Jesus, is cheering for us on this race. Whoo hoo!!!

Join us for chapter 11 shared by our wonderful Lilibeth Rivera

Paul's Intensity:
"I do not consider my life as dear unto myself. Only that I would achieve the mission that I received from the Lord." "This one thing I do: I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." "I will gladly spend and be spent for the sake of the church." "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." "In a race there is only one winner. When I run a race I do so to win." "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith." 'There is a crown waiting for me- & not for me only, but for YOU too."
[acts 20:24; phil. 3:13,14; 2 corinth. 12:15; phil. 1:21; 1 corinth. 9:24; 2 timothy 4:7-8; timothy 4:8b]

Just some Random Thoughts...

Did you know:

• that last week my church, FLAMINGO ROAD CHURCH, baptized 333 people.
  
• 2 out of those 333 were two girls from FRC Kids Doral. Congratulations Mia & Casey!!!! [2 & 3 grade]
• The team at FRC Kids Doral set a goal of 5 kid baptisms for 2009 [I'm not always good at setting goals. Not always sure what is good or not]. We have had 5 kids get baptized so far!!! It's been reached so we will passionately lead & serve for 5 more. ;)
• Last week I realized how much I enjoy Disney better than Busch Gardens & all their parks. And not because of the rides, mostly because of the leadership. [& it is a little more magical]
  
• FRC Doral Life Development will have a Orientation on July 23 [& 26]. Excited to see new faces, structure, and eternal change for our campus
• Every Wednesday is Pixar Day at FRC at noon. Join us in the main auditorium, bring lunch in a creative lunch box, and meet some new leaders and life changers
• You can join our BLOGGERS BOOK STUDY, if you haven't already. Click the link to see what you've missed and join me here tomorrow to read our next chapter.
• FRC will be hosting the Leadership Summit on August 6 & 7. Get more information here and REALLY sign up!
  
• I challenged myself & FRC Kids Doral team to pass out 10 invite cards this week so people can join us at one of our services at FRC [Doral]

Yea, these are my random thoughts. I hope they spark some encouragement; spark you to participate in something you haven't yet. Do you have any random thoughts you'd like to share? Come on, give it a try here.

Have You Joined Us Yet??...

First, Heredes and I are back from FRC Pensacola and a short vacation.  It was nice to get a away for a bit, but the rain was not that fun.  But at least we have a lot of nourished and green grass.

Second, the Blogger's Book Study has started.  The book is Courageous Leadership by Bill Hybels. It's not to late to jump in and join us.  Here are the awesome bloggers who have shared their chapters so far:

Heredes: Ch. 1 & 2

Barby: Ch. 3

Mo: Ch. 4

Heather: Ch. 5

My friend Meegee will be sharing on Ch. 6.  So far there has been a lot of great leadership nuggets.  Remember, there are about 5 more books after this one and when done, we will start our Fall group of books.  If you want to make book suggestions and/or participate in leading a few chapters, go ahead and jump over to Heredes' blog and let him know.  

For the full schedule, click here. 

Bloggers Book Study!! Yes, I am back...

Do you have hours on end to read all those books on your wish list? I didn't think so!! I never do. That is why I am so excited to be a part of this innovative new venture - the Bloggers Book Study. Actually, perhaps we should call it a books study!

This is our online collaborative effort to collectively review six books in the next nine weeks. Twelve bloggers, six books, one daily post. See the schedule of posts and blogs here and participate with your thoughts, comments and questions.

I guarantee this is going to be enriching. Please join me on this summer journey!

The first book is Courageous Leadership, by Bill Hybels. First blogger up TODAY is my husband, Heredes Ribeiro, recapping and discussing chapters 1&2 here. Tomorrow join our second blogger, Ms. Barby Ward HERE, recapping and reviewing chapter 3.

What do you think? Are you in? So let's head over to our first stop, right here!

Back In Action...

Hey Blog World... So I'm back in action for real! I am officially done with school and graduation is this Monday... I'll chat more about that later...

One thing I really want to share with you today is this:



Hope to see you this weekend at FLAMINGO ROAD CHURCH.... Invite a friend... We never know who may be hurting and needing to hear this..

Thank you...

First, great Easter kick off at Flamingo Road Church.  Thank you Jesus that we can take time to just remember what you did for this whole world.  More and more my heart is beginning to yearn for You and my eyes are beginning to open up to the lost and hurt of this world.  All We Need Is YOU!!!

So don't miss out one of our many services this weekend.  Check it here.

Also, here is some great collaboration.  Doral RUSH... FRC Kids Doral says THANK YOU FOR STUFFING OUR EGGS!!! YOU GUYS ROCK!!!

Easter. DON'T MISS IT...

OK.. EASTER SERVICES AT FLAMINGO ROAD CHURCH START TOMORROW!!! SO IF YOU ARE ANYWHERE AROUND COOPER CITY, HALLANDALE BEACH, OR ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD.. YOU HAVE TO ATTEND ONE OF OUR GOOD FRIDAY SERVICES AND ONE OF OUR WEEKEND SERVICES. IT IS GOING TO BE GREAT! HOW EXCITING TO BEGIN THE WEEKEND REMEMBERING WHAT JESUS CHRIST DID FOR YOU, ME AND THIS WHOLE WORLD.

"FOR GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD, THAT HE GAVE HIS ONLY SON, JESUS, THAT WHOEVER BELIEVES IN HIM WILL NOT PERISH BUT EVERLASTING LIFE" John 3:16

A couple of things this Weekend...

Hey blog world !

Looking for a couple of things to do this weekend.  First, make sure to catch one of the many services at FRC.  Remember, we have several campuses: Cooper City, Doral, Sawgrass, Hallandale, Internet [yes it is live]. And if your anywhere around Pensacola or Lima, Peru, we have some there too.  Check out FRC for directions and times.  New series starts today!

After you check out the awesome service, why not hit Goo for some good music.  One of my favorite bands of course being Sirens and Sealions ;). Check out the flyer below and come out.  

My husband, Heredes, has a couple of things to check out too. Jump over his way and check out his blog.  Have a great weekend!

It is almost here!!!!!!!!!...

Last week everyone got a gift and today is the day we were to open them. I opened mine and take a look at what was inside.  Make sure you join us tomorrow morning HERE. And if you are not going to church anywhere this weekend YOU MUST check out the Unwrapping of the new series at FRC- at any of our campuses and that includes the Internet Campus.  OMG!!!! IT'S GOING TO BE AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Halloween Hope Night...

Here is what FRC is doing for Halloween. It is geared for special needs kids. I am really excited to serve them and their families. It's going to be a great night to leverage this holiday to share the love of Jesus Christ. If you want to help by donating Sugar Free candy, visit Flamingo Road Church.



Halloween Hope Night Promo from Flamingo Road Church on Vimeo.


- Good job Media Ministry! This video was great!

22 Years Old...

Happy Birthday to my sweet, sweet sister Chantal Alexandra Meza- or just Chanti. :)  I made a little collage of her.  If you know my sister, you know how awesome she is.  She is a faithful friend [for real], creative- check out FAWN, hard working student and employer, sings with her band Sirens and Sealions, as well as at church, has a serving and caring heart, and loves the Lord with all that is in her.  She is my little indie rock, bohemian model.  :)  

Go ahead and leave her a birthday wish here or on her MySpace.  Sis, I love you! Don't kill me because of all the lovely pictures- Sorry I had to.  Have a great birthday!!!!!!

Wow, wow, wow...

I am a horrible blogger.  With work, school, and a home to take care of, I honestly have had no time to update my blog or even visit blogs.  Something that HAS been on my heart to share is this new series It Matters that we have started at FRC.  

Pastor Troy is teaching on several things that Matter in our walk as believers.  For example, Giving- It Matters.  The Church/Repentance- It Matters.  You- Matter.  Gratitude- It Matters. Sharing the Faith- It Matters.  That is the series in a nutshell.  

Before the series started, Heredes and I were invited to a very special banquet that just totally blew my mind.  All those invited were placed on the stage.  Heredes and I met a wonderful couple- she was just like Heredes, the husband was just like me.  We had a nice dinner, dessert, and coffee.  As we all faced the empty seats in the auditorium, we watched a slide show of the history of FRC.  We heard Pastor Troy speak from his heart, and we saw a few members share their stories.  Of course I teared up.  There is nothing more powerful than hearing the stories of people's lives being changed by an awesome, awesome God and to know that He would choose to use the church to be a part of those moments is an honor.  I am so thankful to be part of FRC.  

We also had our Quarterly Staff Meeting on May 6 2008.  We went through some assignments each ministry was given by Pastor Troy.  For example, children's ministry had C.B. Smith Park and we had to observe things our ministry is doing or is not doing in relation to what we learn from the park and two leadership principles.  It is so hard for me to explain in detail what Pr. Troy spoke about because- well you just had to be there.  But in a nutshell- God wants us to live up to our God given potential.  We live out our Ethos (thinking, collaboration, diversity, movement, potential) to get to our goal: 50 campuses, 100,000 people and $150,000,000 giving which is the motivation to reach our Mission: partnering with people to Reach their God potential.  

I loved hearing: we are not here to tolerate people but to EMBRACE all types of people so in part we can partner with them and show them God's amazing love and they in part can reach their God potential.  Embrace- for me so hard but how beautifully stated and how true.  To Embrace.  

In the battle of this mission we are to put the whole armor of God.  Three things we may feel while running this race:  You will feel attacked, overwhelmed and insecure.  But what will I (Marcy) do to overcome those feelings and rise above them to continue in reaching the mission and goal???  Well, I have to be in the word, in prayer, and preparing my mind to not hear the lies satan throws at me.  

Thank you Pastor Troy for what you taught us that night and how you are humbled and surrendered for God to work through you.  My thoughts eat me away sometimes and it was just great to be challenged to not give up, not give in, but be strengthen and fight back.  

I don't know where you are at this point in your life, but know God loves you, He made you just the way He wanted you to be, and He truly has provided a way out for all of us when we face great temptations.  Share your thoughts- leave a comment.

The BED Finale...

Hey guys,

Well, I haven't really announced this as much as I should have but if you get a chance get online at 8 pm and log on to Pr. Troy and Steph's blog here.  Tonight is the grand finale and they will be giving away almost $500. worth of prizes.  The talks and questions have been really great and can't wait till this weekend as we kick off THE BED series.  To those that are about to get married, are in a relationship, or your single or anyone please GET ON as we talk about relationships!!!  You won't want to miss it.  Invite your friends, log on, and participate like crazy!!!