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Lil_Sis_WI_Style
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Name: Stacey
Country: United States
State: Wisconsin
Metro: Milwaukee
Gender: Female
Interests: I want to know Him more in the good times and the challenging times.
Expertise: I make a pretty sweet seafood salad.
Occupation: Debt collector
Message: message meEmail: email me
AIM:  Peacesong03
Member Since:
6/10/2004
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| Amazing! That is truly the only word that can define the grace and love which God gives us. I was reminded today in church where we sang that beautiful and always timely song Amazing Grace. It had special meaning today as the church service was held outdoors at Camp Wakonda. For me it was a marvelous homecoming. Camp Wakonda holds a super special place in my heart as I met Christ there in an amazing way back in October of 2003. It was in this very place he taught me that his love was not just for everyone else but it was also for me. When I step on those grounds, memories flood my heart of what Christ first did in my life there. It was also the first return in several months to CrossPointe. Christ did huge things in my life while I was with that church. Nowadays, I spend my time at my new church home - Mercy Hill church in Bayview. I never thought I would call another church home after my time at CrossPointe. So today, was an extra special return full of joy.
So there I was - standing worshiping among friends and singing to the God who is true no matter the location. It was singing that song when I realized how amazing God's love still is. His love is for us no matter what we bring to the table - sin, fears, worries, setbacks, failures, etc. God is Bigger. When returing to a place my mind naturally runs to what I've done since those times. The question arose in my heart - have I done enough with the love the Lord has given me? Have I been faithful to what He has given? Am I doing the right things with where He has brought me? But the truth of God's love really breaks through those questions. God has been reminding me of his love over the past few weeks. It seems I have this natural tendency to forget that it is grace that called me to Him and try to pick up good actions to please Him. Today was a celebration of that reminder in a big way. As I stood there, the truth was staring straight into my face - God's love is bigger. God's love can overcome all of our failures. God is big enough. All He asks is that we'd put our faith in him and trust in the grace given to us because of the cross.
The reason there are people of all shapes, sizes, life experiences, life situations, and of course different locations, who worship Christ is not a statement on the people that worship Him. What it really is, is a statement of the God these individuals serve. Christ breaks through all our barriers. And if you don't understand but desire to - read the lyrics of this old hymn. But do not just read - let the truth of the words stay in your heart and mind. His grace is being offered to you today.
Amazing Grace
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me -
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught -
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear -
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares -
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far -
and Grace will lead us home
When we've been here ten thousand years -
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise -
then when we've first begun.I returned to Milwaukee today, so thankful for that extra special time with everyone at church. But I'm excited - excited to give that love which God reminded me of to my roommates, co-workers, family, friends, and the church. His grace is truly amazing!
Thank you God for your love! As I prayed for the other cities in my last post - may you make your name glorious in the city of Milwaukee! I'm so excited to see what you choose to do!
My thoughts are racing to all of those who are elsewhere right now.
Kelly - training to be a missionary teacher in Bolivia
CrossPointe youth missions team in Mexico
All of the individuals serving with Outstretched Hands in Romania
Holly Ericson and all of Celebrant Singers - singing across the nation for Christ
The many Intervarsity staff workers (and other orgs) that are serving at campuses across the country
Workers of World Vision and Compassion International - serving the children all across the world
Becky and Nick as they make the move to Kansas City
Matt serving in the PeaceCorps
And so many others who will travel to wherever the Lord leads them. Have peace and great boldness - God will give you all that you need. Wherever you go - trust in He who has been with you in the past, He will take you exactly where you need to go. May you all shine boldly for Christ and be lights to every corner of the world.
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| One of my favorite romantic comedies is Sweet Home Alabama. In it, the main character Melanie struggles with which identiy she will identify with most and which corresponding man she will choose. Will she choose big time fashion designer in New York or home town Alabama gal? While this surrounds an overwhelming love triangle, what I like about the movie is the way we see Melanie become fully comfortable with who she is and finds her answer is not in choosing which state or man but embracing who she truly is and following her heart. All of these questions come to a cusp in the movie when she struggles with where she belongs and says to her Alabama guy - Jake - "I'm happy in New York, Jake. But then i come down here and...this fits too."
I found myself quoting that a lot this weekend as I returned to good 'ol Whitewater for Jenny's wedding, hanging with Crystal, and attending the joint church service of all 3 CrossPointe campuses. I can truly say that I am happy in Milwaukee. I like my job, my church, my friends, and the adventure of life. But when I go back to WW - I find that I can easily fit there too. There are so many people out there whom I love dearly.
I used to get distressed over this. After all, you can't truly fit in two places, for you if related to both then what you are really saying is that you do not fit anywhere! But what I am finding is the joy of having both places. Sure you are always missing somewhere, but there's so much fullness in having a heart full to give and receive love from many different people. This life is not about finding and coming to a destination. For me, it is not Milwaukee, Whitewater, or whatever will come next. What it truly is about is finding Christ and knowing Him REGARDLESS of where you find yourself or what you find yourself doing. I spent the first 6 months in Milwaukee wondering if I never should have moved. I won't wonder that anymore...I am here and God is here. That is all I need to know.
I am thankful for the friendships in Whitewater that are standing the test of time. Some relationships fade but others remain as strong as ever.
I am returning to Milwaukee with a precious gift. A gift of time spent with folks in Whitewater, a gift of God speaking to me, and the precious gift of knowing that the world goes on with/without me- the world goes on because of the great Creator and Sustainer - Jesus Christ. We can always rest in Him. The storms come but Christ always shows up in the storms!
Lord, please make your name glorious in Whitewater, Milton, Elkhorn, Sullivan, and Janesville, WI. Heal the hurting, encourage the down trodden, lift up the humble, and SHINE!
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| I love my job. Every day I get to hang out with some really cool people. Not to mention that I also learn something new all the time. I can't even say I learn something new daily, I learn something new much more frequently than that. The job I have is growing me in every possible way you can imagine.
When you work in a field with individuals with cognitive, developmental, and physical disabilities you can't help but learn a ton. You also can't help but fall in love with the individuals you serve. Sometimes I fall into the trap of wondering why they have to walk these hard roads in life. I can't imagine not having the cognitive functioning that I've been blessed with. I start feeling sad and wondering the point of it all. That's usually when one of my participants does something amazing. And then I am reminded - they are beautiful EXACTLY as they are. Sure, I am there to help, assist and motivate them to reach new heights or really just survive another day. And it's true, there are certain things they simply cannot do. But what people fail to realize when they see my participants is what they CAN do. They can do quite a bit. I could write a huge list of it but I'll just share a few things that my guys can do. Some of my individuals have the best dance moves you'll ever see...and they are not afraid to show them off! Some of my people have the gentlest spirits - they love and trust everyone...even you. So many of my individuals are the most creative artists out there. I've seen these individuals give gifts from what they have with a greater heart than most of us could dream of. The individuals I work with laugh, play, work hard, eat, crack jokes, share love, exercise, dance, and lead some pretty awesome quality lives.
The individuals I serve are by far some of the most beautiful people I've ever met. I've had a number of people tell me that they could never do my job. Maybe that's true but you are missing out. At this point in my life I can't imagine doing anything but the job I have now.
Oh, and in case I forgot to mention - individuals who live with cognitive disabilities do not want your pity any more than they want mine. They want/need your respect. They deserve your patience and understanding. If you take the time to get to know them, you may be shocked at how quickly a friendship is formed.
As for me, I'm actually excited to go to work tomorrow!
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| You tell me that you know what love is and point to your families, your spouse, your children, and your friends. You tell of your joyous times together and how much you care for them. Well, I say show me true love. Show me how you treat your enemies. Show me how you treat those who criticize you. Show me how you treat those who disgust you. Show me how you treat those who inconvenience you.
Show me how you love when it doesn't come naturally.
Respect for human life and admiration of the endurance of the human spirit is not a humanistic world view. It is a shout out to the creator God who created all of humanity and who though finding his creation lacking in any type of holiness or righteousness of their own, out of His abundant love, he suffered and died to provide for them the covering of righteousness that they could not have on their own. Ultimately, this action brings God glory and restores the proper relationship between God and man.
We love because He first loved us. Bottom line. And Christ's love shows no boundaries and absolutely no partiality. The free gift he offers is available to all who will trust in Jesus Christ. What does this mean for the love we show one another? We must share that love with all people regardless of our personal take on them. We are called to love across boundaries of race, economic class, national and ethnic identities, abilities, language, culture, social status, social awareness, personal preference, legal or illegal status, political standing, food preferences and every other distinguishing characteristic known to mankind.
I think every individual on the face of this earth has value. Why? Because Christ thought it fit to die for every single individual. And if you agree with me, then don't agree simply in word but act on it. Live out the transformational love of Christ. Smile at the co-worker who just got the entire office to laugh at you. Choose to wait patiently for the slow-walking pedestrian. Listen to the broken, confused, and hurting. Bridge the gap between racial and ethnic prejudices here in the United States and elsewhere when you travel. Put an end to gossip and stop listening to it. Stand up for the powerless. Listen to the voice of opposition, instead of attempting to shut it out and seek peace. Pray for those who are different than you. Forgive when you really want to stay angry. Seek the betterment of those you find yourself around. Use your finances to help someone other than yourself. And for goodness sakes, whenever possible- tell them of Christ.
**Just as a clarification - I am not speaking of the fluffy kind of love that always makes us feel good. In love, there is always place for truth and justice. As a matter of fact, speaking and sharing the truth is love. There is also a place for compassion, long suffering, kindness, and grace. If you better desire to understand this outrageous love, read 1 Corinthians 12v31 and all of 1 Corinthians 13.**
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| Jesus Christ.
The name above all names. The Son of Man. The King of Kings. The Beginning and the End. The lion and the lamb.
He has so many names. The multitudes speak of him. His name is mentioned in the workplace, late night tv, churches, and in homes. His face is shown on collectible items, crosses, and even on bookmarks. His name is spoken in worship, adoration, in passing, and used as a curse word. 2000 years later and his life is still talked about. The device used to kill him is worn around necks, hung on the walls of homes, tattooed on arms, and built in grandeur outside of some churches. His name is known.
When it comes right down to it -groups will define him in a variety of ways. Some define Him as a prophet, a good man, a bad man, a literary character, an angel, and of course the Christ. The question that Jesus still wants to know from you today is the question he asked his disciples - "But who do you say that I am?" (Matt 16v15) Ultimately, we need to decide who Christ is. If you are like Peter, you will indeed proclaim him as his true identity - "The Christ, the Son of the living God" (Matt 16v16). If you proclaim this truth, you have been caught in the overwelming wonderous grace of Christ. But the question needs an answer from more than what your lips proclam. Your life must proclaim what you believe. Ultimately, you can say he is Christ with your mouth and with your life deny him.
So tonight I am wondering - who do you say that He is by the life that you lead?
Ask yourself, with me - as I live my life daily, who am I declaring Christ to be? Is he Savior? Is he Lord? Is he the prince of peace? Is he our healer? Is he the ultimate victor? Is he trustworthy? Is he worthy of all glory and honor and praise? Do I declare him the King of Kings by my actions?
Or am I declaring myself as lord? Am I seeking out my own praise, glory, and honor? Do I look to others to fill me up with declarations of honor and fluffy words that make me feel good about myself? Am I spending my time desiring the gifts, abilities, and talents that others have? Am I seeking to build up my dominion on this earth (through work, friends, family, property)?
Words can be powerful. Declarations can be strong and motivating. We can spin words into a beautiful phrase of what we believe. But if we are living contrary to what we declare, we prove are words to be meaningless, void, and empty.
I am a sinner. I have lived contrary to the words I speak. Praise be to the Lord who reigns. For though I have fallen, his grace still reigns. He will bring his name glory and honor. Holy is the Lord. He is most certainly not finished with me. What he has started, I know he will finish. Praise be to God!
Thanks for joining me on my little journey for the evening. I cannot begin to explain to you the joy I have knowing how good God is. I am free to follow him. Though I fall, He is not particularly surprised and his grace has already covered up my sin.
May we all live lives that reflect the truth of who we declare Christ to be. He is Lord!
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