<?xml version='1.0' encoding='UTF-8'?><?xml-stylesheet href="http://www.blogger.com/styles/atom.css" type="text/css"?><feed xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom' xmlns:openSearch='http://a9.com/-/spec/opensearchrss/1.0/' xmlns:georss='http://www.georss.org/georss' xmlns:gd='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005' xmlns:thr='http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0'><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008</id><updated>2011-11-30T09:57:51.752-08:00</updated><category term='javascript:void(0)'/><title type='text'>CrossPower Blog</title><subtitle type='html'></subtitle><link rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#feed' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/posts/default'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default?max-results=100'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/'/><link rel='hub' href='http://pubsubhubbub.appspot.com/'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><generator version='7.00' uri='http://www.blogger.com'>Blogger</generator><openSearch:totalResults>19</openSearch:totalResults><openSearch:startIndex>1</openSearch:startIndex><openSearch:itemsPerPage>100</openSearch:itemsPerPage><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7003230493273973652</id><published>2011-11-29T15:15:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-11-30T09:57:51.774-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Thanks Living..A month of Thankfulness</title><content type='html'>Nov.1st.....I am thankful for the Father...my Heavenly Father....my perfect Father.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 2nd.......I am thankful for the Son...Jesus..The Author and Finisher of my faith...&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 3rd.......I am thankful for the Holy Spirit...Who comforts and convicts me and guides me in every way.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;November 4th...the month of "I am thankful for"..I am thankful for the day I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I was 8 years old. My Mother had shared the plan of salvation with me and taken me to church since I was a baby. But on a Sunday evening at church, I knew I had to make that decision myself and I went forward and knelt at an old fashioned altar and ask Jesus to save me and be my very life! I will never get over that day...Thank you, Lord.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov 5th....in the "I am thankful for month"....Today I am thankful for the Bible...the very Word of God. It is my instruction book for life here on earth. Thru the years, I have claimed and been blessed by God's Word. My Love letter from God!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;   &lt;br /&gt;      November 6th in the month of "I am thankful for". Today my thanks is 3 fold. I am thankful for an empty cross, an empty tomb and a risen Lord! Not only did Jesus die for me, but He lives for me and I serve a risen Saviour....Praise His Name!&lt;br /&gt;      He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me and He lives within my heart!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;    &lt;br /&gt;      November 7th in the "I am thankful for month"...Today I am thankful for God's calling upon my life. It was very definite and I could take you back to the Sunday morning when I presented myself along with a few other young people to declare that I was surrendering my life to full time service for the Lord. It was late in my 6th grade year of school. I also remember distinctly feeling that I would be a pastor's wife. Of course, all of us as Christians are called to a life of "full time service" but some of us ..it is our very living. Bob and I have served in ministry now for almost 42 years!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.8th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the privilege and power of prayer. What would I do, if I could not go boldly before the Throne of Grace. "Oh what needless pain we bear..all because we do not carry, everything to God in prayer!"&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 9th in the "I am thankful month"...Today I am thankful for CrossPower Ministries. Bob and I founded CrossPower a little over 10 years ago. God has blessed this ministry beyond measure! Today's world is hungry for the message of the cross. I also praise Him for the many other ministries He allowed us to be apart of over the years. Teaching school, Associate Pastor in New Philadelphia, Ohio, youth pastor in Wichita, Ks. founding a new church, Calvary Bible Baptist in Westerville, Ohio. Each one a real blessing.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.10th in the "I am thankful for month"..today I am thankful for the "peace of God that passes all understanding!" Today my heart is heavy burdened but claiming that peace and believing that God is in Control and He is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above All that I ask or think. Thank you Lord!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 11th in the "I am thankful for month"...today I am thankful for my parents...Harry and Beulah Forgan. So loving, giving, caring, nurturing..supplied my every need. So happy,singing,smiling,welcoming,reaching out to others. Can't wait to see them again in Heaven!! Thank you, Lord for giving me these parents!! What a heritage!! Also thankful for Godly Mother and Father in law!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.12th in the "I am thankful for month"..Today I am thankful for the Victory we have "in Christ"...both here in the "nasty now and now" and 'sweet by and by!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.13th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for the Freedom we have to so freely to go to church, carry a Bible and walk right in! No hiding, nothing in secret...just open worship of the Lord! My, I think, we really take this freedom for granted...someday..we might now have it...better take advantage of it now!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 14th in the "I am thankful for" month...today I am thankful for my Sister, Carol Forgan Hartong and my Brother, Harry Wilson Forgan. Also, along with that, I am thankful for their spouses, children and grandchildren. Family is so important. Also thankful for loving sister and brothers-in law!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 15th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today, I am thankful for our Son, Tim Burney and his wife, Mandy Burney. Tim is the 1st child we were blessed with and what a privilege it is to have him in our life. He "lights up our life!" We love Mandy as a Daughter and are very close. My verse for them...Eph.3:20..The Lord is Able to do exceeding, abundantly Above all that we ask or think. This is the verse I claimed when God gave Tim to us as our child and I continue to claim for both thru all these years! We are blessed!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 16th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 2nd born child, Angela Burney Fabich and her husband, Andy Fabich. Angela and I are very close and we love Andy just like a Son. They both have been a real blessing to us. The verse I claimed for Angela when God gave her to us is Lev. 20:26. " And ye shall be holy unto me, for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from other people that ye should be mine. This is my prayer for both of them!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.17th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for our 3rd child, Amy Burney Ransdell and her husband , Dan Ransdell. Amy and I are also very close and is newly married to Dan whom we have welcomed into our family as a Son. The verse claimed for Amy is the same I claimed for Angela (as they are twins) when God gave Amy to us and that is Lev. 20:26. I am now claiming it for both Amy and Dan.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 18th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for my wonderful Husband, Bob Burney. He is 36 (backwards) today! He is my best Friend and Love. One of the things I love most about him is that he constantly rehearses in my ears the truth of God's Word for victorious living. He has been a excellent example of faithfulness to God, to me and to his family!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 19th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our youngest Grandchild, Moriah Lynn Fabich. Moriah was born this year and is the 1st Grandchild that I was not there for her birth! I really missed being right there. She is growing so fast and I am looking forward to spending time with her again over Thanksgiving.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.20th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Hannah Joy Fabich. She is a big, bouncy, active 2 and1/2 year old...with lots of spunk. Her middle name is after me. I was there for her birth. Anxious to visit with her over Thanksgiving.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 21st in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Abigail Marie Fabich. Abigail is 4 and 1/2 and I was there for her birth. Abigail and I became very close one summer when she stayed with me while her Mom and Dad went on a trip. She loves to be a princess and loves to play. Can't wait to see her again at Thanksgiving.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.22nd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for my grandson, Micah Drew Fabich. Micah is soon to be 7. I was there for his birth. Micah is very active and very smart. One of my favorite times with Micah was when he sat and read passages from the Bible to me. Looking forward to seeing him over Thanksgiving.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.23rd in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grand daughter, Arielle Pearl Burney. Arielle's middle name is after my Mother which thrills me. I was there for Arielle's birth. A little girl into a house full of brothers! She is a true Princess, a real beauty and so much fun. Grandma Girl and Grandma Boy love her so much!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 24th in the "I am thankful for" month..Today I am thankful for our Grandson Cyrus Wilson Leonard Burney. I was there for his birth. His middle name Wilson is after my Dad and Leonard is after Mandy's Dad. Cyrus has the most beautiful face and kind eyes. He is so loving and so much fun. He is quite a sports guy. We love him so much!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 25th in the " I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for our Grandson, Bryior Timothy Burney. I was there for his birth. Bryior is 13 years old today! Bryior is witty, intelligent, fun, athletic, loving and we are so proud of him. I pray his 13th birthday will just be the beginning of wonderful teenage years!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 26th in the " I am thankful for" month .....Today I am thankful for our Grandson Josiah Paul Burney. 17 years ago Josiah is the child who made us Grandparents!! There will always be a special bond between Josiah and us. I was there for his birth. Josiah to this day is kind and loving. He is talented in so many ways and I know God's hand is upon him for great things. We love him so very much.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov 27th in the " I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for my life verse. Ps. 104:33 is the verse I have claimed for my life verse. It says "I will sing unto the Lord as long as I live, I will sing praise to my God while I have my being." I pray I always remember to sing!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 28th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful for the Bible verse the Lord gave to Bob and me for our marriage. It is Psalm 33:21 and says, "For our heart shall rejoice in Him, for we have trusted in His Holy Name." We rejoice for all thru our marriage ..good times and hard times...we knew we could trust that Name that is ABOVE All Names.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov.29th in the "I am thankful for" month...Today I am thankful for Friends. I have observed over the years that 1,000's of people pass thru your life and might appear as friends but in reality there are very few who are true friends..those that would be there for you no matter what. All the people who have passed thru my life have influenced me in one way or another but today I am especially thankful for the friends who have remained in my life.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Nov. 30th in the "I am thankful for" month....Today I am thankful that the God on the mountain is still God in the valley, the God in the good times is still God in the bad times, the God in the abundant times is still God in the lean times, the God in the happy times is still God in the sad times, the God in the easy times is still God in the hard times, the God in the calm times is still God in the anxious times. Jesus Christ the same Yesterday, Today and Forever..Praise His Name!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;It has been such a blessing for me to write down what I am thankful for each day of the month. It sure makes you think and reflect on what really matters in life! I could go on and on. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I challenge you to do the same...or even just make a "thankfulness list". It helps to get it out and read it on days when you are feeling down. Think of this: GOD inhabits our praise!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;May we always have an attitude of gratitude!!&lt;br /&gt;     &lt;br /&gt;    ·&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7003230493273973652?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7003230493273973652/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanks-livinga-month-of-thankfulness.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7003230493273973652'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7003230493273973652'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/11/thanks-livinga-month-of-thankfulness.html' title='Thanks Living..A month of Thankfulness'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7116953237551294505</id><published>2011-07-05T14:31:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2011-10-27T18:06:03.268-07:00</updated><category scheme='http://www.blogger.com/atom/ns#' term='javascript:void(0)'/><title type='text'>Why should I be discouraged?</title><content type='html'>And He cares for you, my Friend.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7116953237551294505?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7116953237551294505/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-should-i-be-discouraged.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7116953237551294505'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7116953237551294505'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/07/why-should-i-be-discouraged.html' title='Why should I be discouraged?'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-8088278378555470211</id><published>2011-01-06T14:43:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2011-01-07T19:59:10.101-08:00</updated><title type='text'>2011 A New Year</title><content type='html'>One of my favorite "end of the year" things to do is to get my new calendars for the new year. I did exactly that the other day. As usual, I went to my favorite mall and I knew the exact spot I wanted to look for my calendars. Waiting until the end of the old year means you will probably find your new calendar for 50 percent off..which is a good thing! I need one for my kitchen, my office room and a daily planner. There are certain designs I like and then I must narrow it down to the exact ones I want to purchase. Crazy, but I always look to see what the picture is for the month of March since it is my birthday month. After I study them carefully, I make the purchase and bring them home. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; What a thrill to take off the wrapping and feel the freshness of an unmarked calendar. They all have that big piece of cardboard in the middle to keep them from wrinkle. I always save that cardboard for some craft projects. Next I take my calendars to their prospective spots and hang them up. Each month it gives me great pleasure to turn the page to the next month. Before you know it, we will all be out getting our new calendars for 2012!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Let's talk about the freshness of a new year, as fresh as a new unmarked calendar. &lt;br /&gt;As we unwrap our New Year, let us do it with much prayer. One of my favorite things to say to someone on their birthday is that "I pray for God's best upon their year." I think this is a good prayer for our New Year..God's best for our year. After all, if it is God's best for us then it will be a good year. His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts, He sees the first and the last. Like as a tapestry,He is weaving you and me to someday be just like Him.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;God knows the plans He has for us, plans to prosper us and not to hurt us...but we must remember they are His plans. We have no control over the plans for our New Year, but our plan needs to be to live in the center of His will and His way. As the song says, 'Many things about tomorrow, I don't seem to understand, but I know WHO holds tomorrow and I know WHO holds my hand.'&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Just as the new calendar is without spot or blemish, so we as Christians are to strive to live our lives each day. When we do mess up a day thru a wrong choice, an unkind word, a bad attitude, not spending time with our LORD, we quickly confess our sin and move on again. Teach us, Oh Lord, to number our days and to live them for Your Glory.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-8088278378555470211?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/8088278378555470211/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-new-year.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/8088278378555470211'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/8088278378555470211'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2011/01/2011-new-year.html' title='2011 A New Year'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-1405625453204899349</id><published>2010-07-29T06:53:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2010-07-29T07:03:03.683-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Faithful..a Tribute to Bob Burney</title><content type='html'>Faithful is the word which describes my&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Husband, Bob Burney. A Pastor, A Preacher, A &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Radio Talk Show Host, A Leader in the State of&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt; Ohio, A Teacher of Truth. Here is a tribute &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;using the word “Faithful”  to honor him.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I would also be able to write another &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;tribute to his role as a wonderful Husband, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Father and Grandfather. Perhaps at another time. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;For now, here is a tribute to Bob as a "Man of God."&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;FAITHFUL….A TRIBUTE TO BOB BURNEY&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Follows the direction of the Holy Spirit. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Always ready and on time to proclaim the Truth of Scripture.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Influencing people to “Listen, Think and Discern”!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;True to the Word of God…The Book…The Bible!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Having a burning desire to preach the inspired, infallible, inerrant Word of God!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Fully understanding that life is not a sprint, but a marathon!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Understanding that one day he will give an account for his work here on earth.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Loving the Lord with all his heart.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-1405625453204899349?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1405625453204899349/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/faithfula-tribute-to-bob-burney.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1405625453204899349'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1405625453204899349'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2010/07/faithfula-tribute-to-bob-burney.html' title='Faithful..a Tribute to Bob Burney'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-1853895032202924573</id><published>2010-01-29T11:26:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2010-01-29T12:35:21.594-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Just a white envelope?</title><content type='html'>No.....this was not just an ordinary white envelope. I believe it dropped down from Heaven. You do know God can do those things, don't you? He is ABLE to do EXCEEDING, ABUNDANTLY, ABOVE ALL that we could ask or think.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Well God did that for us this month! One of our daughters lives with us and as she was going out the door one day, she noticed a White Envelope on the porch.Since Bob and I had been gone, she opened it and gave us a phone call. In this envelope was 600$ cash! God knew our need and He provided!!! We have no idea who,what,when or where... but God touched a special someone's heart to supply our need. Now that is God!!! No one but God could have done that for us.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Just as a note of encouragement......God will do the same for you! Oh,I am not talking about cash in a white envelope...but I am talking about supplying your need! Trust Him, believe Him...He is ABLE!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Oh..by the way...if you have never trusted Him as your own personal Saviour...you will know nothing of this incredible care. No one ever cared for me like Jesus! Wont' you trust Him today....He is waiting for you with open arms. Seek someone out to talk or look in a Bible and you will find the greatest white envelope ever!!!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-1853895032202924573?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1853895032202924573/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/just-white-envelope.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1853895032202924573'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1853895032202924573'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2010/01/just-white-envelope.html' title='Just a white envelope?'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7282474220991097507</id><published>2009-12-28T16:30:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-12-28T16:42:47.938-08:00</updated><title type='text'>The Year 2009</title><content type='html'>A year of multiplied blessings both in ministry and family.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of the addition of our 7th Grandchild, a baby girl.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of a heart attack for Bob and 2 stents.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of a full calandar of ministry opportunities.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of falls, surgery and pain for Joy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of meeting new and wonderful friends.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year of a milestone: 40 years of marriage for Bob and Joy. A trip to the Rose Parade to celebrate!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year where, once again, many lives were touched and changed by the message of the cross.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year when God miraculously met every need.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A year where His ways were not always our ways but His were the best ways!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7282474220991097507?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7282474220991097507/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/year-2009.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7282474220991097507'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7282474220991097507'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/year-2009.html' title='The Year 2009'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-143322993153314194</id><published>2009-11-13T11:14:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-11-13T13:22:53.482-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Oreo...worlds favorite cookie!</title><content type='html'>Why do I miss you so very much? Why is it so hard to deal with your sudden death? Is it becasue you were my constant companion and gave me uncondional love? Is it because you were someone I could talk to when I felt alone? Is it because you were always so happy to see me? Is it because you cared about my bumps and bruises? Is it because you brought me comfort when I was feeling down? Is it becasue you made me laugh with your high fives and secret conversation? Is it because you were my "pillow boy"? Is it because I loved to watch you and "Daddy" play "dust mop"? Is it because you were so loyal to me?&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Whatever the reason or reasons...I miss you, Oreo....our sweet "Mr O'S". I know God gave you to me as a gift on this earth to love and to be loved back. Isn't it something how God knows how to bring just the right people and pets into our life to encourage us along this earthly journey? You will always be one of my heros from the pet world. You will forever remain in our heart!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;O...one and only&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;R...ready to protect me&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;E...eager to please&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;O...outstanding companion&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;(Oreo was our 6 year old Lhasa Apso who died suddenly early Friday moring on Nov. 6 2009.  Bob and I loved him dearly! He is greatly missed~&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-143322993153314194?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/143322993153314194/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/oreoworlds-favorite-cookie.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/143322993153314194'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/143322993153314194'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/oreoworlds-favorite-cookie.html' title='Oreo...worlds favorite cookie!'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-2389532564028558526</id><published>2009-06-03T13:25:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-06-04T15:41:15.055-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Just a Hot fudge sundae and a vanilla ice cream cone and GOD!</title><content type='html'>A Hot Fudge Sundae and an Ice Cream Cone were Life Savers to us!&lt;br /&gt;Life Savers, you say? Yes!&lt;br /&gt;Bob and I were on our way home from Tennesee after I had been there for the birth of our 7th grandchild. We were driving straight thru and had left early morning. We had about an hour and 15 minutes to go....not that far, but I wanted to stop. I have a bad knee and need to stretch my legs ever so often. But it was just a little over an hour, but I asked Bob if we could stop to get a treat so I could walk around for a few minutes. He was not too excited about stopping as he was tired and wanted to get home, but being the loving Husband that is, we made the stop. We stopped at McDonalds and got some ice cream. It was a refreshing stop of about 15 minutes. &lt;br /&gt;As we began again on our last miles to home, we saw 3 Hi Way Patrol cars coming down the other side of the road and cross over to our side. They were going up to what appeared to be an accident. As we went further, we came upon a horrible accident. There was a body lying on the road covered with a blanket, a burned car,several wreacked cars and several people sitting stunned alongside the road. We estimate the time of the accident to be about 15 minutes before we came up on it...the exact time of our stop at McDonalds!So now you get my reasoning about a Hot Fudge Sundae and an Ice Cream Cone!&lt;br /&gt;Now, I know that it was not the ice cream,nor my bad knee, nor any other reason, except GOD that saved our lives.If it had not been for God, we would have been in that accident where, by the way, there were 2 fatalities. Oh we are not better than those people who were involved on the accident, it was just not our time yet so we were under His Divine protection.&lt;br /&gt;Do not 2nd guess yourself, if you feel like you are to stop or not go or wait. It is more than likely the Lord, speaking to your heart.&lt;br /&gt;My borther sent me this e mail the other day so I am going to include it here. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;THE LITTLE THINGS (as sent to me by my brother)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           As you might know, the head of a company survived &lt;br /&gt;           9/11 because his son started kindergarten.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           Another fellow was alive because it was &lt;br /&gt;           His turn to bring donuts. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One woman was late because her &lt;br /&gt;           Alarm clock didn't go off in time. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike&lt;br /&gt;           Because of an auto accident. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One of them &lt;br /&gt;           Missed his bus. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One spilled food on her clothes and had to take&lt;br /&gt;           Time to change. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One's &lt;br /&gt;           Car wouldn't start. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One went back to &lt;br /&gt;           Answer the telephone. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One had a &lt;br /&gt;           Child that dawdled &lt;br /&gt;           And didn't get ready as soon as he should have. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           One couldn't&lt;br /&gt;           Get a taxi. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;            The one that struck me was the man &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           Who put on a new pair of shoes that morning, &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           Took the various means to get to work &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           But before he got there, he developed &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           a blister on his foot. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;           He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. &lt;br /&gt;            That is why he is alive today. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;  &lt;br /&gt;            Now when I am &lt;br /&gt;            Stuck in traffic , &lt;br /&gt;                Miss an elevator, &lt;br /&gt;            Turn back to answer a ringing telephone ... &lt;br /&gt;            All the little things that annoy me. &lt;br /&gt;            I think to myself,&lt;br /&gt;            This is exactly where &lt;br /&gt;     God wants me to be  &lt;br /&gt;     At this very moment... &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;            Next time your morning seems to be &lt;br /&gt;            Going wrong , &lt;br /&gt;            The children are slow getting dressed, &lt;br /&gt;            You can't seem to find the car keys, &lt;br /&gt;                You hit every traffic light, &lt;br /&gt;            Don't get mad or frustrated; &lt;br /&gt;            God is at work watching over you. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;            May God continue to bless you &lt;br /&gt;            With all those annoying little things &lt;br /&gt;            And may you remember their possible purpose. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Remember, my Friend, the Bible tells us that the steps of a good man(or woman) are ordered by the Lord. Walk in Him! Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In our your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-2389532564028558526?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2389532564028558526/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/just-hot-fudge-sundae-and-vanilla-ice.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/2389532564028558526'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/2389532564028558526'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/just-hot-fudge-sundae-and-vanilla-ice.html' title='Just a Hot fudge sundae and a vanilla ice cream cone and GOD!'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7981028536072325339</id><published>2009-03-13T07:48:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-14T06:35:26.677-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Beware of the Little Things!</title><content type='html'>In December of 2008, I was preparing for all the family to be home for Christmas. So many things to do...so little time. You understand...you have been thru that also! Bob and I were out to get some last minute groceries and on our way, I saw the Cheryl's cookie store. Right away the thought occured to me to have some Cheryl's Christmas cookies to add to our bountiful banquet of food! I could not tell if they were still open or not as it was later in the evening, so I had Bob stop the car and allow me to go to the door to check their hours. As I studied the writing on the door, I realized that they had closed about a 1/2 hour before, so I checked to see when they opened in the morning. Bob was waiting for me in the running car and as I turned to come to the car, my foot caught on a small metal object sticking up from the ground. All I remember was my arms and legs going in different directions and my body heading for the pavement. When Bob saw me, he jumped out of the car to help only to realize that the car was still in drive...so had to jump back in! Needless to say, I was beat up, bruised adn really hurting. Never did go back to get those cookies!       &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In January, I was sitting at my computor working and thought of something I needed from another room.I got up and proceeded to the other room, only to begin the process of falling all over again really hard to the hard wood floors. I had gotten my foot tangled in my computor cord!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;A small peice of metal and a computor cord have left me in the most awful pain for the last several months! My knee and my leg have hurt continually all because of those "little things" that tripped me up!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today, when I got on the scale to weigh after being faithful in a healthy lifestyle, I had actually gained a pound for the 2nd week in a row! Oh, you say, only a pound, no big deal! But you see it is the little things that trip us up because when I saw another pound gained , I wanted to quit and say.."What's the use!" Four sticks of butter (some of you will get that later!) almost cause me to quit trying to live in a healthful way!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So many times it is the "Little Things" in our lives..not the big, major things that cause our pain and a sense of wanting to quit! Have you experienced this? One word spoken or perhaps the lack of a word spoken, one note or lack of note, one phone call or lack of , one day missed in prayer and Bible study and then perhaps another.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Ecclesiates 10:1 says "Dead flies cause the ointment of the apothecary to send forth a stinking savour....so doth a LITTLE folly him that is in reputation for wisdom and honour.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Flies are little things but let one land in your soup and the whole meal is ruined!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;That is what happens when we allow the "little things " to trip us up in our walk for the LORD!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I encourage you to not live in pain and to not quit! I encourage you to watch out for the "little things"..the flies..that want to trip us up and spoil our fragance before the Lord!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Beware of the LITTLE THINGS!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7981028536072325339?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7981028536072325339/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/beware-of-little-things.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7981028536072325339'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7981028536072325339'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/beware-of-little-things.html' title='Beware of the Little Things!'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-3096310724326444945</id><published>2009-03-09T16:32:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-09T16:32:20.367-07:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>&lt;a href='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QjiKZecMv70/SbWnA63JHyI/AAAAAAAAAB0/u3H7Pe8exqQ/s1600-h/P1010630.JPG'&gt;&lt;img src='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QjiKZecMv70/SbWnA63JHyI/AAAAAAAAAB0/u3H7Pe8exqQ/s320/P1010630.JPG' border='0' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;div style='clear:both; text-align:NONE'&gt;&lt;a href='http://picasa.google.com/blogger/' target='ext'&gt;&lt;img src='http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif' alt='Posted by Picasa' style='border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;' align='middle' border='0' /&gt;&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-3096310724326444945?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3096310724326444945/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/3096310724326444945'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/3096310724326444945'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post.html' title=''/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><media:thumbnail xmlns:media='http://search.yahoo.com/mrss/' url='http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_QjiKZecMv70/SbWnA63JHyI/AAAAAAAAAB0/u3H7Pe8exqQ/s72-c/P1010630.JPG' height='72' width='72'/><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7904645146051972310</id><published>2009-03-09T15:24:00.000-07:00</published><updated>2009-03-09T16:27:47.333-07:00</updated><title type='text'>Bob Burney Live Radio</title><content type='html'>"Love and Marriage" is the theme one Tuesday a month on Bob Burney Live Radio. Joy joins with Bob to talk about realtionships thru a Biblical World View.&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7904645146051972310?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7904645146051972310/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/bob-burney-live-radio.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7904645146051972310'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7904645146051972310'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/03/bob-burney-live-radio.html' title='Bob Burney Live Radio'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-2158279484912112296</id><published>2009-02-21T15:32:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-21T15:34:35.068-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Maybe We're In Oz - By Bob</title><content type='html'>Joy and I were driving to dinner the other evening when a mini-van pulled beside us at a traffic light.   It was dark and there was a “glow” emanating through the side windows.   The kids were locked tightly in their car seats and their eyes were glued to the drop down TV screen above their heads.   I craned my neck to see what the munchkins were watching and low and behold they were watching munchkins!   I was shocked that children with so many entertainment options available to them were watching the old classic, The Wizard of Oz!   My twisted mind began rerunning some of the scenes from the movie and I had a really strange thought – maybe we’re in Oz – and maybe that’s good!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;The climax of the movie is both the best part and the worst part.   Dorothy and her friends are convinced that all their problems will be solved if they can just make their way to the wonderful Wizard.   He can solve problems of the heart, mind, emotions and body – or so they were told.   One trial leads to another, but finally they find the Emerald City where the Wizard lives.   Their trials are almost over, their dreams will soon come to pass – the wizard will fix it all.   Well, you know the story.   In a very short matter of time they discover the Wizard is a total fraud.  All hope is lost – or is it?   There is a happy ending but not because of the Wizard’s magical powers.   You know what?   I think we’re in Oz.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;During the last election campaign we heard a cacophony of voices crying “hope is coming”, “change is coming”, “hang on, help is on the way”, and the loud cheers of, “yes, we can!”   America was led to believe that the answer to all of our problems was just an election away.  No matter what your problem, no matter what your need – the wonderful “wizard of Illinois” would grant your every wish and fulfill your every dream.   Well, we’ve arrived at the Emerald City and in just a few weeks we have already discovered that the man behind the curtain may not be all he claimed to be.   &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;We were promised a new era of integrity in Government.  We’ve received a steady stream of scandal.  We were promised unprecedented openness and transparency.  We’ve received secret Executive Orders.  We were promised porkless fiscal responsibility.   We’ve received the biggest spending scheme in American history filled with political paybacks that with the overwhelming odor of ham.  Since the inauguration the stock market has increased its rate of plunge.  The auto industry is even closer to collapse.   More banks have been placed on the possible failure list, unemployment has increased, the rate of company closings has increased and more states are on the verge of financial collapse (especially Kansas).   We were promised a new era of peace.  Violence is up in both Iraq and Afghanistan.  The man behind the curtain is not the Wonderful Wizard we were promised.   To be fair, obviously, the new President cannot be blamed for all of this – but we were told that as soon as the election was over things would begin to get better.   We’re seeing the opposite.   The Wonderful Wizard is not so wonderful and that revelation is only beginning!   &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the movie, the worst discovery becomes the best discovery that ultimately led to the Happy Ending and “There’s no place like home”.   Personally, I’m very optimistic about the future and here’s why.   Here’s what could happen as the curtain is pulled away.&lt;br /&gt; &lt;br /&gt;*Americans might begin to see that Government is not the answer to all of their problems.   The era of “Big Government” could actually come to an end as it is exposed as a total fraud.   This will not happen without a whole lot of pain, however.   Overcoming the addiction will not be easy.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*Local Churches might begin to actually accept their God given role in their communities.   Likewise, individuals might actually to turn to God rather than government in times of crisis.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*Some of the unscrupulous TV Preachers might have their endless stream of income interrupted and their unbalanced “Prosperity Gospel” exposed as false doctrine.  Result?  More of God’s people supporting their local church - that actually cares for people and their needs rather than building a kingdom of castles and cars.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*The pulpits of America could actually start to preach the whole truth of scripture again rather than a feel good, positive pablum designed to flatter without convicting.   The focus could actually turn from amassing crowds to building congregations.   Pastors could actually realize that it is more important to preach what is needed than what is wanted.   Instead of “tickling ears” the emphasis could move to changing hearts.   Mile wide and inch deep churches could actually discover that in times of crisis, people need a foundation built on a Rock - not sermonettes for Christianettes.   Cute sayings, cool programs and great coffee might be supplanted by sound doctrine.   Bible stories might actually become as important in sermons as movie clips.  Bible characters might become as familiar as movie stars.   &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;*The new “Evangelical Left” that has convinced thousands that Life Issues and Marriage are no longer spiritual values could face a quick demise.   The romance between these so called Evangelicals and the political left could be exposed for what it was – nothing more than a Trojan Horse that delivered thousands of well meaning, sincere Christians into the hands of those intent on destroying marriage and the family; while speaking in high and lofty tones about social justice and the poor.   As the Wizard and his spiritual advisors reveal their determination to increase their assault on the family and the unborn, those who still possess a conscience could come to their senses and see what was behind the curtain all along.   It was not about the poor, or justice – it was about power.   And the family and the unborn and the poor would become their victims.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;In the movie, Dorothy did not make it back home until the Wizard was exposed and all seemed hopeless.   Issues of the Heart, Courage, Mind and Home were dealt with in a wonderful and heart warming way, but not by the Wizard.   Today, those trusting in Government need to pull back the curtain.  America and America’s Churches need to come home.   Home for America is the Constitution.  Home for the Church is the Bible.&lt;br /&gt;There’s No Place Like Home&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-2158279484912112296?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/2158279484912112296/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/maybe-were-in-oz-by-bob.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/2158279484912112296'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/2158279484912112296'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/maybe-were-in-oz-by-bob.html' title='Maybe We&apos;re In Oz - By Bob'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-4734665455726642429</id><published>2009-02-20T12:18:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-20T12:42:32.255-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Why is it?</title><content type='html'>Why is it that sometimes the harder we try, the more the doors are slammed in our face? Why is it that the so called " beautiful people" seem to stick in their own little groups and no one better upset their world. Just because you might need friends, they don't and are satisfied with their own "beautiful" friends and you don't fit! Why is it that sometimes when you have a need and a "Christian" knows about your need, that they turn away from you? Why is it when we cry out to God on behalf of a loved one, that things for them appear to get worse? Why is it, when people give us their word for a commitment and then never come thru? Why, why, why? &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;These are just a few of the things I have faced this week...personally ( directly or indirectly) and in ministry. And do you know what? I do not know "why"!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;All I know is God's ways are not my ways. He has a bigger plan and He sees the other side of the tapestry..I see the underside..all the tangled threads! All I know is, He cares, He knows, He understands. All I know is that I can trust Him. He has never failed me yet. All I know to do is to keep interceding. All I know is that He loves me and the ones I care about. All I know is that HE KNOWS WHY and the Bible tells me that He will perfect that which concerns me! And so....I continue to not give up!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-4734665455726642429?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/4734665455726642429/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/why-is-it.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/4734665455726642429'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/4734665455726642429'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/why-is-it.html' title='Why is it?'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-7116551781458421403</id><published>2009-02-17T11:47:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-17T12:41:55.342-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Pray On!</title><content type='html'>God has really been dealing in my heart about prayer. I would like to share the chorus to a song that sums up what God has been working into my heart. The words say this: Pray on, for you are who the Lord is looking for; pray on, for this will tear those mighty strongholds down, stay on your knees for this is where the battle is won. Very soon you'll win the victory. Pray on! Oh GOD, have me to Pray On!!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-7116551781458421403?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/7116551781458421403/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/pray-on.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7116551781458421403'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/7116551781458421403'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/pray-on.html' title='Pray On!'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-6191472130408304324</id><published>2009-02-07T07:16:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-07T07:32:46.618-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Even So Come, LORD JESUS!</title><content type='html'>Even so come Lord Jesus!  What a time we are living in! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would see the day that took place in a city near me this week. Oh, we always hear it "We are living in the last days", but I can truly say..it is closer than we think.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;My husband spent a great deal of time on his radio broadcast this past week, warning people of an event called 'Winter Wickedness" that was held at the Holiday Inn in Worhtington, Ohio. The things that went on in that entire Hotel were unthinkable. I could not speak of them on this blog. On the news, they showed the Hotel windows covered with 'trash" bags...how appropriate! Every room ..meeting and otherwise...was used. I don't know about you, but I would never set foot in that hotel after what went on there. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;As Christians, we need to speak out now on events like this. One day our voice will be silenced. They want us to be tolerant of them but they are not of us. My husband received threats, but he did not back down. Will you speak out for the Lord and His Word while there is still time?&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-6191472130408304324?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6191472130408304324/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/even-so-come-lord-jesus.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/6191472130408304324'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/6191472130408304324'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/02/even-so-come-lord-jesus.html' title='Even So Come, LORD JESUS!'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-6910694759216759636</id><published>2009-01-29T10:39:00.001-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-17T11:45:15.421-08:00</updated><title type='text'>We have this moment today</title><content type='html'>We are now on our way back to Ohio. What a wonderful time we had visiting family in California.&lt;br /&gt;Never take for granted the time you have to share with Family. When we walked away from Bob's Mom we both had tears in our eyes because we do not know if we will see each other on this earth again.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;I remember so well when I said goodbye to my Mom and Dad. Never dreamed those days would be my last to be with them on this earth. The void is great but the promise of seeing them again is so encouraging. I am so gald I know that they are with Jesus..no doubt!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Do you know where you will spend eternity? If there has never been a time or place in your life that you can point to when you repented of your sins and asked Jesus into your heart to be your Saviour, please do so. It is the most important decision you will ever make. If you are saved then what about your family members? Be faithful in telling them about Jesus so the circle will not be unbroken in Heaven!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-6910694759216759636?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/6910694759216759636/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-now-on-our-way-back-to-ohio.html#comment-form' title='1 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/6910694759216759636'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/6910694759216759636'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-now-on-our-way-back-to-ohio.html' title='We have this moment today'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>1</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-3265484498067153702</id><published>2009-01-24T10:23:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-24T10:31:23.260-08:00</updated><title type='text'>How will you spend your moments today?</title><content type='html'>Our time in California is going by so quickly! Our most important goal being out here is to visit with Bob's Mom. She is 86 and in an assisted living facility due to back fractures etc. I am reminded how very rewarding it is to visit these facilities...even if you do not have anyone there that belongs to you! People get lonely and need love and encouragement. Sometimes we all get so inward minded that we forget to reach out to others. We have this moment today, how will we use it to be an encouragement to someone else? Hey, I am speaking to myself!!!! Thanks for listening!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-3265484498067153702?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/3265484498067153702/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-will-you-spend-your-moments-today.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/3265484498067153702'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/3265484498067153702'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/how-will-you-spend-your-moments-today.html' title='How will you spend your moments today?'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-980564672085634554</id><published>2009-01-20T15:58:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-02-17T11:46:49.657-08:00</updated><title type='text'>Perspectives</title><content type='html'>We are still traveling on the Amtrak Train. Just stopped in Albequrque, New Mexico and were able to get off the train for awhile to walk around. We arrive in California tomorrow morning.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Today, I wrote down some thoughts on Perspectives, I trust you will read them.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Perspectives&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;While sitting in the Amtrak train station in Chicago recently, I observed some interesting things as we were waiting to board our train.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There were two young couples with a little toddler daughter each. They were doting parents and so proud of their own little girls as the daughters toddled around the train station making new friends of anyone they came in contact with. The little girls were making the usual giggles and noises of a toddler. Everyone was making over these two little ones much to the parent’s enjoyment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Over in the corner sat a set of older parents. They, too, had a daughter but no one was making over her. She, too, was making the sounds of a young child but not in a sweet way but an “annoying” way, almost a painful way. This daughter still had the same needs as the other toddlers, but was actually much older as you could tell by her face. She did not toddle around the station but instead was in a wheelchair, with devices to keep her fingers from curling and a device in her mouth for keeping her from biting or maybe even swallowing her tongue. Her parents had to feed her, dress her and straighten her up in the chair. No one was making over her.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;So a tale of 3 Mothers. All of them had a Mother’s heart for their child. Which was greater, you ask? Oh I am sure they were equal in their love, but I cannot help but feel the heart for the handicapped daughter was a special gift from God. It takes a special love to sit in an obscure corner, loving and caring for a child that no one is making over, in fact, that most people are overlooking. And yet, I am sure that lined up together, those three mothers would proudly declare, “This is MY daughter!!!&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;God chooses special people for special tasks!!!&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-980564672085634554?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/980564672085634554/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-still-traveling-on-amtrak-train.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/980564672085634554'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/980564672085634554'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/we-are-still-traveling-on-amtrak-train.html' title='Perspectives'/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry><entry><id>tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8497721965388755008.post-1838699533925270869</id><published>2009-01-17T12:49:00.000-08:00</published><updated>2009-01-17T13:11:44.647-08:00</updated><title type='text'></title><content type='html'>Bob and I are getting ready to go to California. We are so excited to have this opportunity to see his Mother, Brother, Sister and their families. It has been a few years since we have been able to get out there. His Mother now lives in an Assisted Living facility. His Sister lives in the desert and has been battling the recurrence of cancer.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please pray for us as we travel. Also pray we can be an encouragement to family. We will travel by train. It is a fun way to travel and we like to get alotof our paper work done for the ministry while traveling.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please pray God will give us rest and rejuvenation! We will try to keep you up-dated as we travel~&lt;div class="blogger-post-footer"&gt;&lt;img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/8497721965388755008-1838699533925270869?l=crosspowerblog.blogspot.com' alt='' /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;</content><link rel='replies' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/feeds/1838699533925270869/comments/default' title='Post Comments'/><link rel='replies' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/bob-and-i-are-getting-ready-to-go-to.html#comment-form' title='0 Comments'/><link rel='edit' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1838699533925270869'/><link rel='self' type='application/atom+xml' href='http://www.blogger.com/feeds/8497721965388755008/posts/default/1838699533925270869'/><link rel='alternate' type='text/html' href='http://crosspowerblog.blogspot.com/2009/01/bob-and-i-are-getting-ready-to-go-to.html' title=''/><author><name>Joy</name><uri>http://www.blogger.com/profile/08459880344076548931</uri><email>noreply@blogger.com</email><gd:image rel='http://schemas.google.com/g/2005#thumbnail' width='16' height='16' src='http://img2.blogblog.com/img/b16-rounded.gif'/></author><thr:total>0</thr:total></entry></feed>
