GCC Commons Taking Shape

GCC Commons under construction 4/28/2012

This is a picture from inside the lobby at GCC looking out into the new Common area that is under construction. It's making really awesome progress and I can't wait to see how God uses this space to advance and further His kingdom!!

I Know What This Song Means Now

Well, I have heard this song by Jason Mraz over and over again at Meijer. But hearing at Meijer you can really hear what the words of the song are. The music isn't very loud in the first place and there is other noises that pervent you from hearing the music all that well.

Anyway, this past weekend at church the message was about marriage and some of the struggles that go with it and how even though we really want to we shouldn't give up. We should keep trying to make it work, even though it may be very hard.


I was serving during the 9:30 service downstairs and I happened to step outside the room and heard them singing this song as a special upstairs. Please click the video below and have a listen and see if this song doesn't change your thoughts about your significant other.


So with this I am leaving this post as it is. But I have to tell you it got me thinking.


Here is a link to the full service at Granger Community Church's website. You may have to copy and paste it into your search bar. http://media.aspireone.com/mediaplayer/gccwired/shareMedia.aspx?id=6893

I Won't Give Up lyrics 

by jason mraz

when i look into your eyes

it's like watching the night sky

or a beautiful sunrise

well there's so much they hold

and just like them old stars

i see that you've come so far

to be right where you are

how old is your soul?

i won't give up on us

even if the skies get rough

i'm giving you all my love

i'm still looking up

and when you're needing your space

to do some navigating

i'll be here patiently waiting

to see what you find

'cause even the stars they burn

some even fall to the earth

we've got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it

no, i won't give up

i don't wanna be someone who walks away so easily

i'm here to stay and make the difference that i can make

our differences they do a lot to teach us how to use the tools and gifts

we got yeah we got a lot at stake

and in the end, you're still my friend at least we didn't tend

for us to work we didn't break, we didn't burn

we had to learn, how to bend without the world caving in

i had to learn what i got, and what i'm not

and who i am

i won't give up on us

even if the skies get rough

i'm giving you all my love

i'm still looking up

i'm still looking up

i won't give up on us

God knows i'm tough, he knows

we got a lot to learn

God knows we're worth it

i won't give up on us

even if the skies get rough

i'm giving you all my love

i'm still looking up

[ From : http://www.elyrics.net/read/j/jason-mraz-lyrics/i-won_t-give-up-lyrics.html ]

these lyrics are submitted by BURKUL3

http://www.elyrics.net/read/j/jason-mraz-lyrics/i-won_t-give-up-lyrics.html

Slippery Paws

We have all tile floors in our new place and that has some good points and some bad ones.

Good. You can clean it easier.

Bad. COLD!!!!

Good. You can move furniture easy on tile.

Bad. It's a little loud.

Good. You can build puzzles on the floor.

Bad. It's a little slippery.

It's slippery in two ways: 

One, if you are wearing socks. I mean the floor is cold so wearing socks helps with that. 

Two, if you have paws. Lilly hates this floor. She has been on carpet all her life and now she is on all tile. It's great fun to watch. If you have a dog and tile floor you can provide hours of entertainment. She tries to sit down and her hind legs are sliding out from under her. When she tries to move fast she has trouble getting her grip on the floor or loses her grip while running. So she fixed the problem she just lays down all the time.

 

As I said great to watch. But sometimes I feel bad for her. It reminds of scenes from movies, tv shows and Americas Funniest Home Videos. 

There is just something that is funny about a dog trying to get his/her grip on a slippery surface.

Last Break - April 30

Here is the reading for today

Psalm 23-24

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

¹ The Lord is my shepherd;
    I have all that I need.
² He lets me rest in green meadows;
    he leads me beside peaceful streams.
³     He renews my strength.
He guides me along right paths,
    bringing honor to his name.
⁴ Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.
⁵ You prepare a feast for me
    in the presence of my enemies.
You honor me by anointing my head with oil.
    My cup overflows with blessings.
⁶ Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me
    all the days of my life,
and I will live in the house of the Lord
    forever.

Psalm 24

A psalm of David.

¹ The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.
    The world and all its people belong to him.
² For he laid the earth’s foundation on the seas
    and built it on the ocean depths.

³ Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
    Who may stand in his holy place?
⁴ Only those whose hands and hearts are pure,
    who do not worship idols
    and never tell lies.
⁵ They will receive the Lord’s blessing
    and have a right relationship with God their savior.
⁶ Such people may seek you
    and worship in your presence, O God of Jacob. Interlude

⁷ Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
⁸ Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord, strong and mighty;
    the Lord, invincible in battle.
⁹ Open up, ancient gates!
    Open up, ancient doors,
    and let the King of glory enter.
¹⁰ Who is the King of glory?
    The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—
    he is the King of glory. Interlude

Proverbs 12

New Living Translation (NLT)

12 To learn, you must love discipline;
    it is stupid to hate correction.

² The Lord approves of those who are good,
    but he condemns those who plan wickedness.

³ Wickedness never brings stability,
    but the godly have deep roots.

⁴ A worthy wife is a crown for her husband,
    but a disgraceful woman is like cancer in his bones.

⁵ The plans of the godly are just;
    the advice of the wicked is treacherous.

⁶ The words of the wicked are like a murderous ambush,
    but the words of the godly save lives.

⁷ The wicked die and disappear,
    but the family of the godly stands firm.

⁸ A sensible person wins admiration,
    but a warped mind is despised.

⁹ Better to be an ordinary person with a servant
    than to be self-important but have no food.

¹⁰ The godly care for their animals,
    but the wicked are always cruel.

¹¹ A hard worker has plenty of food,
    but a person who chases fantasies has no sense.

¹² Thieves are jealous of each other’s loot,
    but the godly are well rooted and bear their own fruit.

¹³ The wicked are trapped by their own words,
    but the godly escape such trouble.

¹⁴ Wise words bring many benefits,
    and hard work brings rewards.

¹⁵ Fools think their own way is right,
    but the wise listen to others.

¹⁶ A fool is quick-tempered,
    but a wise person stays calm when insulted.

¹⁷ An honest witness tells the truth;
    a false witness tells lies.

¹⁸ Some people make cutting remarks,
    but the words of the wise bring healing.

¹⁹ Truthful words stand the test of time,
    but lies are soon exposed.

²⁰ Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil;
    joy fills hearts that are planning peace!

²¹ No harm comes to the godly,
    but the wicked have their fill of trouble.

²² The Lord detests lying lips,
    but he delights in those who tell the truth.

²³ The wise don’t make a show of their knowledge,
    but fools broadcast their foolishness.

²⁴ Work hard and become a leader;
    be lazy and become a slave.

²⁵ Worry weighs a person down;
    an encouraging word cheers a person up.

²⁶ The godly give good advice to their friends;^[a]
    the wicked lead them astray.

²⁷ Lazy people don’t even cook the game they catch,
    but the diligent make use of everything they find.

²⁸ The way of the godly leads to life;
    that path does not lead to death.

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2023-24&version=NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2012&version=NLT

Last Break - April 29

Here are some thoughts for you today..

John 16:33b

New Living Translation (NIV)

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect,

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2016:33b&version=NIV
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20peter%203:15&version=NIV

Mommy's Slippers

This was a cute picture!

She was playing yesterday and got quiet. Now all parents know that when a kid is quiet that usually means that they are doing, breaking or getting into something that they aren't supposed to. Well, this is what she was doing...

She was putting on Mommy's slippers!! And I do believe that they are on the right feet even.

She's a great little girl!! She is always trying to get dressed or put on her shoes and most of the time she gets her sandals on her feet. She is busy learning and finding out what she can do herself.

I can't wait for her to get into her clothes and fully dress herself and come and show off her outfit to Mommy and Daddy.

Last Break - April 28

Here is the reading for today..

Psalm 21-22

New Living Translation (NLT)

Psalm 21

For the choir director: A psalm of David.

¹ How the king rejoices in your strength, O Lord!
    He shouts with joy because you give him victory.
² For you have given him his heart’s desire;
    you have withheld nothing he requested. Interlude

³ You welcomed him back with success and prosperity.
    You placed a crown of finest gold on his head.
⁴ He asked you to preserve his life,
    and you granted his request.
    The days of his life stretch on forever.
⁵ Your victory brings him great honor,
    and you have clothed him with splendor and majesty.
⁶ You have endowed him with eternal blessings
    and given him the joy of your presence.
⁷ For the king trusts in the Lord.
    The unfailing love of the Most High will keep him from stumbling.

⁸ You will capture all your enemies.
    Your strong right hand will seize all who hate you.
⁹ You will throw them in a flaming furnace
    when you appear.
The Lord will consume them in his anger;
    fire will devour them.
¹⁰ You will wipe their children from the face of the earth;
    they will never have descendants.
¹¹ Although they plot against you,
    their evil schemes will never succeed.
¹² For they will turn and run
    when they see your arrows aimed at them.
¹³ Rise up, O Lord, in all your power.
    With music and singing we celebrate your mighty acts.

Psalm 22

For the choir director: A psalm of David, to be sung to the tune “Doe of the Dawn.”

¹ My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?
    Why are you so far away when I groan for help?
² Every day I call to you, my God, but you do not answer.
    Every night you hear my voice, but I find no relief.

³ Yet you are holy,
    enthroned on the praises of Israel.
⁴ Our ancestors trusted in you,
    and you rescued them.
⁵ They cried out to you and were saved.
    They trusted in you and were never disgraced.

⁶ But I am a worm and not a man.
    I am scorned and despised by all!
⁷ Everyone who sees me mocks me.
    They sneer and shake their heads, saying,
⁸ “Is this the one who relies on the Lord?
    Then let the Lord save him!
If the Lord loves him so much,
    let the Lord rescue him!”

⁹ Yet you brought me safely from my mother’s womb
    and led me to trust you at my mother’s breast.
¹⁰ I was thrust into your arms at my birth.
    You have been my God from the moment I was born.

¹¹ Do not stay so far from me,
    for trouble is near,
    and no one else can help me.
¹² My enemies surround me like a herd of bulls;
    fierce bulls of Bashan have hemmed me in!
¹³ Like lions they open their jaws against me,
    roaring and tearing into their prey.
¹⁴ My life is poured out like water,
    and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart is like wax,
    melting within me.
¹⁵ My strength has dried up like sunbaked clay.
    My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth.
    You have laid me in the dust and left me for dead.
¹⁶ My enemies surround me like a pack of dogs;
    an evil gang closes in on me.
    They have pierced my hands and feet.
¹⁷ I can count all my bones.
    My enemies stare at me and gloat.
¹⁸ They divide my garments among themselves
    and throw dice for my clothing.

¹⁹ O Lord, do not stay far away!
    You are my strength; come quickly to my aid!
²⁰ Save me from the sword;
    spare my precious life from these dogs.
²¹ Snatch me from the lion’s jaws
    and from the horns of these wild oxen.

²² I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters.
    I will praise you among your assembled people.
²³ Praise the Lord, all you who fear him!
    Honor him, all you descendants of Jacob!
    Show him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!
²⁴ For he has not ignored or belittled the suffering of the needy.
    He has not turned his back on them,
    but has listened to their cries for help.

²⁵ I will praise you in the great assembly.
    I will fulfill my vows in the presence of those who worship you.
²⁶ The poor will eat and be satisfied.
    All who seek the Lord will praise him.
    Their hearts will rejoice with everlasting joy.
²⁷ The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him.
    All the families of the nations will bow down before him.
²⁸ For royal power belongs to the Lord.
    He rules all the nations.

²⁹ Let the rich of the earth feast and worship.
    Bow before him, all who are mortal,
    all whose lives will end as dust.
³⁰ Our children will also serve him.
    Future generations will hear about the wonders of the Lord.
³¹ His righteous acts will be told to those not yet born.
    They will hear about everything he has done.

Proverbs 11

New Living Translation (NLT)

11 The Lord detests the use of dishonest scales,
    but he delights in accurate weights.

² Pride leads to disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.

³ Honesty guides good people;
    dishonesty destroys treacherous people.

⁴ Riches won’t help on the day of judgment,
    but right living can save you from death.

⁵ The godly are directed by honesty;
    the wicked fall beneath their load of sin.

⁶ The godliness of good people rescues them;
    the ambition of treacherous people traps them.

⁷ When the wicked die, their hopes die with them,
    for they rely on their own feeble strength.

⁸ The godly are rescued from trouble,
    and it falls on the wicked instead.

⁹ With their words, the godless destroy their friends,
    but knowledge will rescue the righteous.

¹⁰ The whole city celebrates when the godly succeed;
    they shout for joy when the wicked die.

¹¹ Upright citizens are good for a city and make it prosper,
    but the talk of the wicked tears it apart.

¹² It is foolish to belittle one’s neighbor;
    a sensible person keeps quiet.

¹³ A gossip goes around telling secrets,
    but those who are trustworthy can keep a confidence.

¹⁴ Without wise leadership, a nation falls;
    there is safety in having many advisers.

¹⁵ There’s danger in putting up security for a stranger’s debt;
    it’s safer not to guarantee another person’s debt.

¹⁶ A gracious woman gains respect,
    but ruthless men gain only wealth.

¹⁷ Your kindness will reward you,
    but your cruelty will destroy you.

¹⁸ Evil people get rich for the moment,
    but the reward of the godly will last.

¹⁹ Godly people find life;
    evil people find death.

²⁰ The Lord detests people with crooked hearts,
    but he delights in those with integrity.

²¹ Evil people will surely be punished,
    but the children of the godly will go free.

²² A beautiful woman who lacks discretion
    is like a gold ring in a pig’s snout.

²³ The godly can look forward to a reward,
    while the wicked can expect only judgment.

²⁴ Give freely and become more wealthy;
    be stingy and lose everything.

²⁵ The generous will prosper;
    those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

²⁶ People curse those who hoard their grain,
    but they bless the one who sells in time of need.

²⁷ If you search for good, you will find favor;
    but if you search for evil, it will find you!

²⁸ Trust in your money and down you go!
    But the godly flourish like leaves in spring.

²⁹ Those who bring trouble on their families inherit the wind.
    The fool will be a servant to the wise.

³⁰ The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life;
    a wise person wins friends.

³¹ If the righteous are rewarded here on earth,
    what will happen to wicked sinners?

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms%2021-22&version=NLT
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs%2011&version=NLT