What refreshes you?

What a great memory we made at our February Women's Getaway!  Refresh - For I Am Your God  The weather shortened the conference, but didn't dampen our great fellowship.   I left feeling challenged to trust God in the "What ifs" and "If onlys" of my life.  He wants me to trust Him as my Stronghold and my Rock of Refuge.

A segment of our schedule included greetings from respected women in our Cru world.  Check out these videos and hear how Patty McCain, Karen Loritts and Christy Sellers refresh themselves.  What refreshes you?  How can you be intentional in taking time for your own refreshment? Please share under comments.

Click on each person’s name then sign in to your Gmail account to view the videos. The video should start playing automatically.

Patty McCain - Cru Campus Field Ministry Executive Director

Karen Loritts - wife of Crawford Loritts, Fall Staff conference speaker

Christy Sellers - wife of Steve Sellers, Cru Executive Vice-President of the Americas/Oceania

CSU Staff Connections

We’ll be in Colorado before we know it! For some of us it is a great time of spending time outdoors, getting poured into from great teaching, and connecting with friends. For other staff it’s a time of feeling lost in the crowd or a time when Satan attacks our weaknesses. Are you aware that some staff REALLY STRUGGLE during this time?

As believers together we are a family of faith. A family that cares for one another, encourages one another, prays for one another. I would like to invite you to do just that in the coming days. Look for others who may need an invitation to hike or play disc golf. Look for others who may need a ride to an event or activity or an invitation to join your group for dinner.

Maybe you could take time today to call your newer staff who have never been to a CSU Conference and give them a heads up about a few things... Most dorms don't have A/C, dress for the conference is casual, maybe suggest renting a car or getting a bike from the bike library. I remember arriving at CSU the very first time, only knowing a handful of staff, and wishing someone had shared tips like these.

I know that we care for one another and desire to help others in times of need. Many of us do just that! At the same time I think that many of us miss opportunities to serve others because we are distracted and busy with our own plans. Let's put some of those things aside and really love each other like a family!!!

I am praying for the Lord to open your eyes to be aware of the needs of others around you. For you to open your heart to make others feel more comfortable and included. I am praying for you to live out the following verses:

24 Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor.
1 Corinthians 10:24

42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe[e] came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 Andthey were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. 
Acts 2:42-47

4 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love,3 eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism,6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 
Ephesians 4:1-6

2 So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 
Philippians 2:1-4

 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Colorado and I look forward to seeing how the Lord can use us to encourage one another!

Looking for someone’s cell number or info about the conference, check this website https://csu2013.cru.org/ It has info on the speakers, schedule, and even a tab to “Find-a-Friend.”

Erin Mullis
Cru Staff serving on the MidSouth Regional Team

Praying for Ourselves & Our Kids

Hey y’all,

I found this great resource on Pinterest that has a list of 31 Biblical Virtues to pray for your children. We’ve been using it for a few weeks and LOVE it! These are also things that you can pray for yourself. One big plus is that it already looks cute. You can just print it out or save it on your computer. It’s not another “Pinterest Project” to add to your list (my list is already way too long).

http://keepingitpersonal.com/2012/02/pray-for-kids/

Scroll down to orange letters at the bottom. Click and Print, it’s that easy I promise!

More coming on the blog soon! Keep coming back for more info about Summer Projects and Fort Collins.

Here’s a sample. The link has a better format for printing.

The Paralytic’s Friends

  Greetings from Mary Wallace for the Women’s Council~

Luke’s story of Jesus’ healing the paralytic has captivated my attention (5:17-26). I can picture these men, the paralytic’s friends, strategizing how to get the stretcher into the house. I wonder which man was the engineer who had the bright idea to remove the ceiling tiles and lower the stretcher right at Jesus’ feet?! They were a determined bunch – whether for the love of their paralyzed friend or from confidence in a supernatural man – they were going to get their friend to Jesus one way or another. Do you think they were perplexed when Jesus initially chose to forgive the man’s sins rather than heal him? After all, the men brought their friend to Jesus for physical healing. The paralyzed man got a double blessing in that his sins were forgiven AND his legs were healed! Jesus knew what was in the hearts of the Pharisees (doubt/contention), but he also knew what was in the hearts of this man’s friends – faith. Jesus chose to forgive the man’s sins as a result of his friends’ faith. (v. 20) Jesus eventually healed the man in order to prove His authority as God’s Son to the Pharisees. Verse 26 tells us how the story ended:

“Everyone was amazed and gave praise to God. They were filled
with awe and said, “We have seen remarkable things today.””

The paralytic’s friends were on an assignment: They were intent upon getting their sick friend to Jesus for healing. Crawford Loritts talks about God’s assignments in his book, Leadership As An Identity. Crawford comments:

“God’s assignments involve changing your life as a leader just as much as they involve changing the people you want to reach. God is constantly at work in building your character – making you more like Christ. He wants to build your faith as He works through you and as you encounter Him.”

The paralyzed man reaped the benefit of his friends’ faith and their persistence. Don’t you know his faith was strengthened in an incredible way that day?

Our MidSouth Women’s Council took time at our meeting Wednesday to pray for you. It was our privilege to “lower you at Jesus’ feet”. We are excited to see how God is going to move among us this year. God is at work in ways that we cannot even imagine! He wants us to minister out of pure hearts, but He also wants to free us from the things that paralyze and keep us from being effective for His Kingdom work.

~What assignment are you on that is making you more like Christ?

~ What remarkable things have you seen in your life today that only God could do?

~ How is your faith inspiring those around you?

Please share your response as a comment below. Thanks!

ABC Scripture Memory

When our son was around 2 years old we decided to start teaching him scripture. Since we were studying a letter of the alphabet each week I searched the internet for a ready-made list of scripture verses for each letter of the alphabet. Unfortunately, I could not find one that I really liked. So instead I went through the alphabet myself and tried to find verses that would be suitable for each letter. I wanted them to be simple, clear and easy to remember. I wanted to avoid more complex concepts like propitiation, sanctification, etc. Most importantly I wanted them to be verses that would build a foundation of truth as well as commands that would help my son honor the Lord. I wanted them to be ones that we could reference when he disobeyed but also ones that would encourage him to seek the Lord throughout his life.

As we have taught these verses to our son we realized that going through the alphabet is a GREAT way to memorize scripture. I was amazed at how many verses I could recall when I had a letter to start with.

After spending a significant amount of time on this list I have finally finished it. A few people have asked me to share this list with them so then I thought, why not share it with the whole region. I hope that it helps you and your family build a firm foundation on the word.

*Most of the verses are ESV, NAS, or NIV, but some are also Erin’s Simplified Version. I tried to double check everything, but there is a good probability that there is a mistake or typo. Let me know if you find one. I am also taking additional suggestions for letters K, Q, R, U, V, X, Y, and Z.

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. 2 Timothy 3:16

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

All things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved. Acts 16:31

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him. Psalm 37:7

Be still and know that I am God. Psalm 46:10

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Romans 12:12

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will act. Psalm 37:5

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. Proverbs 16:3

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another that you may be healed. James 5:16

Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. James 4:8

Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

Encourage one another and build one another up. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Every good and perfect gift is from above. James 1:17

Everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Luke 11:10

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword. Hebrews 4:12

For God so loved the world that he gave his only son. John 3:16

The FRUIT of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control; Galatians 5:22-23

A FRIEND loves at all times. Proverbs 17:17

God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

God created man in his own image… Genesis 1:27

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

God shows his love for us in the while we were still sinners Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 1 John 5:11

God is truthful. John 3:33b

Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory! Isaiah 6:3

The HEAVENS declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1

Humility comes before honor. Proverbs 15:33b

Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10b

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another. Proverbs 27:17

I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies. Psalm 18:3

I praise God for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14

In your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy. 1 Peter 3:15a

The JOY of the Lord is your strength. Nehemiah 8:10b

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

Jesus said, “I am always with you.” Matthew 28:20

Be KIND to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Matthew 22:37

The LORD is gracious and merciful; slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. Psalm 145:8

Love one another earnestly from a pure heart. 1 Peter 1:22b

Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works Hebrews 10:24

Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:39

Live in harmony with one another. Romans 12:15

Live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18

Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Psalm 100:1

My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. Psalm 42:2

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Psalm 73:26

Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand. Proverbs 19:21

Not to us, O Lord, not to us, But to your name be the glory. Psalm 115:1a

No good thing does God withhold from those who walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11b

Nothing can separate us from the love of God. Romans 8:39

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 118:1, Psalm 107:1

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God. Romans 11:33a

Offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God Romans 12:1

Overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21

Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in all circumstances. 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18a

The PRAYER of a righteous man is powerful and effective. James 5:16b

Preach the Good News about Jesus. Mark 16:15

Preach the word. 2 Timothy 4:2

Be QUICK to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. James 1:19b

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7b

Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Psalm 90:14

Set your mind on things above, not on things on earth. Colossians 3:2

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Romans 12:13

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

(Oh) Taste and see that the Lord is good! Psalm 34:8b

Turn away from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it. Psalm 34:14

Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; Unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11

Through him all things were made. John 1:3

Unite my heart to fear your name. Psalm 86:11b

Make VOWS to the LORD your God and fulfill them; Psalm 76:11

The VOICE of the LORD is powerful; Psalm 29:4

Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. Colossians 3:17

Worship the Lord your God and serve him only. Luke 4:8

We love God because he first loved us. 1 John 4:19

Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor. Proverbs 21:21

We must obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29

Whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin. James 4:17

EXERCISE self-control in all things 1 Corinthians 9:25

EXCEL in the grace of giving. 2 Corinthians 8:7

You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. Acts 1:8a

Be ZEALOUS and repent. Revelation 3:19

Women in Cru Leadership

As a follow-up to the emcees’ conversation this morning at Staff Conference regarding women in Cru leadership, let’s discuss what that looks like here in our MidSouth Region!

· What value do you feel the female voice is given in our region?

· Where would you like more female representation in our region’s leadership?

· When have you felt your voice has been heard and your ideas honored/implemented?

· When have you felt your voice was not heard and how did that affect you?

· What do you appreciate about your team’s leadership and/or our regional leadership?

Could you envision a time/place when women would be given too much of a leadership role or capacity?

Thank you for your input as we seek to glorify God as women and as significant contributors to MidSouth Cru!

If you prefer to answer privately instead of in this public forum then email your responses to Mary.Wilson@uscm.org.