Let's play the Dating Game. Some of the best times, some of the worst times, but dating is something all of us has done or will do. I have to laugh at all the people who post things on the social web sites. I love this girl, I love this guy. She completes me, he is all I need. Then you see the word that begins the end of it all.... "forever". It is so funny to me to see all of the enlightened people who have the world figured out... then they don't understand why their relationship didn't work... why is it so complicated... they weren't what they said they were.... Welcome to Dating.

Dating is not just a time when you try to figure out the person of the opposite sex that you're dating, it is also a time that you find out who you are. " I didn't realize that her passing gas after dinner was her way of showing me that she enjoyed the meal". Who knew that she was grossed out by my candle made of my ear wax... Let's face it, we're different.

So what is the purpose of dating... why are we drawn to dating... is there a book about dating? First, dating is a time for you to test the waters and find out what you would want in a mate. That doesn't mean that you're married, so the married games must wait until then. (Ask me about the order sometime) But it is a time that prepares you for marriage. Does God have the perfect person picked out for me? I have no idea. I do know that way before I got married to my wonderful wife of almost 10 years, God knew we would be husband and wife. I do know that God has someone for you and He sent that person to you... His name is Jesus.

It is natural for us to want to date. Way before we were born... yes even before I was born, God created this dude called Adam. God saw something was missing so he made Eve. Notice God didn't give Adam a buddy, he didn't give him a pal, he gave him a gal. (WOW welcome to the '50's..."gal"?) Not Adam and Steve or Eve and Christy... boy-girl, girl-boy, that's the way it should be. Not politically correct... GOOD! I would much rather be Eternally correct than to be approved by worldly junk. It is natural for us to want to date, that's how we're wired.

The book on dating is out there. There are many books about dating, but one just keeps coming to mind, The Holy Bible. God has given us specific guidelines to dating in His word. If you keep in mind that God has rules for you to follow, and you have a relationship with Him before you begin your relationship with that special someone, and if your relationship with that special someone is centered around God's will, then you don't have anything to fret.

Will it last forever... will we never be tempted... ok first it won't last forever, you're gonna die. Dating ends with one of two things, marriage or breaking up. If God is guiding you, He isn't going to guide you into pain and sorrow, so if you break up, it's all good, God is in control. If you get married, it's all good, God is in control. Temptation is real, even God's son was tempted, but it's up to YOU to decide whether or not you fall into temptation. You can't be pressured into anything if you don't want to be.

Dating, good times. Make sure you've got your #1 and let Him take care of the rest.

We Are

CROSSROADS

The Day of Love...

(in your best French Accent) Ahhhh Valentine's Day, the Day of Love, One Day set aside to tell that special someone that you have strong feelings for them...(end of French Accent)

What is this day. For many it's the day that you go get flowers for that special someone, or you get candy for them, stuffed animals, any random item to tell someone you love them. A day that a fat man in a diaper with wings comes and shoots you in the heart so you will fall in love with the person of your dreams.... ok now really what is it?

Just a day, so I have to ask the question, what is love to you? After 9 years of marriage I have a better understanding of what love is. It's not flowers, and fuzzy feelings, it's more than a feeling (In your best air guitar playing 1980's band Boston sound), it's goes much further than that. Love is an action. The perfect example of love is this... "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay don hs life for his friends" John 15:13 So before you go start posting on myspace and facebook how much you luuuuve someone, make sure you know what true love is. And remember True Love Waits, true lust doesn't.

Happy Valentines Day

We Are

CROSSROADS

What's the big deal...

So... I know I'm getting older, and things aren't what they used to be. But I have to ask the question, How did Amy What'shername, win all the Grammy's. I didn't watch the show, but in seeing the album of the year, I have to say I was like..."REALLY, I MEAN REALLY". I guess as time has changed talent has too. ok enough about that... now the important stuff

D-Now is coming up. April 11th - 13th we will be having Disciple Now Weekend. I feel this is the most important weekend of our year at Crossroads. We will be joined by many churches in the area for one reason, to help students grow closer to Christ. I was fortunate enough to get to hang out with Jon (founder of SWAT) last Saturday. He and the SWAT leaders are very excited about coming back to Chilton County. I want to encourage you to make this weekend a priority. Liberty Hill will be hosting the weekend again and I know that God is going to do His thing, make sure you let Him work in you. I will be meeting with other youth dudes and chicks in a week or so to lock in our speaker and music. But until then, be praying for D-Now. For our SWAT leaders, for our churches involved, for our speakers, worship band, and HOST HOMES. May this be our best year ever!!!

We Are

CROSSROADS

Crossroads 1st Blog

Ok, so I guess I'm going to fall into the world of Blogging. I have some friends that I don't get to stay in touch with, so maybe this will be a way of doing that. Also, after so many years in youth ministry, I have former students all over the world, so this is also a way to let them know what God is doing at Crossroads and also in our personal life.

This might be a once in a while thing, or it might be a weekly thing, or this could be it. The greatest purpose in this is to encourage all who read these blogs to Grow in Christ, Walk with Him and Keep in step with His teachings. I pray that God is moving in your life and you will make His way your way.

In Christ Alone,

We Are

CROSSROADS