It is with deepest regret that we inform you of the passing of Mary L Damron, loving mother of our own Della Kennedy on Wednesday, December 24, 2008. Della is a vital part of our JC Finders life group and an amazingly strong sister in Christ. She was able to be with her family and spend time closely with them as they leaned on each other.

Our prayers, support and sympathy surround Della and the rest of her family as they mourn Mary's passing and learn to move forward without her. We just want Della to know that we love her, support her and will pray faithfully for her and the rest of her family.

We love you D!

Karen Farinha Prayer Request

Not sure if everyone is aware but Karen Farinha is in the hospital with Viral Meningitis. She was admitted Saturday morning and will be in there until at least tomorrow afternoon and maybe until Wednesday. She is on antibiotics, steroids and pain medicine. The biggest problem she has at the moment is monitoring the pain. At the moment she is in the best place for her and is being watched over 24 hours a day.

Please pray for her, her friends and family who are helping her and the doctors/nurses who are taking care of her. She is a most beloved member of our North Star Single Focus family and our true sister in Christ. We will update you when we know more!

Love you girl!

Prayer Requests for Pam and Bambi!

Hi there everyone! It was so awesome seeing each of you yesterday. Thank each and every one of you for being who you are and know that we are so lucky to have each other in our family.

With that being said I would like to include the prayer requests we mentioned yesterday in life group.

Pam is on call Christmas Day and needs our prayers for those whom she has been counseling. It is always difficult to lose someone we love but it would be especially hard to lose them on Christmas Day. Please pray for God to give them at least one more day with those who love and support them.

Bambi also needs our prayers for her friend who has cancer. We know he has just recently been sent home and let us ask God to give him a wonderful Christmas Day with his family surrounding him.

We all worship such an amazing Lord and through Him we can accomplish Anything!! Please pray for those who so desperately need our strength on this HIS birthday.

Christmas Caroling Anyone??!!

Christmas Caroling

We now have 23 people who have committed to sing with us on Sunday December 21st. How exciting that this number includes some of your children as well! As always, our group has an overwhelming heart to serve! If you have not yet responded, please e-mail me (Cassandra). I have put song books together with 12 popular carols. Easy stuff, promise! This is going to be fun!

On December 21st, we will meet at Preston's at 1pm in order to carpool to our first destination, which is an assisted living home for the elderly. We are scheduled to sing there at 2pm. We will then travel to our second destination (we are waiting to hear back from two places to decide where we will go). The specific names of the places and directions will be posted in an upcoming email. After our singing gig, we will head back to Preston's for desserts and fellowship. For those who can not or wish not to sing, please meet us at 5:30 at Preston's for this special time together.

In Christ,
Cassandra

Prayer Request December 7th!

Hi family! We have received prayer requests from both Gail and Carla this week. They have both been given some pretty hard news regarding their employment status this week and would like our prayers. Let's all pray for them in this trying economic time and ask God to wrap them up in his ever protecting arms and deliver them safely to the job destinations he has in mind for them both! Love you both and we know you will make it through this, just lean on HIM!!! :)

JC Finders feeding the Homeless!

Preston, Sharona and I (Margaret) want to thank you all for your contributions in food and/or serving at Mama Carrie's church this past Wednesday. We could not have done it without a single one of you in however you were able to be involved. Eventhough we started this off in our Life Group, it extended with volunteers from Single Focus, parents, friends outside of NorthStar and teenagers & children of our singles. (over 20 servers) It was so amazing! Sydney and Nicole Cox were our youngest and the cutest and best bread servers you can find!!!

As you can see, God's hand was in this from the beginning to end. We had plenty of food for the over 70 guests, gave them togo plates of food and stock the church's freezer for serving future meals. They had the most amount of people ever show up in their history of doing this. We handed out tracts that explained how Jesus died for our sins, we had teenagers making plates for those who needed assistance, serving desserts and warming food as we needed it. Like always, our team jumped in and pulled it off without a hitch. Best of all, we had great conversation with the many guest. We thoroughly enjoyed participating in their service and singing the wonderful hymns that reminded me of my childhood. It was an awesome day!!

We missed all of you who could not attend, but gave by donation and/or prayer. Many of you expressed ways to help out in the future. Be sure that it will be a topic for discussion. You all represented NorthStar and our Lord Jesus to the highest!

Prayer Request November 30th!

This is a request for two members of our NorthStar family. Jinna from our JC Finders life group has asked for us to keep her and her family in our prayers as they are facing some hard 'life' struggles at the moment. Brennen from our Single Focus church group also needs our prayers as he is facing similar struggles in his own family.

Please add them to your morning and/or evening communes with God and ask Him to lift Jinna, Brennen and both of their families up for his blessings, guidance and wisdom. Thank you as always in advance and know that your prayers help immensely!!!

I hope everyone had a Wonderful Thanksgiving weekend and look forward to seeing you again next weekend!!

Prayer Request for JT!

Hi everyone! I hope this finds everyone safely tucked up in their houses with a warm blanket, a cup of hot tea or cocoa, a roaring fire in the fireplace and a great book waiting to be read. With that being said, like I'm Norman Rockefeller or something, I sincerely hope you are all staying well in this nasty drizzly weather. I cannot say the same thing goes over here at our house though. Jonathan has come down with a rather disturbing cough and I would love it if you all would include him in your daily prayers. He has a long history of respiratory issues and I take all of his colds very seriously in case of possible pneumonia or lung collapse. I am sure he will be just fine in a couple of days but thought that a few extra prayers definitely would not hurt.
Thank you all in advance and I look forward to seeing you on Sunday. Love you all!! Sharona

New gadets added to our blog!

Good morning everyone. Just wanted to draw your attention to the new things that have been added to the blog. We now have a calendar, a scripture, a link for bible gateway and a 'follower' box. We would love for everyone who reads this blog to become a follower. All you have to do is click on the follower box to the right of the screen and the prompts will guide you through!

Hope everyone has a great Monday and many Blessings To You ALL!!!!!!!!!!

Prayer Request November 3rd!!

Michelle has a possible job opportunity that has come up that seems to be perfect for her. She hopes to meet with the person in charge this week (or maybe next) to interview. I think everyone can understand that during these hard economic times good job opportunities are getting more scarce and she can use our prayers for strength and guidance from HIM!
I feel very safe in saying that we all love Michelle and consider her to be a vital part of our JC Finders Life Group. We know that God will show her which direction he wishes for her to take to help provide for her and her children.
Let's all say a prayer for Michelle to be able to hear what God has in mind for her future regarding this employment opportunity. We are all behind you girl!!!!!!

Prayer Request for Mama Carrie!

If you guys have been reading your e-mails then you know who Mama Carrie is and are not sitting there scratching your head saying "who"?? She is the lady in charge of the feed the homeless project we are working on for Thanksgiving.

Mama Carrie's youngest sister, Dolly Jones, is critically ill and in the hospital up in Gwinnett. She is going up there to be with her today. They are going to have to put a breathing tube in and possibly put her on Life support sometime later today. Please keep her and her entire family in your prayers!!!

(as a footnote please scroll down for there are two more announcements/prayer requests below this one that are new)

Memorial for Michael McDonald on Saturday!!

The memorial service for Michael McDonald, Cassandra’s brother, is this Saturday at 1:00. The church is about a 45 minute drive from Kennesaw. If you are going and want to meet at Preston's house for a carpool that would be great. We should probably leave about 11:30-45. Let us know if you are coming so we can be sure to have enough drivers and know to look for you.

This is going to be a very spiritual and solemn way to honor Cassandra and her family so I hope that as many of you as possible are going to be there. We love you Cassandra!!!!!!

Prayer Request October 30th!!

Carla and Victoria are going through a rough patch right now and need some extra love!! They are experiencing emotional, financial and custodial issues that will definitely feel like a lighter load to bear if we can get behind them in prayer. Also, Victoria's cat, Jipsy, came down with some kitty kidney stones and is currently at the vet, but is expected to make a full recovery....

Now, all of that said, just please keep them in your prayers and give them extra hugs when you see them both this Sunday!!!

Prayer Request October 20th!

We ask you to please lift Cindy James (Madison's Mom) up in prayer. She is facing various personal challenges in life and can use all of our prayer and support at the moment. We thank you in advance, as always, and know that with your loving prayers she will certainly feel God working in her life!

Note from Cassandra

To our many brothers and sisters of JC Finders. Cassandra wanted all of you to know the following about the memorial service for her brother next month. Also she has included a request from all of us. I am sending her words along to you all . . .


Because many of our family members in Florida, and our close friends here in the Atlanta area were unable to come to Tennessee so quickly, we are planning a local memorial service here in Atlanta on Saturday, November 1, at 1pm. It will be held at my mother's church in Gwinnett, which is about a 40-minute drive for me from Acworth. Those of you who would like to come just ask for the address and/or the website. I truly hope as many people can make it as possible.

I also want to request for you to please send me any lines of scripture you can find or think of that have comforted you. I hope to print these out and tape them around my bathroom mirror, because my faith is strong but there is definitely a shadow over my heart.

Prayer Request October 16th!

Bambi has asked for an immediate prayer request for her son. He is a police man who will be going undercover today to try to catch some very bad people. Going undercover means he cannot wear his bullet proof vest and she is very concerned.

She asks that her son may receive God’s courage, wisdom and protection. Let him just know all of the right moves to make when everything is going down in order to keep him safe. Please also pray for Bambi that she receives HIS strength as well!

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put your hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22

All Hail the Champion!!!

We just had to let you know about a genuine Champion in our Life Group Family. Madison is part of the Mt. Paran Christian School color guard and they had a competition at McEachern High School this past Saturday.

They won 1st prize in 2 divisions and also won the GRAND CHAMPION (a.k.a. best in show) for the entire competition!!!!!!!!!!!!! The band also placed 2nd in their divisions so the entire school had a great evening.

We wanted to send a shout out to Madison and tell her how very proud we are of her accomplishment. Way to go girl!!!

Prayer Request October 13th!

Please everyone take a moment to pray for our sister Bambi. She just simply needs our prayers, hugs, laughter and love at the moment and we wanted to send this message out to all of you.

As always thank you all so much and look forward to seeing you again on Sunday!!

In Memory of Michael McDonald

Hello everyone. We have just talked with Cassandra and she is with her family. She says that she is holding up okay and wants to send out a huge THANK YOU to all of you (her Christian family) for keeping her and the rest of them up there in your prayers.

Her brother's name was Michael McDonald and he was 33 years old. He is survived by his wife Kim and his two boys Hunter (3) and Joshua (22 months).

The funeral will be held Thursday morning at 11am in Tennessee. There will be an e-mail sent out to everyone individually who would like to attend with more information about which exact funeral home. For those of you who are condisering attending but simply cannot do it Cassandra has told me that there will be an additional service here somewhere in Georgia on the weekend of Oct. 25th. This is open to anyone who would like to attend and is being given for other family members who just cannot make it to Tennessee this Thursday. Please keep that open as an option for anyone who would like to show their support to our wonderful sister Cassandra.

Please just keep Cassandra, Kim, Joshua, Hunter and the entire family in your prayers. Our hearts go out to C at this time and just know that we are praying fervently, faithfully and with all of the spirit allowed. We are here to come together and support each other through good times and hard. We love you!!!

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Immediate Prayer Request for Cassandra!!!

Hello everyone, this is going to be a short little note asking for immediate prayers from all of you.

We have just found out that Cassandra's youngest brother died in a car accident this morning. She is heading to Tennessee to be with her family up there. We don't know any more details than these but will inform you when we know more. Please just start praying that God gives her the strength she will most definitely need right now!!!!

Our Jamaica Team is home!!

Hi all, I just wanted to let you know that our group of worshipping warriors has returned from Jamaica. When you see them (most especially our wonderful JC Finders sister Margaret) please take a moment to tell them thank you for spreading the word of our amazing Jesus Christ!!!!

It is people like this group that do so much to help everyone around the world know of His love the way we are all lucky to know! You all are amazing!

Prayer Request October 1st!

Please ask everyone to pray for Kim's sister-in-law, Carrie Cox, and her family. Carrie is her brother’s (Scott’s) wife and she’s like a sister to her. Carrie’s mom passed away six months ago and she has just found out that her father was just given four weeks to live. He has been battling cancer and now also has pneumonia. The doctors are sending him home. Kim's heart is breaking for Carrie and asks that we all lift not only Carrie but the entire family up to Him.

No one knows how much time we have here on earth and we all need to take whatever days we are given from God as blessings. Let's all keep Carrie and Scott in our prayers. Let's surround them with our joy and ask that whatever days they are given with Carrie's father are blessed and happy ones!

Prayer Request for Robbin!

Hi everyone, hope you're having a good week! We want to let you know about a brother of ours who needs our prayers. Robbin has asked for our prayers in a difficult time regarding his divorce. I know that many of us have struggled ourselves with divorce and those of us who have not know of loved ones who have been through this horrible time in their lives. Please keep him in your prayers so that the Enemy will stay at away from him and that God can come into his life and let him know some peace. Robbin is an amazing individual and a vital part of our family. Let's all lift him up to our wonderful Father and ask to see only One set of footprints in the sand!!

One night I dreamed of walking along the shores of different lands.I could tell that You were with me by the footprints in the sand.As I gazed upon the heavens, I saw pages of my life.It was then I realized that You remained there by my side.When the clouds began to gather and the rains came falling down,I looked to only find one set of footprints on the ground.I said, "Lord, why did You leave me in the troubled times of life?I believed that You would always walk beside me day and night." (Then I heard:)

"My precious child, I'd never leave you.I have carved you on the hollow of My hand.It's then I carried you in My arms,When you see one set of footprints in the sand"Dear Lord, will You be with me as I travel through the years?Will You be there in the struggles? Will You wipe away the tears?As my eyes turn toward the ocean and the shores of distant lands,I'm still thinking of the single set of footprints in the sand. (I heard Him say:)

"My precious child, I'd never leave you.I have carved you on the hollow of My hand.It's then I carried you in My arms,When you see one set of footprints in the sand."Will I hear the angels singing, as my life comes to an end.Oh Lord, I long to see You. Will You be there once again?My eyes turn toward the heavens, along the path of foreign lands,Once more, I'm thinking of the set of footprints in the sand. (Jesus said:)

"My precious child, I'd never leave you.See your name carved on the hollow of My hand.I'm here to carry you to your home.You will see one set of footprints in the sand.

What will we study next??

Hi guys! Here is the list of the four new possible studies starting in a couple of weeks. Please take the time to take a look at them and post a comment or send us an email with your thoughts. We will decide which study we are going to do based on your feedback so it is vital that we hear from you all!! All you have to do to see info on each one is just click on the link below the name and it will take you there directly. We will introduce which of these will be our next study at our social on October 5th.



When God’s People Pray – by Jim Cymbala

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310267355&QueryStringSite=Zondervan


I saw the Lord – Anne Graham Lotz

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310275183&QueryStringSite=Zondervan


Becoming a Contagious Christian – Mark Littleberg, Lee Strobel, Bill Hybels

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310257882&QueryStringSite=Zondervan


Prayer – Does it make Any Difference – Philip Yancey

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/Product/ProductDetail.htm?ProdID=com.zondervan.9780310275251&QueryStringSite=Zondervan

Jamaican Mission Trip Prayer Request!!

We wanted to let you know about this amazing journey that some of our fellow brothers and sisters are going to journey on Sept. 21st - Sept. 28. They are going to Jamaica where there are unfortunately MANY who are suffering and in need of Christian love, knowledge and fellowship.

There are many on the team but there are a few of us singles and we just wanted to point out by name. Those that you might know are Margaret, Bert, Rich, and Karen. Please pray for the entire team as they go and experience this wonderful opportunity!!!

All of the team members will be “showing God’s love in such a way” in several ways; such as construction (minor to major; everything from painting, carpentry to roofing) to help with the devastation from last year's hurricane, street ministry, and Vacation Bible School. The team will also be participating in visitation to an orphanage and a prison. Above all, each person will be loving on others and building relationships with the local people so they see Jesus in us and through our actions.

TAKE TIME TO REMEMBER TODAY!!!

Hi everyone, I just wanted to put this up here so hopefully anyone who reads it will take a pause and remember what this county went through 7 years ago today. I cannot speak for each of you but I know personally it is a day I will never be able to put from my mind. There was so much tragedy in this one day that I hope God will give us the opportunity to learn from it to never let it happen again. I am so proud of our country and what we have managed to accomplish that I implore each of you to put your political views aside and just take a few moments today to talk with God and just remember . . .

September 11th, 2001

8:45 am American Airlines Flight 11 crashes into the North Tower 92 people on board

9:03 am United Airlines Flight 175 crashes into the South Tower 65 people on board

9:43 am American Airlines Flight 77 crashes into the Pentagon in Washington 64 people on board

10:05 am the South Tower falls

10:13 am United Airlines Flight 93 crashes into a field in Somerset, Penn. 40 people on board

10:28 am the North Tower falls

2,976 people died that day

Please pray for their friends, their family and our country

Ahh . . . the Beautiful People!!!!!

Clothesline this week at NorthStar!!

Hi guys, I just wanted to send this along to anyone who may want to come help out. I know a couple of us are going over on Thursday and Friday. Please come join us or just come by yourself and jump into the hordes of people who will be there. I cannot tell you what an amazing opportunity this is to help out and you will just feel God's presence at work in yourself after you come and help serve! If you have any questions you can call me or just call our Community pastor Marlon Longacre at 770-420-9808 ext. 2557



9/11 - Clothesline Sorting Day - 8am - 9pm at the NorthStar Worship Center - 175 Volunteers needed to sort clothes by gender and sizes. Volunteers must be 16 years old and over. Volunteers 13-15 years old allowed if accompanied by a parent. No childcare is provided. Volunteers may work any time during 8am and 9pm for as long as they can stay.

9/12 - Clothesline Sorting & Set Up Day - 8am - 4pm at the NorthStar Worship Center - 50 Volunteers needed to set up and continue sorting for the Clothesline. Volunteers must be 16 years old and over. Volunteers 13-15 years old allowed if accompanied by a parent. No childcare is provided. Volunteers may work any time during 8am and 4pm for as long as they can stay.

9/13- Clothesline Shopping Day and Clean up- 7:30 am - 2pm at the NorthStar Worship Center 40 Volunteers needed to be assist shoppers for the Clothesline. No childcare is provided.

9/13 - Clothesline Clean up - 2pm - 4pm at the NorthStar Worship Center- 10 Volunteers needed to tear down the Clothesline and set up the Worship Center for Sunday service.

Prayer Requests Sept. 7th!

Please send up prayers for our sister Pat. She will be journeying down to Fort Walton Beach, Florida at the end of the week for a family get together. With this new Hurrican Ike heading into the gulf lets pray for calm weather during her travels and much safe fun while she is down there!

Our sister Carla also needs prays for what she is going through with her girls. Please keep them in your prayers as well as their father. The bible tells us to pray for everyone and I definitely think much healing needs to take place for both her daughters and their father. God will bless all of them and we will pray that they remain safe and full of his spirit while they all are going through this very tumultous time!

Tony Spears is coming home from the hospital tomorrow!!!! Yeah!! He will not be able to walk without crutches for the next 3 months and will need loads of prayers. He is staying with fellow NorthStar friends for now and at the moment doesn't need a thing. I have his cell phone number as well as his e-mail and will happily pass that along if anyone wants, just send me a quick

e-mail. As time goes on he will obviously need help in various ways and we will stay in touch with him to find out how we can help meet each of these needs. Thank you all so very much for your prayers for him. We passed those along to him and he wanted to tell you all how much he loves and appreciates all of his new NorthStar family!!!

Festival of Life Concert on the Square in Marietta!

Hi all, many thanks to our lovely Pamela who told me about this great concert that has been planned for this Saturday on the Square in Marietta. We have included links for both the concert information and also info on the band. The group "Two or More" is a christian latin group. If anyone wants to go just post your comment here or e-mail us and let us know. There might just be a big group of people who could meet up and go have a great Saturday evening. If you have any questions as always just post a comment here or e-mail us.

The concert link:
http://www.mariettaga.gov/departments/parks_rec/calendarview.aspx?id=2179

The link for the music group:
http://twooradmin.web.aplus.net/two_or_more_music_about_us.html

Three Important Dates Coming Up!!

Our next service day is scheduled for Saturday, September 20th. We will probably begin in the morning this time to avoid some possible conflicts that evening. We will discuss the particulars on Sunday during our meeting.

On Sunday, October 5th, we are going to have a dinner and social to celebrate our completion of The Purpose Driven Life. We will also get an introduction to our next study topic. This will be a pot luck supper so be thinking about what you would like to bring. I will supply the meat, drinks, plates, etc. and will let each of you bring your favorite side dishes and deserts. More to come on this.

I am planning a costume party for the whole NorthStar crew on the evening of Saturday, October 11th. Please mark your calendar for this fun night. Dinner will be served and as always, childcare will be provided. This should be a riot!

Gustave didn't get us!!!

Hi all! We are back safe and sound. We had a wonderful trip and am including a few photos of our time at the beach. Hope everyone had a fun and/or relaxing Labor Day weekend and look forward to seeing you guys again this weekend.

Thank you for all of your prayers and well wishes and please know that we were praying for each of you while we were gone!


Part of the Berlin wall we saw in a museum down there. I am so grateful to live in a country where we can worship and praise HIM without fear of persecution!!!!!

Doesn't this image look like God himself is speaking through the clouds!?


Here comes Gustave!!!!

(for anyone who wants to see what is going on in mine and JT's world you can check out our family blog by clicking on the 'blog link' I have added to the upper right hand corner of our blog. If any of you all have blogs you would like to add to this link group please just send me your blog site url and I will happily add them as a link!!)

Prayer Request for Carla and her girls!!

We need to send out a prayer request for Carla and her girls. Victoria is having a hard time at her dad's and is trying to decide where she really fits in. It is making her so upset she has made herself sick over it. It's tough for Carla to see her going through this and not being able to fix it. Let us all pray for a hedge of protection around her and remove the guilt that she feels for the situation that has nothing to do with her. Let us also pray for the Lord to open her father's eyes and heart to be able to see Victoria's needs and to be able to give her what she really needs from her father.

Our prayers are with you Carla and hope you feel God's loving embrace surrounding you and your family!! We love you!

There's a Hurricane A'comin Prayer Request!!!

Okay guys, JT and I are going in and hope we make it back alive!!! That is to say we're going to the the gulf coast for vacation and are hoping this "Gustave" thing doesn't come near us too quickly. We will be keeping our eyes on it and will leave if it gets dangerous. Please keep us in your prayers that we have a great vacation (the first time for Jonathan to see the beach/ocean) and that we get some really fun days in before the storm gets to us!

Hope everyone has a SAFE and HAPPY Labor Day weekend. We will see you all next week!!!!

Jinna needs prayers!!

We have a prayer request from our sister Jinna. She is really on the mat and being pummeled this week. Both her daughter and herself are sick and for the first time in a while her asthma is giving her problems. There are also a number of annoying, stress filled things going on at the moment that have her feeling knocked out.

Could you please pray for a hedge of protection for their family. She feels certain that this is a spiritual battle since she is just beginning to rebuild her relationship with the Lord and actively seeking to grow again.

Let us wrap her in a protective blanket of our prayers and ask the Lord to give her the strength to endure whatever the enemy is throwing her way. We love you Jinna and are thankful you brought this to us. We will pray for your protection and guidance!!!

Phil's Fired Up Prayer Request!!

Okay, okay I know the opening was a little over the top but I wanted to get your attention. Our brother Phil had a fire at his house last night around 3:30am. The fire itself was contained in the garage and fortunately/unfortunately he only lost his truck, his Harley (yes, we can all grab a tissue now) and damaged his daughter's truck. The firemen (down, Dawne, down!) were able to put it out and the only damage to the inside of the house is smoke and water. He is just very thankful that the smoke alarms woke him and he was able to find the fire. He called 911 quickly and they were able to put it out before it got out of control.

Please keep him in your prayers for both the strength to get through the trials of dealing with the insurance company and also that the process moves along as swiftly as possible. At the moment he has informed us that he doesn't need anything but we will definitely keep you updated if and/or when that changes!

We love you Phil and you will be covered in prayer I am sure of it!!!!

Prayer Request for Preston!

Hi all, just wanted to ask everyone to please keep both Preston and his Mom in your prayers. They are going to be spending much time together this week and will need your prayers for both strength and compassion. Also include safe travel prayers for him as he will be flying in this nasty weather!!

1 Timothy 5:4

. . . these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.

Service Day Tomorrow!!!

Just in case anyone forgot . . . . .

We wanted to remind you about . . . . .

Service day on the 23rd (that's tomorrow by the way)!!!!!!!!!!!

(please check your local e-mail for details)

Prayer Request from Seattle!

Hey all, on my flight to Seattle wed night i met a woman flying to be with her daughter Tracy. Tracy's husband is in the hospital. he had heart surgery - something to do with a valve and something happened during surgery i guess. he is on life support and Mary (from my flight) said they were probably going to declare him brain dead today (thursday). his parents are here in Seattle ( from Minneapolis) and today is Tracy's birthday. Please pray first for a miracle that will totally glorify God and for healing and for comfort and peace for the family. thanks for your prayerful support! i love you all!
hugs, bambi

Successful Surgery!

Kim's surgery was scheduled this morning but due to another persons complications in the operating room she was delayed until this evening. Kim is just now through surgery and back in her room. Her mother is with her and she is sleeping. Everything went well and she is expected to go home tomorrow. Her girls are fine and she doesn't need anything at the moment except loads of our prayers for a quick and smooth recovery. Let us also give many thanks for her family for helping out and the staff at the hospital for a wonderful job in taking excellent care of her.

Thank you for your concern and prayers. We look forward to seeing you all tomorrow!!!!

New Kind of a little bit urgent update for Kim Cox!

Hi everyone! I sure hope you guys are checking this thing as frequently as possible. I know Preston is sending out an e-mail but I also wanted to post an update about Kim Cox on here to let you know of a change in her situation.

She is now on her way to the hospital. She is going to be admitted and then they have the surgery scheduled for in the morning. She noticed that not only was the pain not lessening like it was supposed to, it was in fact getting worse. This prompted her doctor to make the decision to go ahead and have the surgery in the morning rather than wait until Monday.

She is in the best of hands now. Her mother is with her and the girls are being taken care of by other members of her family. We will keep you updated on her situation (of course) and will let you know when she is home safe and sound!

As always, just keep praying for her and her entire family!!! Thank you and love you all!

Prayer Request for Kim Cox!

Just wanted to update you on a struggle a member of our family is going through at the moment. Kim Cox started having very bad stomach pains yesterday and by this morning the pain was bad enough that she went to see a doctor. Two appointments and one ultrasound later they have determined that she has gallstones and had a bad attack. They said that the situation does not warrant surgery this weekend but she will have to go back in Monday for more tests to decide if she will have to have her gall bladder removed in a scheduled surgery sometime next week.

She is in a lot of pain and at the moment is at home with pain medication resting. Her family is taking care of her and both of her girls. She says she doesn’t need anything at this time but please, please take a moment to say a prayer for Kim, Sidney and Nicole. We will let you know more as new information comes in but for now rest assured that she is being taken care of and what she needs most is prayer for a good outcome on Monday!

Prayer Request August 12th!

For some time now a friend of my mother's from church has been asking for prayer for her niece (Elizabeth), who is trying to get away from a very verbally and physically abusive husband. Also, this husband is trying to take their 3 year old child (Ken) away from his Mother. She asks that you pray for her niece, her child, the husband and anyone else involved in the situation. From what little I know it has become a very dangerous situation so please double up on your prayers as soon as you read this request. Thank you in advance and blessings to you all!

Mail from God

For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do-this I keep on doing. Romans 7:19-20 NIV


Dear Child,

Has anyone ever called you a hypocrite for believing in me but not acting perfect all the time? Here is a news flash - you are a hypocrite. Any human who stands up strongly for something is immediately in danger of being a hypocrite and with eventually become one. Why? Because humans are not perfect. That is why we are not able to walk our convictions perfectly every single day.

But Christianity is not about having the perfect spiritual journey. It's about knowing which direction to take and doing your best to get there. Don't buy into the need to prove all the cynics wrong about your hypocrisy. There is freedom in accepting your imperfections - trusting my guidance and continuing to move forward with me.

Lover of the Hypocrites

God

God's Plan

WHEN GOD SAYS NO
____________________________________________________________

I asked God to take away my bad habits God said, No. It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to give me patience God said, No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is learned.

I asked God to bring back my happiness God said, No. I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.

I asked God to spare me pain, trial and suffering God said, No. Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.

I asked God to make my spirit grow and mature me in faith God said, No. You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.

I asked God for things that will help me to enjoy life God said, No. I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others - as much as He loves me. God said, Ahhh my child - you finally have the idea. May God Bless You,

"To the world you might be one person, but to one person you just might be the world"
"Even the word 'IMPOSSIBLE' says 'I M POSSIBLE"

Service Day on Aug. 23rd!!!

This is just a quick reminder about our first Service Day coming up on Aug. 23rd. We will give you more details soon but please just note this date in your calendars and plan on joining us in helping serve Him by helping out a member of our Life Group family!!!

"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one of you for whatever good you do, whether you are slave or free."
Ephesians 6:7-8

Better???

Nothin' but love 4 ya here at JCFinders baby!!

:)

Phil's Corner

I want to thank Preston, Madison, our brother (from another mother!) Ken, and our sister (newly drowned!) Sharona for all that you do to make the Life Group an inspirational success. You guys rock!!

I need to correct a serious misstatement I made on Sunday regarding God's mercy and grace. The quote should have read:

Grace is God giving us what we DO NOT deserve,

Mercy is God NOT giving us what we DO deserve!

I think that is a bit more accurate than my version, which mentioned the word "earn," which as I understand it is not the way our Father works in the Grace department. I apologize for my big mouth, which I am truly trying to keep my size 10 1/2 out of! I need to give credit where credit is due, and many thanks to Sandy for kindly and politely pointing out my major gaffe. Now if I can just get her, and Ms. Bad Ankles, and Ms. I Live Too Far Away Now, and of course, The Coug to come back out to volleyball (but not tomorrow evening, as we are not playing due to an election).

I will admit that I expressed reservations regarding the size of this "small" group to Preston as we first gathered, but I am finding it to be a great spiritual inspiration, as well as a wonderful learning opportunity for one such as me who is slowly reconnecting with Christ and taking baby steps along my journey. Thanks and praise be to our Heavenly Father, and to all of you for helping me in my walk!

In Christ,

Phil

Kim and her girls!

We wanted to put this picture up of Kim and her two lovely girls. They are such wonderful members of our Life Group family and we wanted to share with all of you their smiling faces!!

Kim has been greatly consistent in her adding of comments and we wanted to let you know that we love you and truly appreciate you taking time out to 'stay in touch'. We love you!!!

(As a side note we just wanted to let everyone in the group know that anyone is subject at any time to have their picture posted up here on our blog. If for some reason you would rather we not post your picture please let us know in advance and we will respect your wishes.)

Acworth Sprint Triathlon

(you DO NOT participate in the triathalon, just help those who are!!!)

ACWORTH SPRINT TRIATHLON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
NorthStar Adult Singles Community Ministry
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
The NorthStar Adult Singles Ministry will be volunteering at the ACWORTH SPRINT TRIATHLON on Saturday, August 10, 2008.

This is an annual event supported by NorthStar Church and the Adult Singles Ministry. If you're an early-riser and in search of breakfast - this is your calling.
Great time for fellowship, serving others and showing God's love in such a way...

Interested in volunteering for this event?
Contact Margaret Owens from our JCFinders at legacyrunner01@bellsouth.net

Key Information
Saturday Morning, August 10, 2008
Arrive to NorthStar Church no later than 6:15am
Lite breakfast will be provided
Return in time for the 11:00am service

You are welcome to bring a small cooler with water and snacks (if desired)
Great T-Shirts for all volunteers (let Margaret know you size)

Prayer Requests August 4th!

Jinna has asked that we all pray for her and her oldest daughter Jessica. Jessica has recently moved back home and the road has been rocky. They are both attending KSU and are caught up in the great Financial Aid web that we all know can be so very tricky. Please pray for expediency through these financial matters. Also say a special prayer for Jessica that she may meet some new Christian friends who will help her along on her journey back to a relationship with our awesome God!! We all know God puts people in our paths for a reason. Please pray for Jessica to have eyes full of wisdom to be able to select the Godly new friends she needs!

Gail also still needs our prayers. As of this morning she is still in a lot of pain. She tried to go into the office but was only able to stay for about 2 hours. I told her how much everyone loved her fruit flower arrangement yesterday and could hear the smile on her face. She doesn't need anything at the moment but still appreciates the prayers and concerns. She was very sad about missing our joyful day yesterday but I feel confident that she will be up and back with us soon.
Please pray for her and her children who are doing their best to make sure she is comfortable and resting!

Worship for All!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you to all of you who were there at Greg and Julie's house yesterday to share in the joy of my baptism. I do not think it could have gone more smoothly or been more of an incredibly awesome spiritual experience.

What amazing God we serve right? The communion was incredible as well as all of the fellowship!

I hope everyone had an awesome time and look forward to doing this kind of gathering many more times in the future. As we grow closer as a family in Christ it is my sincere hope that we are going to be witness to many of these little miracles.

I believe that we are truly blessed to have one another and look forward to getting closer to each of you. I challenge each of you to search your hearts for what God may have placed there for you to share with us. Let us get to know you and help you along this walk with our wonderful God!

We welcome everything you have to say and hope you become comfortable enough to share with us yourselves!

Thank you again and may each of you have a week full of blessings and hope!!