Lasting Impression Teams - We exist to create a welcoming experience thru serving with excellence

Today is the last day of 2007. I am getting some end of the year chores done and planning some things for 2008. I got all of my Christmas present thank you's out in the mail today. I thank my grandmother for instilling the importance of thank you notes. I got the oil changed in my car, as much as I want a new car, it's not in the budget, so I need to take very good care of this one! I also went to Barnes and Noble
to spend a gift certificate I received from my Mother-in-law as a Christmas present. I purchased a few books from my reading list to get me started off, as well as a new journal and a new devotional.
I want to thank David and Kim for their kind words and assistance/suggestions for a new devotional. David had given me a few samples to look over. I was all set to purchase my own copy of "Streams in the Desert" when just one shelf a way a brown leather book caught my eye. It was "My utmost for His Highest". I flipped thru it and liked the way the entries were setup and a few titles caught my eye. Understand, David had suggested a book by Oswald Chambers, and I was dead set against it - I had tried to read his book "The Call" and I was COMPLETELY lost. Funny - I am really looking forward to my first entry tomorrow.
I will be celebrating New Year's Eve, New York style - in bed by 9:30! Tomorrow is a big day - Rose Parade, Rose Bowl, Sugar Bowl (need to be able to converse sports with Rod) and the second annual outdoor hockey game.
Happy New Year to everyone! Be safe and I pray you will have a very blessed 2008.

Posted in: on Monday, December 31, 2007 at at 3:06 PM 1 comments  

Every year, as many of us do, I make resolutions of things I want to change or accomplish in the coming year. I am sure many can relate, after a few weeks, many of these well-intentioned ideas, are forgotten. Maybe this year will be different! I am sharing my resolutions here on my blog, in hopes that I can better stay on track. These are in no particular order....
1. Loose 20 pounds
2. Get on a walking program - this should help with resolution #1. I read somehwere that if your dog is overweight, you're not getting enough exercise. Well, I have 4 overweight dogs - I wonder what that says about me!???
3. Find a daily devotional for 2008. I have gone thru the One Year Bible a few times, and for the past 2 years have used a book called Sacred Spaces. I am looking for something new - any suggestions???
4. To find a healthier way to deal with the stress in my life. Stress isn't healthy for any of us, in my case it makes my disease flare up - usually at the worst possible time(s). The walking should help, but maybe a yoga class???
5. To budget, as a surprise to Ken, a cruise to Alaska in the Spring of 2009.
6. To continue to improve leadership and grow the LIT team. My 2008 reading list should help with this.
7. To make my mark as I serve as the OEM for the 2008 Leadership Summit.

Posted in: on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 at at 8:43 AM 5 comments  

It's about 7Pm and I have been home from church for about 30 minutes. I have gotten out of my "dress to impress" clothes and am coming down from my "serving high". Journey Community Church hosted 3 Christmas Eve Services. It was amazing to see how well each team worked not only as a team, but also as part of the larger picture. The Decorators created a beautiful, welcoming environment. The Greeters wished all guests "Merry Christmas" and made sure they were directed to where they needed to go. Guest Services handed out information to our first time guests. The Ushers made sure all guests had a seat and worked efficiently after each service to cleanup and reset everything in about 15 minutes. Facilities (behind the scene hero's) helped with a lighting challenge, as well as helped to keep the worship center at a comfortable temperature. All of these teams and their leaders communicated clearly with each other, creating an awesome experience for our guests. It was easy to see how each one is passionate about God and about serving Him. I am proud to serve with such a dedicated and faithful group of people. Thank you for all you do; Merry Christmas!

Posted in: on Monday, December 24, 2007 at at 7:15 PM 2 comments  

Several months ago, I heard a song on the radio and automatically thought about the Lasting Impression Teams. As I listened to the words, I could picture certain team members and knew this was a perfect way to honor them. This was a way for me to let them know how much I enjoy serving with them and how much I appreciate their servant hearts. The song is "These are my People" by Rodney Atkins.
I started bugging the team for photos and I kept bringing the camera to church to capture everyone doing what they do best. After several weeks, I had enough pictures and turned the project over to Daniel.
He emailed the final project a few days ago, and I cried when I saw it. He brought my vision to life! I am so moved by this piece, and am touched at what all the team represents each and every weekend. I am privileged to serve with each and every one of you!
This is the link to the video. LIT_Test .mp4 (video/mpeg Object)

Posted in: on Sunday, December 9, 2007 at at 7:47 PM 0 comments  

Although my day still has about 3 more hours in it, I wanted to write about how my day of fasting went. (so far) On my way home Wednesday afternoon, I was contemplating my "plan of attack" for my day of fasting on Thursday. I resisted the urge to eat a huge dinner - I think that turned out to be a good idea! I was also considering what I would fast from and what I would be praying and reflecting on during the day. The upcoming series is about interruptions - so I decided that I would need interruptions at specific times to keep me from eating. I also would be praying about the upcoming LIT party on Saturday. I decided, other than breakfast, I would have nothing but liquid the rest of the day. (due to a small pharmacy of meds in the AM, I must always eat something first thing) So, although I did eat breakfast, it was not what I normally prepare.
So here's how my day went - 9:30 AM - not hungry, 10:30 AM - still not hungry; I am thinking WOW this is easy! Eleven AM and now I am thinking about what I won't be having for lunch. Guess what? God sent the coolest interruption! A previous manager was in the building for a meeting and stopped by right then to see how I was doing. No more thoughts about food! Thanks God for a great visit from an old friend.
Lunch time! I did something that I NEVER do - I left the building and went for a walk. What a beautiful day it was outside. I spent the time enjoying the weather and praying about the LIT party. I have never put on an event of this size and I am worried - will there be enough food, enough drink? Will everyone have a good time? Will it run smoothly? When I returned from my walk I had two urgent issues to deal with as well as a coworker was going home ill. Yeah God! More interruptions to keep me focused. Having to cover for this coworker will keep me busy until 4:30 - quitting time!
I bought myself a treat for the ride home - a small carton of low fat chocolate milk. I thought this would tide me over for the rest of the night, plus I had several last minute errands to run for the party. I got in the car, and opened the milk - yuck! It tasted awful!!! Okay God, I am relying on you to sustain me for the rest of the night. Traffic stinks and I am grumpy. Again, I prayed about the party and all the guests, and reflected on the awesome "interruptions" I've had during the day. Ran my errands and am now unwinding before CSI comes on.
This has been a really neat experience. This was the first time I have ever fasted. I had always thought that fasting meant zero food/water/ect, which is impossible due to my health. Once it was explained to me that there aren't any "rules" about fasting - it's about time with God - that I got on-board!
I am looking forward to an awesome breakfast, but even more so I am looking forward to planning more days like this to learn to rely on God.

Posted in: on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at at 7:17 PM 1 comments  

This week Journey leaders are participating in a one day fast to reflect and prepare for the upcoming series - Interuptions. The first part of the series is Interupting Grumpiness. I can't think of a better topic during a fast, as I certianly get grumpy if I don't eat!! I am setting aside this Thursday to participate. I encourage all of LIT to chose a day this week to fast, then post to the blog aby comments you have about your experience.

Posted in: on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at at 12:28 PM 0 comments