Happy New Year!

New Year New You

Every year, thousands upon thousands of people gather in Times Square to watch a ball drop, throw confetti, kiss their sweeties, & bring in the New Year. Seems like a bit much just to celebrate another day. But for most people this day is different because it represents a chance to leave the old behind and start over. Unfortunately, the truth is that when the clock strikes midnight, the same problems you dealt with in 2008 will follow you in 2009 IF you don’t resolve to make a lasting change.

Top 5 Resolutions for 2009
1. Get out of debt
2. Lose weight and stay in shape
3. Quit smoking
4. Spend more time with family
5. Get a raise or promotion at work

You may find your New Year’s Resolution on this list but I challenge you to make your New Year’s Resolution one that God sees.

“The LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7-8

Think of it this way: Man sees the action, but God sees the motivation. God’s view is inside out: the complete opposite of how we view people. For instance, if your resolution is to quit smoking—people would see smoking as the issue to resolve, but God sees the stress in your heart causing the addiction as the issue. Sure God wants you to quit, but the change will never last if you don’t depend fully on Him to give you peace.

Whatever your list, if you make your top resolution to get your heart right, most everything else will work out. Let this New Year be the start of a new you!!

They're Baaaack.....

We are so excited to have these two back! We cant wait to update you on their trip. God moved in bigger and mightier ways than would have prayed for or expected. He is so good. Pictures and update are coming soon.

Bringing in the New Year at the Basement

Thank You Basement Family!

Not only do you help make it possible for the Basement to operate every Tuesday night, but because of your generosity and servant's heart we were able to be 'Santa Claus' to many families within our ministry. From single moms to less fortunate families with multiple children, with your dollar bills and change, "Santa" visited many homes showering these families with clothes and toys. These children, just like the one below, was overwhelmed and ecstatic by your blessings. You help make so much happen for this ministry. God uses every single one of you in ways you'll never be able to comprehend in this earthly life. We love you and thank God for you!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

"And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." Matthew 25: 40

Merry Christmas from THE BASEMENT

Dont Want to Miss Tonight @ The Basement

Highlights from

The Nutcracker

Hope you guys are ready for a fun/moving night at the Basement full of worship, a great message, tights and leotards. We thought we'd warn you.....after spending a Saturday night at the Nutcracker, we were inspired. We love yall and cant wait to see you tonight!

Tuesday Night 6:45PM

Engagement

Haley Williams and Michael Graydon

We have another wedding coming soon!! Michael Graydon proposed to Haley Williams Thursday, December 18, 2008 after dinner at the Cheesecake Factory. He blind folded Haley to a piece of property that belongs to her grandmother and popped the question. Haley and Michael have been serving in our ministry for several years. We love both of them so much, and we are so happy to be apart of this special time in their lives. Congratulations to both of you!

Buddys in Town

Most of us are familiar with the new Christmas classic " Elf." Well if you're not, Buddy is a human who believes himself to be a elf. Buddy loves Christmas and LOVES syrup. He eats syrup on everything....including pasta as scene in the pic below.....well, Buddy has come to visit.

Here he is.....

This little guy insisted on eating syrup with his scrambled, cheese eggs this morning. Delicious huh? That will get your appetite stirring early in the morning.

If you haven't watched the "Elf," we highly recommend it. Its a classic.

Merry "one week til" Christmas

Purpose

It is so easy for us as women to find our purpose in our spouses, friends, families, jobs, ministry, church, children etc. God has given us these things to act as an outlet to minister and make disciples, but He designed each of us to operate as leaders and as mentors to the younger generation that lies behind us. Some of us have lost our purposes in the busyness of life, and while we're constantly surrounded by people and quick access to communication we're left dissatisfied. When we're not operating in our purpose we will remain discontent and searching for more. When Jesus said to go make disciples of every nation, He wasnt just talking to some people. He was talking to ALL of us. Our challenge for you for the end of 2008 and 2009 is to ask God to bring a girl or women of a younger generation into your life so that you can begin operating in your purpose by pouring into these lives that so desperately need us. God has given so many of us knowledge and experiences that has so much to offer to younger girls. He hasn't allow us to gain this wisdom to ponder for ourselves. He gives us this wisdom through our experiences to share and minster to others. We all recognize the nurturing nature God has put in each of us. Lisa Bevere explains the term nurture as this: to give tender care and protection. To encourage to grow, develop, thrive, and be successful Who are you mentoring/disciplining? Who are you constantly encouraging to grow, develop, thrive, and be successful? We women need to ask God to awaken this nurturing instinct. No matter how old we are or what season of life we God has us in, He has called every single one of us to make disciples. What girl or girls are following and imitating your faith? This doesn't mean we have to call a Bible study meeting or a small group....the word purpose means intentional. Lets become intentional with the relationships God has given us, especially to generations below us.

Tuesday Night 6:45PM

Cathedral of the Cross

Keep Praying

This precious face........

and this one......
are pouring their hearts out to these precious faces.

Rebeca and Tyler are still in Africa ministering to people and kids of all ages. They will be over there for another week. We need to remember to pray for them everyday. Not only do we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to move in and through them, but also for their safety. They are nine hours ahead of us, so while we're laying in our beds trying to fall asleep, they are getting up to begin their day. So before we fall into "slumber" every night, remember to pray that God will equip both of them for the day that lies ahead of them.

Girls Christmas Party Slideshow

Days Like Today.....

.......make you wanna do this ALL day long.

Wouldn't it be so nice if we could cozy up on the couch all day long in our PJ's. Whatever a day like today brings you, ask God to show you His peace in the midst of the traffic, wind-gusted hair, chills, yawns, thoughts of your bed, etc. He's in the middle of it all.

Hope you're enjoying this cold, rainy, windy day.

Basement Girls Christmas Party

We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Our pictures are coming soon.

Cant wait to share our night with you.

Sorry for the Delay....

We've been out CAROLING!

Friday night after a brief leadership meeting, the team loaded up in a big bus and multiple vehicles and sang our way around town. From Vestavia back to Trussville, we delightfully interrupted the household of six of our wonderful partners that faithfully support our ministry. We love each of our partners SO much and we are beyond thankful for all of you, therefore don't be alarmed if one night soon your doorbell rings with seventy guys and girls standing at your door step singing a little Christmas tune. We are blessed by you, Basement partners, and we could not do this without you. We hope to make it around to your home to personally express that through song. If not, never question our thankfulness for you. We could not go day to day with your support. Your a BIG part of this ministry! We love you and Merry Christmas

Tuesday Night

Cathedral of the Cross

6:30PM

His Name is WONDERFUL...

Certain verses of Scripture leap to our minds as we draw close to Christmas. In the majestic titles of Jesus found in Isaiah 9:6, we find Him to be everything we need. We find Him not only the "reason for the season," but also the name that should be on our lips every day as God puts us in touch with others over the Christmas holidays.

Who doesn't need to know the Wonderful Counselor? Who doesn't need to know this One who can offer advice when they are facing a difficult situation? This One who has the answers for their marriage or family dilemmas?

Who doesn't need to know the Mighty God? You certainly know people who are dealing with a rebellious teenager, aging parent, sick child or an impossible job situation. When was the last time you told them how strong the arms of YOUR God are? Sometimes we need to be reminded of how mighty God is (Isaiah 40.)

Who doesn't need to know the Eternal Father? Who doens't need the sense of hope that come from knowing that...although we may suffer for a while...we have a God who dwells in eternity, which means that there is more to life than what we see around us?

Who doesn't need to know the Prince of Peace? In a culture of road rage, long lines & short fuses, with strained relationships & simmering discontentment, who isn't starving for deepr, more-lasting peace? Who doesn't need to know why even the most desirable possessions & experiences leave them feeling unsatisfied? Who doesn't need a peace that passes all understanding? Who doesn't need more of the Prince of Peace & His peace in their home?

This Christmas, be watching for people in need to know Jesus for who He is. Pray for more opportunities to share Christ's love with others while Christmas has them more open than usual.

We Love Christmas!

Christmas Lights

Zoo Light Safari
Christmas Movies and Decorating

Christmas Wedding

Christmas Dinner with the Lovelady Center

We LOVE Christmas! Christmas lights, Christmas trees, Christmas music, cold weather, fireplaces, shopping, Christmas parties, food, Christmas PJ's, family, friends, gifts, etc...everything about this time of year is so exciting. Our challenge for you this season is to somehow be a blessing to someone besides yourself. That is what most of us need....a redirected focus off of ourselves. It so easy to get caught up in making sure we get everything off that list. Lets trash the list of things we want, and ask God to give us a want to bless someone else. Are wanting and getting things bad? Absolutely not! But when you focus on others, you receive so much more than the things you could ever ask for. Try it this year, and watch how God pour blessings to the point of true satisfaction.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday Night

Cathedral of the Cross

6:45PM

Come As You Are

Designers or rags, make-up or not, thin or overweight, short or tall, lost or found; hallelujah God has called us to come to Him just as we are. If we waited till we "had it all together" to sit as His feet, we'd exhaust ourselves right into the hand of the enemy. Isaiah 64 says that our righteousness is a rag at the feet of Jesus. Therefore, our very best is nothing to Him. Don't be confused..He is extremely proud of us! But a lot of times, we wear ourselves flat out by trying to please Jesus with our actions. He wants our hearts. He wasn't just tickling our feathers when he mentions in 1 Samuel 16 that men make look at our outward appearance, whether its the physical appearance of our actions or the way we look; but God looks at our hearts. Rest in knowing that He loves our filth. Lets quit trying to "get everything right" and ask God to do a work in our hearts this week....the treasure of our hearts produce good (Matthew 6:45).

Happy Monday!

Bible Study

Bible Study Tomorrow Night

Clayridge Baptist Church

5PM-6PM

Beth Moore

Loving Well

Life is a Gift

Hope this simple fact brings you a weekend full of gratitude and blessings!

Tuesday Night

Cathedral of the Cross

6:45PM

Substance of Joy

Have you ever noticed the amazement that balloons bring to small children? Whether walking into the grocery store, restaurant, fair or carnival; kids eyes become as big as Texas when a balloon is in their sight. Something so simple and so small brings so much joy to a child's life. As adults, we dread the minute that latex "treasure" pops, shrivels up, or released into the air; because in that instant the child's joy is COMPLETELY gone. We've all seen it. They kick, scream, and pitch a fit because their satisfaction and contentment is taken away quicker than we can blink one of our eyes. We almost second guess giving them that balloon from the beginning, because we know the instant its gone they are miserable.

I believe that God is sitting on his throne thinking the same thing. We allow the simple and small things to bring us so much joy as well. Clothes, jobs, spouses, family members, ministry, money, etc.; and He is dreading the day that those things are taken away from us. We trust in those things to bring us joy, and the minute they are gone we react in our way the same way children do. Scripture tells us that the things of this world will rot away. God gives and He takes away. Therefore, lets strive in placing our complete joy in Him....the one and only thing that we'll never have dread popping or coasting into the sky. Think about the things that bring you joy and picture what your reaction would be if those things were taken from you. Let God be your joy today!

Dont Forget

Trussville or Huffman/Roebuck

Yes, tomorrow Wednesday, November 19 eat lots of chicken from CHICK-FIL-A for breakfast, lunch, and dinner...maybe dessert. When you order your food make sure you tell them that you are with the Basement. At the end of the day, some of the procedes that is accumulated tomorrow will be donated to the ministry. Thank you Basement family for all of your hard work and support.

Change in Plans: NO BIBLE STUDY TONIGHT

Instead of meeting here tonight......

We'll be listening to this guy....Jesse DuplantisCome join us tonight Sunday, November 16 at Cathedral of the Cross.

Meet us in the lobby at 5:30PM

What is Worship?

When worship comes to our minds, most of us automatically start thinking of a certain song or a certain Christian artist or band that we enjoy listening to. We assume we have to be lifting our hands or falling to our knees. Worship is not about a church setting or a minister. Worship is simply "a response to what we value most." Worship is what we do. Not just a Sunday morning thing or Tuesday night thing, but we worship all day everyday. There is something in each of our lives that either consumes our time or invades our mind everyday. Worship to you might look this....

FootballFamily

Shopping/ Things

Fame/Status/Dreams
Relationships
Job/School

Whatever is worth most to you is what you worship. Worship fuels our actions and becomes the driving force of what we do. Everybody on this Earth worships. Since we were made by God and for God, our souls were designed to crave and adore something. That something was meant to be God and his glory. Instead, we easily fall into the trap of letting something else fill the spot that was meant for God to consume. We believe these things have everything we need....satisfaction, love, identity, etc. Over the weekend, lets allow God reveal to us what it is in our life that might be labeled as an "idol." We all have them. Ask yourself, is there

Anything I put before God?

Anything I want with all my heart?

Anything I cant stop thinking about?

Anything I give all my love to?

If you found something to answer either of these of questions, God longs for you to drop it at HIS altar. Don't find yourself any longer bowing to the throne of these things that have been taking over your life. There is one altar and one throne that was create for us! This altar actually has something to give us. The throne of grace has it all and gives it all if empty out everything else and let it.