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