Melinda Knight's Blog

ENOUGH SAID

2012-01-24T22:43:00.001-08:00

SO PROUD OF MY MAN, MY PASTOR!

2012-01-24T22:42:00.001-08:00

ELENSBURG ADOPT-A-BLOCK CREW

2011-04-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

DOUBLE FISTED TO FEED THE POOR

2011-04-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

WE ARE BREATHE LITTLE SISTERHOOD!

2011-04-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

REST

2011-01-15T14:16:00.001-08:00

Jesus found His rest in loving, saving and healing you!

CREATIVE TEAM, UNPLUGGED

2011-01-13T19:23:00.000-08:00

I am really excited for the mentorship happening in our Creative Team. It happens every Thursday at 7pm. We did into what it means to be an ultimate worshiper.

Tonight (the above picture), we had a practical workshop for any and all who want to worship, grow in team/band dynamics and in their skill. Our gifted leaders gave their time to mentor others. I love it!

If you are creative in any way and want to utilize your gifts to further the Kingdom of God, come every Thursday evening at 7pm. This Creative Team service is totally unplugged and completely for you!

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST, PART V

2011-01-10T05:27:00.000-08:00

Breaking your fast:

Take it from experience, don't go to Skippers for the all-you-can-eat buffet or greasy fast-food!

Understand that while you fast, your intestines and stomach shrink. It is important to not stuff your face. Introducing solid food right away can cause a serious stomach ache or worse.

Break a fast with vegetables, either steamed or raw. Eat lightly. Stop before you feel full.

Even a 3-day fast requires reasonable precautions. It is wise to start with a little soup - something thin and nourishing such as vegetable broth made from onion, celery, potatoes, and carrots - and fresh fruits.

In terms of resuming exercise, start slowly.

Fasting is a tremendous weapon and a source of power to every believer. God not only delivered Jehosaphat and many others due to fasting and prayer but annihilated their enemy and prospered His people.

In the book of Joel the Lord said, “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions…(Joel 2:28-29). God was going to pour out revival – afterward. He was revealing His will for His people-afterward. After what? After a fast. His promise to them was to pour out revival and blessings on the land.

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL, PART IV

2011-01-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Nutrition:

Continue to take daily vitamins.

If you are beginning a juice fast, avoid juices with high-acid content, (ex. orange or tomato juice).

The best juices are fresh carrot, grape, celery, apple, cabbage, or beet. "green drinks" made from green leafy vegetables because they are excellent "de-toxifiers."

Fruit juices are "cleansers" and are best taken in the morning.

I suggest not taking products containing protein or fat, such as milk or soy-based drinks. These products will restart the digestion cycle and you will again feel hunger pangs.

How to make your experience the best it can be:

Prayer and fasting must always go together.

Arrange special time each day with God. Satan will do everything he can to pull you away from this time.

Do not become so caught up in praying for yourself and others that you forget about simply reverencing and praising God. True spiritual fasting focuses on God.

Do not be disappointed if you do not have a “mountaintop experience”. Many people who have successfully completed extended fasts tell of feeling a nearness to God that they have never felt before, but others have sought His face with no report of outward results. Be assured, God honors our commitment to pray and fast.

Your motive in fasting must be to glorify God, not to have an emotional experience, and not to attain personal happiness. With that, He will bless your time in a very special way

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST, PART III

2011-01-08T09:21:00.000-08:00

How to manage your schedule while fasting:

2-fold reason for schedule adjustments…1st is physical. Throughout the fast, you may feel somewhat weaker than normal. During the first few days, you may feel tired and irritable.

You may want to lighten your workload and exercise routine.

If you engage in strenuous physical labor, you may wish to fast only one or more days of the week, limiting yourself to partial fasting. You may look to the weekends for fasting.

In the morning you may feel like you are on top of the world, but by evening you may be wrestling with the flesh-sorely tempted to raid the refrigerator and counting how many more days are left in your fast. To counteract temptations like these, take extra time with to spend with God. Step outside for a walk and talk to the Lord as you go. In the process, keep on sipping water or juice all day.

Fasting is not just denying yourself food. It is exchanging the needs of the physical body for those of the 2nd reason for adjusting, spiritual. If you dissipate energy on numerous errands or busy-work to the neglect of spending time with God, you will starve both physically and spiritually.

What to tell friends, co-workers and loved ones:

“I have other plans for lunch today.”

Christians should be satisfied when you answer that you are fasting today.

Don’t try to keep it a secret…allow your Christian friends to support you and pray for you during the fast.

If friends and family express concern for your health, ease their fears by telling them that you will stop fasting the moment you feel you are harming your body or if the Lord leads you to end your fast.

There is usually no reason for telling strangers or casual acquaintances that you are fasting. If you do, they may subject you to a lot of questions that you may not want to answer.

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST, PART II

2011-01-07T09:18:00.000-08:00

How to fast safely:

God never did the extraordinary with people that did the usual. We are responsible to take our relationship with Jesus further. WE must stir ourselves up in the Lord, as David did and fast and pray.

Fasting is about the condition of the heart, not the number of days…start slowly. Fast for one meal a day, one day a week, one week a month, a partial fast or even a Daniel fast (Refraining from foods one might otherwise enjoy. Daniel refrained from the King's delicacies, ate vegetables and drank water).

Fasting is about denying yourself of something you would usually do in order to focus purposely on the Lord. Some people should not do a dietary fast, it just does not work because of medical reasons, pregnancy, lactating, etc. Everyone certainly can give up TV, Internet, Books, hobbies, ect. for a certain time period; something that means something to you. A chosen fast is just that: giving up something in your life to create a void that you fill by spending time with God.

In any fast, the believer should pray and discern which things they will and will not partake of.

How to prepare yourself spiritually:

Examine your heart and detect any unconfessed sin. Ps.66:16-20 tells us God requires His people to repent of their sins before He will hear their prayers.

Confess any obvious and less obvious sins. Some less obvious sins may be: selfishness, unwillingness to share your faith, not spending enough time in the word and in prayer, poor relationship with your spouse, pastor, etc.

Develop a daily habit of heart-examination and continue throughout your fast.

Make a list of clarity you are seeking or goals for your fast.

How to prepare yourself physically:

Speak to a doctor, if necessary.

You will find it helpful to begin by eating smaller meals before you abstain altogether (this will trigger your mind, stomach and appetite that less food is acceptable). Resist the urge to have that “last big feast” before the fast.

Prepare your body by cutting out sugars and caffeine the day or two before. This will help avoid headaches.

Drink lots of water

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST, PART I

2011-01-06T17:17:00.000-08:00

The Power of The Fast

Fasting is a powerful discipline. For example, Moses fasted at least two recorded forty-day periods. Jesus fasted 40 days and reminded His followers to fast, "when you fast," not if you fast.

Matt. 5:6, "Those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled."

Isaiah 58:6, "It this not the fast that I have chosen; to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke?"

Fasting and prayer can restore the loss of the "first love" for your Lord and result in a more intimate relationship with Christ...whether you desire to be closer to God, or are in need of great breakthroughs in your life.

Fasting is a biblical way to truly humble yourself in the sight of God (Psalm 35:13; Ezra 8:21). King David said, "I humble myself through fasting."

Fasting enables the Holy Spirit to reveal your true spiritual condition, resulting in brokenness, repentance, and a transformed life.

The Holy Spirit will quicken the Word of God in your heart and His truth will become more meaningful to you!

Fasting can transform your prayer life into a richer and more personal experience.

Fasting can result in a dynamic personal revival in your own life-and make you a channel of revival to others.

Fasting and prayer are the only disciplines that fulfill the requirements of II Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

Ps. 42:1-3, “As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?
3 My tears have been my food day and night, While they continually say to me, "Where is your God?"
David knew fasting brings one into a deeper, more intimate and powerful relationship with the Lord. When you eliminate food from your diet for a number of days, your spirit becomes uncluttered by the things of this world and amazingly sensitive to the things of God. As David stated later in Ps. 42, “Deep calls unto deep.” David was fasting. His hunger and thirst for God were greater than his natural desire for food. As a result he reached a place where he could cry out from the depths of his spirit to the depths of God, even in the midst of his trial.

Satan gets disturbed and defeated when you decide to do more than be a Sunday morning Christian. He has probably tried to distract you or put fear in you that you cannot do a fast.
God never did the extraordinary with people that did the usual...

HOW TO HAVE A SUCCESSFUL AND POWERFUL FAST

2011-01-05T18:08:00.000-08:00

Today marks Day 3 in our 21 Day For Breaking Free Fast.

Fasting has been somewhat of a lost art but beautifully important in the life of a believer. If you are interested in more information on fasting, a favorite source of mine is Dr. Bill Bright. He was an amazing man of wisdom in this area.

This post begins a five-part series entitled, "How to Have a Successful and Powerful Fast." In the next few days of our fast, I will post nuggets in these key areas:
Fasting Preparations

The power of the fast
How to manage your schedule while fasting as well as what to tell your friends, co-workers and loved ones
Nutrition
How to break or finish your fast in a healthy way!

Guest Post: THE HEART OF THANKSGIVING

2010-11-17T14:38:00.000-08:00

We recently had Citipointe Live at The Rock Church who inspired us to begin a weekly meeting with the Creative Artists who are or desire to use their gifts in TRC. We are having an amazing time of worship and mentorship. Here are the notes from Terryl Padilla's message on The Heart of Thanksgiving:

The History of Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is a holiday to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been blessed. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. This holiday has since moved away from its religious roots.

On Thanksgiving day, we make blanket statements in a 30 second prayer.

§ Thank you for my family

§ Thank you that everyone can be together

§ Thank you for the food that was prepared and the people that prepared it

All of these are great prayers, but really, how often do we say, “God, It was You that has brought every good thing into my life and I am grateful for what you’ve done”?

James 1:17 says:

¹⁷ Every good and perfect gift [comes] from above…”

As I was doing this study on the heart of thanksgiving, God impressed something on my heart:

The heart of Thanksgiving = Everything Comes from God

The root of Pride = Everything comes from me

The heart of thanksgiving will squelch the root of pride in our lives.

Entering His Gates with Thanksgiving:

Now I am not saying that everyone who is reading this is ungrateful. I know that for all of us, as worshippers, It is our job to Recognize what God has given us and Love praising him for it.

Psalm 100:4 says:

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

The Power of Our Words:

As worshippers, we also all have Power in the words we use. And sometimes we forget that. We forget that there is power in the words of a thankful heart.

We have the power of life in our worship, and in our daily conversations with God and those around us. We also have the potential to speak death into our lives and those around us.

When we don’t recognize that our words have the power of life and death, we are apt to use our words negatively.

I believe that the enemy loves to attack the thoughts and words of Worshippers. Satan will use the gift that God gives us to be the Trojan horse that steals everything from within us.

If I do find myself on the verge of depression, or speaking negatively, I look to the most emo artist ever… David!

He wrote things like:

Psalm 43:5

⁵ Why am I discouraged?
Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
I will praise him again—
my Savior and my God!

And

Psalm 28:1-2

¹ I pray to you, O Lord, my rock.
Do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you are silent,
I might as well give up and die.
² Listen to my prayer for mercy
as I cry out to you for help,
as I lift my hands toward your holy sanctuary.

Even in our darkest hour, God is our hope, and our thoughts, words, and actions should reflect that. God has created EVERY single one of us to use our words to worship him. I truly believe that when we make a decision to speak words of Thanksgiving, it allows God to open the doors of blessing on our lives.

For the rest of this month, I would encourage you to keep a “Thanksgiving Journal” during your quiet times. You will be surprised with the things the Holy Spirit will bring to mind that you have never thanked God for before.

This Season reminds us of the reasons to be thankful. Let’s not let it end after December. Let our prayer be this:

“God, don’t let me forget where my gifts come from. Continually remind me of every single person, relationship and blessing that I can be thankful for”.

A NEW SEASON OF BREATHE!

2010-09-02T15:02:00.000-07:00

I love that September brings the fresh beginning to another year of Breathe, our Ministry to Women at The Rock Church. We are poised to reach the over 350,000 ladies in Snohomish County.

There is a movement of SERVE happening. Through this, neighborhoods, families, schools and businesses are being organically connected. That's what it's about...organically allowing God to move in every place and with every person you touch.

Our Cry is to gather a great host of women prepared to lead, laugh and live life to it's fullest.
Our Call is to gather and raise up women from every generation who will love God, love His children, serve one another and spend their freedoms freeing others.

There is a strength and joy in sharing life together. Join me on September 22nd at 6:30pm for our first Breathe Night.
Our Clothing Exchange is going to be a fantastic kick-off! And...there will be chocolate!
No need to bring clothing to attend or even receive clothing. Feel free to drop items off at the information kiosk before or after services.
Childcare from infant-5th grade.
Bring ladies of every age. Remember, this is for your friends outside TRC. Bring them and have fun with us!

Wednesday Night

2010-07-06T12:37:00.000-07:00

This Wednesday night at 7:00PM The Rock Church is having a special Encore Service of the July 4^th Sunday. July 4^th was a powerful presentation featuring Pastor Jeff sharing about, "Seeking and saving those who are lost" coupled with the blockbuster film Saving Private Ryan. This service will NOT be aired on the internet due to copyright regulations, so your last chance to see it is this Wednesday the 7^th. It will move you, minister to you and should you bring a friend, you'll be glad you did. Also, prepare to give an offering to shore up the vision and mission of TRC through the summer.

GENDERCIDE

2010-03-08T08:52:00.000-08:00

Can you believe the cover of this week's The Economist? The article on The war on baby girls, Gendercide: Killed, aborted or neglected, at least 100m girls have disappeared—and the number is rising is a short, must-read.

This is why conferences like TRC's Breathe Conference and others like it are so important! Placing value on womanhood. Using our freedoms to liberate our global sisters.

Mao Zedong said “women hold up half the sky.” The world needs to do more to prevent a gendercide that will have the sky crashing down.

LA DREAMCENTER, HERE WE COME!

2009-10-18T16:36:00.000-07:00

Our Quarry Interns and a team of Rock Church leaders are on their to the LA DreamCenter. Keep them in your prayers as they travel as well as experience the many variegated sides of ministry to the streets of Los Angeles.

QUENCH REACHES ASIA!

2009-10-15T12:05:00.000-07:00

What an amazing time we are living in! We are really excited to announce Quench, our campaign to bring water around the world, has made its way to Asia.
We just sent funds to dig TWO wells in Cambodia. This means that TWO villages now have water because of YOU, Rock Church! TWO villages who would otherwise NEVER have drinking water.
Matt. 10:42, we are bringing water around the world.

GIRLS OF FREEDOM LUNCH/MISSIONS TO ASIA

2009-10-14T17:47:00.001-07:00

Our Girls of Freedom Lunch was fantastic! Our friend and ministry guest, Sarah Wehrli brought God's heart for His girls.
I felt like I stepped right into some fantastic dining rooms! Thank you to those of you who hosted tables. You have such a passion for hospitality and serving!

While I have been invited to minister on their Christmas in Cambodia outreach, I am working with Inspire International to set dates for an RC Mission Trip to Asia in 2010. It will be open to both men and women. Stay tuned for more information on that trip...

SERVED!!!

2009-08-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

1000+ bags of school supplies, 1,200 bottles of H2Ohhhhh yeah and 2
pallets of food given out today. This is a pic of the pallets
distribution!

18,500 bottles of water given out thus far!

Thank you to all who SERVE!!

Night one of Ignite Camp

2009-07-27T19:30:00.000-07:00

First Meeting

2009-07-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Seven gave love to her cousin, Lincoln today.

Welcome Lincoln Joseph Lee Brien!

2009-07-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

DINNERS FROM A FRIEND

2009-07-04T16:41:00.000-07:00

Okay. I'll 'fess up! I am terrible when it comes to preparing dinner. I have my "staple" recipes that I know will always turn out. One of which, I got from a fellow co-worker at Burger King, when I was first married! Thanks, Naomi (-: I don't know if I was afraid to venture out, thought it would take too much time and effort or just plain didn't want to fail.

Because I have always been one to force myself out of my comfort zone...I decided to put my predictable dinner life to the test. For the past three weeks, I have shopped and cooked ONLY from recipes given to me from my good friend (thanks, Mal!). I have mac and cheese on hand, just in case there is a major flop! That's right, no predictable 'chicken stuff,' spaghetti, stir-fry, etc. Some of the recipes were from an online source and included ingredients that aren't found in our hemisphere, I think. LOL So, I was further forced to improvise.

As dorky as this may seem, I have had fun. We had friends over and I warned them, "this is a new meal that I haven't tried before." I was really relieved when it turned out good. I have found a satisfaction when I bust out of my comfort zone and force myself to do things I think I am unskilled at or in fear of. Probably because I reinforce Phil. 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me" or 2 Tim. 1:7 "God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind."

My brother, Ryan (in-law but who's gonna call him that?) just returned from a really intense Wake Boarding camp. I asked him if he was nervous. He said, "Yeah!" I am so proud of him. He is a fantastic boarder. He didn't need to improve or put himself under the pressure of learning new skills. He just did.

Seriously, who wants to settle for anything less than God's best?!

Seven's First Hair Cut

2009-06-26T13:56:00.001-07:00

She loved it and posed for the cameras! I don't know if it is a good
or bad idea that she loves the salon!

INTERN GRADUATION 2009

2009-06-25T21:08:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow evening is The Quarry Internship Graduation 2009! We will be honoring ALL THREE YEARS.

Please come out and honor them as they have served so amazingly for the past 9, 18 and 27 months!

CHERRY TALLY

2009-05-31T21:22:00.001-07:00

Cherry Tally: 5.5 pounds
(yes, I have eaten 5.5 pounds)

DREAMCENTER UPDATE FROM MINISTRY DAY TWO

2009-05-21T16:01:00.000-07:00

HERE IS ANOTHER UPDATE FROM KATHRYN AND THE QUARRY INTERNS:

Today we worked with two outreaches Under the Bridge in the morning & afternoon and Hope For Homeless Youth in the evening.

In the morning we went down to Skid Row and walked around to invite people to a hot meal later in the day. We passed out candy bars and information about their bus pick up for church on Thursdays and Sundays. As we walked we were able to get to know people and encourage them to come to the meal so we could have the opportunity to talk to them more.

When we returned after lunch we set up the hot meal. Some of us served the food and others walked around to pray and talk with people. The Under the Bridge feeding program goes to this particular area in Skid Row twice a week. We met a few people who were on fire for God. One lady in particular quizzed us in Bible trivia and actually knew quite a bit about the Bible. Another woman was encouraging all of us as we prayed in a circle after lunch. It was really neat to see how thankful everyone was for the free meal.

After dinner we teamed up with Hope For Homeless Youth and went down to the Santa Monica area to invite people to the pier for dinner. Clayton was able to share his testimony over the PA system with all of the homeless people who had gathered. Quite a few people came up to him and shared how impactful it was. Rex prayed with a gentleman for safety and health and he was moved to tears while Rex was talking with him. Hannah, Tim & Trevor met a man, and a woman who was two months pregnant and they were able to help them come back to the Dream Center to stay at the emergency shelter.

Overall it was a great second day of ministry! We are excited for our final day tomorrow. We’ll be working with the Food Truck & Metro Kids Outreaches.

Love you all,

The Interns & Kathryn

DREAMCENTER UPDATE FROM MINISTRY DAY ONE

2009-05-21T12:55:00.001-07:00

Our Interns and Kathryn sent this update from the LA Dreamcenter:
Today we had our first outreach. We went with Hope for Homeless Youth (who partners with the Dream Center) to Venice Beach and handed out food to the homeless people. We broke up into groups of 3 and walked the beach passing out bag lunches and ministering. A lot of the people took the food and were very willing to talk about there beliefs and listened to our preaching about Jesus. We met a lot of interesting characters and learned that sometimes all they need is someone to listen. It was our first day of ministry so we are all still getting warmed up to the mission field. We are looking forward to the rest of the week. Keep us in your prayers and we miss you all and will see you all soon.

Love,

Interns + Ms. Kathryn

CHERRY TALLY

2009-05-19T14:24:00.000-07:00

I am addicted to cherries. A friend let me know there are early, yet yummy ones available at Fred Meyer. I purchased some yesterday. Today, I have officially finished my first pound of cherries.

Here's to the start of the season:
Cherry Tally: one pound.

Happy Birthday, Eden!

2009-05-18T19:31:00.000-07:00

Happy birthday, Eden Laneya Warren!! Travis and Gia, we love you and
are so excited for this life with you all.

UPDATE: INTERNS TO LA DREAM CENTER

2009-05-18T16:34:00.000-07:00

I just received word that our Quarry Interns have safely arrived to the LA Dream Center. They just unpacked the van and settled in their rooms. Today is a "free day" so they will get a much needed shower (-: and head to do some sightseeing. They have a week full of feeding the poor, evangelizing on the streets, praying for people, attending services and many of the wonderful avenues of the LA Dreamcenter Ministry. Please keep them in your prayers.

AND THEY WALKED AWAY...WHAT HAPPENED?

2009-05-18T16:29:00.000-07:00

Jeff, the driver of the #70 car, just posted about the horrible picture I previously posted of a burned car...read more here.

And they walked away.

2009-05-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

Thank God for His protection.

LAST WEEK'S CELEBRITY APPRENTICE

2009-05-11T22:19:00.000-07:00

I do not enjoy watching the drama, arguments and petty issues that typically come with this show but this season, there was something about the relationship between Joan Rivers and Clint Black that drew me in.

Last week (not the finale), I was moved by Joan's reaction to Clint in the board room. At the start of the season, he disgusted her! Throughout the course of the season, Joan adopted the mission of training Clint to work with people. When asked by Donald Trump, last week, what she thought of Clint, Joan showed appreciation and pride. However ridiculous or great you think the show is, I witnessed a life memory. She just had a grandmother's grace and "don't worry, it's gonna be okay" attitude (with Clint (-: ).

I watched the finale last week and she chose him to be on her team! It brought me to tears again. TMI? Cheesey? It's okay. We all have our moments!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

2009-05-11T22:15:00.000-07:00

Happy Mother's Day to all our amazing mothers!

Yes, she has sunblock on

2009-05-09T14:55:00.001-07:00

Time to put baby flip flops on!

2009-05-09T14:29:00.001-07:00

TAKE TWO! WORSHIP AND PRAYER NIGHT

2009-05-02T22:12:00.000-07:00

Out to dinner with my two loves!

2009-05-01T18:56:00.001-07:00

NIGHT OF PRAYER AND WORSHIP

2009-04-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

OUR PASTOR'S A RACE CAR DRIVER!

2009-04-25T12:12:00.000-07:00

Over 10 percent of those at The Rock Church are at church and/or found Christ through our pastor's obedience to step into the Nascar arena. Yes, he is my husband but also my pastor and I think it is way cool that such an amazing church can get behind their pastor and others who are reaching the pre-Christians right where they are at.

Gone are the days of exhaust inhaling, adrenaline junkie men who know how to throw themselves into their passions yet sit with their arms crossed in church or don't even come at all. For sake of non-connection, not knowing the Life they'd find, or other reasons, too many families sit fragmented and longing to align with a great cause. We are just the church and just the people called to connect.

The field has proven itself to be good ground and the harvest is ripe. Now is the time to support the Race Team and support our pastor, Jeff. Whether in speech, getting to a Saturday night race, prayer, time, etc. it is yielding a mighty harvest.

Your field is proven! It's time to take that extra "oomph" and rekindle that passion for the pre-Christian. Get out there and grow God's kingdom!

We love our Nana!

2009-04-25T12:07:00.001-07:00

Seven got to meet her 93 year old Nana yesterday for the first time.
She moved from WA to Montana just prior to Seven being born.

My Nana is a firecracker! She drives (well), swims several times a
week and plays lots of cards with friends. Most importantly, she
prayed me to God!

Giddy Up!

2009-04-12T18:38:00.000-07:00

Uncle Ryan took Seven for a ride on his zebra.

RED BULL

2009-04-03T21:37:00.000-07:00

How excited are you when you see a Red Bull can?

First Peep Experience

2009-04-01T10:50:00.000-07:00

I am not partial to Peeps. I have heard they need to be eaten after a
day in the open air.

How do you eat them?

Seven's puppy cake

2009-03-29T17:35:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday, Seven Addison!

2009-03-29T17:32:00.000-07:00

Today is the day!

2009-03-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Today, Seven made her move to the big girl, forward-facing seat. I got
a super stock race car seat to match Daddy's.

MT. RUSHMORE

2009-03-25T10:48:00.001-07:00

Here's a great pic of our interns at Mt. Rushmore. A great memory in their monumental lives!

They have a couple more adventure trips scheduled. The LA Dream Center will be an amazing "God" experience, too!

REPORT FROM OUR 1ST AND 2ND YR INTERN TRIP...

2009-03-24T21:31:00.000-07:00

Matt LaCoss, an amazing staff member at The Rock Church just returned from WA DC and MT. Rushmore with our interns. They were on a mission trip to DC to visit the National Prayer Center. Each year, our Quarry Interns have visited Mt. Rushmore which have "chiseled" into it four amazing leaders. The interns reflect on these leaders as well as the Rock our lives are "chiseled" into...Jesus Christ.
This is what Matt had to say...
The trip has been amazing! Being with the National Prayer Center (NPC) was impactful on the whole team and the interns have had some great revelation of our government, our nation, and how they can and will pray for it. We had the opportunity to tour the Capitol, House and Senate buildings, sit in on a Senate debate, watch the House vote on numerous bills, meet with the staff of Senator Cantwell, and also get an excellent perspective of our Supreme Court and Constitutional Law from a Christian perspective by Tom Jipping, counsel to 33 year Senator, Orrin Hatch. We visited the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, and Iwo Jima memorials; went to Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (impressive to say the least) as well as President Kennedy’s memorial. The team has been incredible. Great attitudes, desire to keep pressing despite limited sleep, a hunger to learn more, and they have exercised a boldness to pray…an amazing trip!

The NPC was a fantastic host and tour guide for us but when I say tour guide I mean a tour guide as it relates to our Nation – its biblical heritage, pressing and constant need for prayer, and how we, through prayer can impact our leaders, our culture, and our nation. Reverence, respect, and a call to prayer were some of the key revelations and impressions that the team has taken from this trip. I pray that God will cement and seal this experience in their hearts and cause them to act, not just today and tomorrow, but for the duration of their lives.

We spent some time in prayer at the NPC house on C Street on Thursday night and God revealed a different perspective to Proverbs 3: 5,6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” We most often interpret and apply this verse only on an individualistic level, but what God showed me is that we need to pray this verse over the leaders and culture of our nation. Pray that our nation would trust in our Lord with all our hearts, rely on and seek Him for counsel and direction, and when our leaders and our culture does this, our nation will return to the foundation of “In God We Trust.” God will again be elevated and exalted to His rightful position of prominence and priority, and in return will direct the path of our nation.

We’re heading back today to repeat the 49 hour road trip! We’ll stop in South Dakota at Mount Rushmore and take a little more leisurely pace so the return might be longer than 49 hours…I know 49 hours! Please pray for our safety and protection for the journey and for God to set in place the things He has revealed to each of us on this appointed trip.

Joseph and Jeff

2009-03-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

Lake Stevens campus launch pictures

2009-03-17T15:57:00.000-07:00

Oops

2009-03-04T14:58:00.001-08:00

Yes! I found the Hershey Kisses!

2009-03-04T14:38:00.001-08:00

2008 VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDED TO THE ROCK CHURCH

2009-02-23T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Rock Church was just awarded Volunteer of the Year, 2008 from the Boys and Girls Club of Monroe.

In addition to ministering in every department of The Rock Church, The Quarry Interns have been serving monthly in different regions of Snohomish County which includes the Monroe Boys and Girls Club. The Boys and Girls Club will be hosting a banquet to honor our interns and The Rock Church. I don't know when that is yet.

The next time you see an intern, will you tell them what an amazing job they are doing?

They will be leaving to minister in our nation's capitol in March and the LA Dream Center soon after. Please keep them in your prayers.

Congratulations, Quarry Interns and The Rock Church! I am so proud of you!

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER

2009-02-20T09:10:00.000-08:00

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck
(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).

I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what
Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. "
Thanks to Shana VanProyen for this!

Salvaged pt1

2009-02-18T17:32:00.001-08:00

To listen or download the message audio click here

WE CAN STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING

2009-02-13T08:05:00.000-08:00

12 Million Silenced by Slavery
The women and children who are exploited are precious treasures lost in darkness. They must be heard and recovered. Pearl Alliance raises funds and awareness to prevent the progression of human trafficking and rescue those already enslaved...Be A Voice.

Pearl Alliance: A ministry of Messenger International, John and Lisa Bevere

LISA BEVERE!

2009-02-12T13:21:00.000-08:00

We just came off of an amazing weekend at The Rock Church!

"Spending our freedom to help others" is a phrase Lisa Bevere engraved on my heart. I was full of anticipation and excitement to meet our dear friend, Lisa. After knowing and being honored with her husband John, I am sure you all were as excited as I was to connect with her. Her word, life and heart melted me to the core. Jeff and I eagerly await further connection with their lives and ministry.

It was wonderful to connect with so many of our friends from around the "Great Northwest!" I enjoyed hearing your testimonies and experiencing God with you. Christian Family Center fantastically brought this conference together!

I was blessed by the word brought from all those who spoke. SUE BOCHARDT...I am pumped you won the week's stay in Hawaii!!! I was screaming...couldn't contain myself! Now, let's pray for airline tickets and food! (-:

Ladies, I am honored to pastor such an amazing host of women who are sold out and going hard after all God has! Your hospitality shown bright, this weekend. In true Rock Church style, you gladly gave your seats, lunches (-: and anything else in order to see God move in your sister. You even jumped in to volunteer where you saw a need. Your support of me was so sincere and felt. I am used to having my dear and honored lady elders and TRC ladies all around me as I speak in our own house. Even though you were spread out, WOW, I still caught your eyes and hearts. Thank you! I am amazed by you!

People's Choice

2009-02-09T12:45:00.001-08:00

Alright, you have had 24 hours to listen to the Citipointe Live CD or
DVD. I know you are part of the "we gotta do this" crowd. I want YOUR
suggestions!

So, tell me your favorite fast and/or favorite slow song. I just want
your initial reaction as those are the songs that moved your heart and
spirit right away. You can help me narrow our choices by only listing
one each.

I am excited to hear your response!!

I'M GONNA BE AN AUNTIE AGAIN!

2009-02-06T09:46:00.000-08:00

Congratulations, Ryan and Jenny! I cannot wait for our new addition.

WOMEN'S CONFERENCE

2009-02-05T12:12:00.001-08:00

The staff and I are intently preparing for the Women's Conference this weekend. I get the privilege of leading our wonderful ladies in worship Friday evening and Saturday morning and then imparting a word on Saturday afternoon.

This is going to be a weekend jam-packed with amazing word, nuggets to grab onto and utilize and flat out saturating in the presence of God.

The Rock Church is honored to co-host Women's Explosion with Christian Family Center and welcome Lisa Bevere as a guest. We love her and her husband, John!

We'll see you there!

MISSING YOU

2009-02-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Where do I begin? It has been a long time since I have posted. I mean REALLY posted. Maybe it is because after our adoption that went awry, I felt like I didn't have much to offer that could compare to sharing my heart as much as I had. Maybe it is the adjustment to "motherhood" and juggling work, family, ministry, time to be me, gym and everything else I truly love.

Regardless of what it is, October 1st, I heard God tell me to "Break the silence!" Break the silence by increasing my focused prayer time, fasting, reading the word, my worship, being His mouthpiece and taking care of myself. I am a list person and often get caught up in the details of life instead of enjoying Life. I have to be careful so as not to get paralyzed by lists and details.

You may be asking, "Melinda, God gave you that word in October and it's February! What's up?" Have you ever been paralyzed because there was so much to do and you didn't know where to begin? Yeah. Then it get's further away from the intended starting point and you start thinking, it may be too late now. Kind of like buying a birthday card for someone, forgetting it at home, cleaning out the drawers 6 months later and finding it. Is it too late to give? I hate it when that happens.

It's time. God is moving all around us! Literally, there has been an all-out attack of the enemy on God's people and their ability to be used by Him. Their peace, faith, blessing, thoughts, etc. I have been in prayer and fasting for this very thing. I experienced a personal breakthrough last Tuesday.

It's not too late. You have something to say to your situation and it's called the word of God. You can begin, one step at a time toward that goal you are desiring. You can seek the help of a friend, no matter how stupid or foolish you feel.

New or old?

2009-01-14T19:26:00.000-08:00

NEW SERVICE TIMES IN A NEW YEAR!

2009-01-03T19:28:00.000-08:00

Children tonight

2008-12-24T13:31:00.000-08:00

I am excited to see the Children's Choir at 4:15 for sound check today!

CHRISTMAS EVE

2008-12-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

The parking lot is cleared for you!

Due to the forecast, we are holding ONE Christmas Eve Service at 5 pm. I anticipate a lot of great memories made with you there.

First one

2008-12-23T20:45:00.001-08:00

I just wrapped our first gift to Seven. Funny, I am watching Faith
Hill's show celebrating adoption at the same time.

It's a bit overwhelming. I am so grateful!

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21ST

2008-12-20T22:14:00.000-08:00

Due to weather conditions, we will be having ONE service tomorrow. Our 11:30am service is going to be the third in our "Feel Good Christmas" series. Any further updates will be available at The Rock Church after 6:30 am.

Our Children's Choir will not be performing tomorrow but WILL be performing for both Christmas Eve services. Parents, please have your children arrive for a 4:15 pm sound check/production practice.

I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow. RC Coffee will be open to help warm us all up!

Children are warming up!

2008-12-20T18:21:00.001-08:00

Children are warming up for the production tomorrow! Awesome!

WORRY CREATES A GREAT BIG KNOT!

2008-12-20T11:32:00.000-08:00

This Christmas, we are celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace..Jesus Christ (Is.9:6).

Philippians 4:6-7, " Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." NLT

He came to give us the gift of peace. I had to take a moment, a couple days ago, and ask God to help me receive that peace. Take a moment today to receive peace.

CHRISTMAS GIFT

2008-12-17T06:06:00.000-08:00

When I was 5 years old, our house burned to the ground on New Year's Eve. All our presents, baby pictures...everything but the underwear I was wearing and a blanket. (Too much information, I am sure!) The most important thing to me, aside from the baby stuff was my Christmas Stocking. It was knitted and said "Mindy." That was my nickname.

Maybe that is why I have been trying so hard to find a special stocking for Seven. On Sunday, a special woman gave me this stocking with her name on it. So special! I had prayed for this and not found anything. It was because God had something special for her.

I am blessed by this memory made for her! Now, if you have something you are believing for, trust God and leave it in His hands.

CHRISTMAS ON MY MIND

2008-12-16T12:35:00.000-08:00

Warmth and laughter were found at The Rock Church, this past Sunday. Travis did a wonderful job bringing hilarity to the message that better days begins now. Due to extreme weather conditions, we were narrowed to one well-attended service.

I have Christmas on my mind. God wants to bless you with every good thing to enjoy. Luke tells us when we give, God will cause others to give back to us, pressed down, shaken together and running over. More than what we need!

Every day, we see several families in need walk through our offices at The Rock; they need warmth, food, water and other basic necessities. Malachi says when we give our tithe, there will be food in God's house. Not only that but our own house/business is protected from the enemy's schemes.

To families, to God, today, your giving is important. If you didn't get a chance or are impressed to give and can't get to the church, go to www.therockchurch.info and utilize this safe avenue.

TODAY, DECEMBER 14TH SERVICE

2008-12-14T07:59:00.000-08:00

Due to inclement weather conditions, our 10 am service is canceled. "Feel Good Christmas" continues at 11:30 am.

See you then!

SERVICES IN THE MORNING

2008-12-13T22:45:00.000-08:00

Due to snow, and a Winter Weather Advisory, we will be keeping a close eye on the roads and weather. We will post any changes to tomorrow's services at www.therockchurch.info at 6:30 am, tomorrow. As of now, both services are set to begin at their normal time: 10:00 and 11:30 am.

Sleep tight!

LOVE, ACCEPTED...ADOPTED

2008-12-13T21:19:00.000-08:00

I am reading my friend Kaia's story about a Russian adoption, she and her husband are in the middle of. I pray great grace and faith for them.

After 11 years of praying, believing and waiting each month to see if I was pregnant and having two adoptions fall through, I am so overwhelmed to think of our blessed daughter, Seven and all God brought us through.

I remember walking into the nursery, meeting this baby who didn't have a home and looking into those baby blue eyes. The agony, feeling as if we were on the 24th mile of a marathon, waiting to see if the birth-mother would change her mind. Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock.

Christmas. I am thinking of the decision God made when He sent us His only son. Did He know He would be beaten and bruised for me? Even if I rejected Him? Yes. Did He know I would need a home, to be accepted, loved...adopted (Romans 8:15, Galatians 4:4-7)? Yes. He has been waiting. Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Tick-tock. Waiting for you and I. Loving, deeply moved with the though that we would become His child. Adopted. Wow!

I am so thankful.

Changing a banner in Times Square

2008-12-02T06:56:00.000-08:00

Some are changed daily. Amazing!

Brrr! Today Show

2008-12-02T06:08:00.000-08:00

It's 39 degrees and windy this am. Getting ready to shoot the segment
in front of me.

Where's Waldo??

2008-11-28T14:30:00.000-08:00

2008-11-28T14:21:00.000-08:00

Santa Town, Macy's New York

2008-11-28T13:36:00.000-08:00

We are on our way to get Santa Pix at THE Santa in New York Macy's.

Getting ready to go out after parade.

2008-11-27T10:28:00.000-08:00

It's begun!

2008-11-27T06:43:00.000-08:00

We are close.

2008-11-27T04:48:00.000-08:00

Jeff is in the room getting ready. (:

Pretty in pink!

2008-11-27T04:32:00.000-08:00

It is 4:30 am our time and we are headed to the Macy's Thanksgiving
Day Parade.
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!

Faith Hill in Rockefeller

2008-11-25T16:09:00.000-08:00

Faith Hill is singing "Drummer Boy" right in front of me. I could only
get a picture walking by. (: going to go listen.

At Rockefeller Center

2008-11-25T13:47:00.000-08:00

The tree is getting prepped for next Wed big show.

Fall Festival of Funness a success!

2008-11-01T11:53:00.000-07:00

Masses of children, barrels of candy and loads of volunteers! Last
night, Shanna and the entire team hit it out of the park.

Huge blow up toys, bobbing for spit, I mean apples and games made for
an ever-moving mass of fun.

Don't you want to be a part of this?!?!

What's that smell?

2008-10-21T17:20:00.000-07:00

Mmm...cinnamon pine cones. The smell that tells me Christmas is near!

Welcome Kennedi!!

2008-10-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

Fell asleep mid-play

2008-09-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Cat Nap

2008-09-24T12:39:00.000-07:00

Volunteerapalooza

2008-09-05T12:18:00.000-07:00

On September 21st at 6pm we will be having a festival of funness for all you volunteers. Anyone who has ever volunteered at The Rock, join us! There will be dinner, prizes, laughs and so much more.

Be sure to save the date and sign-up at the Information Kiosk. Cost is $10 per person with family rates available.

2008-08-27T14:28:00.001-07:00

Flower Girl

2008-08-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

Little flower girl

2008-08-24T17:55:00.000-07:00

I made this outfit for my mom's wedding. Too cute!!

Uncle Jeff and Jason

2008-08-23T20:20:00.000-07:00

First trip to the fair.

2008-08-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

Watching fireworks.