Spirit Midwest Ministries Blog

One Month to Live

Post by Julie Barnes on Mon Mar 30th, 2009

My daughter, Cia, and I started a 30-day journey through a book entitled "One Month to Live" this morning. We were spurred on by a sermon series our pastor has been sharing on this topic at The Avenue. While it seems a very simple concept - to live each day to the fullest - it really is a difficult practice. Life comes at us so fast sometimes that we often live in reaction mode, rather than by intentionality. Today, my goal is to be intentional about everything I do: praying, taking phone calls, responding to emails, watching TV, reading my Bible, etc. I don't want to let the pressures of life dictate how I spend my time. I want to think about each person or action I desire to spend time with/on and invest that time with eternity in mind...and not just my eternity - but others' as well. Maybe today I will have the opportunity to share Christ with someone who needs to hear His message; perhaps I'll pray for a friend whose name comes to mind and later learn that at that moment she was faced with a difficult situation which God miraculously brought her through; or maybe I'll just encourage someone with a smile or a hug. Whatever God leads me to I want to do with intentionality - including sharing this message with you! What is God calling you to today?

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Coffee Anyone?

Post by Julie Barnes on Thu Mar 26th, 2009

With the addition of the Coffeehouse Stage at Spirit Midwest 2009, we have one serious need - a coffee vendor! Who's your favorite? Cafe Diem, Friedrich's, Amici's, Zanzibar, Caribou, Timbucktuu, Palazzo's, Java Joe's, Starbuck's, Twisted Bean? The list is impressive! How about your favorite drink: latte, cappuccino, frappe, frazzi, mocha, americano, smoothie? We'll be checking them out over the next few months so we can be sure to bring you the best! Want to share your opinion? Drop us a line and let us know who and what you like!

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Volunteers Needed!!!

Post by Julie Barnes on Tue Mar 24th, 2009

As we finalize a lot of the major details of the festival, we inevitably come to the place where we realize all the manpower it takes to pull off this festival - especially now that we have two stages. We need sound people, backstage hands, hospitality specialists, marketing people, cooks, setup and tear down crews, security, merchandise salespeople, inflatable supervisors, and on and on . . . If you'd like to be a part of this incredible day, click the "Volunteer" link and we'll plug you in!

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What a weekend!

Post by Julie Barnes on Mon Mar 23rd, 2009

Jammin Java was a blast this weekend! We thoroughly enjoyed the music of Andy & Kelly and Remnant Blues Band, as well as spending time with all the people we were able to re-connect with or meet for the first time! It's so great to be able to hang out with friends in an atmosphere of worship and peace - even if it is electrifying at times (or maybe especially so)! We're always looking to expand our band base, too, so if you know of a Christian band looking for an outlet to share their music - let us know!

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New website!!!

Post by Julie Barnes on Fri Mar 20th, 2009

We are so excited to be launching our new website! Though we have persevered over the past couple of years trying to update the previous site, I must say - WE HAVE BEEN GREATLY OUTDONE!!!! Many, many thanks to CHRIS TAULBORG for his devotion to putting together this website for us as a ministry from God. We have been so blessed. It just goes to prove what we all know from His Word - God has given some to be hands, some to be feet, some to be noses, etc . . . all parts of the body have their specific talent and when they are operating in their individual areas, the body functions beautifully. I am not the graphic designer, webmaster, artist that Chris is and I am so blessed to say that he operates wonderfully in his gifting! So thank you, Chris, and bless each of you who venture in!

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Jammin Java

Post by Julie Barnes on Thu Mar 19th, 2009

This weekend we have two bands playing at Cafe Diem in Ankeny - Andy & Kelly on Friday and Remnant on Saturday. Jammin Java has been a lot of fun over the winter and we've gotten to know so many people. It will be sad to bring it to an end in May, but it will be awesome to gear up for the festival and some concerts in the parks. We're really excited about what God has been doing and look forward to an enriching summer of blessings. I pray that we continue to meet more and more people who either are in the family of God or will become a part of the family - whether it's from a seed we sow, a row we hoe, or some fruit we grow! God is awesome and we are privileged to be able to share that by bringing music throughout the state.

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