Cross Church on Birdcreek

06/05/2026

THE DASH
by Linda Ellis

I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end.

He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years.

For that dash represents all the time that they spent alive on earth. And now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

For it matters not, how much we own, the cars…the house…the cash. What matters is how we live and love and how we spend our dash.

So, think about this long and hard. Are there things you’d like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.

If we could just slow down enough to consider what’s true and real and always try to understand the way other people feel.

And be less quick to anger
and show appreciation more
and love the people in our lives
like we’ve never loved before.

If we treat each other with respect and more often wear a smile, remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.

So, when your eulogy is being read, with your life’s actions to rehash…would you be proud of the things they say about how you spent YOUR dash?

Copyright ©:: Linda Ellis

06/05/2026

Estate Sale today!
Jun 5 12pm to 6pm
Jun 6 9am to 1pm

Follow this link on Estatesales.net to see the amazing good quality items for sale. The sale starts Thurs and Friday at Noon to 6:00. The hours on Saturday are 9:00 to 1:00.
3302 Lawnwood Drive in Temple. This is just off 57th Street and Thornton Drive.

Follow the signs.

We hope to see you there!
The Christian Sisters

https://www.estatesales.net/TX/Temple/76502/4945857

View information about this sale in Temple, TX. The sale starts Thursday, June 4 and runs through Saturday, June 6.

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

05/31/2026
Firm Foundation
Rev Dr Tim Chaplin

Luke 6: 46-49

05/29/2026

Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

—Romans 12:15

My thoughts on today’s verse

We are not alone. God promised that he would never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). He has given us Jesus' family to find support and share our joys. Along the way, we want to share each other's burdens and soar on each other's joys. We want to love each other through our hurts and mourn with each other through our grief. There should be no such thing as a solo Christian, whether joyful or in sorrow, excited or downtrodden. If we see a brother or sister struggling in life and feeling alone, let's decide to walk with them. If we see one in joyful celebration, we should join them in that celebration. If they feel horrible sorrows and grief, we should sit with them and let them share their grief with us. We demonstrate our love for Jesus by the ways we love each other, and demonstrate that love in clear, practical ways of being with them, serving them, and sharing in their joys and sorrows (John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18).

My prayer

Loving Father, lead me to the people today who need their burdens lifted and their joys celebrated. Let me be your presence in the life of another believer today, whether they face good times or hard times. I ask to be more like Jesus, to sense the needs of my brothers and sisters, and to be present for them. I pray this in the power and authority of Jesus' name. Amen.

05/24/2026

The Meaning Behind Coins on Military Graves

Memorial Day is a time to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. During this time, ceremonies honoring those brave men and women who gave their lives for our freedoms are conducted at veterans’ cemeteries across the country.

There are flowers, flags, parades, but have you ever noticed coins on military headstones? If so, do you wonder what they mean?

What Is the Meaning of Coins on Headstones?
Placing a coin on headstones of a service member or veteran is a show of respect and honor, as well as letting the deceased service member’s family know someone was there, but the denomination of the coins each has a distinct and significant meaning.

Where Did This Tradition Come From?
According to an article by the Department of Military Affairs, the custom of leaving coins with the deceased can be traced back to the Roman Empire. Coins were placed into the mouth of fallen soldiers to pay for passage and protection across the River Styx, which separates the world of the living from the world of the dead. In Navy mythology, coins were placed under the mast of a ship to pay the “ferryman” for safe transport to the afterlife in the event sailors died at sea.

The custom gained popularity in the U.S. during the Vietnam War as a way to honor the fallen during a time of upheaval and political divide over a controversial war. The coins were a way to quietly honor service members and communicate a message of respect for family members.

Honoring Our Heroes
Leaving coins on military headstones and veterans' graves is a kind and appreciated gesture, but what generally happens with them after time is also significant and special. The coins are usually collected and used for upkeep of the cemetery or to help pay for burial costs for homeless veterans.

While visiting military graves this Memorial Day (or any other day), why not bring some pocket change as a simple symbol of respect to those who gave so much? It’s a small gesture that could mean a lot to the loved ones of these late heroes.

05/24/2026

Tomorrow we honor the heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.

It is a day of remembrance for Americans to honor U.S. military members who have died in combat.

The holiday was originally called Decoration Day because people would decorate the gravesites of fallen soldiers with flowers, American flags or other tributes.

A tradition since the 1860s, Memorial Day only became a federal holiday in 1971.

Whereas Memorial Day commemorates deceased U.S. soldiers, Veterans Day honors all former members of the military with an emphasis on living veterans.