tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48964009514573090082024-02-18T20:43:16.063-06:00Organized ChaosLiving BIG Life!Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-30280793929036347302014-03-07T20:42:00.000-06:002014-05-25T17:37:39.686-05:00Fresh Starts<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's been a while since I've been here, writing in this space that I excitedly created a few years ago. A lot has happened...a lot has changed....I have changed. And it's all good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm ready for a new start, and I'm honored if you join me here from time to time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>See I am doing a new thing!</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>I am making a way in the wilderness</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>and streams in the wasteland.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Isaiah 43:19</i></b></span></div>
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Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-47960047567585917212012-03-06T21:29:00.002-06:002012-03-06T21:29:34.302-06:00The Promise<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cPSqqc-65wSibW-DKozXzbIImmBrpHodKBrGE2bIqCwRVF23qvKvi9Q86TZMqbixhw1NrThlA713DtwoSPj5IsDlXSXmVh5E16xZzsoj37pmjtf8B56DQJ1f5He2KFXHphH3YGi6WpF-/s1600/bare+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cPSqqc-65wSibW-DKozXzbIImmBrpHodKBrGE2bIqCwRVF23qvKvi9Q86TZMqbixhw1NrThlA713DtwoSPj5IsDlXSXmVh5E16xZzsoj37pmjtf8B56DQJ1f5He2KFXHphH3YGi6WpF-/s200/bare+tree.jpg" width="178" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Empty and lonely and lost and stripped bare; pruned they say. </span></div>
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<b><i>To the bone, I reply back. </i></b></div>
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And everyone says “it’s just a season” or “this too shall pass”.<br />
And I know this to be true because I’ve been here before;<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So why do I find myself here again? </span></b><br />
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The seasons are cyclical, they say. </div>
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I feel like I’ve skipped the good seasons somehow, I reply. </div>
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How does one continually flounder back and forth from<br />
Fall to winter…fall to winter…fall to winter?<br />
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There is always a teasing – a smattering here and there
of a day or two of spring. </div>
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<b><i>But it’s fleeting. </i></b></div>
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Just when I shed my protective coat,<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv71z-hmbntziw008u4UFiVLH5236-jHoHTNL8oiFNsNr7oQH43LxkTwFLUJZ3f28nW8BUoiqA30kd5_SrfEaODpe1X7WwY7kX_OIqHPqxJhbBZW1IwJc0HqcwF6GeNGoAw_Av7ywodIq/s1600/cold+rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdv71z-hmbntziw008u4UFiVLH5236-jHoHTNL8oiFNsNr7oQH43LxkTwFLUJZ3f28nW8BUoiqA30kd5_SrfEaODpe1X7WwY7kX_OIqHPqxJhbBZW1IwJc0HqcwF6GeNGoAw_Av7ywodIq/s200/cold+rain.jpg" width="200" /></a>Turn my face up to the sky to feel the sun shine on it<br />
The cold rains begin again.<br />
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And I feel defeated.<br />
And cold.<br />
And lonely.<br />
<span style="color: #f6b26b; font-size: large;"><b><i>And forsaken. </i></b></span><br />
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Left wondering why…what do I do now?<br />
How do I do this alone?<br />
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I try to reach out in this busy world.<br />
But mostly I just keep it
To myself…who needs my stuff added to theirs?<br />
<br />
They shy away when you get “real”;<br />
<b><i>fearful that what you have might be contagious. </i></b><br />
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And my only hope really?<br />
Is just this…to hold on to the <b><i><span style="color: #ffd966;">promise</span></i></b>,<br />
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Even when it seems like all is lost and there is nothing good left.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“</span>The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>he will never leave you nor forsake you. </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>–Deut 31:8</b></span></i></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-22281588317051959072012-01-15T18:13:00.000-06:002012-01-15T18:13:02.803-06:00Sprouted WHAT?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYp9vb0gIpbDQ8n-d0dC6ke8cqo4vqB30dMmCypgWd5yhyJ6T3HUOcGwxa5qFfqep-QzK_tl_UYxt76t8m07S29jplPtxSJhwrcbhzb7V-HmCgK34tgu1IA9SlYkzKtlfMfTwlAO8Dix6/s1600/sprouted+wheat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDYp9vb0gIpbDQ8n-d0dC6ke8cqo4vqB30dMmCypgWd5yhyJ6T3HUOcGwxa5qFfqep-QzK_tl_UYxt76t8m07S29jplPtxSJhwrcbhzb7V-HmCgK34tgu1IA9SlYkzKtlfMfTwlAO8Dix6/s200/sprouted+wheat.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No, not WHAT…W-H-E-A-T! Sprouted
WHEAT! Well, actually sprouted wheat BREAD!</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This is my latest “discovery” in the way of healthy eating, and I must
say it turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
Just the phrase “good for you” can make me turn my nose up!</i></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I recently attended a mini-seminar at my church where two doctors of
chiropractic (one of which is my Pastor/Pastor’s wife!) spoke on “7 Keys to
Healthy Living”. I won’t go into great detail
about the 7 Keys, but they are listed below with a few notes beside them:</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>1 – Spiritual Health – Surrender all things to God (Matthew 6:33)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>2 – Adequate Rest/Sleep – this is the time your body repairs and
regenerates; lack of sleep = illness</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>3 – Emotional Health (Soul) – renew your mind with God’s word. We
have a will to choose what we think about! (Read Phillipians 4:8 for some suggestions!)</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>"A peaceful heart leads to a healthy body;</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>jealousy is like cancer in the bones."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>Proverbs 14:30 (NLT)</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>4 – Spinal Alignment (Chiropractic care) – did you know that all organs
are connected to nerves that run to your spine?
When your spine is out of alignment, the nerves can be pinched causing
the healthy nerve flow that your organs need to be diminished or cut off! (Here’s
an<b> <a href="http://www.yourspine.com/Chiropractic+Care.aspx">informative video</a> </b>about 4:20)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>5 - Have fun!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>6 – Proper exercise and stretching – we all know that exercise is
important, but we tend to dismiss the importance of stretching. Stretching increases flexibility and range of
motion (yoga, tai chi and pilates are all wonderful ways to stretch and tone).</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>7 – Nutrition – basically it all came down to this: eat real
(God-created), non-processed food; organic when at all possible; and in
moderation. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>We’ve all heard these things before, but let me tell you it can be a
real challenge to find things that aren’t processed until they aren’t even a
little bit of what they originally started out to be! BUT, I did say “challenge” – not impossible!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So, back to the sprouted wheat.
Bread is probably one of my biggest “diet” downfalls. I love, love, love it – especially if it’s
hot out of the oven and slathered with butter.
(Oh, side note…butter IS better for you than margarine. Read <a href="http://www.stop-trans-fat.com/how-is-margarine-made.html">THIS</a> about how margarine is made and
you may never eat the stuff again.)</i></span></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i> </i></span></o:p><i style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I don’t know about you, but when I’m making a lifestyle change, if I
try to do it cold-turkey I will fail every, single time. But if I take one component at a time and
change it, then before I know it I have turned things around completely. So, my first step toward healthful eating is
switching from “white trash” bread (made with bleached, processed flour) to
sprouted whole wheat bread. </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FI2JHRX11aQOit0vYQApH2TiirGX15_Y8AY3xlIFa71UMdRVDfpmcvgjWyf__-huN2ZcMU9DgYHulqXYRaJJ6HMHWFLCyX39JPyOSThVFD9ksOjdYJT4pJFCJMZeLxR6nGnrm4yFFn9Y/s1600/bread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9FI2JHRX11aQOit0vYQApH2TiirGX15_Y8AY3xlIFa71UMdRVDfpmcvgjWyf__-huN2ZcMU9DgYHulqXYRaJJ6HMHWFLCyX39JPyOSThVFD9ksOjdYJT4pJFCJMZeLxR6nGnrm4yFFn9Y/s1600/bread.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Look at that bread! It is simply delicious. </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I truly
thought it would be bland and cardboard-like, but it’s flavorful; and the
texture is dense, so instead of just eating a bunch of fluffy air-filled white
bread, I’m actually eating something with substance and lots of fiber and
vitamins. I chose Alvarado Street Bakery
sourdough bread, but there are other brands out there that are good, too
(Ezekiel Bread, for instance).</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>So, one step at a time. </i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>This week, I’ve switched from white bread to sprouted whole wheat
bread.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Next week my goal is to cut out sodas completely, drinking only water
and green tea.</i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Week three I will incorporate snacks of fruits/veggies in my day rather
than chips, popcorn, or candy.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>And I’m hoping by the time I get to week four, my body will be ready
for its first cleanse and detoxification!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>What have you done to change your habits from harmful to healthy? I’d love to hear from you!</b></i></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-52587682400872998562012-01-01T22:29:00.000-06:002014-05-25T17:52:03.435-05:00From Wasted to Beautiful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCuX9brHTj3UQj5yy2n5hLfriJk0FevgAf_Hbjt_J4IlAZls_Q86IjiTV-gxJvQ9wMsGVePUJM5rv-n0o9KnsYTMXgq2B47NaOQutBMkNSGQQuBdd3Gy9mIISqh9MCyn6uV5v2oZ-nuD-/s1600/wasted.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCuX9brHTj3UQj5yy2n5hLfriJk0FevgAf_Hbjt_J4IlAZls_Q86IjiTV-gxJvQ9wMsGVePUJM5rv-n0o9KnsYTMXgq2B47NaOQutBMkNSGQQuBdd3Gy9mIISqh9MCyn6uV5v2oZ-nuD-/s200/wasted.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">There have been those times when I looked back on my life – especially the past 8 or so years – and think to myself “what a waste”.</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">There was a time when I was younger that I had the same thought in my head that Carrie Underwood sings in her song, “Wasted”.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I don't wanna spend my life jaded, waiting</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">To wake up one day and find</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">That I've let all these years go by</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Wasted</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgBgcXhR3QyWr3oRNFONVkJlbBL24e6Pce0z6L3NgMTmFmj8CEEKVwbrGDAccWOXWclKD5Us-UazlJURYkGeMt2-Uq5GcAcJMWDD_na3BP90QH0obOafs7JymYwDQG6eJE8n9P2V6ADmp/s1600/cold+empty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVgBgcXhR3QyWr3oRNFONVkJlbBL24e6Pce0z6L3NgMTmFmj8CEEKVwbrGDAccWOXWclKD5Us-UazlJURYkGeMt2-Uq5GcAcJMWDD_na3BP90QH0obOafs7JymYwDQG6eJE8n9P2V6ADmp/s200/cold+empty.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">But, I did wake up one day and felt the cold emptiness of a life that I indeed thought was a complete waste.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">As I have grown, both in maturity and wisdom – and that only by the grace of God – I have come to learn that nothing is ever really wasted. Even all the stuff that in my mind’s eye seems to have had no reason, no purpose… it does. God uses everything for His glory – but we don’t always recognize it.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">All the poor choices I made - and the resulting pain to myself and others around me? Not a waste. I am able to take those experiences and share with others the truth that has been exposed from it. God is using the “bad” from my life for the “good” in someone else’s!</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b>That is such a gift.</b></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh yes, perhaps to the person who is able to bypass some of the pain I went through. But it's also a gift to me.
To know that God loves me and finds me worthy enough to use me as an example...I am humbled.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">I am not proud of my mistakes, but I am more than happy to share those mistakes with others if it will open their eyes and their hearts to His love as well. I am more than happy to swallow my pride in order that I may be a vessel that He uses for His glory.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Now I have a new song that expresses perfectly how I feel about myself....Beautiful by Mercy Me. I am:</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Treasured.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Sacred.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">His.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;">Beautiful.</span></i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>It is my hope and prayer that you will find your beauty in Him. You, too, are treasured, sacred, His… so beautiful!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUbsze60kgtKtsxzafV_rs0q_-vjEC7Wx-vMzu_iax_OUmhRGWi7Larf12cEOjNfMh95pQy_s57Ev6KXGCwtRzlYn2a9vIEyU5GC6mkwJPqN6deGRZqDCNrXDuKDWJyxc9-zxys2zH9L/s1600/beautiful+blooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIUbsze60kgtKtsxzafV_rs0q_-vjEC7Wx-vMzu_iax_OUmhRGWi7Larf12cEOjNfMh95pQy_s57Ev6KXGCwtRzlYn2a9vIEyU5GC6mkwJPqN6deGRZqDCNrXDuKDWJyxc9-zxys2zH9L/s320/beautiful+blooms.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><i>“But we all, with unveiled face,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><i>beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><i>are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><i>just as from the Lord, the Spirit.”</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;"><i>2 Corinthians 3:18</i></span></div>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-81643511837069170802011-12-11T13:00:00.001-06:002011-12-11T20:54:12.377-06:00Inspirational Picks of the Week<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>If you’re my friend on Facebook, you’ve very likely seen my posts on
these things already. But I was so
inspired by them that I wanted to extend them to those of you who are friends
here in Blog Land. I hope you find at
least one thing here that makes you smile or stirs your heart (or both)!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDNcYbZN3QP90xAwu7r3qiP1JoNatMKW_ZC-vZRdXr7F6goienAHci4mJU2sdjEOp2yu1Ai4d2AmZ9UsvRRPjl_VCJizR-hc7xyK1lvPIqAPDsNPwa72q_rlc8q7mVN6DvmS2SJXNBEp3/s1600/Christmas+Music.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBDNcYbZN3QP90xAwu7r3qiP1JoNatMKW_ZC-vZRdXr7F6goienAHci4mJU2sdjEOp2yu1Ai4d2AmZ9UsvRRPjl_VCJizR-hc7xyK1lvPIqAPDsNPwa72q_rlc8q7mVN6DvmS2SJXNBEp3/s200/Christmas+Music.jpg" width="200" /></i></span></a></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Let’s start with a little music.
Here are a few selections to put you in the mood to celebrate Christmas
and worship Jesus...</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Silent Night</span></u>: This is a
beautiful rendition of this song, and here it is accompanied by a gorgeous,
flowing ballet. <a href="http://artofeloquence.com/selah/">http://artofeloquence.com/selah/</a></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Christmas This Year</span></u>: I love Christian
music artist Toby Mac and this fun Christmas song doesn’t disappoint. I just makes me want to get up and dance and
clap my hands! </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xCkFzWJuQlY" width="560"></iframe>
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">O Night Divine</span></u>: If you watched
America’s Got Talent, you no doubt have heard of Jackie Evancho. At the time of her appearance on the show,
she was 10 years old – but God has blessed her with the voice of an angel far beyond her earthly years. Here she is singing at the National Tree
Lighting (and listen to the short interview at the end – she is a delightful
young lady)!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/F_Q7AFys6bA" width="560"></iframe>
</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And now, let’s move on to some things that will make your heart swell
with joy and will give you hope for the future generations to come!</span></i></div>
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3Theq5_i3PjyfaHg9r-0hVVZc5uPkGebW25JWtD_08hsCpFE6YsqXD788f9MXi3qlC6s9K8tRY3gY1B7FZvzz7UUYmCMaRtdQq5J0LCLhfsfVq5dIVWUmWgY8roXlszqfMPAS6q2PWVB/s1600/jackie-dan-evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR3Theq5_i3PjyfaHg9r-0hVVZc5uPkGebW25JWtD_08hsCpFE6YsqXD788f9MXi3qlC6s9K8tRY3gY1B7FZvzz7UUYmCMaRtdQq5J0LCLhfsfVq5dIVWUmWgY8roXlszqfMPAS6q2PWVB/s200/jackie-dan-evans.jpg" width="135" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u><b>The Biggest … Loser?</b></u> Well, Dan (and
his mom Jackie) may have been big losers when it comes to their weight, but when
it comes to getting over life’s hurdles and passionately pursing his dream – I’d
say Dan is definitely a Big Winner! </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here’s
their story: <a href="http://vitality.yahoo.com/">http://vitality.yahoo.com/</a>. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And here’s his first music release: </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: black; width: 520px;">
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Tags: <a href="http://www.cmt.com/videos/dan-evans/338566/goin-all-out.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">Goin' All Out</a>, <a href="http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/evans__dan/artist.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">Dan Evans</a>, <a href="http://www.cmt.com/artists/az/evans__dan/videos.jhtml" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">Dan Evans Videos</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><u>Victoria’s Not-So-Secret</u></b> – Sure, supermodels make selling clothes,
make-up, and a million other things very profitable. But what is this standard of beauty doing to
our youth today? Here is a young man who
attends Baylor University in Waco, Texas – he has a different outlook on what a
REAL woman is: </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Ever been to a poetry slam?</u></b> I
haven’t, but I’ve watched a couple of videos and this one is one of my
favorites. I may be old in years, but
never too old to learn (and pass on) this lesson:</span></i><br />
<i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And from Blog Land, my favorite post this week:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrj6_K_CpCu0VVOsjgC1XiTQuC2JP5l3-ZD21eVIZI1aptALS0XHDIqYfBcNokEQhaQTTljcVmiZJe0WkpDKo6sXD8SjQGk2YGKVKVvTxY6_kOF_xSNYkauetHPSQULX9R6xA1trWw_W-/s1600/AHEbutton2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzrj6_K_CpCu0VVOsjgC1XiTQuC2JP5l3-ZD21eVIZI1aptALS0XHDIqYfBcNokEQhaQTTljcVmiZJe0WkpDKo6sXD8SjQGk2YGKVKVvTxY6_kOF_xSNYkauetHPSQULX9R6xA1trWw_W-/s1600/AHEbutton2.png" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/12/when-christmas-gets-radical-whose-birthday-is-it-really/">http://www.aholyexperience.com/2011/12/when-christmas-gets-radical-whose-birthday-is-it-really/</a></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>May you all be richly blessed through this next week, and continue to remember what <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">CHRIST</span>mas is about.</i></span></div>
</div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-33103441082123000882011-11-30T18:38:00.001-06:002011-11-30T19:30:30.857-06:00O Come All Ye Faithful<br />
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Most of us know this Christmas carol…or at least the first few words of
it:</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, come ye, oh, come ye, to Bethlehem.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Come and behold Him, born the King of angels;<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, come, let us adore Him, oh, come, let us adore Him,<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">Oh, come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.</span></i></b></div>
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Over the years, as we sing this and other songs over and over, I wonder if
the words get lost behind the familiarity.
I wonder if the meanings of the words in these carefully written songs
are even pondered. It seems there is a
bit of a “movement” to put <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>CHRIST</b></span> back into <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>CHRIST</b></span>mas, and since singing these
songs is a big part of our celebration throughout the season, maybe thinking
about what we’re singing can help. </div>
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I have picked out some of the words and/or phrases in this song in an
attempt to bring them to life a bit, so to speak. I hope they help you to remember and focus on
the true meaning and reason of CHRISTMAS.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>All Ye Faithful</b></span></div>
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Have you ever wondered who these all these “faithful” are? That would be those who believe in God the
Father and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ!
The “faithful” don’t just profess love, allegiance and loyalty with
their mouth. That’s a great first step,
but truly faithful people of God will be evident to the world around them by the
way they live their lives; not in showy works that make themselves look good,
but through loving actions that bring all honor to God above. To be faithful is to be loyal and constant;
to be true to one's promises and vows; to be devoted. How do you show or express your faithfulness
to Him?</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><b><i>Matthew 25:23 – Well done good and faithful servant!</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Come…Let Us Adore Him/Come…And Behold Him</b></span></div>
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The song invites us to come to Him.
To adore Him. Adoration is
defined as follows: paying honor;
worship; reverent homage; fervent and devoted love. How often do you go to God (it’s an open
invitation!)? And when you do approach
Him, is it in adoration? I hear about
many who approach Him in desperation, but adoration isn’t always first
priority. Oh, most of us eventually get
around to that part after we’ve listed all our needs and wants. But I’m pretty positive we’ve got that
twisted around a bit. Adore Him. Seek his face. Behold Him.
Gaze upon it with great affection.</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Psalm 95:6 – Come, let us bow down in worship (adoration),</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">let us kneel
before the LORD our Maker.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Joyful</span></b></div>
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As we accept His invitation to be with Him, we can do so with great
joy! Even when our situations make us
deeply sad, we can still be joyful in Jesus' presence. Joy has little to do with US, and everything
to do with Him. To be joyful is to be
delighted with something, jubilant and elated!
Just knowing that God is sovereign, and that Jesus has paid our ransom –
that is pure joy. We can delight in that!</div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the
desires of your heart.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Triumphant</span></b></div>
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Oh, I think this is my favorite part…come to him triumphantly! Do you
know why? Triumph means victory. And through Jesus’ blood, we already HAVE the
victory over all that is evil, all that is sinful, all that is not of God! Death has no hold on us. By Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are
redeemed by grace to our rightful place as co-heirs. I think that is an amazingly exciting
revelation and truth!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><b><i>1 Corinthians 15:55 - Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death,
is your sting?</i></b></span></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">King of Angels/Christ the Lord</span></b></div>
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Christ is our Lord and the King of Angels. He lovingly reigns over all – He is in
absolute control of everything. I don’t
know about you, but that is a BIG relief to me.
Because I know he has already claimed victory, there is no need for me
to try to be in control of anything. I
can (and should) certainly do my part in the work He has set before me, but
there’s no pressure to try to figure out the why’s or the how’s of it all. The Lord and King above all has everything
worked out already!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><b><i>Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you, declares the
LORD;</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><b><i>plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a
future.</i></b></span></div>
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I hope this has inspired you some, so the next time you’re singing
your favorite <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><b>CHRIST</b></span>mas hymn, you might stop and think about the words you’re
singing. Behind the pretty music, there’s
a “reason for the season” and a message just for your heart!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvP3nhfQDbGtMCij3401GUPlaALApOSU7zVvOLvx29TvIz3iMNTt2tBAQr3JhlmO4VGQsVvTUyrdQNSJh_qY8u7E1R5A8Lxr6Ef2Tk2SlZOKPVJ_lGKhAFBPo23KlxnGRpcbElOcdRItW/s1600/jesus-reason-for-the-season.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvP3nhfQDbGtMCij3401GUPlaALApOSU7zVvOLvx29TvIz3iMNTt2tBAQr3JhlmO4VGQsVvTUyrdQNSJh_qY8u7E1R5A8Lxr6Ef2Tk2SlZOKPVJ_lGKhAFBPo23KlxnGRpcbElOcdRItW/s320/jesus-reason-for-the-season.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img height="132" src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-80246302693728540042011-11-22T18:08:00.001-06:002011-11-22T18:30:16.677-06:00Oh No - Not Another Thanksgiving Post! (Oh, Yes!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96zTJQs-0q1eARuXe9ZWA8Jz6mvwW2GSAhk0pk9OeFqOU3oQQDzQKZex5uskgmCuiWSd-vFnbMAovbq4ii0zGTCI2nyG5nG8s0doKLww1wiT2q53zfGHS8n-XtgqIEKFvV7TahAVeUbfc/s1600/handholdingwomen.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi96zTJQs-0q1eARuXe9ZWA8Jz6mvwW2GSAhk0pk9OeFqOU3oQQDzQKZex5uskgmCuiWSd-vFnbMAovbq4ii0zGTCI2nyG5nG8s0doKLww1wiT2q53zfGHS8n-XtgqIEKFvV7TahAVeUbfc/s200/handholdingwomen.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Among the hundreds of things I am thankful for, one that comes to mind
over and over again is my “small group” from church. The church I attend is rather large, with an attendance
upward of 5,000 on any given Sunday, just at our main campus! These small groups allow us to connect with
other people in a more intimate way outside of attending church on Sunday. We basically “do life” together. It is always God-centered; this is a place
where we are able to share our highest highs and our lowest lows without fear
of being judged or ridiculed. We are
supportive and encouraging of each other, and speaking truth in love to one
another is ever-present.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I recently sent out an e-mail to the group as part of a thread that was
circulating, and one of my sisters encouraged me that its content would make
great blog material, so I took that as a prompting from the Holy Spirit to
share this message. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Even though we are only a couple days away from celebrating
Thanksgiving, giving thanks is something that goes beyond one day out of the
year. The message is short(-ish), so I
hope you’ll continue reading. I would
love to know your thoughts…</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I got a little curiosity going in my brain and looked up the words "thanks" and "give" - this may not be new to anyone else, but I know for me there are so many words/phrases I use daily that I really don't even think of the meaning behind them.</i></span>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>Thanks</u> - </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>to express gratitude,
appreciation or acknowledgement to<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><u>Give</u> -</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>to present voluntarily and
without expecting compensation<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Did you get that?
</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">"without expecting compensation"</span></b><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I know that I have been guilty of giving Him thanks out of a sense of obligation, AND in the hope that if I do so He will compensate me with the "desires of my heart" (which aren't necessarily in line with His will for me). </span></i></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /><div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<i>But that's not how it's supposed to go.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">We are to be thankful in <b><u>ALL</u></b> things.</span> </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Check this out from scripture:</span></i></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.4pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Not just when we get a prayer answered.</i></div>
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<i>Not just when we are blessed with something awesome.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Not just when things are going our way! </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">In ALL things.</span></u></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>In the hurt and pain; in the pit when we are there. Yes, especially there.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Because although it is unpleasant and sometimes almost seems unbearable, we who belong to Him know He is working it all out for good - for HIS good. And THAT is the *ultimate* thing to give thanks for (in my opinion). Knowing that He is all powerful and working everything out for GOOD. </i></div>
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<i>On that note, I do sincerely hope you all have a beautiful, blessed Thanksgiving celebration with your families and friends. I pray that it will be Day One of the next 365 that you will continually give thanks to God. </i></div>
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<i>{{P. S. - I have a favorite blog writer and author, <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/">Ann Voskamp</a>, who has written a book on the very subject of giving thanks in all things. Visit her blog <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/">here</a>, and read about her book <a href="http://www.dayspring.com/one_thousand_gifts/">here</a>. I don't think you'll regret it.}}</i></div>
</i></span>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-68211809738494175402011-11-13T19:06:00.001-06:002011-11-16T19:27:30.034-06:00Sunrise, Sunset - A Legacy in the Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>“From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>the name of the
LORD is to be praised.”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>--Psalm 113:3</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I was driving to an evening appointment last week, headed due west –
straight into the prettiest sunset I’d seen in a long time. Truth be told, there had been plenty of
beautiful sunsets for days on end here in the Texas Hill Country. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>{{This was the first I had actually noticed in quite a while.}}</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Sad, but true.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My heart stirred as my eyes marveled at the glorious array of colors
reflecting off the clouds in the sky that evening – blues and grays, mixed with
rich gold, amber, orange, rose, pink and soft wisps of white clouds mixed in a
symphony of perfection that could only be created by the One.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I thought about the sun then;</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>how its daily cycle seems to</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>parallel our
own lives.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c2yXQZ91Hf5cK92_kBpDx_-p5eap3QzjNNcGV6SiZjREgRM34AB5dc3PxAmTxMeua1JFh7tt39RsUfMwzLD_TOKME1nycrku65Pxp2YUCZl5V9ya3E7KPfRDjvJ92GFTDat66teKkh77/s1600/sunrise+out+of+dark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_c2yXQZ91Hf5cK92_kBpDx_-p5eap3QzjNNcGV6SiZjREgRM34AB5dc3PxAmTxMeua1JFh7tt39RsUfMwzLD_TOKME1nycrku65Pxp2YUCZl5V9ya3E7KPfRDjvJ92GFTDat66teKkh77/s200/sunrise+out+of+dark.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our beginnings have us bursting forth out of the darkness, all in
splendor and glory, boldly announcing arrival.
Little by little, light is seamlessly shed on that which surrounds us –
all the discoveries that await us. New
and fresh and bright, we are filled with colorful energy that can’t be held
back.</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFTIYZZ6gNZ7DPbTV57s6PqLVHgbr7wSuYV_qR6sJGQ6UWIkBqKYam2ZcuOiusmV2AJAMXdtaf3eC7BvEi2t8EZZjTzFNzOVJLP-TaK6KOvO_fGBFB0nDHT0nOkNlQ_S6FB2ZhoNLFzIf/s1600/bright+noon+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxFTIYZZ6gNZ7DPbTV57s6PqLVHgbr7wSuYV_qR6sJGQ6UWIkBqKYam2ZcuOiusmV2AJAMXdtaf3eC7BvEi2t8EZZjTzFNzOVJLP-TaK6KOvO_fGBFB0nDHT0nOkNlQ_S6FB2ZhoNLFzIf/s200/bright+noon+sun.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As we slowly begin our climb, we burn a path straight upwards. Sometimes we burn too much, too soon, too
hard. We scorch everything around
us. Sometimes, we hide behind the clouds
of life hoping that we can just make it through by remaining hidden and
unnoticed. And sometimes, we burn directly
overhead with warm love and passion that spreads and brings life over everything we touch.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2EpknNVSv8K99BK9PPre5ZR9tBnHOmcLlWynMKVGCUJry_PUJJPcq5QX7FRru0L3tBb8rU17p-zBBSVvcBvcDqhpPtOiZJyXwRRA7zJpIQnQMDDgD9NXIluv__VUvnJbGvLg3wCTpkea/s1600/sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2EpknNVSv8K99BK9PPre5ZR9tBnHOmcLlWynMKVGCUJry_PUJJPcq5QX7FRru0L3tBb8rU17p-zBBSVvcBvcDqhpPtOiZJyXwRRA7zJpIQnQMDDgD9NXIluv__VUvnJbGvLg3wCTpkea/s200/sunset.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then comes the time we being our slow descent. Our light and warmth not yet gone, but our colors mellow and blend. We are able to show beauty to those around us in a way that only can be done after we have experienced the passionate burning of mid-cycle. Once again, we bring forth a beautiful blend of rich color, much different from the vibrancy of our beginnings. This softer light is more compassionate, wiser, more forgiving.</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqYRKQNPAWdPU5-tbDrVEpCX63Cl80cW6MRvUwFEx8nkP2FfmdHcgSydp8Y42hTN9YISaXit7KN67MSPhkc6WUEuQ_TrDAJE-ViVCbb5HCFNQVEPljOBrUqrj-VXFAuBIdRlXaBA7Lvpo/s1600/sun+gone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKqYRKQNPAWdPU5-tbDrVEpCX63Cl80cW6MRvUwFEx8nkP2FfmdHcgSydp8Y42hTN9YISaXit7KN67MSPhkc6WUEuQ_TrDAJE-ViVCbb5HCFNQVEPljOBrUqrj-VXFAuBIdRlXaBA7Lvpo/s200/sun+gone.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>And as we begin to dip down past the horizon, as the coolness of the
evening sets in, and those around us can no longer see us – this is not the end
my friends. For although we cannot be
seen with human eyes, we are still very much alive and burning brightly – only in
a different place – continuing to shine light through the legacy we have left
behind.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>“The Light shines through the darkness </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and the darkness can never
extinguish it.” <o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>--John 1:5</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>What legacy are you leaving as you travel this life? </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Are you striving and going at things so hard that you are burning
everything in your path, and perhaps even the path of others? </i></b></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Are you hiding behind the clouds because you are afraid to step out
from behind them and live out your purpose?</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Or are you shining your light for all to see and bask in its warmth so
they may know Love?</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>"Let your light shine before men, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>--Matthew 5:16</i></b></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-24899946052320883062011-10-26T22:29:00.000-05:002011-11-02T21:26:52.571-05:00The Great Destroyer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>is too
small to be made into a burden.”</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>~Corrie ten Boom,</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Clippings from My Notebook</i></b></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8MAUqoRqA0uqOQ3QONp5VQ8Il2vmrTl7ev3F5RfPxbe1LL71h0Lg5nHt4CShY1q6JM_7fScz7wFxK5fmXk4qAwOznqBcsmmylqXAozAuwxFWYDlNJYQUfRb53BUzZ1xHqfDsJN2w1xX2/s1600/worry+word.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK8MAUqoRqA0uqOQ3QONp5VQ8Il2vmrTl7ev3F5RfPxbe1LL71h0Lg5nHt4CShY1q6JM_7fScz7wFxK5fmXk4qAwOznqBcsmmylqXAozAuwxFWYDlNJYQUfRb53BUzZ1xHqfDsJN2w1xX2/s200/worry+word.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just looking at the word brings on a bit of anxiety in me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And yet, I know from experience that worrying about things
does NO GOOD what-so-ever! Not for
myself, and certainly not for others in my life. Excessive worry in my own life has produced
an unhealthy mind, an unhealthy body and an unhealthy soul. And it is the root cause of the loss of a
relationship that couldn’t bear up under the weight of it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Worry weighs a person down;</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>an encouraging word cheers a
person up.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Proverbs 12:25</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0RckQ9cQhl_KtkX1BIxXwoFeliY40Ha08N4N1qnQnElTIfviRbCc0oIGT8BIh4EhyphenhyphenbKY6l9kyr-9V8wDKrtc2JwvTVYfDfcKriOfqUCIMfkb83CzxG94LnhYpS0DTC-a5TF23eqexkhw/s1600/worry+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0RckQ9cQhl_KtkX1BIxXwoFeliY40Ha08N4N1qnQnElTIfviRbCc0oIGT8BIh4EhyphenhyphenbKY6l9kyr-9V8wDKrtc2JwvTVYfDfcKriOfqUCIMfkb83CzxG94LnhYpS0DTC-a5TF23eqexkhw/s200/worry+pic.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Worry is a burden not only to ourselves, but to the ones
that love us as well. It’s bad enough
that we cause this trouble within ourselves, but to put that kind of pressure onto
others is, to say the very least, unfair and, more importantly, unloving.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My own worrisome nature stems from a long time ago when, as
a child, I never knew what was going on.
I was thrown into situations that were scary and uncomfortable, with
little or no preparation or instruction on how to handle them. I was told to just do it, and then if the
outcome was not pleasing I was ridiculed for it. That caused a cycle of worry in my life,
never knowing what would happen and then worrying that I wouldn’t get it
right. Over and over and over.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Most of my adult life, I have been nearly insistent on
knowing the who, what, where, when and why (and at least some idea of the
ultimate outcome) of everything before I take even one step. I like to call it “being prepared”, and often
in my head it is being prepared for the worst, without thought of how things
just MIGHT turn out to be just fine.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It all comes down to trust really.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Or, more accurately, lack of trust.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As a child, I wasn’t taught to trust and stand on the
promises of God. We didn’t attend church
for most of my growing up years, and the only scripture I heard was used in “discussions”
with my wonderful, Christian grandfather, by family members trying to twist it
to fit the ungodly lives they were living.
In my house, “God” was my mother, and what she said was “gospel” – what she
told me to do were the commandments of my life.
And all too often, I was lead into painful situations where I finally
figured out that I couldn’t trust people.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’m not bashing my mother.
She was a human being. She had
faults, she had “stuff” from her past, and she acted out in the ways that she
was raised in, or in the ways that gave her the self-preservation she
needed. It took me a long time to
realize this, but when I did I was able to let go of the anger, bitterness and
sadness and fully forgive her.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What I have learned on the long road since her death is
this: I may not ever be able to fully trust people, but I can always – ALWAYS – trust God. When He says not to worry, he isn’t asking me. <b><u><i>He is telling me.</i></u></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And as an adult, who is currently entering into a
life-saving transformation, I must make that choice every day. Every hour.
Sometimes even every minute. If I
do not trust Him – if I continually worry – what am I saying about God? That He is not trust-worthy? That He is a liar? That He doesn’t love me? That He doesn’t mean what he says?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Those are <b><u>all</u></b>
lies directly from the enemy of my soul.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And yours.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Take a minute to think back on your life and the many things
you have worried about. How many of them
came to fruition? And if any of them DID
come true, were they as horrifying as your mind made them out to be?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And
why worry about your clothing?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Look at the lilies of the field and how they
grow.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>They don't work or make their clothing,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>yet Solomon in all his glory was
not dressed</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>as beautifully as they are.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Matthew 6:27-29</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jHN1hOMg7-KREBWWLr6oki-RKt-xuGl1u8zxLMGP_7rUjxo9DMRxIrFoQ2oxOSDLVw9Il-HX4KV6eWKND09bKrq66_gCSIZmokNvctzNjx29XYGJ_4eSzD_CZ0qjiNR9Cdy7YSqiNfwJ/s1600/lillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jHN1hOMg7-KREBWWLr6oki-RKt-xuGl1u8zxLMGP_7rUjxo9DMRxIrFoQ2oxOSDLVw9Il-HX4KV6eWKND09bKrq66_gCSIZmokNvctzNjx29XYGJ_4eSzD_CZ0qjiNR9Cdy7YSqiNfwJ/s200/lillies.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know in my own life, very few of my worries have come
true. And the time I spent worrying is
time wasted, energy wasted, and often has destroyed my own happiness, but worse
yet the peace of others around me. I
unrightly invaded their lives with strife that wasn’t theirs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, do I still worry?
Of course I do. I’m human. I’m weak on my own.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Do I have a better way of dealing with that worry now? Yes, I do</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>that are
here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow,</i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">he will certainly care for you. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Why do you have</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>so little faith?”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Matthew 6:30</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My new way is called faith and trust. I <b><i><u>choose</u></i></b> to have faith. I <b><i><u>choose</u></i></b> to trust. Trust
in God’s word, not only in the Bible, but those loving words that He has
whispered into my heart. Through those
actions where time and time again, He protected me, loved me, and put me back
on my feet because He knows my path, and He knows the outcome. And it’s all good.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"For I know the plans I have for you," declares
the LORD,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"plans to prosper you and not to harm you,</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>plans to give you
hope and a future."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jeremiah 29:11</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Cliché? Maybe to some. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Truth? Definitely to me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What will you choose today?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“This day I call the heavens and the earth</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>as witnesses
against you that I have set before you</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>life and death, blessings and curses.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Now choose life, so that you and your children may live</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and that you may love
the LORD your God,</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>listen to his voice, and hold fast to him.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>For the LORD is
your life…”</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Deut 30:19-20</i></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-79887907561388007642011-10-08T21:16:00.001-05:002011-10-08T21:20:12.020-05:00Standing on the Edge of Darkness<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>When you come to the edge of all the light you know</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and are about to step into the darkness of the unknown,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>faith is knowing that one of two things will happen:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>there will be solid ground to stand</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>on or you will be taught to fly. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>--Author Unknown</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In my “feeling” heart, it feels like all light has gone out. I feel rejected; lonely; completely discarded
and unwanted.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM7fGp_5xkfPSeGWp3Prbx0MscY98nfagIhI2pFjWr4XGymXNk2xQaF51NtcEZMqBwL0lFkkZLFR3BwGw0hvtcq93i7xYu3gEph71G5qZ-ZdMrU6L5zngKKS4x-pIkw1GO1rOiLuSftf_/s1600/Illuminated+Pathway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM7fGp_5xkfPSeGWp3Prbx0MscY98nfagIhI2pFjWr4XGymXNk2xQaF51NtcEZMqBwL0lFkkZLFR3BwGw0hvtcq93i7xYu3gEph71G5qZ-ZdMrU6L5zngKKS4x-pIkw1GO1rOiLuSftf_/s320/Illuminated+Pathway.jpg" width="237" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Behind me is a small glimmer of light; of what used to
be. Before me looms the darkness of all
that is unknown. My eyes search
desperately into the depths for something…anything that looks like the
slightest ray of light, of hope.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I bow my head in great sadness, with tears that stream down
my face and fall at my feet, the sound in my head like shattered glass.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It’s when I open my eyes, in this bowed posture, that I
see the light at my feet. I look up and
around and find myself immediately enveloped in soft light. Just enough for one step. That’s all that is required.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2Vkfocb-4uBax1drrKWBdVLJCjG0vQapdBGoIyDAlEjZNuYPNjQlbvfecCUbFynEgHqfUaseNcMlZEXr_uGOj1ifiSOPscgs_BpIj3Yo7PEBJo9Tw_n0ugoYq46V40EALTx-pU7G6SIa/s1600/lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2Vkfocb-4uBax1drrKWBdVLJCjG0vQapdBGoIyDAlEjZNuYPNjQlbvfecCUbFynEgHqfUaseNcMlZEXr_uGOj1ifiSOPscgs_BpIj3Yo7PEBJo9Tw_n0ugoYq46V40EALTx-pU7G6SIa/s320/lamp.jpg" width="320" /></i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2Vkfocb-4uBax1drrKWBdVLJCjG0vQapdBGoIyDAlEjZNuYPNjQlbvfecCUbFynEgHqfUaseNcMlZEXr_uGOj1ifiSOPscgs_BpIj3Yo7PEBJo9Tw_n0ugoYq46V40EALTx-pU7G6SIa/s1600/lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs2Vkfocb-4uBax1drrKWBdVLJCjG0vQapdBGoIyDAlEjZNuYPNjQlbvfecCUbFynEgHqfUaseNcMlZEXr_uGOj1ifiSOPscgs_BpIj3Yo7PEBJo9Tw_n0ugoYq46V40EALTx-pU7G6SIa/s1600/lamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>One.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> Step.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> In.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> Faith.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light
to my path.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>So even though my "feeling" heart senses that all is lost, my "faith-filled" heart knows there is something better. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>As I move forward into this life that is not what I had hoped for – not what I had dreamed about for so many recent years – I know this light
will wrap around me like a blanket, warm and protective. It will comfort me amidst the darkness and it
will guide me through it.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I don’t expect it to be easy; I don’t expect the pain to go
away immediately. But I know there will
come a day, when little by little as I grow stronger, more light will be given
to me and the path will be made clearer, and I will fly like an eagle in
freedom.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Until that day, my walk will be slow – it will become more
sure and steady and strong with each small step I take forward.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>What darkness are you walking through? Won't you allow the light to surround and comfort you as well?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5_MpGRQRrP0" width="560"></iframe>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-41218343343285518112011-08-31T18:54:00.000-05:002011-08-31T20:31:00.213-05:00Heaven Bent to Take My Hand...<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Jqps9ZdMxs0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">
This song was my “theme song” during the first year after my divorce. After a while, other (happier) songs began to take its place. But recently things have happened to cause it to resurface and to make it seem to ring true to my feelings once again. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully, the pain hasn’t lasted *quite* as long this time…</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Heaven certainly <i>did</i> (once again) bend to take my hand, and lead me through the fire… </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbllm-pbqstdtHezwmX5FpDohBbvEdOj86dCmlHNF6UORIcFnWHnIYTYHaoUVPfvKn0tMWusK_sJdgfO8g3bDEiDeQref52da8ntARye62c2U8_PYlu-gYLgkdOTrjuRxh6UqIkGJhS8K/s1600/jesus-through-fire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbllm-pbqstdtHezwmX5FpDohBbvEdOj86dCmlHNF6UORIcFnWHnIYTYHaoUVPfvKn0tMWusK_sJdgfO8g3bDEiDeQref52da8ntARye62c2U8_PYlu-gYLgkdOTrjuRxh6UqIkGJhS8K/s200/jesus-through-fire.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
~~Isaiah 43:2</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">At first I didn’t want to reach up and take hold of the hand that was being offered to me freely… lovingly… patiently… </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I resisted vehemently. I wanted to wallow in my mess and my self-pity for a while longer. Surely if I did that, someone would notice and come wallow with me…misery loves company, yes?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">No…that wasn’t what was to happen. There was a better lesson to be learned here. One that I have learned before, but easily forget. Which, in the circle of life, is how I end up getting myself into that big, hot mess laying on the bathroom floor sobbing my heart out over and over again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hesitatingly, I reached my fingers out…just a little…just enough to brush the tips of His fingers. But like a stubborn terrible-two year old, I jerked my hand back, stuck my bottom lip out, folded my arms and proceeded to pout and wallow just a little bit longer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He didn’t move, though. He didn’t walk away, and He didn’t give in to my tantrum. As He always does, He remained steady and strong. He is the one constant in my life. And sometimes, to be really {REALLY} honest…it ticks me off!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABcLiUVd91QMbb_FouOchmr5zEgj5UuhVhJZqnO1V0EaQroVuLe0nfQQG2GVp0pkKzDXV9W0ewAltP9nFcOolOrJF5BbnNiRwNYCEKNVZ9EEng-DTQ-xTgJ05cVlTA9vAqYcXQMWQb6YR/s1600/woman-crying1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABcLiUVd91QMbb_FouOchmr5zEgj5UuhVhJZqnO1V0EaQroVuLe0nfQQG2GVp0pkKzDXV9W0ewAltP9nFcOolOrJF5BbnNiRwNYCEKNVZ9EEng-DTQ-xTgJ05cVlTA9vAqYcXQMWQb6YR/s200/woman-crying1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Like that night on the bathroom floor… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I was crying… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And screaming… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And begging… </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And asking, “WHY MEEEEEE?” (Oh, yes – it’s always about *me* isn’t it? When will we learn?) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I had finally exhausted myself mentally, emotionally and even physically – that’s when it happened. Sweet relief. When I was completely spent, completely empty.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That’s when He caused me to look up again, to reach up and put my whole hand in His.
And from that Hand flowed beautiful, renewed life. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He wiped away the tears.
He set my shoulders straight.
He gave me… </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Faith that all is well with my soul.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hope that none other can promise</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(and keep that promise).</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Love that none other can *ever* provide. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had to be empty to be able to receive those gifts (again). I had filled myself with so much worry, anger, self-pity, self-loathing, you name it! I had feasted gluttonously at the banquet table of my enemy and my soul was full of the sickness and death. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKG_RrUGJ7qJzzY4mX9H_BI4CtCvc-XYwSX5xMG29xjNJCmK72t5rVwQwWjm4usLh76SOLndXiUz_i1-yV1SXlKexOThJZjsvAljPqOwUArFnkdyTbdRm5zVFaeb9i41O_Ejo7eAOgwGS/s1600/Empty_Vessel_Cross_Shadow_copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJKG_RrUGJ7qJzzY4mX9H_BI4CtCvc-XYwSX5xMG29xjNJCmK72t5rVwQwWjm4usLh76SOLndXiUz_i1-yV1SXlKexOThJZjsvAljPqOwUArFnkdyTbdRm5zVFaeb9i41O_Ejo7eAOgwGS/s320/Empty_Vessel_Cross_Shadow_copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">God knew that He would have to empty me (again) in order to fill me with Life. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So yes… </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’ve fallen…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’ve messed up…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’ve sunk very low…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I should have known better…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’ve been told “I told you so”– </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>so many times my heart and soul have bled from it... </i></span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But I have also been given unchangeable, unshakable, unmistakable Truth. Truth that crushes my enemy and sends him back to the depths of hell…so, Satan…run…run with your tail between your legs. You have no power here!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Isaiah 54:17 says, “No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, said the Lord.”</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Ephesians 6:11-13 says, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.” </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am standing <i>by the grace of God</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My <i>small</i> hand in His.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Fully clothed in the armor He made <i>specifically</i> for me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What about you…will you stay in the viper pit? Or will you reach up to the Hand that is freely, lovingly and patiently being held out to you as well? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Here is my new theme song…hope you enjoy it, too. Come awake…</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>
“Oh death where is thy sting? Oh grave where is thy victory?” </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>~~1 Cor 15:55</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-69744448048136694872011-08-16T19:50:00.004-05:002011-08-16T19:51:45.857-05:00Fly Away, Little Birdie, Fly Away<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid35vxZSdnzgwhYP8V2KPYsWFnv79_4kJY0zDyc_GN622E19ETOCJWA5K_GpyUEVlkh_jD7yvGQobIHNlMGYVIcnaJrPdoWfhOdCKIjHuerxQ7tjLWQf0ilQO4noK84J15G_eQR0__YqF8/s1600/fly+away+birdies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid35vxZSdnzgwhYP8V2KPYsWFnv79_4kJY0zDyc_GN622E19ETOCJWA5K_GpyUEVlkh_jD7yvGQobIHNlMGYVIcnaJrPdoWfhOdCKIjHuerxQ7tjLWQf0ilQO4noK84J15G_eQR0__YqF8/s1600/fly+away+birdies.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cradle Song</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>by Lord Alfred Tennyson</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>What does little birdie say<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>In her nest at peep of day?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Let me fly, says little birdie,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Mother, let me fly away.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Birdie, rest a little longer,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Till thy little wings are stronger.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>So she rests a little longer,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Then she flies away.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>What does little baby say,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>In her bed at peep of day?<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Baby says, like little birdie,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Let me rise and fly away.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Baby, sleep a little longer,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Till thy little limbs are stronger.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>If she sleeps a little longer,<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Baby too shall fly away.</i></b></span></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<b>Almost from the moment our children are born, we love them, nurture
them, teach them, and grow them. We
shape and mold, we laugh, we cry (sometimes both at the same time) and we fall
to our knees in prayer. </b></div>
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<b>All in the <u><i>hope</i></u></b></div>
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<b>that they will become strong, happy adults</b></div>
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<b>who make the
world a better place through the gift of their love for others.</b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #fce5cd; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Why, then, is it such utter shock when, before we blink twice, it has
<i><u>actually happened</u></i>? </span></div>
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<b>When they first start to become independent, we are happy and proud and
the little pang in our heart isn’t very noticeable.</b></div>
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<b>It the teen years, the "pang" sometimes just outright feels like our
hearts have been torn out of our chests.
There’s the chaos of a heart swollen with so much love you think it
might burst, mixed in with the ache of watching them make many of the same
mistakes that you also made at their age, and all the while they move away from
needing you like they did before at break-neck speed. They are just {{this little tiny bit}} out of
your grasp.</b></div>
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<b>And then – it truly seems like only a very short time – “suddenly”
– ha! Yes, suddenly they are driving,
they are spending time with “significant others” (whose names are not mom and
dad); they are working and schooling and you barely catch a glimpse of them as
they come in the door and head off to bed.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUARxZY3vw_xEWwhBf2oKlvIzoXnINxoKm3sPgmBJzFQMsMNLGTOgHLi_zFKVjIHAwXNcohlRCFRLTo5GLNJhub_xeyAFQ4niDoZMlIlhyUTbBftIlKSat97G600YwDtqhXhg0GVFJx39h/s1600/Empty-Nest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUARxZY3vw_xEWwhBf2oKlvIzoXnINxoKm3sPgmBJzFQMsMNLGTOgHLi_zFKVjIHAwXNcohlRCFRLTo5GLNJhub_xeyAFQ4niDoZMlIlhyUTbBftIlKSat97G600YwDtqhXhg0GVFJx39h/s200/Empty-Nest.jpg" width="200" /></a><b></b></div>
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<b>Before you know what has happened, shelves and closets are emptied;
boxes are packed and vehicles are loaded to the brim with all their worldly
possessions. You stand at the doorway or
in the driveway with them, giving “just one more” hug, not wanting to ever let
go, but knowing you must. This is their
time to fly.</b><br />
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It leaves an empty feeling in the heart. A place that is not easily or quickly
filled.</b><b> </b><br />
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<b>Yet, every time they come back for a visit, it’s beautiful to watch how the gap seems to close back up – little by little. There is a new respect for life, for how the world “really” is, and sometimes – <i>just sometimes</i> – the realization that mom and dad were not as wrong as they seemed to be at one time.</b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">Train up a child in the way he should go,</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">and when he is old he will not depart from it.</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">~~Proverbs 22:6~~</span></i></b></div>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-3558075106832377802011-08-12T19:06:00.000-05:002011-08-12T19:06:02.691-05:00Time Marches On<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CAzKmAWAILfhiA6pqSLtFivSsFLkWJhL0fNyKMMc0vyEznvcqyxeWA4IG6JdtRELyzp4ekAx1BTEe-t1AmNGBVCXTkwwGC9NuEWifgnyL0WIrIs7NRkWZ8DyQNSot9gzf4nRgvmtzIzY/s1600/clock+ticking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><img border="0" height="108" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0CAzKmAWAILfhiA6pqSLtFivSsFLkWJhL0fNyKMMc0vyEznvcqyxeWA4IG6JdtRELyzp4ekAx1BTEe-t1AmNGBVCXTkwwGC9NuEWifgnyL0WIrIs7NRkWZ8DyQNSot9gzf4nRgvmtzIzY/s320/clock+ticking.jpg" width="320" /></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>In my part of the country, it seems like we are going to dry up, shrivel up and blow away if we don’t get some rain soon. </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>And all over America many of us are feeling the crunch of an economy that seems to be drying up, too. </b></i></span></div>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But time does march on. As the old saying goes, “This too shall pass.”</b></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>In the meantime, I am finding that the more time I spend recognizing and being thankful for the good things I’ve been blessed with, it makes the hard stuff just a little easier to bear. </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>So, this week – as the clocked ticked, perfect and staccato – I found a few things that gave me some joy. </b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggb4myEOye_f2t2KwwXabcpLXmNpnHf5RZHfXyrtH7mFJ6x7TC20bVNk7_4hmdZPXwBrqiHhLVSnT7aBhjBkevbHKy81ESxNGR_uuyOSY5AF4YrGmdMVaKzB6PvDSB0591DwnDrkn2Z8F/s1600/Pinterest-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjggb4myEOye_f2t2KwwXabcpLXmNpnHf5RZHfXyrtH7mFJ6x7TC20bVNk7_4hmdZPXwBrqiHhLVSnT7aBhjBkevbHKy81ESxNGR_uuyOSY5AF4YrGmdMVaKzB6PvDSB0591DwnDrkn2Z8F/s200/Pinterest-logo.jpg" width="200" /></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b> – oh, what a sweet new addiction! It’s a place where you can make several “pinboards” that show collections of things you love. If you haven’t heard of it, or haven’t had a chance to check it out, head on over <a href="http://pinterest.com/">HERE</a> right now! </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp1X_tpApfm4FojH76uJXsZ4pHdtdYr213Zw2Fo17rw_ZUbUUjC7jwUMqjOMyoRxqnsUbNvEPJnZyOPO3P_vqcCnCmxGJiQtGHgzd8iv1WWKpGXZTdlHW9ADjRnNHnKqpC6aaIDAdAahP/s1600/quilt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOp1X_tpApfm4FojH76uJXsZ4pHdtdYr213Zw2Fo17rw_ZUbUUjC7jwUMqjOMyoRxqnsUbNvEPJnZyOPO3P_vqcCnCmxGJiQtGHgzd8iv1WWKpGXZTdlHW9ADjRnNHnKqpC6aaIDAdAahP/s320/quilt.jpg" width="320" /></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b> </b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><u>An Unfinished Project</u> – I have been working on this beauty for a couple of years off and on, and I am getting the desire to pull it out and {{hopefully}} finish it by the end of this year. </b></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpe4cRmcJZBNgl0V-GaJfDmb26NauXsB1ym6V9UOP0-wk0hxXQu7NFkJZSoG5EFPFpxpRRL5O1HIh54uGuqtlBgT96q5NrHVjXbESKKvJ1qPnQV6C7jyeEDgcMPV_sfaiINR7lcZaSSuK/s1600/brie+%2526+bacon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqpe4cRmcJZBNgl0V-GaJfDmb26NauXsB1ym6V9UOP0-wk0hxXQu7NFkJZSoG5EFPFpxpRRL5O1HIh54uGuqtlBgT96q5NrHVjXbESKKvJ1qPnQV6C7jyeEDgcMPV_sfaiINR7lcZaSSuK/s320/brie+%2526+bacon.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><u>A Culinary Delight </u>– in a town near where I live, there is a beautiful British café called Friar Tuck’s Pantry. I went on what I call a “God date” (time alone, but not isolated from the world, with God to enjoy His creation while studying His Word and listening). I ordered a Brie & Bacon Sandwich, and it was so yummy – it has this delicious raspberry spread on it, oh my! I paired it with a nice pot of Tropical green tea, and I’m pretty sure I got a glimpse of heaven! </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b> Laying a Foundation – for my future. Yes, I’m actually sacrificing time with someone I care for very much in order to do a couple of things I’ve been wanting to do for a while: </b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>I’m taking a Conversational Spanish class. </b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>And I’ve finally found a volunteer niche that I believe I will fit in to – a volunteer Financial Coach to low-income individuals/families. And although these two things will be fun and fulfilling, they will both also be great resume builders! A two-for-one deal if there ever was one! </b></i></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>And last, but certainly not least – no, not at all… </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>This? Well, this…it’s just ~WRONG~ on so many levels, but– it just plain made me laugh (and we all need a good laugh every now & then). </b></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What about you? What have you done for you lately? What things are bringing joy to your world?</b></span></i><br />
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16: 11</span></b></i></div>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-8419364280317673732011-08-09T19:00:00.003-05:002011-08-09T19:04:46.350-05:00Chicken on a Chain<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Did the title catch your attention? Good, keep reading...you'll understand later!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIw4juaR8ah_Ne2osyv8iAlaHUXWz9bq6jm1TceeuP33LEmuP9a0da7zATcGof72Uju4gAF_YICWtF6AYzYStoib_lFHyf1pYsXonDDOlwYFtzQkdEEeZeul_nHCFRJnYXLCYgwMAMR-K/s1600/Cry-icon.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJIw4juaR8ah_Ne2osyv8iAlaHUXWz9bq6jm1TceeuP33LEmuP9a0da7zATcGof72Uju4gAF_YICWtF6AYzYStoib_lFHyf1pYsXonDDOlwYFtzQkdEEeZeul_nHCFRJnYXLCYgwMAMR-K/s200/Cry-icon.png" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>This is one of those days when I've really had to search for something to make me smile, much less laugh. And I WANT to laugh - no I NEED to laugh. Because quite frankly, if I don't...I'm pretty sure I will cry. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And not just any kind of cry - the big kind. Oh, you know it...you've done it. Your chin starts to quiver and your eyes start to turn red. Then your bottom lip starts to stick out and before you know it, your whole face is red and swollen and you can't even breathe because of all the *snot* that has accumulated in your head. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Yep. </i></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">JUST. LIKE. THAT.</span></i></b></div>
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<i>(Ok, yeah so that last part might have been</i></div>
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<i>a little T. M. I. - but it's true.)</i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>So, on days like this I need to find things that make me smile and laugh - even if it's just a little.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Here are a few of my favorite things...if you're having one of *<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">those</span>* days, maybe these will make yours a little brighter, too.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Cupcakes!</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6Qm5hsaiKtwv8R6LgGZ28X34ps-w3YvSpu36jOedVshvbaO16GycjOfDftFo6GdcmrsX-bP88cYLRerevIWxIQd3YcmkyrmtUkiRNr2ktUsUBUF4fqq4mCKsdNHJ5icbogsOZcMfwfyD/s1600/cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE6Qm5hsaiKtwv8R6LgGZ28X34ps-w3YvSpu36jOedVshvbaO16GycjOfDftFo6GdcmrsX-bP88cYLRerevIWxIQd3YcmkyrmtUkiRNr2ktUsUBUF4fqq4mCKsdNHJ5icbogsOZcMfwfyD/s320/cupcakes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>My Puppy</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_N_GriEUnpMeSoUlIT7SwDaMGeLf-0BgKYj62PYV2GyDtp63glMpjK-HCFrwjxNmqeKxkyDl27fNGIqwAZMJN4ESwBLI_jWXViJ0nRrcoK0TneTJ5V4r1szvGJeAQS1KiOzVS_3ul-ld/s1600/Kip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM_N_GriEUnpMeSoUlIT7SwDaMGeLf-0BgKYj62PYV2GyDtp63glMpjK-HCFrwjxNmqeKxkyDl27fNGIqwAZMJN4ESwBLI_jWXViJ0nRrcoK0TneTJ5V4r1szvGJeAQS1KiOzVS_3ul-ld/s320/Kip.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sunflowers</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpHjUnZ-ABBgpK6WVBOsN9vvcFW9s5Qu4mlcq0a2zE4BsXsUeISgxLdkloWgj_oOJUNDgg592mSFRPHYzVdXPI0gl_S3YVnzPQMG1J_mdQqPfRc9s8gSmFrBU2YxFrK4BrDmP668qwLzY/s1600/sunflower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpHjUnZ-ABBgpK6WVBOsN9vvcFW9s5Qu4mlcq0a2zE4BsXsUeISgxLdkloWgj_oOJUNDgg592mSFRPHYzVdXPI0gl_S3YVnzPQMG1J_mdQqPfRc9s8gSmFrBU2YxFrK4BrDmP668qwLzY/s320/sunflower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Daydreaming of being at the beach</span></i></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ56BwcN9zmhnldqfSTe_QT0g82TcIq8Bhiv8CNi9xAt2cqyW1YLaUTykr-HRDPN9g19uf6QKOB1o3x-Fdr41OiSIhhcYadvul8l9TQY-WhSlMSLBjUpVBgL9Z8PRTd03pRhB-4MgCILB1/s1600/beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ56BwcN9zmhnldqfSTe_QT0g82TcIq8Bhiv8CNi9xAt2cqyW1YLaUTykr-HRDPN9g19uf6QKOB1o3x-Fdr41OiSIhhcYadvul8l9TQY-WhSlMSLBjUpVBgL9Z8PRTd03pRhB-4MgCILB1/s1600/beach.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Weird stuff in my city (Austin, TX)</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This isn't the clearest picture, but here it is folks...</span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Chicken on a Chain</span></i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ksIy2Pv0_5sBOxf9MSgNYlJre24QCzY4DX6nClvlTHouCA_AmRbeC_6_ONqlTPZvC4MWjLmH038CEymSC3nC3lELUt0eQiMTsdbr24GcO0GgZFZ5IZc_GA2A0ZcDHsg0P3IdTO-CO0CB/s1600/IMG_1584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ksIy2Pv0_5sBOxf9MSgNYlJre24QCzY4DX6nClvlTHouCA_AmRbeC_6_ONqlTPZvC4MWjLmH038CEymSC3nC3lELUt0eQiMTsdbr24GcO0GgZFZ5IZc_GA2A0ZcDHsg0P3IdTO-CO0CB/s320/IMG_1584.JPG" width="314" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Only here in Austin where we "Keep Austin Weird"!</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I guess today's blog could be considered FLUFF, but it made me feel better! What about you? If you're having a hard time putting a smile on your face, what things might help to bring it back?</i></span><br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #990000;">Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, “The <span class="sc">Lord</span> has done great things for them.”</i></span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #f1c232; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i style="background-color: #990000;">--Psalm 126:2</i></span></b></div>
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Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-16294256544165468172011-07-28T20:20:00.001-05:002011-07-28T20:26:56.588-05:00Falling<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It was a simple post on Facebook by a friend:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>“Nothing like going out to dinner only to come home to</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>your 30 ft tall tree lying across the street.”</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GHI3SnYN_pyB8DT9WdKJx0GeOGU_WDjotPYJcNCfIhm0z3YbZaYdhh2JM5Fr4dpNBGMAcBQxf1n7Il5k64DSgiKxqzswevy8eHVOU-zevsecjPPb8caxBEaKpCrUQ1iq_eE2MTLsKxNi/s1600/Fallen+Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GHI3SnYN_pyB8DT9WdKJx0GeOGU_WDjotPYJcNCfIhm0z3YbZaYdhh2JM5Fr4dpNBGMAcBQxf1n7Il5k64DSgiKxqzswevy8eHVOU-zevsecjPPb8caxBEaKpCrUQ1iq_eE2MTLsKxNi/s320/Fallen+Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Just like that…unexpectedly, the tree fell over</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and crashed to the ground.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Upon further investigation, they found that the tree – healthy looking with green leaves on the outside – had completely rotted inside.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>There wasn’t enough IN it to sustain it.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I joked that there must be some kind of life lesson there. But is it a joke? What about us? Do we have enough IN us to keep us standing upright?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Or do we simply look good on the outside, while slowly – minute by minute – we are wasting away on the inside?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>God tells us we have enough...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 John 4:4 “…the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>2 Corinthians 12:9 “…my grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>With our mouths we accept with a yes that seems sincere and heartfelt. On the outside we exhibit beautiful foliage…on the inside, we are dead. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGamdCqedYZKXp1RJyEliSJP-0jJrgImCUPQhRR6G5FD8teT6JECXqSIlmSnZZnhBPbSxBdLNp2Sw-ubh7hfPLKTF9vTN80Y0j3bXjjlk84ssc2ovEnD_3ojYKyWTklhNuHrygGf2l78hq/s1600/walking+in+mud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGamdCqedYZKXp1RJyEliSJP-0jJrgImCUPQhRR6G5FD8teT6JECXqSIlmSnZZnhBPbSxBdLNp2Sw-ubh7hfPLKTF9vTN80Y0j3bXjjlk84ssc2ovEnD_3ojYKyWTklhNuHrygGf2l78hq/s200/walking+in+mud.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>We sink in the mire of our pasts…surely we can’t be forgiven of everything – especially “that” – but listen to what God says:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>1 Jn. 1:9 “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>We drown in the rapids of our present daily life, constantly worrying and we find ourselves making deals – “Lord, just get me through this and I promise…” – but read <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matthew%206:25-34&version=NIV">Matthew 6:25-34</a> and see what Jesus tells you.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>We desperately grasp at the prospect of our future: will we ever *really* receive the desires of our heart? </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> Listen to these beautiful promises from God:</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Jeremiah 29:11 - "</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Psalm 37:4 – “<a href="http://org-kaos.blogspot.com/2010/03/delightful.html">Delight yourself in the Lord</a>, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It seems to me that we’ve made our Great God very small. Our mouths say that we believe, but our hearts remain hollow. We have become infested with lies and we have believed the “one in the world” over the promises of God.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>As a result, we have come crashing down to the ground, much like my friend’s tree. People stare in wonderment, thinking “how could that happen? It (he/she) seemed just fine!” Ahh, but look there…it’s that little dark spot that starts in the center and slowly eats it’s way all the way through, until we can no longer stand on our own feet.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Unlike that tree, though, when we come crashing down (and most of us do at one time or another) we have the assurance of renewed life. It’s not a one-time deal either…it’s a forever deal. God is always there to help us, over and over and over, when we approach with sincere hearts.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><u><b>God</b></u></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>…doesn’t leave us</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>…doesn’t forsake us</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>…goes with us every step of the way</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>We have to trust Him. We cannot try to understand his ways (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=is%2055:8&version=NIV">Isaiah 55:8</a>) and we most certainly cannot try to understand things from our very limited perspective (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=prov%203:5-6&version=NIV">Prov. 3:5-6</a>)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In my own life, things have not always been pretty, or easy, or good. However, in retrospect I can see where God has had his hand on me through it all, protecting me, loving me, teaching me (oh, how tough love can hurt!). </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>It is this knowledge that I now have, from those experiences when I was less mature, that encourage me to continue to move through this messy life; and when things get especially difficult, I know to lean all the harder into His wisdom, love and guidance.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>So stand tall and beautiful, firmly rooted in His love. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of sound mind.”</span> Those are not characteristics that correlate to being weak, empty, or hollow. YOU are filled solidly and stand firm because God’s Spirit lives in you. Reach your arms to Heaven and keep growing!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>“Failure is not falling down but refusing to get up.”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>--Chinese Proverb</i></span></div>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-11364511438557475392011-07-25T20:00:00.002-05:002011-07-25T20:00:48.279-05:00Tea for Two & Two for Tea<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">“The spirit of tea is one of peace, comfort and refinement.” </span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">--Arthur Gray</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Did you know that tea is the 2nd most commonly consumed beverage in the world? (The first is water.)</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Yes, I know at this writing that much of the United States is experiencing record high heat. But still…there is nothing more soothing and relaxing to me than a hot cup of tea. Unless it’s a hot cup of tea, a good book and a comfy couch! And it’s amazing how many teas there are out there…white, green, black, flavored, unflavored, and herbal teas (also known as tisanes – not a “true” tea). <a href="http://www.teaembassy.com/">My favorite local tea shop </a>carries over 200 teas (if you live in the Austin area, you should go visit - click the link)!!</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>My personal favorite is green tea. I enjoy it for its light taste, low caffeine (particularly in comparison to coffee) and health benefits. Among the various green teas available, I have two that are my all-time favorites:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Jasmine Pearls Tea – before you even drink this tea, just bringing it up to your nose to inhale the aroma is heavenly! I first came across this tea at a charity event, and I’ve been hooked ever since. (For you iced tea lovers out there, this makes a delicious and light summer drink.)</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Walnut Green Tea - I believe there are slight variations on this blend depending on where you purchase it. The store where I purchase my tea locally serves up a delightful mixture of Chinese green tea, brittle bits, pineapple bits, coconut flakes, walnut bits, and almond bits. It’s like liquid candy!</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>There is something intimate about sharing tea with friends and loved ones. It evokes a sense of calm, brings the loud clanging of the world down a bit, allowing time to slow so that we can savor the moment.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Aside from the ability to calm the mind, tea has other health benefits as well:</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tea contains antioxidants that protect your body from the ravages of aging</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>and pollution</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tea has about ½ the caffeine that is found in coffee (high amounts of caffeine have been known to cause insomnia, jitters and headaches)</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tea protects your bones and teeth</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>(bet you didn’t know that tea contains fluoride, did you?)</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>More and more research is pointing toward tea being a cancer-fighting agent</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>and has been associated with reduced heart disease</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Tea increases your metabolism</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Now, for a yummy treat to go along with your tea, jump on over to <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/">The Pioneer Woman’s </a>blog for this recipe for mini vanilla bean scones (I love the ones at Starbuck’s, and these look delightful to make!):</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/petite-vanilla-bean-scones/">http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/04/petite-vanilla-bean-scones/</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Call up a girlfriend (or two) and have some fun girl time over a cup of tea. It will do your heart (and mind, body and soul) a world of good, as you bond your friendship.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></b></span></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: </span></i></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls </span></i></b><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.</span></i></b></span><br />
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">~~Ecclesiastes 4:9-12</span></i></b></div>
Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-46039775206543416442011-07-19T22:31:00.002-05:002011-07-20T13:10:40.038-05:00An Unfortunate Fortune<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I love Chinese food, and my favorite part of the meal is the fortune cookie! There’s nothing like the anticipation of seeing what that little slip of paper will say! Now, I don’t really take those things to heart – I know it’s all in fun - but I did receive one recently that made me pause and think. Tiny red letters, neatly printed in all caps said:</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i style="background-color: #fce5cd;">“YOU WILL HAVE A COMFORTABLE LIFE”</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Most people might give a little grin, maybe shrug their shoulders with a sigh, and then that little piece of paper would go directly into the trash and be forgotten. But the first thing that came into my mind was…</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Really? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Comfortable? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Is that what I want? </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Ok, I know…I know. It was probably just saying that I would have a pleasant life and not have to work so hard all the time. A smooth road ahead. But something in my head associates the word comfortable with complacent.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>After all, once we get comfortable, aren’t we tempted to stay right there? Don’t rock the boat. Don’t step outside our little zone where everything is nice and tidy.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And if I’m “comfortable”, am I truly living as a Christ-follower? The Bible is very clear that the life of a Christian is very often far from easy or trouble-free.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~John 16:33</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, <u>after you have suffered a little while</u>, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~1 Peter 5:10</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Dear friends, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~1 Peter 4:12</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmtX_TfD8l_ZMFVQGZiWr6jbNTbP4SMWjh3kNOInAAenPTk3so6NMpKLEcSsdrXkbroOsudLSnqryD3c-ETc0jC1Ne5JS5SluytRvSQVob14vJnmrKNdWOcB0hKrPX4q_RyzFk6CqrkYS/s1600/stagnant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLmtX_TfD8l_ZMFVQGZiWr6jbNTbP4SMWjh3kNOInAAenPTk3so6NMpKLEcSsdrXkbroOsudLSnqryD3c-ETc0jC1Ne5JS5SluytRvSQVob14vJnmrKNdWOcB0hKrPX4q_RyzFk6CqrkYS/s200/stagnant.jpg" width="132" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I think I’m uncomfortable with being comfortable. If I’m comfortable I’m not moving anywhere. If I’m not moving, I’m not growing. If I’m not growing, I am becoming stagnant.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>And God warns us in His word about that as well.</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~Heb 6:1</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~James 2:17</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Don’t get me wrong, I’m not wishing for one struggle after another just so that I’m always on my toes. Not at all – I don’t have any desire to always be climbing uphill. Life’s plateaus (and even the valleys) offer reprieve from the climb.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Growth comes out of God stretching me beyond my comfort zones. These are the times when I see His mighty hand at work. These are the times that I am most keenly aware of His presence.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Being uncomfortable causes me to stir…it causes me to seek a better place, a better way.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>...but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~Romans 5:3</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>I’ve kept that little piece of paper in my purse, and I pull it out every now and then to remind myself of all of this. I think maybe I’ll re-write this “unfortunate fortune” – I think I want it to say…</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #fce5cd; color: red;">“YOU WILL HAVE A JOYFUL LIFE” </span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~Nehemiah 8:10</i></span></span></div>
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Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-67423896779529660242011-07-14T23:14:00.000-05:002011-07-14T23:14:47.360-05:00Revisiting My One Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0igusO6DaBrqX9DNbnP7Drdvec5nxsG4Si5YCGRd_L2WPEuwQZKU0bBWOrGMiExmRhhYz7xmpLQ1PK6YU4Zs4dRaOCmmUhsF0yI9YNWTMz6WuwLU9HXIztJ-5w8zI4mSUgldlIPDVJx_V/s1600/Holy+Spirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0igusO6DaBrqX9DNbnP7Drdvec5nxsG4Si5YCGRd_L2WPEuwQZKU0bBWOrGMiExmRhhYz7xmpLQ1PK6YU4Zs4dRaOCmmUhsF0yI9YNWTMz6WuwLU9HXIztJ-5w8zI4mSUgldlIPDVJx_V/s200/Holy+Spirit.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>In January of this year, I wrote a blog post about a new approach I am taking to the old “New Year’s Resolution” tradition (you can read about it <b><a href="http://org-kaos.blogspot.com/2011/01/one-word.html">here</a></b>).</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Since we are officially halfway through 2011, I think it’s a good time to check-in and evaluate how the <b><a href="http://myoneword.org/">“My One Word”</a></b> concept is going.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The word I chose to represent what I wanted (and what I think God wants) for my life this year is <b>RELEASE</b>. I remember praying about it, and ever so softly hearing the word being spoken into my soul. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I also remember being excited about it, eager to “let go and let God”, anticipating freely and easily letting go of things that for so long have held me in bondage. I had visions of surrender, freedom, peace.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>As time has passed, I have come to find that RELEASE is a hard word. It’s a scary word. And most of all, it’s a necessary word.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>RELEASE means</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>you have to let go of some things that you love,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>because you know in your heart of hearts that they are not good for you</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>RELEASE means</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>you have to trust that God knows what He’s doing,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>even when things seem to be crashing down around you</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And ultimately RELEASE means that WHEN you TRUST...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>WHEN you LET GO...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>You will see it all begin to unfold…</i></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Right when you think your heart is breaking into a million pieces, He is beside you lovingly picking up all the pieces, holding them in His hands, patiently waiting for you to look up and surrender.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>And when you look up, you will see Him do something amazing.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>He will open His hands that have been holding those shattered pieces, and HE will RELEASE your mended, whole, beautiful heart…free of all those things that once held you back.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>So, yes…RELEASE is HARD; RELEASE is SCARY; RELEASE is NECESSARY; and in every sense of the word RELEASE is FREEDOM!!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~~2 Corinthians 3:17</i></span></div>
<br />Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-369128867596236502011-06-28T20:53:00.002-05:002011-07-07T19:16:01.948-05:00What's In A Word?<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Do you ever have times when you hear something, and it just sticks in your head? It’s usually some ridiculous car insurance jingle or something on that level. But sometimes it’s something that causes you to stop and really think. A single word that stirs your soul.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>That word for me this week is</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Yeah, I know…doesn’t seem very soul-stirring, does it? It’s not even a very pretty word. There are no romantic images that immediately pop into my head when I see it or speak it.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But when I put that word in the context of “cultivating” my heart, it’s stunning.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Let me back up just a little, without getting into too much detail. My life lately has been an emotional roller coaster. I attribute this to the fact that I have been trying for far too long to do things MY way, rather than to lean in to God and take his lead. When things didn’t go the way I wanted, I got discouraged; I numbed myself emotionally; and I allowed my heart to become hardened. Needless to say, there has been very little joy present in my life recently.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Fast forward a little now…</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>A precious friend of mine directed me to a podcast of a sermon from her church and as I listened, there was talk of becoming broken. Wait a minute…you’re probably wondering why someone would want to be broken, right? I mean, being broken HURTS. Being broken means you’re laying in a heap on the ground and you can’t do anything for yourself.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Ohhhh, BINGO!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>This kind of broken is Holy and Sacred. {GOD – Break Me So You Can Make Me!!!!} This kind of broken is the beginning toward a “cultivation” of one’s heart.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The dictionary definition(s) of cultivate are:</b></span></div>
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<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>to prepare and work on (as in tilling the land)</b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>to promote or improve the growth of</b></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>to care for, attend to</b></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>I love the analogy that was used in the sermon: how when the ground becomes so hard, it will not readily soak in life-giving water. Hard, dry, cracked earth resists that which it so desperately needs.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>And so it is with us. We harden our hearts to God and in so doing we become resistant to the “water from Heaven” that He so desperately wants to shower down on us.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>But, He knows what it will take in order to get us to start soaking it in. He knows that, like the earth, our hearts must be worked, must be broken, must be tilled up from the depths of our darkness. And at that moment is when we can begin our process of cultivation.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Our hearts begin to be alive again. The life-giving water seeps into every broken piece and softens it. The broken, jagged edges begin to shift and move together to form fertile soil.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>And the result? Nothing less than miraculous…</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We grow</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We experience unsurpassed joy</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We know Love – not fleeting love – “Capital L” L-O-V-E!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>If you’re feeling crumpled and laying on the ground; if you’re in a place where you don’t have the ability to get back up; REJOICE! Yes, I said rejoice…praise God, because you are in the exact place you need to be in order for him to MAKE YOU!!!</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Open your arms wide in praise. Open your mouth in song to Him. Allow Him to rain down on you and refresh you to the depths of your soul.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Isaiah 55:10-13</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>As the rain and the snow </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>come down from heaven, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and do not return to it </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>without watering the earth </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and making it bud and flourish, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>so is my word that goes out from my mouth: </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>It will not return to me empty, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>but will accomplish what I desire </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>You will go out in joy </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and be led forth in peace; </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>the mountains and hills </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>will burst into song before you, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and all the trees of the field </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>will clap their hands. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>Instead of the thorn bush will grow the juniper, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>This will be for the LORD’s renown, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>for an everlasting sign, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i>that will endure forever.</i></b></span></div>
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Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-40885792842958968192011-06-12T16:01:00.000-05:002011-06-12T16:01:11.885-05:00Do You Hear What I Hear?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWudOS12si4sVd07DZdgImVKj20PthwntmxRqent72FG-jt4NYlQXiWLwthfiEZdxxDvr2hRjAkjVAINaoHN-Yc7xm47CmYtGO6j6XGLvauNiuhlLjh-ajmyvrS6CJZdWeAfJoCMYaw1ln/s1600/block-out-noise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWudOS12si4sVd07DZdgImVKj20PthwntmxRqent72FG-jt4NYlQXiWLwthfiEZdxxDvr2hRjAkjVAINaoHN-Yc7xm47CmYtGO6j6XGLvauNiuhlLjh-ajmyvrS6CJZdWeAfJoCMYaw1ln/s200/block-out-noise.jpg" width="166" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>In our busy world, we are inundated with noise. Hundreds of noises constantly move through our lives and we’ve become so used to it all we hardly notice it.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Cars, airplanes, computers, telephones, the background buzz and whir of a multitude of electronics and appliances. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Not to mention all the inner noise running through our heads - the self conversations of to do lists, of what-ifs, the should-haves and the broken dreams that we re-live over and over.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>It’s no wonder so many in this world are lost and not able to hear the voice of God, including many Christians. We often don’t stop long enough to even wonder if any of what we are hearing is from God.</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Sometimes I close my eyes and imagine what it must have been like before God breathed our world into existence. My imagination hears the soft swish of wind as He moves about. And I imagine after each day of the creation perhaps a little more sound, but still all very gentle. </b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>The soft and flowing sound of running streams; the hushed breezes blowing through the trees; and when He created man, the soft padding of their bare feet as they meandered through the garden.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgis6r6KNJfEh50txGs4p00vdxVSLhcAC7rhpoyADr4NkPFJ7oRdmTsMc1w4RbG-5X4xD_WiL-4anrmw9rWIOJz5PGidaWIrcTYPiUYtDnGe8K4Tzf6-3Nr-KQTJicDI20KdBVJBdCqUp/s1600/Garden+of+Eden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><b><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJgis6r6KNJfEh50txGs4p00vdxVSLhcAC7rhpoyADr4NkPFJ7oRdmTsMc1w4RbG-5X4xD_WiL-4anrmw9rWIOJz5PGidaWIrcTYPiUYtDnGe8K4Tzf6-3Nr-KQTJicDI20KdBVJBdCqUp/s1600/Garden+of+Eden.jpg" /></b></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>How beautifully serene it all must have been. So pure and unpolluted and melodic. Nothing to numb the senses to the gifts that God had bestowed. He didn’t have to be sought out among a thousand other things. His miraculous beauty was in and on and around everything.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Today, when we do find Him – truly sit with Him, listen, learn, love and give thanksgiving – it’s rarely (if ever) among the noise and busy-ness of our days. To truly love Him and give him thanks requires us to stop (even if it’s only for a few seconds). It requires us to slow down, to rest. And that’s when we are able to see the good of it all.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Think about it…even God himself did not create the world in just a few seconds with the snap of his majestic fingers – He could have, but He did not. The Bible tells us each day He created…he stopped…he looked…he saw that it was good…and He rested. He took time to enjoy each step of the process. (Genesis 1:1-31)</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>I believe that is how He also intended us to enjoy what He so carefully created for us. To stop, to look, to see that it is good, and to rest in Him with praise and thanksgiving. When we do not, we miss out on the miracles He has set in our path. We lose out on the joy of the moment because we are trying so hard to get to the next step – often before we even consider if that step is from Him or if it’s “man-made”.</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>I recently read a book (<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/one-thousand-gifts-book/">One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp</a>) that introduced me to the word <u>Eucharisteo</u>. It is Greek in origin, and means to be grateful, feel thankful or to give thanks. The author states a simple and profound truth:</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>"Eucharisteo always precedes the miracle."</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>But to get to Eucharisteo, we must slow down. This is the only way we will see all the beauty in our lives. Even the things that don’t SEEM beautiful (laundry, fighting kids, lovers who break our hearts), to stop and look at those things and offer thanksgiving to Him…that is the only way to get to the miracle.</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><u>Thank you, Father</u></b>, for water and soap to clean our clothes so we are comfortable.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~~~~~~~~</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><u>Thank you, Father</u></b>, for these children with healthy minds and bodies.</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>~~~~~~~~</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><u>Thank you, Father</u></b>, for the opportunity to have loved.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>And when you see these things as blessings, when you hear His “still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12) as you stop to give your thanksgiving, even for the very breath you are now breathing…</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>He will speak to you. </b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>He will fill you.</b></i></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>He will show you real love. </b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>His words will block out all the other noise of the world in that moment. And you will know the miracle of hearing the Living God.</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</b></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #93c47d;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">I</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">saiah 30:15</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6aa84f;">You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.</span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ffd966;">–Isaiah 26:3</span></i></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-27428663622381673092011-02-06T17:46:00.000-06:002011-02-06T17:46:21.740-06:00Thrifting as Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvduXurK2vKNOK94c2t0kGZylGizO8N07behL0dYFPtTJMcJdZhveqviOGFpV07_2A_Ul4I4Qht3WnkvKspEpIU808xKLNFelN9R1i4pPznb7xMQwzaMV5_Rn2m67w_4TOKWTF2b6WDH_/s1600/stretch-dollar-content.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgvduXurK2vKNOK94c2t0kGZylGizO8N07behL0dYFPtTJMcJdZhveqviOGFpV07_2A_Ul4I4Qht3WnkvKspEpIU808xKLNFelN9R1i4pPznb7xMQwzaMV5_Rn2m67w_4TOKWTF2b6WDH_/s320/stretch-dollar-content.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>In my younger years, I spent my shopping days in the “upper end” malls in Dallas, sweeping through stores like Macy’s and Neiman Marcus. I didn’t give much thought to paying $50.00 for a t-shirt with a designer’s name on it. It’s amazing what time, maturity, and lack of money can do to a person.</em></strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I have recently been <span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: small;">{briefly}</span> introduced to the world of thrifting. During conversation, several of my friends have revealed that the darling clothes they are sporting are actually - *gasp* - thrift finds! WHAT?! Stores like <a href="http://www.goodwill.org/">Goodwill</a>, <a href="http://www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/www_sa.nsf">Salvation Army</a>, and <a href="http://www.savers.com/">Savers</a> are apparently all chock FULL of amazing deals!</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Now, I haven’t quite mastered the entire art of thrifting, but I think I’m on the right path. My first outing produced 5 items for $20. Here is what I picked up today:</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Purple Cardigan</span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">(it's sooooo soft!) - $5.99</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBkrutANTmvt-cYXnqGh5NinjTKX2nNZZPhGTLAfqmrRMMRUWHIc0Jxr3Upres0ThJ5vA-oPsN7q-YefP6QlYsPD7Y04rpcDDMEJmMtR60L6H3rIZ9ZvczC31x0tg9LZnhMXIfrrFfias/s1600/IMG_2075.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBkrutANTmvt-cYXnqGh5NinjTKX2nNZZPhGTLAfqmrRMMRUWHIc0Jxr3Upres0ThJ5vA-oPsN7q-YefP6QlYsPD7Y04rpcDDMEJmMtR60L6H3rIZ9ZvczC31x0tg9LZnhMXIfrrFfias/s320/IMG_2075.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;"></span></em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Yellow Cardigan</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>(look at the cute sleeve details!) - $4.99</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eAtGaGn_4xYGmi6H93aGegHvbiCmoO8SU6H7X3oPdzRLaqldvWRZ202FEUCKWLwrpfr3Nu0kD68ETxbJ4DewS_vtTrt6yJ1jtIoUcaGBXIF6Nap-Ri6UqWOeGWvLoN6-4UijrEUufuHg/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6eAtGaGn_4xYGmi6H93aGegHvbiCmoO8SU6H7X3oPdzRLaqldvWRZ202FEUCKWLwrpfr3Nu0kD68ETxbJ4DewS_vtTrt6yJ1jtIoUcaGBXIF6Nap-Ri6UqWOeGWvLoN6-4UijrEUufuHg/s320/IMG_2077.JPG" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-vUmKo5haq0nJAVkd6U1UABP4lIKxhZYRne4Amke3y_agg3CVKS27mMWtBq8Ti0JgiAHVIj-HWKoBT668ZBOyH0eyJOOblVQ3C5aL06K9AhQkEVeXpv-gg7lqYNeq4FAtr8xJDAI2qiU/s1600/IMG_2078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-vUmKo5haq0nJAVkd6U1UABP4lIKxhZYRne4Amke3y_agg3CVKS27mMWtBq8Ti0JgiAHVIj-HWKoBT668ZBOyH0eyJOOblVQ3C5aL06K9AhQkEVeXpv-gg7lqYNeq4FAtr8xJDAI2qiU/s320/IMG_2078.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Multi-colored knit top - $3.99</em></strong></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rgjj8wQKkC0jeRYZIR-brDhO5_Fq_Ib4a6k3PpYylRtlTplPaYePQp2KZ-v73RGOoLZ0N9E15RqegeSwmhrUeSqfDs200eYnsBWCyUlOmpEYRVX2y61jD3lKQemXg0b91x6MjPhCrGWf/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_rgjj8wQKkC0jeRYZIR-brDhO5_Fq_Ib4a6k3PpYylRtlTplPaYePQp2KZ-v73RGOoLZ0N9E15RqegeSwmhrUeSqfDs200eYnsBWCyUlOmpEYRVX2y61jD3lKQemXg0b91x6MjPhCrGWf/s320/IMG_2079.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Teal Knit Cami - $2.99</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbfP_kn7_Hz4JwCU64ujKsvilV5qtiHdFZZS1fqunFrpKMmFrJd0ti8PGIOfJZKyEFjflJHFe80O_V3IitcsgwdlyC28TBu4MKuEgyn9Suy89la-SKLvGckZmpbLyzc91TcbTI9MZ0ZOe/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxbfP_kn7_Hz4JwCU64ujKsvilV5qtiHdFZZS1fqunFrpKMmFrJd0ti8PGIOfJZKyEFjflJHFe80O_V3IitcsgwdlyC28TBu4MKuEgyn9Suy89la-SKLvGckZmpbLyzc91TcbTI9MZ0ZOe/s320/IMG_2080.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">And last but not least...</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">Silver Bead & Wire Earrings - $2.99</span></em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qqYquarfUz3ghex3uqy1qGlde2dm478dIpzO4Z6ZpkWhmltQOhK1E-gvc7tBXF8nE1djPdRpDGT0xzDiJlU6Pom39bVSh0P1hWp6BclQHG-xvlgI79-AVzCQRb3C_io9SCxXODTacySB/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7qqYquarfUz3ghex3uqy1qGlde2dm478dIpzO4Z6ZpkWhmltQOhK1E-gvc7tBXF8nE1djPdRpDGT0xzDiJlU6Pom39bVSh0P1hWp6BclQHG-xvlgI79-AVzCQRb3C_io9SCxXODTacySB/s320/IMG_2084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>My friend Nikki over at <a href="http://www.thebeautybargainista.com/">The Beauty Bargainista</a> – now this girl knows how to work it! She would have gone on a day when items were half off and gotten twice as much. And used a coupon to boot! Go check out her blog (click link above). She has tips on fashion and make-up, and right now she’s doing this really cool challenge called the “30 for 30 Remix”.</em></strong></span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>As for me, I am absolutely thrilled with my purchases, and I think I have now found a new obsession!</em></strong></span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Do you thrift shop? What is your favorite place to go?</em></strong></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-125256698721354882011-01-26T20:19:00.000-06:002011-01-26T20:19:03.107-06:00The Sound of Silence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWahAqYLWBrFBHBcIbb2eiaR4wkm-Tz_sl2mjzATtKNy3_qendzMlz3rqOn5BoMYtndwN2Q9I9GcZ3RzqTm4SuNH0mx0aP86iCu7zm0q20y6HXJj2vbZkdRQ1X5TCf3_-ADWOLaiix0Dr/s1600/Godlight.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSWahAqYLWBrFBHBcIbb2eiaR4wkm-Tz_sl2mjzATtKNy3_qendzMlz3rqOn5BoMYtndwN2Q9I9GcZ3RzqTm4SuNH0mx0aP86iCu7zm0q20y6HXJj2vbZkdRQ1X5TCf3_-ADWOLaiix0Dr/s200/Godlight.JPG" width="171" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I breathe in….</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> …and out…</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> </em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> …in…</em></strong></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> …and out…</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>In the silence, I can feel the soft beating of my heart…hear the slight whoosh in my ears as I sit here in this place I’ve called home for so long now.</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>It’s times like this when so many memories fill my head.</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>It’s times like this when I begin to reflect on my life, remembering the good, the bad, and the terribly ugly.</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>It’s times like this when regret sets in…</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>…when shame hovers dark and heavy…</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>…when loneliness taunts from every shadowy corner…</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>…when tears brim and eventually spill…</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>…a heart wrenches and a soul cries out “why?”…</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>And in the silence, through the tears...</em></strong></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>over the sound of the heart that is breaking…</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I hear His small, still voice…</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: small;">{“I’m here”}</span> – my breath catches</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: small;">{“I always have been”}</span> – I am humbled</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: small;">{“I love you”}</span> – my heart leaps</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: small;">{“I always have”}</span> – I believe</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #93c47d; font-size: small;">{“I always will”}</span> – and now the tears are those of joy</em></strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>With every wrong turn I make, he puts another turn in front of me, steering me back in the right direction – gently prodding me and guiding me.</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” ~~Isaiah 30:21</em></strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>I feel His strong and gentle arms wrap around all of me…</em></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Heart</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> Mind</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> Body</em></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> Soul</em></strong></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>In the silence, I am in awe that He could love me…a sinner of the worst kind…and yet I have a knowing in this wildly beating heart of mine that, like King David, He sees me as a (wo)man after His own heart. It gives me cause to bow down in thanksgiving, here in this quiet place where it’s just me and Him.</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart. ~~</em></strong></span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>1 Samuel 16:7</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The sound of silence is the small, still voice…His voice…</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Listen...</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>He’s calling your name…</em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-49324314432072225452011-01-22T13:22:00.001-06:002011-01-22T17:16:20.119-06:00Walking On Sunshine<div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFukJoYstBeS5I1aVbAWDODpwYvcS7KSvpwVAIeEgKlCH0RJ-xJlPWSEu2YZSWRLG9Uh3_SblwDoJevQI-gaHeE7qLGLP_9lSuDu2-T_mtLS9SMNwKcHlOimOYYO3SYD8UAX4mbOkvKyY/s1600/sunshine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><img border="0" height="150" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglFukJoYstBeS5I1aVbAWDODpwYvcS7KSvpwVAIeEgKlCH0RJ-xJlPWSEu2YZSWRLG9Uh3_SblwDoJevQI-gaHeE7qLGLP_9lSuDu2-T_mtLS9SMNwKcHlOimOYYO3SYD8UAX4mbOkvKyY/s200/sunshine.JPG" width="200" /></em></strong></span></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Ahhhhhh... bright, beautiful, warm sunshine! After several days of cloudy, cold, windy days and bone-chilling nights here in Central Texas, I woke up this morning to a glorious sight - the sun was out in full glory. The sky a crystal clear blue. It took all that I had to not go outside and hoop and holler a chorus of hallelujah's to the heavens (I did so rather quietly in my bed while still tucked under the covers, lest the neighbors think I had completely lost my mind).</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>It is true, there are some real dangers to sun exposure, but I am truly saddened that the sun has been made to be some kind of "monster". As with many other things potentially dangerous, moderation is the key. There are so many wonderful benefits of sunshine that have been pushed aside and forgotten. Scientists and doctors seem bent on scaring us all to stay into the dark caves of our homes and offices out of fear of what "might" happen to us if a little bit of sun touched our skin.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Below are some wonderful benefits of enjoying the sun, but first I want to point out that God made the sun - and God does not create "bad" things. The sun is SO important that God made it in what is known as the very first day!!!</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Genesis 1:1-5 says: </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Did you catch that? It says "God saw that the light was <u>good</u>..." That alone is enough to convince me that the sun is not my enemy!</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>But for those who need a little more prompting, keep reading!</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>A daily dose of sunshine enhances your immune system. It increases the number of white blood cells in your blood, and helps them to fight in destroying germs better. </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sunshine encourages healthy circulation, and stimulates the production of more red blood cells which, in turn, increases the oxygen in your blood.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Got the blues? One of the major benefits of sunlight is that it soothes your nerves and boosts your mood by increasing the production of endorphins and serotonin in your brain.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Getting enough sunlight during the day can help you sleep better at night. Exposure to natural light during the day increases your melatonin output at night. Melatonin is a natural hormone made by our bodies that enhances sleep and slows down the aging process. </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sunlight helps to balance out your hormones. Some studies show it may even help to relieve certain symptoms of PMS (can I hear a good Amen?!)</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Sunlight helps your body convert a form of cholesterol that is present in your skin into vitamin D. This results in lower blood cholesterol levels.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>~~~~~~~~</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em><span style="color: #ffd966;">And of course, a definite plus is that sunshine gives you a healthy looking complexion. It will make your skin smooth with an irresistible healthy glow.</span> </em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em> So, get on out there and catch a few rays! Yes, be wise and take necessary precautions so that you don't over-do it. Remember, the sun is not your enemy - it is the source of life and growth for us and all the earth. Go enjoy it!</em></strong></span> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglu21HdlESc1pKCp56bnz9ril_u5S0KbGDlcqi3V2wxvTaA3y6GLrNQ-HS63S4QXt1GTKe935duFe94Y85AHeM1HNfxhD64Z0i-A1DYa9ZFW5Koi6nENfwulfZLuE9ZSa_xo7vqbRAuI9/s1600/sun+enjoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglu21HdlESc1pKCp56bnz9ril_u5S0KbGDlcqi3V2wxvTaA3y6GLrNQ-HS63S4QXt1GTKe935duFe94Y85AHeM1HNfxhD64Z0i-A1DYa9ZFW5Koi6nENfwulfZLuE9ZSa_xo7vqbRAuI9/s320/sun+enjoy.jpg" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong><em></em></strong></span>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-59360674231793997922011-01-15T11:56:00.012-06:002011-01-19T12:21:29.251-06:00One Word<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEpnGpDdBHEzFH4mriQQ-Jy-7jyjIGVtUbL7ruEfk5rx523FHf0f-LnLamjMXgvjbM38BK7T9w1o98cgBz_abVicHfnOAwcZe9yH_Gik_1l3M-eFePQUhkT_zDeoADSnRsrymkMf8qHbq/s1600/resolution+list.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em><img border="0" height="135" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUEpnGpDdBHEzFH4mriQQ-Jy-7jyjIGVtUbL7ruEfk5rx523FHf0f-LnLamjMXgvjbM38BK7T9w1o98cgBz_abVicHfnOAwcZe9yH_Gik_1l3M-eFePQUhkT_zDeoADSnRsrymkMf8qHbq/s200/resolution+list.jpg" width="200" /></em></span></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>There’s a lot of talk this time of year about “resolutions”. We make our lists and we resolve to improve our lives in these areas. For some, the list is only a couple of items; for others the list seems endless. It can be overwhelming, and often by February those lists have already been long forgotten in the tangle of daily life.</em></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.myoneword.org%22%20target=%22_blank%22%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://myoneword.org/wp-content/themes/mowv3/images/banners/mow_banner3_120x240.jpg%22%20width=%22120%22%20height=%22240%22%20border=%220%22%3E%3C/a%3E" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqMHKmlD4XOB50zxxzPJMX7b08fE_xZzF2fBJ9VHEayL-FCGRRVG25GtNRpXinamnEFmp-kBJPO2zwbhlHjRdRWdglLyK0lyygWnBIcriBIRK3RGr00DqxB7-NvCXVHtyTiR7ROQoLytd/s200/my+one+word+banner.jpg" width="100" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><em>I have stumbled upon and embraced a new concept recently – an “un-resolution”, if you will. I heard about it from a friend on Facebook first, and then again on a national radio station that I listen to every day. It’s called “My One Word” (click<strong> </strong><a href="http://myoneword.org/">here</a> </em></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>to go to the website and check it out for yourself).</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I realize that not all of my readers are Christians; some of you may not even consider faith to be a part of your life. Don’t let that deter you from thoroughly checking this out (although there’s nothing better, in my opinion, than getting to know our Creator and Savior). The principle of this concept can be used by anyone.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>It is going to take some time – a little work – a lot of thinking. Don’t sit down and just pick any old word. Think forward. Think about how you would like to see your life – see yourself – at the end of this year.</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I don’t want to give too much more detail here. I really want you to go to the website, read through and follow the instructions. </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>And then…</em></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>come back here, share your word in the comments section and how/why you came to choose that word. If you have a scripture verse/quote that goes along with it, please share that as well. </em></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>And now, you ask, what is MY word? My word is…</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-large;"><em>~~~RELEASE~~~</em></span></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>I chose this word because it is time for me to truly release the past – all the hurts, all the mistakes, everything. To release it from my own hands, to toss it all up to the heavens and to let God have it all. I realized that I cannot move forward until I have completely let go of the past. I am hindering myself in the work He has for me by clinging to the past. My ultimate goal by the end of this year is to be a free woman -free from the bondage of my past -so that I can live the life that I was meant to live all along for Him.</em></span> <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEgVUTVu7aVv0J_e9u7VngMmlnB94tM2Dpb-PHgC_22ANeti3TgB7DLKr_sQKvpu5QjxGYmEKdjjx5II7osZ7lTDzmcXdPbREvFPJyD1wcYFWlkSrGt94lxZp-XzJRsR7iQAtSp9Tcvmu/s1600/worship1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEgVUTVu7aVv0J_e9u7VngMmlnB94tM2Dpb-PHgC_22ANeti3TgB7DLKr_sQKvpu5QjxGYmEKdjjx5II7osZ7lTDzmcXdPbREvFPJyD1wcYFWlkSrGt94lxZp-XzJRsR7iQAtSp9Tcvmu/s200/worship1.bmp" width="200" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>My scripture verse:</em></span></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."</em></span><br />
<em><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia; font-size: large;">~~Matthew 6:33</span></em></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em></em></span><br />
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</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><span style="font-size: large;">Wishing all of you a very happy 2011. I hope you all find what you are seeking - because we are all seeking - and I pray that by the end of this year (and all throughout) that you will be blessed with the knowing that you are loved.</span></em></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896400951457309008.post-38142118430901253772011-01-11T20:25:00.000-06:002011-01-11T20:25:39.327-06:00Someone's Baby<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>This.....</em></strong></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PbLHYiHvVbaQ_PBo2Z7jYzoJW4ygZO4k8xgSP-MnP66eHVgkDOrbgeCabWh9Tvq4ZLZoG9NnAw_EWHK6RD26niZVTChyphenhyphenj3yIH-r-QVzrBYRNoD6InOP0radSVT3K1yCdii0yEYzIQak7/s1600/gianna+gessen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9PbLHYiHvVbaQ_PBo2Z7jYzoJW4ygZO4k8xgSP-MnP66eHVgkDOrbgeCabWh9Tvq4ZLZoG9NnAw_EWHK6RD26niZVTChyphenhyphenj3yIH-r-QVzrBYRNoD6InOP0radSVT3K1yCdii0yEYzIQak7/s200/gianna+gessen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>...is someone's baby. Her mother tried to abort her, and she lived to tell about it. You can read her story <a href="http://www.giannajessen.com/"><strong><em>here</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> And you can help stop abortion. What will you do?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>This....</em></strong></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusN711wc3jJ7N4DGAoIaFqZ8K9emqPonh0yn3wYy4DdyG6lrCZtFlzqBpMA7IccpjuhbKRzRvXf-_zRVYocxOftzBvRWGRqP33cyaOdxbroyy_vo5kG3Bp2CUEE4YKpZZjWoJKWE5TxjU/s1600/abused.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgusN711wc3jJ7N4DGAoIaFqZ8K9emqPonh0yn3wYy4DdyG6lrCZtFlzqBpMA7IccpjuhbKRzRvXf-_zRVYocxOftzBvRWGRqP33cyaOdxbroyy_vo5kG3Bp2CUEE4YKpZZjWoJKWE5TxjU/s1600/abused.jpg" /></a></div><br />
...is someone's baby. She has just been<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="http://www.stopfamilyviolence.org/"><strong><em>beaten by someone</em></strong></a> who said they loved her. You can help stop family violence. What will you do?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>This...</em></strong></span></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwXtkSiqRE9XE6Yo2DmMoNyoHUcV8exj_PNNLfJLDoQ_dsLqoWFwO-JLbLiH9kd9ZYXGKRyYIcSi9dtyzIMoZPXGlNsDqmGxykzxLw2DDnpJy1KRo2631wrI684ETn3R2BuKK6mntnOHQ/s1600/child+soldier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmwXtkSiqRE9XE6Yo2DmMoNyoHUcV8exj_PNNLfJLDoQ_dsLqoWFwO-JLbLiH9kd9ZYXGKRyYIcSi9dtyzIMoZPXGlNsDqmGxykzxLw2DDnpJy1KRo2631wrI684ETn3R2BuKK6mntnOHQ/s320/child+soldier.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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...is someone's baby. He was taken from his home at 8 years old and made to watch while strangers killed and mutilated his family. You can help stop child trafficking for <a href="http://www.invisiblechildren.com/about"><strong><em>purposes of war</em></strong></a>. What will you do?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>These...</em></strong></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWsrTE2v2BRXlFyYnrO5Hv7BdmloNte34zNPWuqlcxEcHBES_UlzwNCmRdUCjOpZ4tayA0ZUycgvuj8jBA-shaFFthSq28GCdBWSNsvJM_Jxb5C1ASOR7ZgUDL30hC8Gfg6fA3Cnu-THZ/s1600/sex+slaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWsrTE2v2BRXlFyYnrO5Hv7BdmloNte34zNPWuqlcxEcHBES_UlzwNCmRdUCjOpZ4tayA0ZUycgvuj8jBA-shaFFthSq28GCdBWSNsvJM_Jxb5C1ASOR7ZgUDL30hC8Gfg6fA3Cnu-THZ/s320/sex+slaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...are someone's babies. Some were told they would be given a better life. A career, money, love. Instead, they spend their days and nights servicing male clients - sometimes 12 or more in a day's time. Some were promised nothing, only forced to do the unthinkable. You can help stop human trafficking for the<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="http://www.sctnow.org/"><strong><em>purposes of sex slavery</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> What will you do?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong><em>This...</em></strong></span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC36w-l9neXvB1xkr7zM18HaBOJutv51Jk5fXJAF5YQS1_nAS8ziy7VayO58-D9rk2wHAPfzee6AdWdm9pwvMvV-947bjBeX1OTERjgQbrxXyWNL1NpRJ_ZPIq921GIJFqJToktHCXQAE/s1600/homeless+woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLC36w-l9neXvB1xkr7zM18HaBOJutv51Jk5fXJAF5YQS1_nAS8ziy7VayO58-D9rk2wHAPfzee6AdWdm9pwvMvV-947bjBeX1OTERjgQbrxXyWNL1NpRJ_ZPIq921GIJFqJToktHCXQAE/s320/homeless+woman.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
...is someone's baby. Her pillow is made of cold hard concrete, and she spends her days feeling worthless and ashamed as she begs for money or food from strangers who often don't even acknowledge her presence. You can help<strong><em> </em></strong><a href="http://www.endhomelessness.org/"><strong><em>stop homelessness</em></strong></a><strong><em>.</em></strong> What will you do?<br />
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Each of us individually is not able to do {<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>everything</strong></span>}; but each of us is able to do {<span style="color: #6aa84f;"><strong>something</strong></span>}. What will you do? I pray that you will look around you at everything you have been blessed with. I pray that you will fall on your knees in thanksgiving. And I pray that you will then get up off your knees and go out into to the world and <strong><em>DO SOMETHING</em></strong>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>"Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>Matthew 25:40</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #93c47d; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">~~~~~</span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>We love because he first loved us.</em></strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong><em>1 John 4:19</em></strong></span></div>Dorishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219263772197634980noreply@blogger.com5