tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44834021430120307842024-02-19T23:27:35.807-06:00To Bloom or Not To BloomWhat is a life if it is not shared? Laughing, crying, sharing, and ministering to others are the goals of this conversation. To share a little of what I am learning along the way in hopes that my life will be a tool to help others along their way. Blessings!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-76649395556130568672012-06-07T22:21:00.001-05:002012-06-07T23:02:57.589-05:00Don't Worry.... Be Happy<div style="color: #444444; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Followed by whistling and Jamaican beats... This was a favorite song of mine many years ago. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">"Here is a little song I wrote
<br />You might want to sing it note for note
<br />Don't worry be happy
<br />In every life we have some trouble
<br />When you worry you make it double
<br />Don't worry, be happy......"</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"> source: <a href="http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/dontworrybehappylyrics.html">http://www.lyricsondemand.com/onehitwonders/dontworrybehappylyrics.html</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">However fun the song is, it does have some Biblical truth to it. Matthew 6:25-34 tells us that we have no reason for worry.... unless....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-6-25"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">25<i> </i></sup><i>“Therefore I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what
you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than
clothes?</i></span></span><i> <span class="text Matt-6-26" id="en-NIV-23309"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? </span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-27" id="en-NIV-23310"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?</span></span><span class="text Matt-6-28" id="en-NIV-23311"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum"> 28 </sup>“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-29" id="en-NIV-23312"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-30" id="en-NIV-23313"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and
tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you
of little faith? </span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-31" id="en-NIV-23314"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">31 </sup>So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’</span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-32" id="en-NIV-23315"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">32 </sup>For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. </span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-33" id="en-NIV-23316"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">33 </sup>But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. </span></span> <span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">34 </sup>Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">Unless.... unless we are seeing ourselves as the source of provision for the needs in our lives, <i>then</i> we have reason to worry. In Sarah Young's devotional <b>Jesus Calling</b>, she writes, "Who is in charge of your life? If it is you, then you have good reason to worry." What does worry do? Worry about anything only causes stress in our lives, and it takes our vision off of God and places it onto our problem, our lack, our fear. The Bible clearly states that there is no fear in love. And since God IS Love, then there can be no fear in him. When we put God as priority in our lives and we place our dependence on him then perfect love casts out all fear. (1 John 4:18) </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Matt-6-34" id="en-NIV-23317"><span class="woj">In Max Lucado's book <b>Max on Life</b>, he answers a reader question about if it was ok to ask God daily for the necessities that we must have to make it through each day. To him he quoted Luke 11:3 </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;">“Give us each day our daily bread” from the Lord's prayer. He assured the reader that not only does God promise to provide our needs but that it is ok to ask God about it also. Then he ends by saying, "</span><span style="font-size: small;">So don’t worry; be prayerful. God has something wonderful for us baking in the oven. Can you smell it?"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This MUST be a point that God is making sure I hear loud and clear this week, because I have seen this theme repeated in nearly every devotion, scripture and sermon I have read/heard in the last 48 hours. Even when picking a random sermon to listen to yesterday as I got ready for the day, Pastor Robert Morris was speaking about Jehovah Jireh... "God our PROVIDER."</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">SO, okay God... I hear you. You will provide. The job... the finances... the food... the clothes... the shelter... the wisdom... the peace. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I listed more scriptures below that talk about God's provision. </span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Habakkuk
2:1, 3</span></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
will climb my watchtower now, and wait to see what answer God will
give to my complaint.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">But
these things I plan won't happen right away. Slowly, steadily,
surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it
seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to
pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Psalms
4:8</b> (NLV)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
will lie down in peace and sleep, for though I am alone, Oh Lord, you
will keep me safe.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Philippians
4:11-13</b> (NLV)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not
that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to get along happily
whether I have much or little. I know how to live on almost nothing
or with everything. I have learned the secret of contentment in every
situation, whether it be a full stomach or hunger, plenty, or want;
for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ Who
gives me the strength and power.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Psalms
37:8-1</b>1 (NLV)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Stop
your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don't fret and worry - it only leads
to harm. For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the
Lord shall be given every blessing. Only a little while and the
wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain. But all who
humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing, and
shall have wonderful peace.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Proverbs
3:5-6</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(MSG)</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Trust
God from the bottom of your heart; <br /> don't try to
figure out everything on your own.<br />Listen for God's voice in
everything you do, everywhere you go; <br /> he's the
one who will keep you on track.<br />Don't assume that you know it all.
<br /> Run to God! Run from evil!<br />Your body will
glow with health, <br /> your very bones will vibrate
with life!<br />Honor God with everything you own; <br /> give
him the first and the best.<br />Your barns will burst, <br /> your
wine vats will brim over.<br />But don't, dear friend, resent God's
discipline; <br /> don't sulk under his loving
correction.<br />It's the child he loves that God corrects; <br /> a
father's delight is behind all this. </span></span></span>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4483402143012030784" name="en-AMP-26694"></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">John
14:27</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(AMP) Peace I leave with you; My [own]
peace I now give </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>and</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
bequeath to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let
your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. [Stop allowing
yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves
to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.]</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Philippians
4:6-7</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(MSG) Don't fret or worry. Instead of
worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into
prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense
of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come
and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ
displaces worry at the center of your life. </span></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4483402143012030784" name="en-MSG-6218"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4483402143012030784" name="en-MSG-6219"></a>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm
34:17-18</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(MSG)17 Is anyone crying for help? </span><span style="font-size: small;">God</span><span style="font-size: small;">
is listening, ready to rescue you. 18 If your
heart is broken, you'll find </span><span style="font-size: small;">God</span><span style="font-size: small;">
right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch
your breath. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Hebrews
13:5-7</b> (NLV) Stay away from the love of money; be satisfied
with what you have. For God has said, "I will never, never fail
you nor forsake you." That is why we can say without any doubt
or fear, "The Lord is my Helper and I am not afraid of anything
that mere man can do to me." Remember your leaders who have
taught you the Word of God. Think of all the good that has come from
their lives, and try to trust the Lord as they do.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Deuteronomy
31:6</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(MSG)</span> <span style="font-size: small;">"Be strong.
Take courage. Don't be intimidated. Don't give them a second thought
because </span><span style="font-size: small;">God</span><span style="font-size: small;">, your God, is
striding ahead of you. He's right there with you. He won't let you
down; he won't leave you." </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Isaiah
26:3-4</b> (NLV) He will keep in perfect peace all those who trust
in Him, whose thoughts turn often to the Lord! Trust in the Lord
always, for in the Lord, Jehovah, is your everlasting strength.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Isaiah
41:13-14</b> (NLV) I am holding you by your right hand - I, the
Lord your God - and I say to you, don't be afraid; I am here to help
you. Despised though you are, fear not, Oh Israel; for I will help
you. I am the Lord, your Redeemer; I am the Holy One of Israel.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Psalm
112:6-8</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(NIRV)</span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
will always be secure. </span> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Those
who do what is right will be remembered forever. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
aren't afraid when bad news comes. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">They
stand firm because they trust in the Lord. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their
hearts are secure. They aren't afraid. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the end they will see their enemies destroyed. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Isaiah
41:10</b> (NLV) Fear not, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed. I
am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold
you with My victorious right hand.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">1
Peter 5:7</span></b> <span style="font-size: small;">(AMP)</span><sup><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">Casting
the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all
your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares for you
affectionately </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>and</i></span><span style="font-size: small;">
cares about you watchfully. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4483402143012030784" name="en-CEB-30598"></a><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS,cursive;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>1
John 4:18</b> (CEB) There is no fear in love, but perfect love
drives out fear, because fear expects punishment. The person who is
afraid has not been made perfect in love.</span></span></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-76835550547446479092012-06-05T22:30:00.001-05:002012-06-05T22:30:37.557-05:00The Applause of the Storm<div style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Have you ever been sitting in church and suddenly been swept away into another mental realm? For example, when your driving in your car, the same route over and over, and one day you start off to work and suddenly you arrive and you realize, "I don't really remember driving here. How did I get here so quickly? Did I drive past the school? the Sonic? Starbucks??" It's like our bodies take over and drive that same familiar route, but our mind is completely somewhere else. Our bodies follow the habit, but our minds are distracted and maybe, simply bored. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">I hate to admit it, but that is where I found myself in church this past Sunday.... driving along in habit, singing the songs, but my mind was totally somewhere else. Please understand that has no reflection whatsoever on the worship team that was leading... it was just me. I just couldn't seem to get mentally in tune with the worship. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Until, something kind of strange happened.... I heard rain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was the kind of rain that you would imagine pouring from the sky in great drops onto the concrete. The sound was unmistakable. I have heard it hundreds of times in my life. My first thought was "How strange. It was very sunny when I walked in just a few minutes ago." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then I realized very quickly, it was not rain, but the sound of people clapping after the worship song had just ended. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Immediately this thought came into my head, "if you keep quiet, even the rocks will cry out." (John 19:40) I was suddenly amazed at how the sound of applause and the sound of rain hitting the ground sounded so similar. Creation naturally praises its Creator! </span><span style="color: white; font-size: small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="chapter-2"><span class="text Ps-19-1">"The heavens keep telling </span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"></span><span class="text Ps-19-1">the wonders of God,</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-1">and the skies declare</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-19-1">what he has done." Psalm 19:1</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-96-11" id="en-ASV-15477"><sup>"</sup>Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; Let the sea roar, and the fullness thereof;</span><span class="text Ps-96-12" id="en-ASV-15478"> Let the field exult, and all that is therein; Then shall all the trees of the wood sing for joy!" Psalm 96:11-12</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-148-3" id="en-CEB-16375">"Sun and moon, praise God!</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-3">All of you bright stars, praise God!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-4" id="en-CEB-16376"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>You highest heaven, praise God!</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-4"><b><i>Do the same, you waters that are above the sky!</i></b><sup> </sup></span></span><span class="text Ps-148-5" id="en-CEB-16377"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Let all of these praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s name</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-5">because God gave the command and they were created!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-6" id="en-CEB-16378"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>God set them in place always and forever.</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-6">God made a law that will not be broken.</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-7" id="en-CEB-16379"> Praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> from the earth,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-7">you sea monsters and all you ocean depths!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-8" id="en-CEB-16380"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Do the same, fire and hail, snow and smoke,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-8">stormy wind that does what God says!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-9" id="en-CEB-16381"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Do the same, you mountains, every single hill,</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-9">fruit trees, and every single cedar!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-10" id="en-CEB-16382"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Do the same, you animals—wild or tame—</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-10">you creatures that creep along and you birds that fly!" Psalm 148:3-10</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-148-10">I was immediately, mind and body, fully aware of where I was and what I should have been doing. Instead of allowing my mind to drift onto the worries and duties that surround me, basically ignoring the opportunity to enter into his presence, I needed to concentrate my mind on HIM. To worship HIM is to replace worry and doubt. To worship HIM is to enter into his presence. To worship HIM is to leave my mindless wanderings at the door and come in prepared to honor and glorify my Creator. Creation may cry out and worship Him, but not because I have failed to do so. In one accord, His creation will lift up praise unto HIS NAME. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Ps-148-12" id="en-CEB-16384">"Do the same, you young men—young women too! Y</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-148-12">ou who are old together with you who are young!</span></span><span class="text Ps-148-13" id="en-CEB-16385"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>Let all of these praise the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>’s name</span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-13">because only God’s name is high over all.</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-148-13">Only God’s majesty is over earth and heaven." Psalm 148:12-13</span></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-42743581022811142472012-05-16T22:05:00.000-05:002012-05-16T22:05:13.170-05:00Conversations with God<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">
My morning consisted of many activities, but one stands out above the rest. It is a conversation that I had with God. </div>
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I did as I do many days, I talk audibly to the open air in my house. I concentrate in prayer more easily when I talk out loud. I presented my laundry list of concerns and posed many questions about upcoming events in the near future. I reminded Him of imposing deadlines that would surely determine major events in the lives of whom I am held accountable. I reminded Him that many of these decisions could be very costly and involve many players. AND I reminded him again of the deadlines quickly approaching.... again. </div>
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Mind you, these are no small decisions and they have not risen overnight. After posing these issues to Him time and time again over the past year, I am beginning to wonder if my communication line is completely broken down. Surely, He knows that I have to have a job to support my family... that my landlord is awaiting my decision to stay or vacate and the only extension is another year lease... that my teacher certification is awaiting my enrollment in summer classes which is dependent on employment within a certified school... among many other issues that have to have answers within a couple of weeks.</div>
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I mean, I begin to wonder why I pose these issues to Him at all after sitting at the throne time and time again... I have actually heard myself saying... out loud... </div>
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"HEL-LO!!! Is this mic on??"</div>
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So, I stopped talking. I turned on my radio and this is exactly what I heard....</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><i style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">"Do you know where Jesus Christ is right now? The Bible says Jesus is in Heaven, and He lives today to make intercession for us. Right now, Jesus is praying for you. And do you know how He is praying for you? As He is making intercession for you before his Father? As Jesus watches you going through the trial you may be going through in your life right now. Jesus is praying, 'God, give them the strength to hang on. NOT to give up!' Jesus, right now is weeping for you. Just like Joseph wept for his brothers. Jesus is weeping for you saying, 'Oh God, there is so much I would like to show them. I would like to tell them. I would like to reveal to them how this is all gonna turn out out for good cause they love me and are called according to my purpose. I would love to tell them the story, but the time is not right, not yet.' "</i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> Dr. Robert
Jeffress (pastor of First Baptist Dallas) was speaking about the story of Joseph and the story of Lazarus. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Well, of course, my ears perked right up! I knew this was NO accident. It was at the end of his sermon, so I went online to hear the rest. He related the story of Mary and Martha and how they could not understand why Jesus had not come sooner. Their brother, a man whom Jesus <i><b>loved</b></i>, had died while waiting on his friend. "<i>Jesus wept</i>." HE WEPT! Even while <i>knowing</i> what HE was about to do... to speak life into the man who was in the grave... Jesus was so incredibly moved by the sorrow of his sweet friends, that he wept for them. They didn't know that a resurrection was on the way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">Joseph could not have known that he was delivered into the hands of the Egyptians to one day become their ruler and save them <i>and</i> the hands that delivered him... his own family... from starvation. He had had a dream, but the dream must have seemed like a distant memory after so many years of slavery, accusation and imprisonment. Once again, God had planned, to breathe life into a dead relationship and save a people from annihilation. A resurrection was in store for Joseph and his brothers. God never forgot where Joseph was at, and He was prepared to work good for him because Joseph loved Him and was called according to His purpose. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">So, today, I was thankful that Jesus reminded me exactly where He stands. That my "mic," so to speak, is still on. That <b>He</b> is making intercession for me to his Father. That <b>He</b> is still in the</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> resurrection business. That <b>He</b> weeps over me.</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"> And, that there is so much more to this story, that is yet to be revealed.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-81175600593441657582012-04-27T00:02:00.000-05:002012-04-27T00:02:29.884-05:00Dry Bones<div style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
Just wanted to share a message that has been repeated to me through many songs, scriptures, stories and teachings over the last couple of weeks. When seeking God to hear his voice and his word for my life at this time, I have continuously been led to three specific characters in the Word; Abraham, Moses and Ezekiel. <br /><br />Abraham had a promise from God, but saw only old age in the physical realm and his own wife laughed at the thought of bearing children. Moses was called by God, but saw only his physical short comings and his own people rejected him. When he led the Israelites to the edge of the sea, yet again, there was the impossible ahead of him. Ezekiel was led to prophesy to a valley full of dried up bones to rise up and breathe. <br /><br />In the natural, we can only see the impossibilities, the dry bones, the death in our own lives and circumstances. But GOD leads us to the impossible and then, like a pop quiz, asks us, "can these bones live?” Then He stands and waits for our response. <br /><br />What do we believe? How do we speak to God and to ourselves? What things do we prophesy over our own lives? Do we speak death? or life? God's power? or our own understanding of the natural instead of the Super-natural? </div>
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<br />I hope to be as wise as Ezekiel some day and pass the quiz... “Sovereign Lord, you alone know.” The only thing I have to know is that He Knows. His promises are true and everlasting. He promises to never leave or forsake us (Heb 13:5-6). He is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 13:8). </div>
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Ezekiel 37:1-14 (NIV)<br />The Valley of Dry Bones<br /><br />1 The hand of the Lord was on me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the Lord and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones. 2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry. 3 He asked me, “Son of man, can these bones live?”<br /><br />I said, “Sovereign Lord, you alone know. ”<br /><br />4 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to these bones and say to them, ‘Dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 This is what the Sovereign Lord says to these bones: I will make breath[a] enter you, and you will come to life. 6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the Lord. ’”<br /><br />7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.<br /><br />9 Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: Come, breath, from the four winds and breathe into these slain, that they may live.’” 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.<br /><br />11 Then he said to me: “Son of man, these bones are the people of Israel. They say, ‘Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them: ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: My people, I am going to open your graves and bring you up from them; I will bring you back to the land of Israel. 13 Then you, my people, will know that I am the Lord, when I open your graves and bring you up from them. 14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the Lord have spoken, and I have done it, declares the Lord. ’”</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-10142195779846252852012-01-08T02:26:00.001-06:002012-01-08T02:26:59.926-06:00DevotionIt's simple....<br />
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Your word is your promise. You do what you say. <br />
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A promise is a promise. Breaking it is never a consideration. <br />
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Think of others before yourself. Making others happy will bring you joy. <br />
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Doing anything because it "feels right" suggests that you haven't given it much thought to whether it IS right. <br />
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Feelings WILL change. Honor remains the same. <br />
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Respect the ones you love first because you will always love those whom you respect. <br />
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Honor and commitment should never become a thing of the past or the past is all we will have left. There will be nothing left for our future. <br />
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Our society has been lied to. We are told by media, friends, family and some religions that if it feels good... Then we should do it. Our own happiness should reign supreme. If something gets too hard, then we should move on. <br />
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So what happens when you can no longer find happiness by doing what feels right? When you have left everything and everyone behind to follow your heart? What happened to thinking things through? What has happened to our American spirit?? "When the going gets tough, the tough get going?" "Never say die?" Our society has become lazy and selfish. What is going to be left for our kids? What legacy will they inherit? Will we still be able to be the greatest nation in the world when our greatest inclination is to please ourselves?<br />
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It is more clear to me than ever before, we have to teach about devotion. <br />
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Pass it on...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-81025962525250668652012-01-07T02:15:00.004-06:002012-01-07T02:23:16.135-06:00Notably Quoted....<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I like information. You could call me an information junkie. I like to research, read and then write about what I have learned. I like knowing "stuff!" So, another term for me could be... "a-know-it-all." It's okay... I am coming to terms with this label and finding out how to use my powers for good and not evil. Ha, ha! :P</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I used to write stories and poems as a kid and teen, and inevitably, they would represent some part of me: past, present, or future. Maybe, someday, I will take the time to write like that again... If and when the inspiration hits. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But, for today (January 6th), I wanted to see who else, out there, had experienced what I have and what they had to say about it. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It reminds me that we are never alone... there is nothing "new under the sun." It was a cathartic exercise for me, since, today is my 16th anniversary. It's ok... I'm ok.... So, today I looked up quotes and one liners. I love finding great quotes! You will see some funny, witty, and some of the most beautiful expressions of love lost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Yet
leave me not; yet, if thou wilt, be free;<br />Love me no more, but
love my love of thee."<br />~Algernon Charles Swinburne</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Have
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pull the scar off of it over and over again" ~Rosa Parks </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"I
prithee send me back my heart,<br />Since I cannot have thine;<br />For
if from yours you will not part,<br />Why, then, shouldst thou have
mine?"<br />~John Suckling </b></span>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"To
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b>"Missing
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>"<b>I like the snot to run a little, the tears to
accumulate a bit before reaching for the handkerchief. Then I
know I’m really crying. Crying just isn’t crying unless
it’s messy." </b> ~D.H. Mondfleur (Ha, ha! Loved this one!!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b>"Laughter and tears are both responses to
frustration and exhaustion. I myself prefer to laugh, since
there is less cleaning up to do afterward." </b>~Kurt Vonnegut</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"Heaven knows we need never be ashamed of our tears, for
they are rain upon the blinding dust of earth, overlying our hard
hearts." ~Charles Dickens, Great Expectations, 1860</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b>"The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b>"To weep is to make less the depth of grief."<br />~William
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="maintext"><span class="firstword">"Wife:</span> honey I want you to whisper dirty things in my ear! Husband: kitchen, living room, dinning room, patio" ~Anonymous (they are obviously no longer together!)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b>"It’s hard to tell your mind to stop loving
someone when your heart still does."</b> ~Anonymous</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><b>"Why is it that when you miss someone so much
that your heart is ready to disintegrate, you hear the saddest song
on the radio?</b>" ~Anonymous (This is sooo true!!)</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"<span class="maintext"><span class="firstword">I</span> hate to turn up
out of the blue uninvited. But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight
it. I had hoped you'd see my face and that you'd be reminded. That for
me it isn't over.</span>"</span></b><span class="smtext"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> ~Adele</span></b></span></span> </div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: small;">"The hottest love has the coldest end." ~Socrates</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-42425868270337964742012-01-04T21:01:00.000-06:002012-01-05T00:58:03.288-06:00God Texts!In a much earlier post, I mentioned that it would be so awesome if sometimes God would actually text us or call us so that we could feel like we were having a real life conversation....<br />
<br />
So, I have to share this little story from last night... its like 2am and I can't sleep. Bogged down by all the events of the evening, I just could seem to wind down. I had done all sorts of things and had been laying in bed listening to Gateway's praise and worship music for quite a while. I kept having the urge to turn on the TV, because the nights are sometimes the hardest. But, I also had the feeling that God was telling me, "Just wait. Listen for me. I will keep you company." <br />
<br />
So... I waited. It just seemed to get harder. <br />
<br />
It was getting later and later. Just when I roll over thinking that I am gonna get no relief... it happened.<br />
<br />
I heard that buzzing sound coming from my phone... what? Who on earth would be texting me in the middle of the night? It's almost 3am.<br />
<br />
I looked at my phone, thinking I was probably just mistaken, but no. There it was. A text from God.<br />
<br />
Now don't think I have totally lost my mind here... just hear me out.<br />
<br />
The text was actually written from a friend of mine who had been awakened by her daughter having a nightmare... happened to get on FB and see my last post. She was texting me to let me know that she was praying for me right then. She reminded me of God's grace and his provision. She referred to other stories of tragedy and the beauty that came from their ashes. She could have waited to text me the next morning or during the day, but she acted exactly when God knew that I needed someone to reach out to me in the middle of the night. Incredible, isn't He! (Thanks, girl!!)<br />
<br />
And then... if that wasn't enough... it happened again! Another message from another person just minutes later! My phone buzzes, and there is a message from my mom. Her message was "trust." It pretty much underlined the theme of the night. (Thanks, Mom!)<br />
<br />
He showed me, in real time, that He was listening... He was talking... He was taking care of me...He was HERE. <br />
<br />
But wait... here's the kicker.... before all of this happened, I had prayed a simple prayer...<br />
<br />
"God, can you please just show me that You are here? You know how lonely it gets in the middle of the night. I just wanna know that You are here."<br />
<br />
<div style="color: #741b47;">
"Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? <br />
to be out of your sight? <br />
If I climb to the sky, you're there! <br />
If I go underground, you're there! <br />
If I flew on morning's wings <br />
to the far western horizon, <br />
You'd find me in a minute— <br />
you're already there waiting! <br />
Then I said to myself, "Oh, he even sees me in the dark! <br />
At night I'm immersed in the light!" <br />
It's a fact: darkness isn't dark to you; <br />
night and day, darkness and light, they're all the same to you." Psalm 139:7-12 </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-27817893485926759882012-01-03T23:36:00.000-06:002012-01-09T00:15:52.549-06:00Rough Days Ahead....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Whew... <i>breathe</i>. Sometimes, I just have to remind myself to breathe. Sounds silly, I know, but in this place, sometimes you forget to do the most basic of things to keep yourself alive.... <i>breathe.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I made a promise to myself that I wouldn't cry so much in front of the kids... I would keep a "lid on it," so to speak. But of course, whenever you make a resolution, it's the first 24 hours that seems to pull out all of the punches. I have cried a lot tonight. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">And, of course, right after I wrote my last blog about not looking back but pushing forward.... well, I get thrown back and moving forward just seems impossible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I am just keeping it real here, folks. No one can go through a life altering blow without injury. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The car has crashed, and we are all coming out of it alive, but forever altered. I think that I sat in the smoldering car a little too long. My injuries have me crawling and sometimes just slithering away. I can't seem to stay away from the wreckage. I keep going back to it over and over in disbelief. We were hit head-on by a vehicle we never saw coming. And when I woke up from the crash, one person was missing.... The officer tells me that somehow, he ended up in the other car... </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I thought we were all driving along together. One destination on this forever journey, but with many detours and bumps along the way. How on earth did we end up in separate vehicles?? How?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So, tonight, I found myself in the bathroom, leaning over the sink, asking God, "Please, help me to <i>breathe</i>..." And He did. </span></span><br />
<br />
<i>"For I know the plans I have for you.... hope..... future."</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-87566657885658676602012-01-03T00:21:00.000-06:002012-01-03T00:21:57.416-06:00New Year...New ???<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">"If Satan can keep you looking back, he can keep you from moving forward. It's a new day. <i>Press on</i>." Dr. Tony Evans</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">What does pressing on look like? And if this is a "new day" and a "new year".... why does it look and feel so much like the <i><b>old</b></i> one?</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Accepting this new role as a single... single mom... is the challenge of accepting many things that are completely beyond my control. One of them being, accepting the simple fact, that I am not in control of anything. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Sometimes the car turns to the left, sometimes it doesn't. The ice maker... well, doesn't make anything. I have no idea what the next day will bring... more bills, more worries, more heartache??? </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">Or, could this "new day, new year" actually bring new <i>good</i> things? </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">There's "the rub." I don't know, and I have no control over any of it. I do my best and the rest... well, it's up to Him. Jeremiah 29:11 has come to my attention several times today, "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 a hope and a future." </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">My future is very unclear, uncertain and unbelievably scary when I try to imagine it. But that is where I go back to the Scripture and remind myself that me being out of control is the best place to be, because that puts Him<b> IN CONTROL</b>. Looking back is no longer an option. Pressing on is the ONLY option. </span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}">It is going to be a day by day decision to move forward. And I will have to remind myself of that more times than I want to imagine. So, "new day"... here we go...</span></span></h6>
<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":1}">
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"If God is going to take you to where He wants you to go, <i>you can't be bound</i> to where you have been." Dr. Tony Evans</span></span><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3}"></span></h6>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-68886211204403642122011-11-16T00:45:00.000-06:002011-11-16T01:06:43.514-06:00DELETE!!!!<span style="font-size: small;">I love to take pictures! My girls and I will get together and see how many distorted faces we can make and take in one photo session. Its loads of fun, ,but never anything I would allow to get out into the public!!! NO WAY!! Most of the time, we just hit "delete" and keep going. My older daughter and I might threaten each other that we are going to post it to each others profile page on facebook, but we never do.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Why? I mean, we had great fun making those pics, why not let the world see us in our silly, laugh out loud moments? Not to mention the pictures taken when I am off guard, or not at my best? The humid days when I look like little orphan Annie got electrocuted! Or when I am not standing just right and sucking in my gut? Or, my favorite pics when little daughter shoots a picture from below, and I look like I am ALL chest?? You know those pics? The not-so-perfect-let-me-preview-that-pic-before-you-save-it-oooh-its-so-bad-let-me-delete-that-and-try-again-pic???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Isn't that kind of like out lives? Most days, we are not at our picture-perfect-best, right? But forbid anyone else to see us that way! Put on your best smile, make-up, lift your chin and take the picture from a downward shot as to make you look thinner....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">posed....</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">picture.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Our lives can't always be posed. We all have bad hair days. When we didn't handle that situation just right with our teenage daughter, and now our voices are raised, and someone is crying. When we are in such a rush to get to school on time, and we hit every stop light, forget someone's lunch at home, and then chocolate milk gets spilled down the front of a white uniform shirt as we are 2 minutes from the school, already running late. Or maybe we feel as if we have been hurt too much, gone too far, and noone could ever understand.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Its ok. Let the flaws be uncovered. Be yourself. Raw. Photographed.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One moment in time could never tell your whole life's story. But the pieces of it, all fit together in a Divine puzzle, that will one day lead to a masterpiece of artwork.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Piece by piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Moment by moment.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">One imperfect picture at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">So, take those pictures. Don't delete them!! Share them! You never know who you will inspire by the undeleted pictures in your life!!</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">2 Corinthians 1:3-5</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>"</sup>All praise to the God and Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah! Father of all mercy! God of all healing counsel! He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. We have plenty of hard times that come from following the Messiah, but no more so than the good times of his healing comfort—we get a full measure of that, too."</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWtkCq6odKkRdT4Ytbrc2N78r5I74OXCpHxYXu6vApFgASroIlGvyAKoBb9h-JjDm-fh8jAU630tQVzMeBVUpxGfmzNHP7yR_Wm95SqNFr9nSkhdXDQ3Pc_IKJU8lK-f7VzSVgGXlIg/s1600/IMG_1152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgWtkCq6odKkRdT4Ytbrc2N78r5I74OXCpHxYXu6vApFgASroIlGvyAKoBb9h-JjDm-fh8jAU630tQVzMeBVUpxGfmzNHP7yR_Wm95SqNFr9nSkhdXDQ3Pc_IKJU8lK-f7VzSVgGXlIg/s320/IMG_1152.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-34642149441001908332011-10-20T11:48:00.000-05:002011-10-20T11:57:35.315-05:00ListeningHave you ever heard a very clear message from God? This is a big topic of discussion in my house lately. "Mommy, how do you hear from God? How do you know that He is talking to me and its not just my own thoughts that I am hearing?"<br />
<br />
Wouldn't it be great if God had an iphone? If He texted his answers down from heaven? I saw a cute message on a church sign recently displaying the new sermon series, "What would Jesus Tweet?" Of course, there is one obvious problem.... IF God called us on the phone, <i>would we even recognize his voice?</i><br />
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I know when my daughter calls. Besides her upbeat ringtone, when I hear her speak, I KNOW it is Michaela. I know her voice. And even as close as it is to her younger sister's voice, her tone, her wit, her topics of conversation are very distinctively her own. How do I know it is her withing seconds of answering the phone? Because I have spent the last almost 14 years spending time with her. Getting to know her very personally. I read her stories. Listen to her jr. high drama. Laugh at her quick witted responses. Cry and pray with her. I KNOW my daughter. What a blessing to know hear so intimately at this stage of her life! Each day, I realize what a <i><b>blessing</b></i> God has placed into my hands for me to treasure.<br />
<br />
My Pastor recently made this connection in a sermon series this past summer. If we know the voices of our family so distinctively, shouldn't we be able to know the voice of our own Heavenly Father? Our Creator?<br />
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This morning as I went to a Book by Sarah Young, <b>Jesus Lives</b>, the topic of today was <i>worship</i>. She states that even when our bodies are not engaged in worship, God sees into our heart. That is where worship begins. Then I went to the Psalms where I have been reading for some time now, and I was up to chapters 95-97. All three chapters dealing with worship. In fact many praise and worship songs have been written from these three chapters. Now how does worship tie into listening to God? How does God speak? Through His people, through His Word, through our worship.<br />
<br />
So when I speak to my girls tonight at prayer time, I can testify to another way God has spoken to me. I can encourage them that <b>He IS</b> speaking. Even in my busy morning of washing the car, cleaning out the guinea pigs cage and doing laundry, when I got quiet and asked God what He had for me today, He pointed me to His Word, and to a book written by one of his daughters. So, His Word to me today is <i>worship</i>. Even if my body doesn't feel like it can engage, I can worship him from my heart! And as I go about the rest of my day, whether listening to my Gateway worship station while I write this blog, or watching tv while I fold laundry and make beds, I will keep a heart of worship for my King. He deserves no less!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This is one of my favorite worship songs. I pray that it will bless you and set your heart on worship today.</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span> <br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/ojBca7C-d-U">http://youtu.be/ojBca7C-d-U</a><br />
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Psalm 95 (The Message)</i></span></h4>
<h4>
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Come, let's
shout praises to </span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">God</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
raise the roof</span></i> <i><span style="font-weight: normal;">for
the Rock who saved us! Let's march into his presence
singing praises, lifting the rafters with our hymns! 3-5</span></i><i>
</i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">And why? Because </span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">God
</span></i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">is the best,
High King over all the gods. In one hand he holds deep caves
and caverns, in the other hand grasps the high mountains. He
made Ocean—he owns it! His hands sculpted Earth! 6-7</span></i><i>
</i><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">So come, let us worship: bow
before him, on your knees before God, who made us! Oh yes, he's our
God, and we're the people he pastures, the flock he feeds. Drop
everything and listen, listen as he speaks!</span></i></span></h4>
<br /><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></h4>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0North Richland Hills, TX 76180, USA32.8362389 -97.232925532.782872399999995 -97.311889499999992 32.8896054 -97.1539615tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4483402143012030784.post-1035787660050874342011-10-19T00:36:00.000-05:002011-10-19T00:36:37.668-05:00PlantedA seed. Mixed into an envelope with many other seeds. Varieties of all kinds. Pulled from the package and placed into a dark, moist, dirty, lonely hole. Then completely covered with more dirt and drowned with water. If I wasn't more sure, I would think that is just what I am. Alone. Covered. Overwhelmed. Drowning. Dirty. In a place that sees more darkness than light.<br />
<br />
How did I get here? Who put me in this pot? Why am I in over my head? Are there any other seeds out there??<br />
<br />
I prefer to plant flowers that have already begun to grow. I mean who really wants to wait around to watch for seeds to sprout? I would much rather have a beautiful bush of mums on my front porch than a bunch of dirt filled pots! Right?? And waiting for a seed to grow?? Who has the patience? If I am decorating around my home, I want beauty <b>NOW</b>. Not in 6 to 8 weeks.... <i>or longer.</i><br />
<br />
You know, planting a seed has often times reminded me of burial. Especially with my not-so-green thumb. I have to hope and pray that I will see my flower some day! I have sent many a seed to the great garden beyond! But, in reality, planting a seed is very much like a resurrection. Placing something seemingly insignificant into the ground to one day become a glorious, beautiful and fragrant gift. And think of the multiplication factor going on here! Now I am by no means a mathematician!! I can hardly help my 4th grader with her math homework! <b>UGH!! </b>But there is something quite amazing with multiplication. One tiny seed can produce a pot full of flowers, a shrub, and even an oak tree!! You receive so much more life springing up from the ground than the small, seemingly insignificant seed you have buried.<br />
<br />
That is how I have to look at life right now. No matter what I have lost, buried: relationships... jobs... friendships... dreams... If I have buried them into the hands of my Father, into His soil; the return I will get for my investment will be so much greater than holding on to those tiny, seemingly insignificant seeds. For if I can let them go, and give them to the Master Creator, I can be sure that his gardening skills are so much greater than mine. His multiplication is beyond my understanding. His resurrection covers a multitude of hurts and pains. And His garden is beyond compare.<br />
<br />
I, impatient as <b>I am</b>, have to be prepared to wait. I love the way the Message presents Psalms 40:1 "I waited and <i>waited</i> and <i><b>waited</b></i> for <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>. <b>At last</b> he looked; finally he listened. He lifted me out of the ditch, pulled me from deep mud." I wait constantly. But I continue. And I pray that the master Gardener is tending to my soul and will produce a rich, beautiful and fragrant garden one day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Isaiah 58:11</b> And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2