tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40392688173120416972024-03-14T04:56:38.979-04:00My Georgia Life Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-56610631592501227032017-05-24T14:46:00.002-04:002017-05-24T14:46:45.606-04:00Homeschool Curriculum#1 I'm a great planner.<br />
#2 Plans change.<br />
<br />
Someone wants to talk homeschool how-to with me today so I'm gathering up my sources and information for her. While I'm at it, I figured I'd go ahead and write it up here just in case anyone else is curious.<br />
<br />
***Disclaimer: I am NOT an expert, and after the way this school year unraveled I may be the last person who should be giving advice. SO, don't take this as advice...take it as a bare bones survival kit that I'm currently using for my kids. (And when I say "currently," I mean we are so far off schedule that school has officially merged into our daily life so that there is no beginning and there is no end...just a lot of hard work, fun breaks, and more than enough lazy days.)<br />
<br />
<h4>
How we do it (in no particular order, and the links are just quick finds not necessarily best prices/places to buy):</h4>
<br />
<b>History</b>: This year we finished up <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/history/story-of-the-world?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=story%20of%20the%20world&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Story of the World vol. 2</a></i> and have since been reading <i><a href="https://www.veritaspress.com/pages-of-history-2-blazing-new-trails.html">Pages of History vol. 2</a></i>. I bought some <a href="https://www.amazon.com/colonial-coloring-books/s?ie=UTF8&page=1&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Acolonial%20coloring%20books">historical coloring books</a> with pictures that correlate for the youngers, but the older kids color too just for fun. <br />
<br />
The older kids have also been reading biographies and such that have to do with the period of history we're studying...I make them read at least a chapter a day and write a paragraph summary of what they've read. At the "end of the year," which was technically last week I had them write and present a formal book report. This incorporated a lot they've studied this year - history, grammar, writing, typing, etc. <br />
<br />
Next year we're going back to <a href="https://www.veritaspress.com/selfpaced/history.html">Veritas Press for History</a>...the self-paced courses. I should probably be doing Omnibus for the oldest, but I'm going to just expand what I do with the youngers for him. I need things streamlined at this point.<br />
<br />
<b>Science:</b> I bought <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/apologia/apologia-elementary/exploring-creation-with-botany?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=apologia%20botony&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Apologia's Botany</a> Study with the journals...I just got one for the olders and one for the youngers. I chose this because I do not like science, but I do like plants so I knew I'd be more likely to put time into this. We're about a quarter of the way through, but I'm praying that we get moved to the country soon where I'll finish it up with them. <br />
<br />
Next year I'm using <a href="https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-physical-world-complete-set-2016/?sku=13-1-067">Answers in Genesis </a><i><a href="https://answersingenesis.org/store/product/gods-design-physical-world-complete-set-2016/?sku=13-1-067">God's Design for the Physical World</a></i>. My kids are interested in engineering at this point so I think they'll like this. <br />
<br />
<b>Math</b>: My sis-in-law is handing me down <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/teaching-textbooks?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=teaching%20textbooks&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Teaching Textbooks</a></i>, which is a gift from God. Love it. The youngers are still doing <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/rightstart-mathematics?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=rightstart%20mathematics&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">RightStart</a></i> which I do like for Kindergarten and first grade, and <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/math/math-u-see?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=math-u-see&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Math-U-See</a></i>, which is good for 2nd - 4th in my opinion, but I'm sticking with <i>Teaching Textbooks</i> for the olders for the foreseeable future. <br />
<br />
<b>Grammar:</b> I love <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/easy_find?Ntt=first+language+lessons&N=0&Ntk=keywords&action=Search&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=first%20language%20lessons&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">First Language Lessons</a></i>. That's what the youngers do. The olders do <a href="https://www.shurley.com/">Shurley English</a>, which is good...I'm going to use their online thing next year. <br />
<br />
<b>Writing:</b> The youngers do <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=complete+writer&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Acomplete+writer">Writing With Ease</a></i>, which is great! The olders were suppose to be doing <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=complete+writer&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Acomplete+writer">Writing With Skill</a></i>, but this has fallen by the wayside. I work on their writing skill as they're writing about history, but I'm going to have to kick myself in gear if I want to do more formal writing work with curriculum. I'm just going to keep going with this curriculum until something better comes along. I'd kind of like to get them in an outside course on <a href="http://www.iew.com/">IEW</a>, but I don't know much about it yet.<br />
<br />
The youngers also do handwriting...I've always used <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/handwriting/zaner-bloser-handwriting?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=zaner%20bloser%20handwriting&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Zaner-Bloser</a></i> and don't intend to change.<br />
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<b>Spelling:</b> I've always used the <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/language-arts/spelling/spelling-workout?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=spelling%20workout&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Spelling Workout</a></i> workbooks and given weekly tests. It works. The oldest has been doing <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/christian-liberty-press/building-spelling-skills?event=Homeschool|1005375">Building Spelling Skills</a></i> from Christian Liberty Press, which I like because it incorporates other things, like Geography. <br />
<br />
<b>Logic</b>: My kids (olders) LOVE <i><a href="http://www.criticalthinking.com/mind-benders.html">Mindbenders</a></i>. My niece has done Memoria Press' <i><a href="https://www.memoriapress.com/curriculum/logic-and-rhetoric/traditional-logic-i/">Traditional Logic</a></i> and really progressed. <br />
<br />
<b>Latin: </b>This is my favorite find of the year. A Latin teacher told me about <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Cambridge-Latin-Course-North-American/dp/0521004349">Cambridge Latin Course</a></i>. It's simple and entertaining for all ages. I would like to have the actual teacher's guide but it's like $65 used and I can't bring myself to buy it. <br />
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<b>Phonics</b>: <i><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/page/homeschool/language-arts/explode-the-code?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=homeschool&utm_term=explode%20the%20code&event=PPCSRC&p=1020037">Explode the Code</a></i>. I like it all the way from the bottom to the top. (For the youngers of course)<br />
<br />
<b>Reading: </b>The olders reading is combined with History, plus I like to encourage them to read stuff just for fun as well. The youngers are doing <i><a href="http://www.abeka.com/ABekaOnline/BookDescription.aspx?sbn=2421X">Little Owl Books</a>/<a href="https://www.bobbooks.com/">Bob Books</a></i>, and <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/McGuffeys-Eclectic-Readers-Through-Revised/dp/0471294284">McGuffey's Eclectic Readers</a></i>, which I would never give up. <br />
<br />
<b>Geography: </b>I do some with history, and the oldest gets some with spelling, but I've got to do more. I was thinking of getting <a href="https://www.littlepassports.com/">Little Passports</a> for the youngers this summer, but we'll see. <br />
<br />
I think that's everything. Things are always changing for us, but this is where we are this moment.<br />
<br />
I love homeschooling...even on the worst of days. I love how nobody's homeschool looks exactly like mine, and mine never looks the same from one day to the next. There's always room to grow.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-39056435729683499442017-04-26T23:28:00.000-04:002017-04-26T23:28:27.861-04:00Losing Worry and Fear<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">#1 I had the opportunity to teach a Bible study at church tonight on worry and fear.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">#2 I wanted to write down my notes so I could share them with others, and also so I wouldn't forget these Scriptures...I need them everyday!</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Losing
Worry and Fear</h2>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">How
does a person lose weight? It almost always boils down to three things:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Diet</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Exercise</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Be consistent</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Period.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">What does this have to do with worry and fear?</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Well, losing worry and fear from our lives follows a surprisingly similar pattern...</span></div>
<ul>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
For starters:</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Losing
weight and losing worry and fear have one very important thing in
common...</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">They
both take DISCIPLINE.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"> In <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000tzd">2 Corinthians 10:3-6</a> Paul is talking about the way he's been perceived by others and is sharing some of his thoughts on how he deals with issues in the church. We can apply these thought patterns as we begin our journey to a worry-free life.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.3, "<span style="font-size: small;">For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh."</span> </span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Realize that this is a Spiritual battle, not a fleshly one.</b> </i></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.4, "<span style="font-size: small;">For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds." </span></span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>We have powerful tools at our disposal to break these strongholds.</b></span></i></span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.5, "</span>We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ" </div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Our battle starts by taking every thought captive.</b></i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.6, "<span style="font-size: small;">being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete."</span></span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><b>We can't tolerate this disobedience within ourselves.</b> <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Worry is sin.</span></u></b></i></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Is
this a battle we can win on our own?
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Absolutely Not.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In <a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000tzd">2 Corinthians 12:9</a> Paul's talking about his "thorn in the flesh." For many people worry is just that. He says:</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
9 But he [the Lord] said to me, "My <b>grace</b> is sufficient for you, for my <b>power</b> is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: medium;">What did God give to Paul?</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">GRACE </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and POWER</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We have the same grace and power available to us that Paul had. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">That is, if you pass the test...(suspenseful music here)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">But, seriously...</span></div>
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">***The
test: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+corinthians+13%3A5&version=NIV">2 Corinthians 13:5</a>***</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you don't have Jesus as your Savior then your battle against worry and fear is already lost. </span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Just like the fine print before any diet or fitness program says, "Check with your physician to see if you're healthy enough to use this program," we have to check with our Physician to see if we have Him on our side! </span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="passage-display-bcv"><i>Romans 10:9</i></span><span class="text Rom-10-9" id="en-NIV-28198"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>9 </i></span></sup><i>If you declare<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28198A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28198A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,”<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28198B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28198B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> and believe<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28198C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28198C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> in your heart that God raised him from the dead,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28198D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28198D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> you will be saved.</i><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28198E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span></blockquote>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
<span class="text Rom-10-9" id="en-NIV-28198"><span style="font-size: small;">...</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="text Rom-10-9"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="text Rom-10-9"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, when you're trying to get your body in shape you often look to role models for motivation. Well, the Lord has given us an excellent role model for living a bold life without fear in His man Daniel.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<h3 align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
A
Role Model</h3>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+1-2&version=NASB">Daniel chapters 1 and 2</a> depict part of the life of Daniel that would cause most normal humans to go into a shock of worry and fear (and this is all before the whole lion's den incident!)</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+1-2&version=NASB">c</a></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+1-2&version=NASB">hapter 1</a> we learn that he was taken from his home and family and put into training for the king's service in a strange nation far away. We also learn from Daniel's behavior that he is very grounded in God's law.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.8, "<span style="font-size: small;">But Daniel </span><span style="font-size: small;">made up his mind that he would not <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21746S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21746S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>defile himself with the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21746T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21746T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>king’s choice food or with the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21746U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21746U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>wine which he drank; so he sought </span><i><span style="font-size: small;">permission</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"> from the commander of the officials that he might not defile himself.</span></span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
He knew God's commands about food and drink and he set his mind to not take a chance on breaking those laws...no matter the consequences.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>We must also know what God's word says and have no fear in obeying! Determine it in your mind.</b></i></div>
</li>
</ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.9, "<span style="font-size: small;">Now God granted Daniel </span><span style="font-size: small;">favor and compassion in the sight of the commander of the officials,"</span></span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
God was on Daniel's side and He can be on our side too. He showed Daniel favor for his obedience.</div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>This doesn't mean that we will never have a reason to worry or fear, or that things will always turn out peachy if we follow God in obedience...it just means that when things get scary, we're not alone. God sees us, and He has a bigger purpose then what we can see.</b></i></div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">In <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=daniel+1-2&version=NASB">chapter 2</a> Daniel ends up being on the hit list of wise men to be killed because they couldn't tell the king his dream. While it would seem logical to hatch a quick escape plan or just sit and cry and cry, Daniel goes to his friends and they all begin to pray.</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.17-18, "<span style="font-size: small;">Then Daniel went to his house and informed his friends, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21776BA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21776BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)"></sup>Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah, about the matter, </span><span class="text Dan-2-18" id="en-NASB-21777"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup><span style="font-size: small;">so that they might <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21777BB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21777BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)"></sup>request compassion from the God of heaven concerning this mystery, so that Daniel and his friends would not be <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21777BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21777BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup>destroyed with the rest of the wise men of Babylon.</span></span></span></div>
</li>
<ul>
<li style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><b>No commiserating...just praying. Everyone needs some friends who will pray with them.</b></i></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: medium;">
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
vs.20-22, (after the Lord answered Daniel's prayer) <span style="font-size: small;">Daniel said,</span><br />
<div class="poetry">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Dan-2-20">“Let the name of God be <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21779BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21779BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup>blessed forever and ever,</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-20">For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21779BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21779BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup>wisdom and power belong to Him.</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-21" id="en-NASB-21780"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></sup>“It is He who <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21780BG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21780BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup>changes the times and the epochs;</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-21">He <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21780BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21780BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup>removes kings and establishes kings;</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-21">He gives <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21780BI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21780BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)"></sup>wisdom to wise men</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-21">And knowledge to men of understanding.</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-22" id="en-NASB-21781"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">22 </span></sup>“It is He who <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21781BJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21781BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)"></sup>reveals the profound and hidden things;</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-22"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21781BK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21781BK" title="See cross-reference BK">BK</a>)"></sup>He knows what is in the darkness,</span><br /><span class="text Dan-2-22">And the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-21781BL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-21781BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)"></sup>light dwells with Him.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</span><ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><b>Daniel knew His God...The Sovereign God...The God who can be trusted with anything and everything...<span style="font-size: x-large;">That's our God too!!!</span></b></i></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Also, be like Daniel and write it down when God does something awesome...you don't want to forget those things.</i></div>
</li>
</ul>
</ul>
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<h4 align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Preparation
and Encouragement</h4>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Continuing with the health and wellness analogy...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">If you've determined in your mind that you're going to get in shape, you've checked with your doctor to make sure you're good to go, you've set a goal and made a plan, what do you do next?...You gather your tools! </span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You buy some spandex and dumbbells, or you join a gym and buy lots of fruits and veggies. You're ready to get it done!</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The same principle applies to letting go of worry and fear...you've gotta have some tools.</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">These Scriptures will do the trick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">***BUT...just like the dumbbells won't help you fight the fat by sitting in the corner of your closet, these words will not help you fight the fear unless you know them! </span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">You have to make it a practice of reading God's word, memorizing God's word, and meditating on God's word on a regular basis.***</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Try reading </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Psalm 46 on a daily basis for a while:</span></div>
<div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="chapternum">46 </span><b>God is our <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14616A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14616A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>refuge and strength</b>,<br /><span class="text Ps-46-1"><b>A very <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14616B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14616B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>present help <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14616C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14616C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>in trouble</b>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-2" id="en-NASB-14617"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup><b>Therefore we will <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14617D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14617D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>not fear</b>, <b>though <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14617E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14617E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>the earth should change</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-2"><b>And though <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14617F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14617F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>the mountains slip into the heart of the sea;</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-3" id="en-NASB-14618"><sup class="versenum"><b>3 </b></sup><b>Though its <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14618G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14618G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>waters roar </b><i><b>and</b></i><b> foam,</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-3"><b>Though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. </b><span class="selah">Selah.</span></span><div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-46-4" id="en-NASB-14619"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>There is a <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14619H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14619H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>river whose streams make glad the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14619I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14619I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>city of God,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-4">The holy <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14619J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14619J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>dwelling places of the Most High.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-5" id="en-NASB-14620"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>God is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14620K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14620K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>in the midst of her, she will not be moved;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-5">God will <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14620L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14620L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>help her when morning dawns.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-6" id="en-NASB-14621"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>The nations <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14621M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14621M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>made an uproar, the kingdoms tottered;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-6">He raised His voice, the earth <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14621O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14621O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>melted.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-7" id="en-NASB-14622"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14622P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14622P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>is with us;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-7">The God of Jacob is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14622Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14622Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>our stronghold. <span class="selah">Selah.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-46-8" id="en-NASB-14623"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Come, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14623R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14623R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>behold the works of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-8">Who has wrought <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14623S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14623S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>desolations in the earth.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-9" id="en-NASB-14624"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>He <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14624T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14624T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>makes wars to cease to the end of the earth;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-9">He <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14624U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14624U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-9">He <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14624V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14624V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>burns the chariots with fire.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NASB-14625"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup><b>“Cease </b><i><b>striving</b></i><b> and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14625W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14625W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>know that I am God;</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-10"><b>I will be <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14625X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14625X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-11" id="en-NASB-14626"><sup class="versenum"><b>11 </b></sup><b>The </b><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;"><b>Lord</b></span><b> of hosts is with us;</b></span><br /><span class="text Ps-46-11"><b>The God of Jacob is our stronghold.</b> <span class="selah">Selah.</span></span></div>
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</blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">More tools (post these up where you'll see them everyday):</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">Proverbs
3:21-26</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">Romans
8:26-28</a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">Who's
our Helper? The Holy Spirit!</a></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">Luke
12:4-7, 25-34 </a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">Mark
4:35-41</a></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000u17">What do we need? FAITH</a></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
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The last key to losing worry and fear, that is actually quite different then losing weight...we have to take our mind off of ourselves and be thankful...</div>
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<h4 align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanksgiving</h4>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">Philippians
4:4-9 really sums this whole thing up:</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Phil-4-4" id="en-ESV-29430"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29430A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29430A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-5" id="en-ESV-29431"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29431B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29431B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>The Lord is at hand;</span> <span class="text Phil-4-6" id="en-ESV-29432"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29432C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29432C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>do not be anxious about anything, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29432D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29432D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>but in everything by prayer and supplication <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29432E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29432E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-ESV-29433"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>And <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29433F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29433F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>the peace of God, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29433G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29433G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</span><br />
<span class="text Phil-4-8" id="en-ESV-29434"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.</span> <span class="text Phil-4-9" id="en-ESV-29435"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>What you have learned<sup> </sup>and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29435H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29435H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>received and heard and seen <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29435I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29435I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>in me—practice these things, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29435J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29435J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>the God of peace will be with you.</span></blockquote>
</div>
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<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.4: REJOICE! There's always something to be thankful for.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.5: Others will see it, they'll want to know your Lord.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.6: PRAY!</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.7: Let the peace of God be your guard.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.8: Remember that "take every thought captive" thing...turn those worrisome thoughts to thoughts of worthy things...the truths of God.</span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">vs.9: And practice!</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Practice,
Practice, Practice! <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=proverbs+1%3A32-33&version=ESV">Proverbs 1:32-33</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Be consistent.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Keep coming back.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And there will be times when you feel like giving up...just like when you've been dieting and exercising for a few weeks and you get on the scale to only see that you've gained a pound and a half...hard days will come. Be prepared...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">When
You Feel Like Giving Up</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Ask
Yourself, “WHY?”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><ul>
<li><div align="left" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://why%20are%20you%20cast%20down,%20o%20my%20soul,%20and%20why%20are%20you%20in%20turmoil%20within%20me/? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation">Psalm 42:5</a></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://why%20are%20you%20cast%20down,%20o%20my%20soul,%20and%20why%20are%20you%20in%20turmoil%20within%20me/? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation">Psalm 42:11</a></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="http://why%20are%20you%20cast%20down,%20o%20my%20soul,%20and%20why%20are%20you%20in%20turmoil%20within%20me/? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation">Psalm 43:5</a></span><b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">These three verses all say the same thing, they all ask the soul, "Why?" So if you find yourself sinking in a pit or worry and despair, follow the psalmist's lead and say this a few times over.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKWTvy_k07n-r-T3MrfByFd0k7NND5gVD_885IetCeTAxiQFPh2yrAjgoKkGrb3I3S288iJl-4QKAUNTokPtVVPkWOi3T38vds0RAVBC_3i80NHxqHpz6-ruVxnxYCEYS9K_8krM1JA/s1600/psalm42.11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMKWTvy_k07n-r-T3MrfByFd0k7NND5gVD_885IetCeTAxiQFPh2yrAjgoKkGrb3I3S288iJl-4QKAUNTokPtVVPkWOi3T38vds0RAVBC_3i80NHxqHpz6-ruVxnxYCEYS9K_8krM1JA/s640/psalm42.11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">HOPE IN GOD</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
And have a prayer sandwich (afterall, you've been working out hard ;) ...</div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;">PRAY,
Read, <a href="http://www.remem.me/">Memorize</a>, Ask friends for help, Write it down, Post-it, and PRAY some
more...</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And do
it all with thanksgiving!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-7246994638764318852017-03-30T16:22:00.003-04:002017-03-30T18:56:18.859-04:00Hope Rises...or Does It Come Down?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
#1 This is not a blog about those Holy Spirit questions I had mentioned last time.</div>
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#2 But I'm sure I'll mention the Holy Spirit at some point anyway...</div>
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Hope Rises...</h2>
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</h3>
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Or does it come down?...</h3>
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<br /></div>
<h4 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Or is it always within us??? (...<a href="https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems-and-poets/poems/detail/42889">the thing with feathers</a>??? per Emily Dickinson)</h4>
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<br /></div>
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I like this poem by Alexander Hope...I mean, Pope:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<dd><i>Hope springs eternal in the human breast;</i></dd><dd><i>Man never is, but always to be blessed:</i></dd><dd><i>The soul, uneasy and confined from home,</i></dd><dd><i>Rests and expatiates in a life to come.</i></dd>– <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Pope" title="Alexander Pope">Alexander Pope</a>, <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Essay_on_Man" title="An Essay on Man">An Essay on Man</a><br />
<br />
"The soul, uneasy and confined from home" makes me start singing this oldie I grew up listening to on my mom's record player:<br />
<br />
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IT'S SO TRUE THOUGH! </div>
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This world is not my home. </div>
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I'm thankful for hope in something better, something eternal, something that comes from....wait for it...</div>
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<br /></div>
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THE HOLY SPIRIT!!! (Insert cheers and applause here.)</div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13" id="en-ESV-28301"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>13 </i></span></sup><span style="font-size: large;"><i>May the God of hope fill you with all <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-28301T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28301T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans:15:13)</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">The God of HOPE fills us with joy and peace when we believe in Jesus as our Savior, and then we're filled with that good ol' Holy Spirit and then our "hope springs eternal." Praise the Lord!</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">I've experienced the renewing of this hope...</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">IV and I had our hearts set on a little house in Shady Dale; I had big plans for a flower farm there.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">However, the deal fell through, and with it my hopes and dreams came crashing down. </span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">Disappointment is just no fun, but the Lord uses all things together for the good of us who love Him (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+8%3A28&version=ESV">Romans 8:28</a>), so I picked my chin up and trudged on.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><i>Important side note: This little house we'd wanted had a pink flowering crab apple tree on the property, and I'd been wanting one of the those.</i></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">Now, the house we live in presently (and have lived in for a little over six years) has a seemingly regular old yard, BUT this yard is actually always full of surprises...the Lord has used it more than once to restore my joy and hope, and He did it again this morning.</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13">As I was walking around gathering any decent bloom I could find in the yard to make a bouquet for a friend, I happened upon this:</span></div>
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<span class="text Rom-15-13"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmZg3Q2kd46RJdmEdHeurZLzlQUJu7br4LAn1N5UJdR7kZ-ETx_di37cQi_BdSRwcvfwxcELVznsh8kKed4qWrh7AVR0L62bY95IajNHtkx93rRcgqwVUOM-v1-nnqfKwSStC0lOcJQ/s1600/1490897196482_23115259-1490887960027_640x640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKmZg3Q2kd46RJdmEdHeurZLzlQUJu7br4LAn1N5UJdR7kZ-ETx_di37cQi_BdSRwcvfwxcELVznsh8kKed4qWrh7AVR0L62bY95IajNHtkx93rRcgqwVUOM-v1-nnqfKwSStC0lOcJQ/s320/1490897196482_23115259-1490887960027_640x640.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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{I went ahead and added that verse to the image because I didn't want to forget what that little cluster of blooms meant to me.} </div>
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It was just a sweet little love note to me from the Lord. </div>
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It told me that He sees me, that He will fulfill the desires of my heart (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+37%3A4&version=ESV">Psalm 37:4</a>), and that He knows those desires better than I know them myself (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=jer+17%3A9-10&version=ESV">Jeremiah 17:9-10</a>).</div>
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This tree is something that I have been cutting down every year because I never saw it bloom, didn't know what it was, and it stood right next to this bush that always puts out these big, beautiful white blooms. </div>
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The Lord saved that little crab apple bloom just for me, just for this moment. </div>
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After six years of living here!</div>
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***Funny thing is, the big white bush was damaged by that late frost this year so it didn't bloom...leaving more LIGHT for the pink blossoms I suppose.***</div>
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The light dwells with Him (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000lKM">Daniel 2:22</a>).</div>
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He shines it on us (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000lKM">Psalm 118:27</a>).</div>
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He is the light (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000lKM">1 John 1:5</a>).</div>
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And if we walk in this light we have that eternal hope through Jesus (<a href="https://www.blueletterbible.org/tools/MultiVerse.cfm?s=000lKN">1 John 1:7</a>).</div>
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And in His time His promises will be fulfilled. And I'm not talking about promises of a house or a flower farm, I'm talking about the promise of His return and the promise of our eternity with Him.</div>
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He'll bring it right on time:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both;">
<i>The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. </i><i>2 Peter 3:9 </i></blockquote>
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And then we'll be home.</div>
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Anyway, this is the Holy Spirit...</div>
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Restoring HOPE...</div>
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Rising up from flowers...</div>
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Springing eternal from the Spirit within me...</div>
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And coming down from the Father of lights. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=james+1%3A17&version=NIV">James 1:17</a>)</div>
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I love how the Lord uses something I love to show me His love.</div>
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And the grand finale:</div>
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I was driving to deliver the bouquet I'd made and this song came on the radio.</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CDcYsyx2mCg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CDcYsyx2mCg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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{It's one of my faves right now.}</div>
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So there I was driving down the road, holding a vase full of flowers in one hand and trying to resist the urge to stick my other hand through the sunroof in praise to my God. </div>
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He's so good, and He truly satisfies.</div>
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Testify.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-86250957014712732132017-02-26T22:24:00.000-05:002017-02-26T22:24:48.173-05:00Bojangles and the Holy Spirit<div>
#1 I love Bojangles...it's my favorite. </div>
<div>
#2 I love my husband, but he says Bojangles can NOT be my favorite.</div>
<div>
#3 That's why I was eating there alone today. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was a Sunday (today, in fact). We had just left First Baptist Church where we watched my niece get baptized. IV had to go to work and I was about to head north to pick up our kids from their Nana and Poppy. </div>
<div>
It was a little early, so I asked IV if he wanted to eat a quick lunch before we went our separate ways. He declined because he knew they would be having food at the station that afternoon. I said, "Okay," and headed for Bojangles...just for spite. ;) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While I was waiting in the drive through the song <i><a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/2JHBMVs8E7bJJBLkXpKgHn">I Will Wait</a></i> by Mumford & Sons came on the radio. I felt a small stir of the Spirit within me...a little random, so I started to pray (which is what I recommend doing if this ever happens to you).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me:<i> Lord, what do I need to wait for?</i></div>
<div>
<i>...I'm waiting on the closing on our new home, and I realize it may still fall through, and I'm okay with that. </i>Check<i>. </i></div>
<div>
<i>...I'm waiting on a big van for our family, but I see how you've been providing for us by not having us have to ride over capacity lately, and I'm thankful for that. </i>Check.<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i>...I'm waiting with IV about law school decisions and such, but no worries. </i>Check.<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i>...I'm waiting with my flower business...trying to take it slow. </i>Check.<i> </i></div>
<div>
<i>...You really provided for some of our furniture needs at that yard sale yesterday, and I'm thankful for that. </i>Check<i>. </i></div>
<div>
<i>...I really can't think of anyth...OH.</i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yeah, found it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">{If you ever feel like the Lord's trying to tell you something, stop right there and take a minute to listen. Open your Bible if you can, start to pray - you can always do that, and ask Him. </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Then just keep asking</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">. (Matthew 7:7-8)}</span></b></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeHSX_ZGjQLQgiZRLj6FWFWLbtEKOq3xkfp9oVxeVFQ9sBtaCj5HuPyj98psBJ3SMZigZVUk6H3QfP1HsfJUGVC5xEURRdVd41fZpHSZhscf_HChPKBam9RsJv24kMbPlWJYjWyTxSg/s1600/1488163282937_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTeHSX_ZGjQLQgiZRLj6FWFWLbtEKOq3xkfp9oVxeVFQ9sBtaCj5HuPyj98psBJ3SMZigZVUk6H3QfP1HsfJUGVC5xEURRdVd41fZpHSZhscf_HChPKBam9RsJv24kMbPlWJYjWyTxSg/s320/1488163282937_image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You see, the Lord has put a desire within me to teach His Word. <i>(If you've read my blog before, this shouldn't be news...in fact, I wrote about it </i><a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-reminder-my-take-away-from-day-in.html"><i>here</i></a><i> not long ago. Sometimes, it takes me a while to learn a lesson...Thankfully, the Lord doesn't give up on me.)</i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anyway, it seems that I had once again put that call on hold. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>Forgive me, Lord.</i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking back (since the last time I wrote about this), I can see some of my thought patterns that led me away from this desire: </div>
<ul>
<li>I didn't really think anyone wanted to hear me teach.</li>
<ul>
<li>Well, for one thing it ain't about me. It's about the glory of God and it should stay that way. </li>
<li>Also, that's what the "WAIT" part is about...This is the time of preparation for me to study, and dig, and learn, so when someone's ready to listen, I'll be ready to talk.</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<div>
I realized I had unknowingly been responding to God's call to teach the same way Jeremiah responded. (We talked about in him in Lifegroup this morning so it was fresh on my mind.)</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Then I said, "Alas, Lord God! Behold, I do not know how to speak..." (Jeremiah 1:6) </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>(He continued with, "Because I am a youth," but we can debate about whether or not that would apply to me ;)</i> </blockquote>
Perhaps no one wants to hear me teach, and perhaps I do not know how to speak, but no one wanted to listen to Jeremiah either and it didn't stop him. <br />
<b></b><span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">{What has the Lord asked you to do? Does it seem unlikely or impossible? Do you doubt that you can do? Do you doubt that it will ever really come to pass, so why bother? - </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Keep asking.</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">}</span></b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>I had gotten my priorities out of line. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Recently, I went with the lovely ladies from my church to hear Kari Jobe sing. It was a fun night and Kari did a great job, but I had some questions come up in my mind about the Holy Spirit.</div>
<div>
I thought, "I'm really going to have to study this out to find my answers...it may make a good blog."</div>
<div>
But then I gently set it aside and thought, "This is going to take a little TOO MUCH time to study and write, and do it well. I'll just leave it alone." </div>
<div>
BUT, the questions still wouldn't leave me, and I still didn't want to do the homework. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't want to take the time to study God's Word deeply. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It was because I had become what I never wanted to be: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">busy.</span> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(I hate that word.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I'd filled my time with good things, and they're things I'm going to keep on doing for now, like my flower business and teaching at the YMCA, but I don't want to neglect the "first things" anymore. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I don't want to put God on hold. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When he puts a thought or question into my mind I want to make the time to study it through and share it with others. I want to be prepared for whatever he has me waiting for. </div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">{Is there something God has asked you to do that takes a "little too much" time? Are you </span></b><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">busy</span></b><b><span style="font-size: large;">? Are your priorities lining up with God's Word? - </span><i><span style="font-size: large;">Keep asking</span></i><span style="font-size: large;">.}</span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I WANT to wait on the Lord and I WANT to trust Him. Those are my priorities.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
IV shared this verse with our Lifegroup today, and it applies here as well...I was trusting in my own strength and turning my heart from God's call: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">《《 Thus says the Lord: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart turns away from the Lord... </span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is in the Lord." (Jeremiah 17:5,7) 》》</span></blockquote>
<br />
Keep asking, and keep waiting...just don't forget what you're waiting for. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. IV called later and said he was sorry for not going to lunch with me, he realized it may have come across as mean. I knew he wasn't being mean, and I told him about my conversation with the Lord...in the Bojangles drive through. If he hadn't ditched me for lunch I may have had to wait a little longer for that (and I may not have gotten to eat at Bojangles :). ~Roman's 8:28~<br />
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P.P.S. Expect to hear back from me on those Holy Spirit questions...I've gotta get to work on that. ;)<br />
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In the meantime:<br />
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<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-53761873811106158712017-01-01T15:08:00.002-05:002017-01-06T16:25:41.415-05:00Run Free<div dir="ltr">
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Recently, IV and I were walking back after spending some good, quality time in the fields watching for deer. It was getting cold quickly since the sun had set.</div>
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IV was carrying my gun, because he's nice like that, and I was ready to break into a jog in order to get inside to the warm fire a little quicker.</div>
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However, as soon as I started to trot I remembered that even though I wasn't carrying any extra weight, IV was still carrying two guns, so I slowed my pace back down. </div>
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That's when this verse popped into my mind:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, <b>let us also lay aside every weight, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>sin which clings so closely, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>let us run <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>with endurance the race that is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30197D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30197D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>set before us</b>, <span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-ESV-30198"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>the shame, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30198G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30198G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2)</span></blockquote>
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Since I had handed over my weight to someone else I was free to run...unburdened.</div>
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IV, though, was still weighed down...heavy laden. </div>
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<br /></div>
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This gave me a good picture of the effects of sin and worry on our lives. That junk weighs us down! It keeps us from being able to run free through life in joy and thanksgiving!</div>
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<br /></div>
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Jesus offered to take that weight for us...</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Matt-11-28" id="en-ESV-23488"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23488AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup><b>Come to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23488AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>me, all who labor and are <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23488AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23488AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>heavy laden, and I will give you rest.</b></span></span> <span class="text Matt-11-29" id="en-ESV-23489"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">29 </sup>Take my yoke upon you, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23489AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>learn from me, for I am <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23489AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>gentle and lowly in heart, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23489AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23489AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup>you will find rest for your souls.</span></span> <span class="text Matt-11-30" id="en-ESV-23490"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">30 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-23490AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-23490AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)"></sup>my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”</span></span></blockquote>
He'll give us rest...His burden is light.<br /><br /><h3>
<i>We can run free in Him!!!</i></h3>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
BUT, life's not a joyride...it's still a battle:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 1Pet-5-6" id="en-ESV-30455"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30455M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30455M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you,</span> <span class="text 1Pet-5-7" id="en-ESV-30456"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 </span></sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30456N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30456N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup><b>casting all your anxieties on him, because <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30456O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30456O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>he cares for you</b>.</span> <span class="text 1Pet-5-8" id="en-ESV-30457"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 </span></sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30457P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30457P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup><b>Be sober-minded; <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30457Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30457Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>be watchful. Your <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30457R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30457R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>adversary the devil <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30457S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30457S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>prowls around <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30457T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30457T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour</b>. (1 Peter 5:6-8)</span></blockquote>
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So, after we hand over our burdens to Christ he instructs us to get dressed for the battle:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<h3>
<span class="text Eph-6-10" id="en-ESV-29331">The Whole Armor of God</span></h3>
<span class="text Eph-6-10"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>Finally, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29331A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29331A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>be strong in the Lord and in <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29331B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29331B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the strength of his might.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-11" id="en-ESV-29332"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29332C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29332C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup><b>Put on <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29332D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29332D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29332E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29332E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>the schemes of the devil.</b></span> <span class="text Eph-6-12" id="en-ESV-29333"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>the rulers, against the authorities, against <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>the cosmic powers over <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>this present darkness, against <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>the spiritual forces of evil <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29333K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29333K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>in the heavenly places.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-13" id="en-ESV-29334"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>Therefore <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29334L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29334L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29334M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29334M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-14" id="en-ESV-29335"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>Stand therefore, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29335N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29335N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>having fastened on the belt of truth, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29335O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29335O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>having put on the breastplate of righteousness,</span> <span class="text Eph-6-15" id="en-ESV-29336"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup>and, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29336P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29336P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.</span> <span class="text Eph-6-16" id="en-ESV-29337"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>In all circumstances take up <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29337Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29337R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>the flaming darts of <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29337S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29337S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>the evil one;</span> <span class="text Eph-6-17" id="en-ESV-29338"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>and take <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29338T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29338T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup>the helmet of salvation, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29338U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29338U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup>the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,</span> <span class="text Eph-6-18" id="en-ESV-29339"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>praying <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29339V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup>at all times <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29339W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup>in the Spirit, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29339X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup>with all prayer and supplication. To that end, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29339Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup>keep alert with all perseverance, making <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29339Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29339Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup>supplication for all the saints... (Ephesians 6:10-18)</span></blockquote>
Thankfully, this is the lightest set of armor ever designed!<br /><br /><h3>
<i>We're still running free!</i></h3>
<br /> The problem is that sometimes when we find this freedom to run unencumbered "the race set before us" we forget about the people around us who are still trudging along under the heavy burden of sin and worry...like how I forgot about IV carrying two guns when I had none.<br /><br /> Sometimes it's busyness that causes us to forget, or sometimes it's pride...<br /> Or sometimes we could be like Paul, who we talked about in Life Group today.<br /> We may be tempted to set our eyes on heaven, but we must remember that God still has a purpose for us in the lives of others:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
My desire is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29368AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29368AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>to depart and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29368AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29368AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>be with Christ, for that is far better. <span class="text Phil-1-24" id="en-ESV-29369"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.</span> <span class="text Phil-1-25" id="en-ESV-29370"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29370AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29370AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>Convinced of this, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29370AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29370AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup><b>I know that I will remain and continue with you all, for your <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29370AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29370AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>progress and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29370AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29370AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)"></sup>joy in the faith</b>,</span> <span class="text Phil-1-26" id="en-ESV-29371"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>so that in me <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29371AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29371AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)"></sup>you may have ample cause to glory in Christ Jesus, because of my coming to you again. (Philippians 1:23-26)</span></blockquote>
We need to encourage each other in the faith. <br /> We need to spread the joy! <br /> We also need to be there to pick each other up when we fall, because it's not meant for us to fight our battles alone:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Eccl-4-9" id="en-ESV-17391"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil.</span> <span class="text Eccl-4-10" id="en-ESV-17392"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup><b>For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!</b></span> <span class="text Eccl-4-11" id="en-ESV-17393"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-17393P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-17393P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>but how can one keep warm alone?</span> <span class="text Eccl-4-12" id="en-ESV-17394"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<i>Salvation is personal, but life is a team effort.</i><br /><ul>
<li>Hand your sins and worries to Jesus.</li>
<li>Put on His armor.</li>
<li>Fight the fight, and run the race well.</li>
<li>Encourage one another to do the same:</li>
</ul>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Heb-3-12" id="en-ESV-29991"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>Take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29991N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29991N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>the living God.</span> <span class="text Heb-3-13" id="en-ESV-29992"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup><b>But <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29992O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29992O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29992P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29992P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>the deceitfulness of sin.</b></span> <span class="text Heb-3-14" id="en-ESV-29993"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>For we have come to share in Christ, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29993Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29993Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. (Hebrews 3:12-14)</span></blockquote>
Praising the Lord that we can run freely into a New Year! <br /><br /> #Alwaysmovingforward</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-75567239791700139232016-12-03T21:02:00.000-05:002016-12-03T21:02:19.149-05:00A Reminder: My take-away from a day in the Pilates and yoga world. 1. I spent today in Atlanta at a certification course for a Pilates and yoga blend fitness class.<br />
2. This reminded me of two things from my past that I seem to have lost passion for...<br />
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<h2>
A Reminder</h2>
<div>
The first thing I was reminded of today was that I really LOVE Pilates as a form of exercise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I started doing Pilates shortly after King was born in 2004. I bought some DVDs I saw advertised on TV by Daisy Fuentes. (They're still <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Winsor-Pilates-Workout-Accelerated-Sculpting/dp/B00077BD7A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480811481&sr=8-1&keywords=winsor+pilates">here on Amazon</a> if anyone is interested. They're basically the same quality workouts I learned today...good, old, stuff.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, I haven't practiced Pilates regularly in quite a while since I've been teaching HIIT (high intensity interval training) at the YMCA and running a lot on my own. Therefore, I was happy to reconnect with it today. It makes me feel tall and strong, and teaches muscle control and postural alignment like nothing else. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I like to teach it too. </div>
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<div>
That leads to the second thing of which I was reminded...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really LOVE to teach the Bible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That may seem really random and unrelated, but it's not...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Anytime you talk yoga, people will inevitably start talking about stress relief and inner peace. I knew that going into this certification and was prepared for it, but I wasn't prepared for the way the Holy Spirit stirred inside me as soon as the lectures began. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was sad...very sad...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
...Sad for all these women looking for peace and relief from anxiety and not knowing where to find it. They keep looking within themselves but anything they find there will be a temporary Band-Aid for a much bigger wound. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I mean, I'll be one of the first to tell you that I use exercise for stress relief. It's a time away from the kids and my household duties. It's a time when I can think and sweat, and I do always feel better afterward. BUT, it's not where I get my peace, and it doesn't take my worries away. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Only one Person can do that...only one Person HAS DONE that.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I finally got home from the class with my certificate in hand (and after I ate!), I read the Christmas devotional to the kids. (We do the <i>She Reads Truth</i> Advent devotional I bought last year.)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I found the truth I already knew in my heart in this scripture from Hebrews:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Heb-6-20" id="en-NIV-30065"><span class="text Heb-6-17" id="en-ESV-30045"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>So when God desired to show more convincingly to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30045AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30045AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup>the heirs of the promise <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30045AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30045AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup>the <b>unchangeable</b> character of his purpose, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30045AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30045AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup>he guaranteed it with an oath,</span> <span class="text Heb-6-18" id="en-ESV-30046"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>so that by two <b>unchangeable</b> things, in which <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30046AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30046AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup>it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the <b>hope</b> <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30046AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30046AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup>set before us.</span> <span class="text Heb-6-19" id="en-ESV-30047"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup><b>We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30047AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30047AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup>the inner place behind the curtain,</b></span><b> </b><span class="text Heb-6-20" id="en-ESV-30048"><sup class="versenum"><b>20 </b></sup><b>where Jesus has gone <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30048AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30048AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup>as a forerunner on our behalf</b>, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30048AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30048AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup>having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.</span></span></blockquote>
<ul>
<li>God is unchanging.</li>
<li>God gives us hope through Jesus.</li>
<li>Jesus is an anchor for the soul.</li>
</ul>
<div>
That's what gives me peace...no worries, no stress.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(Here comes a semi-cheesy analogy, beware :) Just like Pilates is all about the core strength of the body that anchors and helps control all the movement of the other parts of the body, Jesus is the core strength of our souls and lives, now and eternally. He holds it all together. <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+1:17&version=NIV">(Colossians 1:17)</a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It's also here in the words to this song, which Lottie and I lovingly sang to the family (I think they actually liked it. Heehee.):</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ2zL8zJB63ca3XUkYDEeXNLJAdZZP3xKhKbo8Q01AH8Ct3v3ff9PuGRIm4OueTdkyYyL27A8eyfNqkpcJ5p6hpudCb_i9kbicYb06xGfTLOsHgSvhu-1qPbeXkvEI0lPTmF3WIKqpw/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipJ2zL8zJB63ca3XUkYDEeXNLJAdZZP3xKhKbo8Q01AH8Ct3v3ff9PuGRIm4OueTdkyYyL27A8eyfNqkpcJ5p6hpudCb_i9kbicYb06xGfTLOsHgSvhu-1qPbeXkvEI0lPTmF3WIKqpw/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Jesus sets us free from fears.</li>
<li>Jesus sets us free from sins.</li>
<li>He's our rest, our hope, and our joy.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This is why I was re-filled with the desire to teach the Bible...it holds the only answer for "inner peace." </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And who knows, maybe when you've finally learned to cast all your cares on Jesus you'll feel a little more free to come join me for a workout. Heehee. </div>
<div>
A little sweat never hurts. ;)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-28926815059302955972016-10-31T11:41:00.000-04:002016-10-31T16:11:15.988-04:00Keep Coming Back#1 I got to teach at the youth girls' retreat this past weekend.<br />
#2 Teaching is always a learning experience.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Keep Coming Back</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We studied from Annie Downs' book <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1430052538/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477923683&sr=8-1&keywords=looking+for+lovely+annie+downs+youth">Looking for Lovely</a>:</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1430052538/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477923683&sr=8-1&keywords=looking+for+lovely+annie+downs+youth"><img alt="https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Lovely-Collecting-Moments-Matter/dp/1430052538/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1477923683&sr=8-1&keywords=looking+for+lovely+annie+downs+youth" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqh7cj1g5f4GAw4U4P8enKcGTk1UzfWesMB5GtDn3wGumk8IMPWiZxMdnv-2uXw4Z4VPhvNO1jnYnmRsh3ckHw6reiUeT8IZF69vKQWfwDq-lj1wmt58S97L-KRPvRgrgr-SaPCxKRHQ/s320/lovely.jpg" width="238" /></a></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
The key verse was Romans 5:3-5:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-5-3" id="en-NIV-28051"><sup class="versenum"><i>3 </i></sup><i>Not only so, but we</i><sup><i> </i></sup><i>also glory in our sufferings,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28051A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28051A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> because we know that suffering produces perseverance;</i><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28051B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28051B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-4" id="en-NIV-28052"><sup class="versenum"><i>4 </i></sup><i>perseverance, character; and character, hope.</i></span><i> </i><span class="text Rom-5-5" id="en-NIV-28053"><sup class="versenum"><i>5 </i></sup><i>And hope<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28053C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28053C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> does not put us to shame, because God’s love<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28053D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28053D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28053E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28053E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> who has been given to us.</i></span></blockquote>
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(We had to push fast through the book since it was only a weekend retreat but Casey, Jennifer, and I tag-teamed the teaching and got it done in style. :)</div>
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Here's what I took away from the study:</h3>
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<br /></div>
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She talked a lot about persevering through hard times by looking for good moment's of God's blessings in those times, and not giving up, but holding on to hope through it all.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Most of us have fairly easy lives...we're fed and clothed and have some sort of a home, but we still have some REALLY hard times, and some REALLY trying days. There are also things that we pray for that seem to never come...</div>
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These are the times of perseverance I thought of. </div>
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We also talked a lot about just not giving up, and that made me think of one my friends who had asked me for advice on weight loss and fitness. Part of my advice to her was that she WOULD mess up and fall off track, but she had to keep coming back to it...keep starting over. Moment by moment. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Example: If you're trying not to eat sweets but you give in and eat a cookie...hit the mental reset button at that moment...don't eat the whole pack of cookies. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><b>Keep coming back to the fight!</b></i></div>
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Then I thought way back to my <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2016/01/building-something-beyond-myself.html">New Year's resolutions</a>. </div>
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This was one of them:</div>
<ul>
<li><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Write more. <em>I'm going to try to sit down to write at least once a week. I definitely won't be posting everything I write, but the act of trying keeps me thinking and digging and praying and learning.</em></div>
</li>
</ul>
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I did not stick to this.</div>
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I actually just remembered it this weekend.</div>
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My first thought was, "Well, that's awash. I guess that's not going to happen now. I don't think I'll write at all anymore."</div>
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Quitter.</div>
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"I don't want to by a quitter...I'm a <i>finisher</i>!" (That's my little pep talk to myself. :)</div>
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I thought about my advice to my friend about weight loss and fitness and it easily applied to my situation. It can apply to whatever battle you're facing, or goal you're trying to reach, or new habit you're trying to start. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Just keeping coming back to it! Don't quit.</i></b></div>
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So here I am...writing.</div>
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I also thought about something I've been praying for a long time now and it obviously hasn't happened. I struggle now to keep praying for it. That's what I last wrote about here.</div>
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At the retreat, which was in the Smoky Mountains by the way, some of the girls and I tried to see the sunrise. The problem was that where we were situated in the mountains the sun didn't actually rise for us until late in the morning. So we were there looking at a mountain, knowing that the sun had risen behind it, but we still couldn't see it. </div>
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The Lord brought this to mind for me when I taught on hope that night.</div>
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I told the girls that in this world there are always temptations and distractions that try to pull us away from the path God has for us, but we have to look past what we can see in front of us and remember that there's a greater purpose...a greater goal.</div>
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The sun still rises, even if we can't see it. We have to keep moving forward, hoping in the unseen. Holding on to faith because Jesus can move the mountain:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>"Truly I tell you, if you have faith<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23721A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23721A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> as small as a mustard seed,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23721B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23721B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23721C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23721C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> Nothing will be impossible for you.” -Matthew 17:20</i></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TBSIbH7L9nQbR0qZ-jsYx3gEvDhmukqpCqODbfAkHNHBCmqIldoEcFA8vs8TYbm6gKBLALRwy0TGMzRCiHYHzLZZM6DjywyHn5iJPEU6w6GuxXYQ41Y5qPDt8RmmaBTRe6NpU9XAAA/s1600/mountains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3TBSIbH7L9nQbR0qZ-jsYx3gEvDhmukqpCqODbfAkHNHBCmqIldoEcFA8vs8TYbm6gKBLALRwy0TGMzRCiHYHzLZZM6DjywyHn5iJPEU6w6GuxXYQ41Y5qPDt8RmmaBTRe6NpU9XAAA/s320/mountains.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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Keep climbing the mountain until it moves. </div>
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Keep praying.</div>
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Keep hoping. </div>
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Keep coming back. </div>
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<b><i>Just don't quit.</i></b></div>
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That's what I'm going to do. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-33045069200635211582016-07-21T20:50:00.000-04:002016-07-21T20:50:36.361-04:00Look for it!<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“There are certain queer times and occasions in this strange mixed affair we call life when a man takes this whole universe for a vast practical joke, though the wit thereof he but dimly discerns, and more than suspects that the joke is at nobody's expense but his own.” ― </i><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1624.Herman_Melville"><i>Herman Melville</i></a><i>, </i><span id="quote_book_link_7847"><a class="authorOrTitle" href="https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/2409320"><i>Moby-Dick</i></a></span></blockquote>
<br />
#1 Somedays are just harder than others.<br />
#2 Sometimes there's no apparent reason for the change. <br />
#3 Today was one of those days.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Look for it!</h2>
<div>
Iv and I have been looking on and off for a house to buy for the past 6 years or so.</div>
<div>
We put in another offer today.</div>
<div>
I doubt they'll accept our offer.</div>
<div>
That's okay.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Usually, I would have already started praying that we would be able to get the house.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't want to pray this time.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i>"What's the use? We'll either be able to get it or we won't...whatever the Lord wants to do, He's going to do anyway. Right? Why pray?"</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
Like the quote at the top - Joke's on me.</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
I prayed about it anyway...half-heartedly, and then forgot about it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Lord didn't forget about me though. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The kids and I were driving home this evening right when a storm was clearing away. There was sun shining through the windshield and dark clouds behind me. </div>
<div>
I kept telling the kids, "Look for a rainbow! I know it will be there...just keep looking!"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
They were about to give up when I insisted once again that they look out their windows...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And there it was. (I'm sure some of you saw it too.)</div>
<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWAOuJSu_9n9w6C08Q808H45UkIOnTOxRxvg6LnfaSsc9N6gbkajt1GI3we2NnPVatLmX0O2jiNKsfdK8jKDo-b6AEpMspaZK0sJ6GtyyBN8Zq_ma0turSKtV8qwIheMbbrtuSc9Vwg/s1600/20160721_201527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWAOuJSu_9n9w6C08Q808H45UkIOnTOxRxvg6LnfaSsc9N6gbkajt1GI3we2NnPVatLmX0O2jiNKsfdK8jKDo-b6AEpMspaZK0sJ6GtyyBN8Zq_ma0turSKtV8qwIheMbbrtuSc9Vwg/s640/20160721_201527.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I had to make a quick turn into the waffle house to turn around...didn't want to miss it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
The kids were saying, "You were right, Mom! That's so cool!"<br />
And they even thanked me for making them look.<br />
<br />
As we were sitting in the Waffle House parking lot taking in the beauty of it all, the Lord spoke to me in the loving way He always does.<br />
<br />
I realized that there is a reason I need to continue to pray...<br />
I need to pray for all things - like an offer on a house, or a friend who's in need, or for safety and provision...<br />
I need to pray, so that I won't miss God's hand at work in my life.<br />
I don't want to miss it.<br />
<br />
Just like I kept telling the kids, "Look for it! Look for it!" I need to remind myself to keep looking for God moving around me. <br />
Keep looking! I don't want to miss something beautiful!<br />
<br />
Prayer does that. It keeps me involved in the works of the Lord.<br />
<br />
He does answer prayer.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 </span></sup>Praise awaits you, our God, in Zion;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14862A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14862A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-1">to you our vows will be fulfilled.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14862B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14862B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-2" id="en-NIV-14863"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup><b>You who answer prayer,</b></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b> </b></span><span class="text Ps-65-2"><b>to you all people will come.</b><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14863C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14863C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-3" id="en-NIV-14864"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>When we were overwhelmed by sins,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14864D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14864D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-3">you forgave<sup> </sup>our transgressions.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14864E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14864E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-4" id="en-NIV-14865"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Blessed are those you choose<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14865F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14865F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-4">and bring near<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14865G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14865G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> to live in your courts!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-4">We are filled with the good things of your house,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14865H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14865H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-4">of your holy temple.</span></span><div class="poetry top-05">
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<span class="text Ps-65-5" id="en-NIV-14866"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup><b>You answer us with awesome and righteous deeds,</b><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14866I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14866I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b> </b></span><span class="text Ps-65-5"><b>God our Savior,</b><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14866J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14866J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-5">the hope of all the ends of the earth<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14866K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14866K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-5">and of the farthest seas,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14866L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14866L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-6" id="en-NIV-14867"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>who formed the mountains<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14867M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14867M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> by your power,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-6">having armed yourself with strength,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14867N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14867N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-7" id="en-NIV-14868"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>who stilled the roaring of the seas,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14868O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14868O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-7">the roaring of their waves,</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-65-7">and the turmoil of the nations.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14868P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14868P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-8" id="en-NIV-14869"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup><b>The whole earth is filled with awe at your wonders;</b></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b> </b></span><span class="text Ps-65-8"><b>where morning dawns, where evening fades,</b></span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"><b> </b></span><span class="text Ps-65-8"><b>you call forth songs of joy. - </b>Psalm 65<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14869Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14869Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
</div>
</blockquote>
<br />
Thank you, Lord, for making me look.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-52177477631035393312016-07-11T22:31:00.000-04:002016-07-11T22:31:14.794-04:00The Holy Spirit: snippets from the college girls' retreat#1 This past weekend was unbelievably fantastic...I had the most humbling privilege to share and teach the Word of God to an awesome group of college girls at Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.<br />
<br />
#2 Being at the beach was just icing on the cake.<br />
<br />
I wanted to share just a snippet of what I taught...It seems fairly applicable to the present troubles. Though really I wish I could somehow pass to you the joy, love, peace, and fun we all shared.<br />
<br />
<h3>
The Holy Spirit</h3>
A few months ago, when Wendy asked me to speak, I immediately started to search for a topic or Scripture.<br />
<br />
At my Wednesday night Bible Study, the Lord gave me the idea to study up on the Holy Spirit...<br />
Specifically, how we, as Christians, often ignore the God who lives inside us.<br />
<br />
That's where the adventure began!<br />
<br />
At first, I thought, "The reason we ignore the Spirit is because we dilute it with outside distractions."<br />
<br />
I was thinking the bombardment of social media, media in general, TV, music, etc. was just drowning it out. <br />
<br />
About this time, I had planned to go with another group of college kids on a backpacking trip in north Georgia. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to test my theory...There would be no cell phone service and minimal human contact. I thought I would find real peace there.<br />
<br />
Wrong.<br />
<br />
I did have a good time, but really it was the most bland wilderness experience I've ever had. This had nothing to do with the scenery or the company...both were fantastic. I just wasn't "moved" as I have been before when immersed in God's creation.<br />
<br />
I was confused.<br />
<br />
So, I picked my kids up from my parents and headed back home through Atlanta...<br />
I was on 75/85, fighting through traffic with a car full of kids, and wondering again about what I was missing when a song came on the radio.<br />
<br />
I love this song...we sing it a lot at church:<br />
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I was listening to the words and the lines, "your love will surely come find us," and "I've surrendered to your design" really jumped out of me...</div>
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And there it was...</div>
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PEACE.</div>
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In that moment of Atlanta-traffic-and-kid-crazed chaos I felt the peace of God that assured me I was right where He wanted me to be and that He was right there with me. </div>
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When I got home I read this devotional by Francis Chan:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
First, the Holy Spirit is a Person. He is not an indistinct “power” or “thing.” I often hear people refer to the Spirit as an “it,” as if the Spirit is a thing or force that we can control or use. This distinction may seem subtle or trivial, but it is actually a very serious misunderstanding of the Spirit and His role in our lives. In John 14:17, we read that the Spirit “dwells with you and will be in you.” This calls us to relationship with the Spirit, instead of allowing us to think we can treat the Spirit as a power to be harnessed in order to accomplish our own purposes. The Holy Spirit is a Person who has personal relationships with not only believers, as we have seen, but also with the Father and the Son. We see the Spirit working in conjunction with the Father and the Son multiple times throughout the Scriptures.<br />
<i>* Do you ever fall into the trap of seeing the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force instead of a person? How have you tried to “harness” Him instead of having a relationship with Him?</i></blockquote>
I had to answer yes...I had fallen in that trap and tried to harness the Spirit. That's what I was doing on the backpacking trip, and probably why I didn't get the results I thought I would.<br />
<br />
I took the girls at the retreat to John 14 and we read verses 16-27, ending with these verses:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="verse v26" data-usfm="JHN.14.26"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">26</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.</span></span><span class="content"> </span></span><span class="verse v27" data-usfm="JHN.14.27"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">27</span><span class="wj"><span class="content">Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</span></span></span></blockquote>
There's the peace that I felt that day. He left it with us when He left us with the Spirit. <br />
<br />
This is a little something from Oswald Chambers on that...I had to read it slow to be able to digest it all:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The idea of peace in connection with personality is that every power is in perfect working order to the limit of activity. That is what Jesus means when He says “My peace.” Never have in mind the idea of jadedness or stagnation in connection with peace. Health is physical peace, but health is not stagnation; health is the perfection of physical activity. Virtue is moral peace, but virtue is not innocence; virtue is the perfection of moral activity. Holiness is spiritual peace, but holiness is not quietness; holiness is the intensest spiritual activity.<br />
<strong><em>The profound realization of God makes you too unspeakably peaceful to be capable of any self-interest.</em></strong></blockquote>
That last line summed it all up for me...We feel the true peace of God when we're so focused on Him that we lose interest in ourselves for a moment. <br />
<br />
I then took the girls to look at Joseph for a minute...though his story comes long before Jesus left us with His peace. <br />
<br />
Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, imprisoned, and then eventually made second in command to Pharaoh. When his brothers came to buy food during the famine Joseph really exemplified this "profound realization of God" that made him "too unspeakably peaceful to be capable of any self-interest."<br />
<br />
He saw the big picture of what God was doing:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="verse v5" data-usfm="GEN.45.5"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">5</span><span class="content">And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you. </span></span><span class="verse v6" data-usfm="GEN.45.6"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">6</span><span class="content">For two years now there has been famine in the land, and for the next five years there will be no plowing and reaping. </span></span><span class="verse v7" data-usfm="GEN.45.7"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">7</span><span class="content">But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance.</span><span class="content"> </span></span><br />
<div class="p">
<span class="verse v7" data-usfm="GEN.45.7"><span class="content"></span></span><span class="verse v8 selected" data-usfm="GEN.45.8"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">8</span><span class="content">“So then, it was not you who sent me here, but God. He made me father to Pharaoh, lord of his entire household and ruler of all Egypt. (Genesis 45:5-8)</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="verse v20" data-usfm="GEN.50.20" style="background-color: #67c8ff;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;"><strong><em>20</em></strong></span><span class="content"><strong><em>You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.</em></strong> (Genesis 50:20)</span></span></span></span></blockquote>
He didn't have to show his brothers mercy, but he was so full of God's peace.<br />
<br />
This peace is readily accessible to anyone who believes in Jesus as their Savior...back to John 14:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-14-16"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may be with you forever;</span></span> <span class="text John-14-17" id="en-NASB-26686"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup><i>that is</i> <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-26686B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26686B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the Spirit of truth, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-26686C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-26686C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him, <i>but</i> you know Him because He abides with you and will be in you.</span></span></blockquote>
He is in us.<br />
<br />
After this we looked at Romans 12 and I talked about what I learned <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2016/06/youth-campin-cliches.html">youth camp</a>...giving our all to Jesus so as not to hinder our relationship with the Spirit...verses 1 and 2 started us off:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-12-1"><span class="chapternum">12 </span>Therefore <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28247A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28247A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28247B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28247B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, <i>which is</i> your spiritual service of worship.</span> <span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NASB-28248"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>And do not <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28248C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28248C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>be conformed to <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28248D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28248D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>this world, but be transformed by the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28248E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28248E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.</span></blockquote>
Then we finished that section at 13:10, <strong><em>"<span class="text Rom-13-10" id="en-NASB-28277">Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-28277M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-28277M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>love is the fulfillment of the law."</span></em></strong><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">There was a lot in between there, but the basic idea is that sin grieves the Spirit, and there are a lot of works and things we can do to keep out of sin, but they're all summed up in LOVE. </span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">Love for God, love for others.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">1 John 4:13-5:12 brings it all together:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span class="text Rom-13-10"><span class="text 1John-4-13" id="en-NASB-30617"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30617AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30617AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup>By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Rom-13-10"><span class="text 1John-4-13"><span class="text 1John-4-15" id="en-NASB-30619"><sup class="versenum">15 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30619AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30619AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>Whoever confesses that <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30619AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30619AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>Jesus is the Son of God, God <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30619AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30619AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup>abides in him, and he in God.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Rom-13-10"><span class="text 1John-4-13"><span class="text 1John-4-15"><span class="text 1John-4-18" id="en-NASB-30622"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>There is no fear in love; but <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30622AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30622AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)"></sup>perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30622AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30622AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)"></sup>perfected in love.</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Rom-13-10"><span class="text 1John-4-13"><span class="text 1John-4-15"><span class="text 1John-4-18">Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and whoever loves the Father <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30626C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30626C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>loves the <i>child</i> born of Him. <span class="text 1John-5-2" id="en-NASB-30627"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30627D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30627D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>By this we know that <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30627E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30627E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>we love the children of God, when we love God and observe His commandments.</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="text Rom-13-10"><span class="text 1John-4-13"><span class="text 1John-4-15"><span class="text 1John-4-18"><span class="text 1John-5-2"><span class="text 1John-5-3" id="en-NASB-30628"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30628F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30628F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>this is the love of God, that we <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30628G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30628G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>keep His commandments; and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30628H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30628H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>His commandments are not burdensome.</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span class="text Rom-13-10">His commandments are not burdensome because they're all summed up in love.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">Love is not hard when we have no self-interest.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">No self-interest is easy when we're consumed with thoughts of God.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">When we're consumed with thoughts of God we will have peace...no room for fear.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">Love and peace.</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">There is a war against those two things, because there's a war against God. </span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">WE HAVE TO FIGHT THIS WAR!</span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10"></span><br />
<span class="text Rom-13-10">Thankful for this war cry that my kids reminded me of after their week of camp:</span><br />
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="verse v7" data-usfm="JOS.1.7"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">7</span><span class="content">“<strong>Be strong and very courageous</strong>. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; <strong>do not turn from it to the right or to the left</strong>, that you may be successful wherever you go. </span></span><span class="verse v8" data-usfm="JOS.1.8"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">8</span><span class="content"><strong>Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night</strong>, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. </span></span><span class="verse v9" data-usfm="JOS.1.9"><span class="label" style="display: inherit;">9</span><span class="content">Have I not commanded you? <strong>Be strong and courageous</strong>. <strong>Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the </strong></span><span class="nd"><span class="content"><strong>Lord</strong></span></span><span class="content"><strong> your God will be with you wherever you go</strong>.” </span></span></blockquote>
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The Lord will be with us wherever we go. <br />
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Thankful.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-20116365626155887672016-06-27T12:50:00.001-04:002016-06-27T13:49:11.717-04:00Youth Camp...in Clichés#1 Writing about youth camp this year has seemed a lot more daunting then last year.<br />
#2 All that has come to mind when trying to describe the experience are a lot of different clichés.<br />
#3 I've decided to just go with it...this should be fun.<br />
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<h2>
Youth Camp in Clichés</h2>
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Youth Camp...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>...is like opening a can of worms. </b><i>Once you pop that top...they're all going to come squirming out.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Even though I had one year of youth camp recently under my belt I still had no idea what was going to come up and out of these kids this week. Once we all headed off in our new (to us) short buses there was no going back!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM9yCVY11u8Wq7ooX0tKjkzAsqKa2juaaynfTLP6mczHPlkUkjMc9W5y8lIG0hppHjoq9MAyaUIeBCAcSfhigX2dL9ovtTKypoYnFpA3uca7IjYpUyCxnOcw86tO9vtJv3Sp_bKUIAg/s1600/IMG_20160620_173504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYM9yCVY11u8Wq7ooX0tKjkzAsqKa2juaaynfTLP6mczHPlkUkjMc9W5y8lIG0hppHjoq9MAyaUIeBCAcSfhigX2dL9ovtTKypoYnFpA3uca7IjYpUyCxnOcw86tO9vtJv3Sp_bKUIAg/s320/IMG_20160620_173504.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>It's like putting all your eggs in one basket. </b><i>You have to be all in, all the way.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
One thing I knew upon pulling out of the parking lot was that spending the week with these kids would cost me every ounce of mental, physical, and spiritual energy I had. Those were my eggs, camp was my basket.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3xo-bxHH3YxBZJVjgUwwd24An_zX8XE1PUHfmKxPMuM7ln48Pa7zFqx2Y2aCyQ3SWtYDr3tWDOUK0uKzZjWjodLfRFU9l__DxZyfS1wI1oOZZ8QNVuZnrG3CLy8ZURfVyodWVLw7og/s1600/20160624_095457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3xo-bxHH3YxBZJVjgUwwd24An_zX8XE1PUHfmKxPMuM7ln48Pa7zFqx2Y2aCyQ3SWtYDr3tWDOUK0uKzZjWjodLfRFU9l__DxZyfS1wI1oOZZ8QNVuZnrG3CLy8ZURfVyodWVLw7og/s400/20160624_095457.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>The writing was on the wall. </b><i>Anticipation.</i></li>
</ul>
All of us leaders knew something would happen this week, we just didn't know what. We were praying for God to move in these kids...we just didn't know what His move would be.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleM-AntvhSTW-foBdFGld7xTX2ZEWBFyDb7NLo_oTBD45XXukV7I6WGzbWxHPEOWUHwFtpIzpJkcXNdVVcESNV2ou6FDV01DSejCY6L0r2MRhXIkzs9SlM_qvpI_q_MEfAsks-QmvfQ/s1600/20160624_125921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgleM-AntvhSTW-foBdFGld7xTX2ZEWBFyDb7NLo_oTBD45XXukV7I6WGzbWxHPEOWUHwFtpIzpJkcXNdVVcESNV2ou6FDV01DSejCY6L0r2MRhXIkzs9SlM_qvpI_q_MEfAsks-QmvfQ/s320/20160624_125921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>You can't judge a book by its cover.</b><i> You never know what's going on inside a kid's head.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
By the end of the first full day of camp some of the students started opening up and responding to the messages they'd been hearing. Some of the kids we know really well and pretty much knew what to expect, but some of them were full of surprises. I got really excited when one girl started asking questions and expressing a passion for the gospel that I never knew she had...I started praying right away that nothing would put out that fire inside her!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNH0RgRIXSLrGRkX2TzXpM8H1janwEcuBjZZcldUObZVl_XefbhOkyFuhzsZboE2PPySFFE3FyVyOHk3klzs3ShD1PwwqjQUtTR7iEWCaF4MF-oohDirW0vLZNY4Cxkn2ZCqc2sODCA/s1600/IMG_20160621_134747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLNH0RgRIXSLrGRkX2TzXpM8H1janwEcuBjZZcldUObZVl_XefbhOkyFuhzsZboE2PPySFFE3FyVyOHk3klzs3ShD1PwwqjQUtTR7iEWCaF4MF-oohDirW0vLZNY4Cxkn2ZCqc2sODCA/s320/IMG_20160621_134747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>You can't please everyone. </b><i>The annoyingly hard part of camp.</i></li>
</ul>
<div>
Camp activities are as diversified as they can be...some are inside, some are outside, some are active, some are calm. There is a time of Bible study and a time of recreation. Some of the kids lose focus of the big picture and get very tired and whiney at different points throughout the day. It's impossible to keep them all happy and motivated. I would like to work next year on a better strategy to help them have better attitudes...I'm laughing to myself at the near impossibility of this goal. Haha.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9t0DfEvQJ25wdZWSqzJZxYq2hIkoHFXyajvDww4cKB-THR9cb_UGp83TaN9qFTczYJpID9lnMXeQJNuzaC9Lqtv_oxTdGBpmDyDUnbw7k5LLknAbSTR47c3fwDziCFlFZaSzLZu-IQ/s1600/20160623_092306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFemmNtVWDEzc_5Urf-_gxyuhAiOCCUkbct_7dojv-epfWT4GR_IcnChm1xnCF0t4HNs0yhW_egJqPXsedOOHN6R8LrWTY7fcaSI1b3GtcJB4flb-NqwTpeNEJDXASDZdc_n0QD94TTg/s1600/IMG_20160622_201532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFemmNtVWDEzc_5Urf-_gxyuhAiOCCUkbct_7dojv-epfWT4GR_IcnChm1xnCF0t4HNs0yhW_egJqPXsedOOHN6R8LrWTY7fcaSI1b3GtcJB4flb-NqwTpeNEJDXASDZdc_n0QD94TTg/s320/IMG_20160622_201532.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><b>What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. </b><i>This attitude should be a prerequisite for camp.</i></li>
</ul>
The days are long, the sun is hot, and there is a lot of whining, but by the end of every night the students are for the most part happy and satisfied. They usually seem to feel encouraged and they love encouraging and helping each other. By the end of the week they are stronger...physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Lord really uses the camp experience as a whole to build these kids in different ways. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9t0DfEvQJ25wdZWSqzJZxYq2hIkoHFXyajvDww4cKB-THR9cb_UGp83TaN9qFTczYJpID9lnMXeQJNuzaC9Lqtv_oxTdGBpmDyDUnbw7k5LLknAbSTR47c3fwDziCFlFZaSzLZu-IQ/s1600/20160623_092306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9t0DfEvQJ25wdZWSqzJZxYq2hIkoHFXyajvDww4cKB-THR9cb_UGp83TaN9qFTczYJpID9lnMXeQJNuzaC9Lqtv_oxTdGBpmDyDUnbw7k5LLknAbSTR47c3fwDziCFlFZaSzLZu-IQ/s1600/20160623_092306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9t0DfEvQJ25wdZWSqzJZxYq2hIkoHFXyajvDww4cKB-THR9cb_UGp83TaN9qFTczYJpID9lnMXeQJNuzaC9Lqtv_oxTdGBpmDyDUnbw7k5LLknAbSTR47c3fwDziCFlFZaSzLZu-IQ/s320/20160623_092306.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE9t0DfEvQJ25wdZWSqzJZxYq2hIkoHFXyajvDww4cKB-THR9cb_UGp83TaN9qFTczYJpID9lnMXeQJNuzaC9Lqtv_oxTdGBpmDyDUnbw7k5LLknAbSTR47c3fwDziCFlFZaSzLZu-IQ/s1600/20160623_092306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnixAsHnes1aEoIxYGCzS5Jsic5oG5f2-l_dz1jAGLytyiYM2oOZIbfEGrjdkHuA3_3Qs4hri5pUdyj-LqJV_dLRjpcqHZI0RGESOOrqlPW2HhK2LPELQpmoyhbqU_8vv0sbk1DcdYtg/s1600/20160624_091411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnixAsHnes1aEoIxYGCzS5Jsic5oG5f2-l_dz1jAGLytyiYM2oOZIbfEGrjdkHuA3_3Qs4hri5pUdyj-LqJV_dLRjpcqHZI0RGESOOrqlPW2HhK2LPELQpmoyhbqU_8vv0sbk1DcdYtg/s320/20160624_091411.jpg" width="179" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s1600/20160624_090823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUE3CeYDUjwnuNJt_-x4PN6czDGHY088xA1kmwNdAvWvDooPqUG26OiJ3pUIIxvIukWOkA2GpG38YMH3S96euvTxzuIXtm9wuCaEfb0YWzmTrbmKcrvjHBB5nIXiLAPbCerJXce337ug/s320/20160624_090823.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
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<b>Beyond the clichés:</b></div>
<br />
We studied all about the Gospel this week. There's nothing cliché about that. <br />
We learned to "know it, embrace it, live it, share it, and trust it."<br />
We learned to be "unashamed" of our faith. <br />
<br />
I say "we" because I learn just as much at these camps as the kids do...the Gospel lesson is for all ages, and it never gets old.<br />
<br />
The lesson that stuck out most to me came on Wednesday when Cliff (Cliff Jordan, the camp pastor) used Romans 12:1-2 with the point that the world says, "GET IT ALL", while the Gospel says, "GIVE IT ALL":<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Rom-12-1"><span class="chapternum">12 </span>Therefore, I urge you,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28247A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28247A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to <b>offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28247B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28247B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.</b></span> <span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NIV-28248"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>Do not conform<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28248C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28248C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> to the pattern of this world,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28248D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28248D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28248E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28248E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28248F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28248F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>—his good, pleasing<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28248G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28248G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup> and perfect will.</span></blockquote>
He stressed that as a living sacrifice we place ourselves on the altar of God to live as His Word commands. If we continue to live in sin, even if we're just one step off the altar, we're not on the altar at all. This makes me all the more thankful for the grace of Jesus.<br />
<br />
When you accept Jesus as your Savior your sins are forgiven, and God sees you as holy and pleasing, because you're covered by His sacrifice. It's all here (the Scripture says it better than I ever could):<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text Eph-2-1"><span class="chapternum">2 </span>As for you, <b>you were dead in your transgressions and sins</b>,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29231A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29231A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-2-2" id="en-NIV-29232"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>in which you used to live<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> when you followed the ways of this world<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29232E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29232E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-2-3" id="en-NIV-29233"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>All of us also lived among them at one time,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29233F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29233F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature <b>deserving of wrath</b>.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-4" id="en-NIV-29234"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup><b>But because of his great love for us,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29234H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29234H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup> God, who is rich in mercy,</b></span><b> </b><span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235"><sup class="versenum"><b>5 </b></sup><b>made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29235I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>—it is by grace you have been saved</b>.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29235J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-2-6" id="en-NIV-29236"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>And God raised us up with Christ<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup> and seated us with him<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup> in the heavenly realms<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29236M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29236M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup> in Christ Jesus,</span> <span class="text Eph-2-7" id="en-NIV-29237"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29237N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> expressed in his kindness<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29237O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29237O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup> to us in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NIV-29238"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup><b>For it is by grace<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> you have been saved,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup> through faith<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29238R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29238R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—</b></span><b> </b><span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NIV-29239"><sup class="versenum"><b>9 </b></sup><b>not by works,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29239S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup> so that no one can boast</b>.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29239T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29239T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NIV-29240"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup>For we are God’s handiwork,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> created<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> in Christ Jesus to do good works,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29240W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29240W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup> which God prepared in advance for us to do.</span></blockquote>
<br />
<div>
The Gospel...never cliché.<br />
<br />
Unashamed.<br />
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A lot more could be said, but I'll leave it at that. <br />
Camp is not something to be explained, but something to be experienced...I dare you. ;)<br />
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And on an unrelated note...this is what happens when I leave IV home alone:</div>
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He decorates. Sigh.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-32549266555840890802016-06-20T12:16:00.002-04:002016-06-20T12:16:47.381-04:00Piecing the Puzzle<div dir="ltr">
#1 I have officially broken my new year's resolution to write every week.</div>
<div dir="ltr">
#2 I do have a good excuse though... If there is such a thing.<br />
<br />
My friend Wendy asked me to teach the main sessions of the upcoming retreat with her group of college girls from church.<br />
<br />
I was immediately excited, and nervous, at the opportunity.<br />
<br />
Since then a couple of people have asked me about what I'm going teach on and about how it's coming together.<br />
<br />
My answer is that it's coming together a lot like my blog posts do...One piece at a time.<br />
<br />
<b>Like the pieces of a puzzle</b>.<br />
<br />
Right now, I have about half the picture...an idea spurred by a discussion in Bible study, a lesson I taught to my highschool life group, a mixture of scriptures and passages, and one big conviction.<br />
<br />
I'm heading to camp this week with the youth group from our church and I'm hoping and praying for a more complete picture.<br />
<br />
The conviction I'm facing is going to require a change of heart that only the Lord can give me...really praying for this.<br />
<br />
BUT, there's one thing I've learned...the surest way to better yourself is to forget yourself...<br />
<br />
Die to the flesh, live my the Spirit:<br />
<br />
<i>"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." - Galatians 5:16-17</i><br />
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A week at camp serving as a chaperone to a big bunch of youths should do the soul good.<br />
<br />
Lord, I need you...we all do!<br />
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...More to come. 😊<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-30984017815379708302016-05-09T11:20:00.004-04:002016-05-09T11:20:48.976-04:00The Best Mother's Day#1 Since becoming a mother I've had a love/hate relationship with Mother's Day....there have been some BAD ones. <br />
#2 This year it was all love for me, but in a most unexpected way!<br />
<br />
The Best Mother's Day<br />
<br />
On March 21, 2016 I officially began business with my daughter as K&L Floral Design. We've been learning, buying flowers, planting plants, and making bouquets almost daily since then. <br />
<br />
This past week we received almost a dozen orders for Mother's Day weekend. I was very excited! <br />
<br />
We kicked things off on Friday afternoon, rested up Friday night, and then hit the ground running Saturday morning...(We did have to take a break for a soccer game but I stopped at Home Depot on the way there, and after the game we foraged some filler flowers from around the fields, so it turned into a work trip. :) ) <br />
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<br />
The flower-filled work carried over into Sunday morning, and I made my last delivery that afternoon after church. Phew!!!<br />
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<br />
So, how was a Mother's Day weekend filled with work, work, work the best Mother's Day ever???<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><strong>I had no time to think about myself.</strong> <em>Some of the worst Mother's Days I've had are ones when I've had huge expectations and thought mostly of what I thought I deserved...self-focus ruined these days for me.</em></li>
<li><strong>I got to spend the time with my children working along side me.</strong> <em>They helped me forage flowers at the soccer field, Lottie helped me pick out flowers at Home Depot, they all fetched and carried things, and they all watched the bouquets take form and encouraged me greatly with their words of affirmation. The best help...I love my loving kids.</em></li>
<li><strong>Even though IV was working all weekend himself, he took the time to sincerely offer to help me get things done...and he did help.</strong> <em>I'm VERY thankful for a supportive, encouraging, and ever-loving husband. </em></li>
</ol>
I went into Sunday afternoon and evening feeling fulfilled and accomplished. I even managed to sneak in a semi-long run, which was icing on the cake. (And I can't forget those killer steaks my in-laws grilled for lunch!) <br />
<br />
So, even though I ended the weekend by sending my husband off to spend the night fighting crime, and sending a couple of fighting kids to bed early...nothing could beat the good gifts of the weekend.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-12" id="en-NASB-17372"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>I know that there is <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-17372M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-17372M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>nothing better for them than to rejoice and to do good in one’s lifetime;</span> <span class="text Eccl-3-13" id="en-NASB-17373"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>moreover, that every man who eats and drinks sees good in all his labor</span></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="text Eccl-3-13" id="en-NASB-17373">—<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>it is the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-17373N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-17373N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>gift of God. </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">Ecclesiates 3.</span></span></span> </blockquote>
Thankful. And remembering this...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="chapternum">Psalm 127 </span>Unless the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16123A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16123A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>builds the house,<br /><span class="text Ps-127-1">They labor in vain who build it;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-1">Unless the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16123B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16123B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>guards the city,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-1">The watchman keeps awake in vain.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-2" id="en-NASB-16124"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>It is vain for you to rise up early,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-2">To retire late,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-2">To <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16124C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16124C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>eat the bread of painful labors;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-2">For He gives to His <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16124D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16124D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>beloved <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16124E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16124E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup><i>even in his</i> sleep.</span><div class="poetry top-1">
<div class="line">
<span class="text Ps-127-3" id="en-NASB-16125"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Behold, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16125F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16125F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>children are a gift of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-3">The <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16125G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16125G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>fruit of the womb is a reward.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-NASB-16126"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Like arrows in the hand of a <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16126H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16126H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>warrior,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-4">So are the children of one’s youth.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-5" id="en-NASB-16127"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>How <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16127I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16127I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-5"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16127J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16127J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>They will not be ashamed</span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-5">When they <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16127K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16127K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup>speak with their enemies <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-16127L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-16127L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>in the gate.</span></div>
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</blockquote>
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I hope you had a good Mother's Day weekend, but even if you didn't, please know that I feel your pain, and remember this...<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-73165717737078763612016-04-14T13:14:00.000-04:002016-04-14T13:14:14.165-04:00Fight or Wallow#1 Satan hits us when we're weak. (Check it out, <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%204&version=NASB">Matthew 4</a>)<br />
#2 For women, well at least for me, we're a lot weaker at certain times of the month.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Fight or Wallow</h2>
<br />
I can feel it coming. It's not a physical feeling for me...it's an emotional one. <br />
All of a sudden, everyone is a little bit annoying, and everything is a little bit personal.<br />
I'm bombarded by negative thoughts..."my life is a failure, I'm no good, everyone else is succeeding, I'm the loser, it's somebody else's fault, and the whole world is bad, bad, bad." <br />
<br />
Of course, nothing externally has really changed. I'm just weakened, tired, and vulnerable.<br />
<br />
I've been trying to find a good strategy to fight this monthly downward spiral. <br />
I've really been praying about it, and this month the Lord has provided the answer.<br />
<br />
As it usually goes, this answer was right in front of my face...I just needed to focus on it. <br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
FOCUS...</h3>
~ <em>Like winning (or just finishing) a race or a long run most of the fight takes place in the mind...I've written about this before, </em><a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2013/03/mind-on-targetglocks-and-god.html"><em>here</em></a><em>.</em> <br />
<br />
I've been studying 1 Thessalonians with a group of ladies at church and also with a couple of my high school students. Chapter five, verses 16-22, and the study that surrounded them really helped me keep my mind in the clear this time around.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text 1Thess-5-16" id="en-NASB-29638"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29638A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29638A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>Rejoice always;</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-17" id="en-NASB-29639"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29639B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29639B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>pray without ceasing;</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-18" id="en-NASB-29640"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>in everything <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29640C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29640C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-19" id="en-NASB-29641"><sup class="versenum">19 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29641D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29641D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>Do not quench the Spirit;</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-20" id="en-NASB-29642"><sup class="versenum">20 </sup>do not despise <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29642E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29642E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>prophetic utterances.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-21" id="en-NASB-29643"><sup class="versenum">21 </sup>But <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29643F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29643F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>examine everything <i>carefully</i>; <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-29643G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-29643G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>hold fast to that which is good;</span> <span class="text 1Thess-5-22" id="en-NASB-29644"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>abstain from every form of evil.</span></blockquote>
I really like having step-by-step instructions, and these verses really summed it up for me. This was the Lord's answer to me for my battle against the monthly blues.<br />
<ul>
<li>Rejoice always. {Find joy and focus on it!}</li>
<li>Pray without ceasing. {Always keep that open line of communication to the Lord...that's where the power is.}</li>
<li>In everything give thanks. {Be thankful, even if someone else has it better...be thankful for them too!}</li>
<li>Do not quench the Spirit. {Don't let the flesh rule.}</li>
<li>Do not despise prophetic utterances. {Stay in the Word, and do what it says.}</li>
<li>Examine everything carefully. {Even my own thoughts...are they Biblical?}</li>
<li>Hold fast to that which is good. {Focus on those things.}</li>
<li>Abstain from every form of evil. {Keep the jealous, bitter, self-absorbed thoughts out!}</li>
</ul>
<br />
Also, in our study we did a cross-reference to Hebrews 12:1-3 to learn how to encourage the faint-hearted...I'm going to use this on myself as well as others:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="chapter-2">
<span class="text Heb-12-1"><span class="chapternum">12 </span>Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30214A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30214A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30214B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30214B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>run with <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30214C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30214C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>endurance the race that is set before us,</span> <span class="text Heb-12-2" id="en-NASB-30215"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30215E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30215E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>endured the cross, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30215F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30215F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup>despising the shame, and has <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30215G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30215G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup>sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</span></div>
<span class="text Heb-12-3" id="en-NASB-30216"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-30216H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-30216H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.</span></blockquote>
Again, I broke it down to some step-by-step moves:<br />
<ul>
<li>"So great a cloud of witnesses" {I'm not alone in this journey of life.}</li>
<li>"lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us" {Confess it, repent of it, lay it down.}</li>
<li>"Run with endurance the race that is set before us" {Run my race, not someone else's.}</li>
<li>"fixing our eyes on Jesus" {That's the finish line, the goal (I mean, He's already sitting down!)...keep my eyes on him.}</li>
<li> "consider Him" {Nothing I go through comes close to what Christ went through for me.}</li>
</ul>
<br />
Focusing on these verses this week and month has really put the <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2014/05/hitting-reset-button.html">reset button</a> on how I deal with the emotional rollercoaster of being a female. <br />
<br />
Life is always going to be a fight, and there's always going to be the enemy fighting to win our attention. He's locked and loaded to give us excuses for bad behavior and self-wallowing. <br />
<br />
We have to keep our eyes on the prize...a life of peace with Christ now, and a life of peace with Christ forever. <br />
<br />
<strong><em>Keep up the fight!</em></strong> <br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-52258092515883980382016-04-01T12:29:00.000-04:002016-04-01T12:29:55.174-04:00Satisfied<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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#1 It's a good feeling to go to bed after a long day of work.<br />
<br />
#2 It's also a good feeling to wake up to a new day and feel rested and ready to go.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<em>Satisfied</em></h2>
<br />
To go to bed satisfied with your days work, and to wake up satisfied with the life you get to live that day.<br />
<br />
Those seem like two worthy goals to me. <br />
<br />
Being satisfied is not something we have to strive after...It's more like something we rest in...even while we're working.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 19:23 - "The fear of the L<span class="yhwh">ORD</span> leads to life,<br />and whoever has it rests satisfied;<br />he will not be visited by harm."<br />
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-60651028794437621512016-03-20T16:42:00.000-04:002016-03-20T16:42:36.286-04:00Lost in the Gray#1 Sometimes it's easy to judge between right and wrong...I like it when things are black or white.<br />
#2 Sometimes it's a little more difficult, and it takes a little more time to think things through...Ya know - "the gray areas."<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Sometimes I get lost in the gray.</h4>
<br />
It's like driving on a foggy road. You're driving slow, squinting your eyes, trying to stay in your lane, and your view is so limited that you can't relax, and you definitely can't enjoy the ride! You feel tense, worried, and unsure about what's up ahead.<br />
<br />
This is how I feel when I'm bombarded by decisions or judgments about things that are not clearly defined or things of which I'm unsure. <br />
<br />
If I don't clearly know both sides of an argument, or if my views differ from what someone else is telling me, or if I've simply come to "two roads diverged in a yellow wood," I sometimes have to let my foot off the gas and navigate the path very carefully. <br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe I'm overly cautious at times, or maybe I'm just a slow thinker. <br />
<br />
Either way, I can get very weighed down by things like this, and I really do feel like I'm in a fog. <br />
The only good thing about it is that it pushes me to pray and search God's word for guidance.<br />
<br />
<br />
<em><strong>Like relying on the lines of the road as guide marks, I have to rely on the Truths I know.</strong></em><br />
<br />
<br />
A quick search for "I am the light" returned these little jewels to me:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 </span></sup>Who among you fears the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-50-10">and obeys <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18673A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18673A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>the voice of his servant?</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-50-10"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-18673B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-18673B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup><strong>Let him who walks in darkness</strong></span><br /><strong><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-50-10">and has no light</span></span><br /><span class="text Isa-50-10">trust in the name of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span></strong><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Isa-50-10"><strong>and rely on his God</strong> (Is. 50:10).</span></span> </blockquote>
<span class="text John-8-12"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Isa-50-10"><strong><em>Trust.</em></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span class="text John-8-12">
<span class="indent-1"><blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="text John-8-12"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26382A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26382A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, <span class="woj"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26382B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26382B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>“<strong>I am the light of the world. Whoever <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26382C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26382C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>follows me will not <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26382D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26382D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>walk in darkness, but will have the light of life</strong>” (John 8:12).</span></span></blockquote>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong><em>Follow Jesus.</em></strong> </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
...the darkness is passing away and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30542Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30542Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup>the true light is already shining. <span class="text 1John-2-9" id="en-ESV-30543"><sup class="versenum">9 </sup>Whoever says he is in the light and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30543R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30543R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup>hates his brother is still in darkness.</span> <span class="text 1John-2-10" id="en-ESV-30544"><sup class="versenum">10 </sup><strong>Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-30544S" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-30544S" title="See cross-reference S">S</a>)"></sup>cause for stumbling</strong> (1 John 2:8-10).</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><strong><em>Love.</em></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">The light in the darkness, the clearing of the fog, a contrast to the gray.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">When I'm facing decisions that seem to be "in the gray" these are some truths I can cling to and some questions I can test myself with:</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">Am I trusting Jesus?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">Am I following His ways?</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">Am I loving others?</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span><br />
<span class="text 1John-2-10">I'm thankful the Lord has given us these guidelines. They're such a comfort in uncertain times.</span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10">...And even if I mess up, I have a Light to return to. That's hope.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span><br />
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><strong><em>I pray these words will bring comfort and hope to you as well. The Light has come!</em></strong> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span> </div>
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<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-35" id="en-ESV-26604"><sup class="versenum">35 </sup>So Jesus said to them, <span class="woj"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26604BC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26604BC" title="See cross-reference BC">BC</a>)"></sup>“The light is among you <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26604BD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26604BD" title="See cross-reference BD">BD</a>)"></sup>for a little while longer. <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26604BE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26604BE" title="See cross-reference BE">BE</a>)"></sup>Walk while you have the light, lest darkness <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26604BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26604BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)"></sup>overtake you. <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26604BG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26604BG" title="See cross-reference BG">BG</a>)"></sup>The one who walks in the darkness does not know where he is going.</span></span> <span class="text John-12-36" id="en-ESV-26605"><span class="woj"><sup class="versenum">36 </sup>While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-26605BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-26605BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)"></sup>sons of light” (John 12:35-36).</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-36"><span class="woj"></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-36"><span class="woj"><strong><em>Walk in the light.</em></strong></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-36"><span class="woj"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-36"><span class="woj"><strong><em></em></strong></span></span></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 1John-2-10"><span class="text John-12-36"><span class="woj"></span></span></span> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-68259003524293106132016-02-29T09:26:00.001-05:002016-02-29T09:26:51.077-05:00Signs of Children III#1 Every now and then I become aware of the odd things going on around me that are just a normal part of life with children.<br />
#2 Some of them never get old...but some do. ;)<br />
<br />
<br />
<h2>
Here are just a few clues that the children have taken over:</h2>
<br />
<br />
<div align="left">
<span style="font-size: small;">When you're sitting down to pick out a movie for a home-date with your husband and these are your top-four recommended movies:</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTexjx_fSy0PpAACnHNUFS7Af5nf-zSmujf_HbDzdDScd8eN7NJvTw7aOoW-jpLc_A7Q8nRWvZJcOmNnFnlx41LBcyKoa4tPteOolAxCS-fZifIqMQbY19QgzAriw_ZcnpzyOy2pmZKQ/s1600/20160229_073049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTexjx_fSy0PpAACnHNUFS7Af5nf-zSmujf_HbDzdDScd8eN7NJvTw7aOoW-jpLc_A7Q8nRWvZJcOmNnFnlx41LBcyKoa4tPteOolAxCS-fZifIqMQbY19QgzAriw_ZcnpzyOy2pmZKQ/s640/20160229_073049.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: small;"></span> </div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
When your kitchen sink is filled with a different kind of dishes:</div>
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When you drive somewhere and upon arriving realize that your truck has a parasite:</div>
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<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
When you're sweeping the floor and you feel like someone is watching you (plus your kitchen floor is THAT dirty...gross):</div>
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And...seriously...this is still happening. The kid is over 4-years-old now! The thrill of the "unroll" is obviously just too tempting:<br />
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</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Just in case you missed the first two installments:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2012/05/universal-signs-of-children.html">Signs of Children</a><br />
<a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2013/11/the-universal-signs-of-children-part-ii.html">Signs of Children II</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="passage-display-bcv"><em>Psalm 127:3-5</em></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<em><span class="text Ps-127-3" id="en-ESV-16125"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>Behold, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16125A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16125A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup>children are a heritage from the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-3"><sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16125B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16125B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>the fruit of the womb a reward.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-4" id="en-ESV-16126"><sup class="versenum">4 </sup>Like arrows in the hand of <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16126C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16126C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>a warrior</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-4">are the children<sup> </sup>of one's youth.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-5" id="en-ESV-16127"><sup class="versenum">5 </sup>Blessed is the man</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-5">who fills his quiver with them!</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-127-5">He shall not be put to shame</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-127-5">when he speaks with his enemies <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16127D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-16127D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>in the gate.</span></span></em></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-69099384233825877952016-02-25T16:49:00.002-05:002016-02-25T18:06:12.851-05:00Fear Creeps In#1 Lottie and I have decided to start a little flower business.<br />
#2 It's really not a big deal, so why do I have big fear?<br />
<br />
Fear Creeps In<br />
<br />
I'm not a fearful person my nature...<br />
<br />
I've always ridden the biggest roller coasters and scariest rides...Have you ever seen those sky-high water slides that go STRAIGHT down from the heavens? Yeah, I rode those without a thought when I was but a wee child. <br />
I HAVE, however, always been a little afraid of what people think of me. I overcame a huge chunk of this when, as a 7th grader, I truly began to identify with Christ, but my worry over how I'll appear to others always lingers in the shadows of my mind. <br />
<br />
When I had the idea for this flower business, fear never crossed my mind. I've had ideas for businesses before but none have ever sparked in me like this one did. After the initial, "Aha!" moment the brainstorm raged on, and a lot of things seemed to be coming into place in perfect time. This gave me a peace in my spirit that this business, which includes Lottie and I learning and working together, was something the Lord had put in me. <br />
<br />
It all seemed good.<br />
<br />
Then, out of the shadows, fear crept in. With it came all the bad thoughts: <br />
"I can't do this."<br />
"I don't know anything about flowers."<br />
"People will think I'm stupid."<br />
"People will think my arrangements are cheesy and cheap."<br />
"I won't be able to get anyone to buy anything."<br />
"It's going to be another failure."<br />
<br />
I was so mad! I hated these thoughts! <br />
<br />
Thankfully, once again, the Lord sees me. He knows me. He cares. He reaches out to me...even if I don't always reach out first. <br />
He put a Bible reading plan in front of me that dealt exactly with my problem: <br />
"<a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2157-chasing-failure?id=2157-chasing-failure">Chasing Failure</a>" on <a href="https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/2157-chasing-failure?id=2157-chasing-failure">YouVersion</a>. <br />
There are many good words and verses of encouragement in this devotional:<br />
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I have been so encouraged. <br />
<br />
The Lord also played my "I'm screwing this all up" song over and over for me on Sunday...<br />
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(I usually consider this my "homeschool song" but it definitely applies to more of life. :) )</div>
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After, these two things, plus continued encouragement from my loving husband, parents, and friends I've finally decided to press onward and upward!!!<br />
<br />
I really am excited about the business...and Lottie is too. Actually, all the kids are. <br />
<br />
I may never sell one single bouquet, but I've decided that it doesn't matter...I'm going to find joy in the process, and leave the rest to the Lord. <br />
<br />
Shouldn't that be what we do with all of life anyway???<br />
<br />
<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-22857528984520226962016-02-09T12:56:00.000-05:002016-02-09T12:56:01.394-05:00RestingLast week: I ran, ran, ran, worked, worked, worked, hustled by fanny all over the place, and got (almost) all my to-do's done.<br />
<br />
This week: I'm doing as little as possible.<br />
<br />
Sometimes it's nice to take a break. <br />
<br />
Simplification is a popular trend amongst some these days, but it seems that a lot of people make this "simplification" so darn complicated. <br />
<br />
We've still been doing our school work around here, still been going to basketball, still been doing laundry and "clean-up time," still been putting three meals on the table everyday. <br />
<br />
So, what's the difference?<br />
<br />
When I've felt tired, I've sat down.<br />
<br />
When I needed to do something, I got up and did it slowly and smoothly right away so I wouldn't be rushed and hurried later. <br />
<br />
I haven't been working out or running, which I've missed, but does free up a lot of time for me.<br />
<br />
I did go for a walk with Ace. That was nice.<br />
<br />
I did skip out on a few things in order to take care of a few more important things, but I was able to plan ahead for that. Planning ahead is always nice...unless, of course, things don't go as we plan. <br />
<br />
It's at those times that I've learned to just give it a big, "Oh, well."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proverbs 16:9</td></tr>
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That's simple enough for me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-44018434846273143892016-01-31T22:45:00.001-05:002016-01-31T22:45:10.826-05:00Resolution Check#1 It's the last day in January.<br />
#2 I thought this would be a good time to check-up on those New Year's resolutions<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's jump right in!<br />
<br />
My running goals:<br />
<ul>
<li>Run a sub-20:00 5k - I really wanted a chance to knock this out quickly, but my training kind of peaked out without time allowing me to get to a race. I'm going to take a small break to rest up a bit and then re-train with a goal race already picked out. {<em>In case you were wondering, it's hard to get to races when you can't leave your children home by themselves yet, and your husband works night shift, which means he is basically never awake in the morning time...gotta plan ahead! No more excuses! (That's me talking to myself.)}</em></li>
<li>Run a 50-miler - My hopes for this have been dashed. My loving husband is concerned about me running such a distance and doesn't think I should do it. Without his full support this would really be an impossible goal. I was really very sad about this, but I may try again in 2017. This kids will be a year older, and Lord willing, we will not be on night shift anymore. {<em>I'm sorry. I know a lot of people are on night shift continuously, and some people like it, but it is just not my cup of tea, and really seems to affect everything we do....I shouldn't complain.}</em></li>
<li>Eat for fuel - I'm acing this one...mostly. :) {<em>My favorite power food this month was oatmeal with about a teaspoon of chia seeds, a teaspoon of ground flax seed, and a cut-up banana. It's a yummy, filling breakfast.} </em></li>
<li>Run more trails - Fail. <em>Sad.</em> </li>
<li>Use running as my "Go" from Mark 16:15 - Not really much success here either...mostly because I haven't raced, and I've been running alone. I'm not giving up though. {<em>No more excuses! (That's me talking to myself again.)}</em></li>
</ul>
Personal goals:<br />
<ul>
<li>Compliment people more - I was going strong on this one, and then somewhere along the way I reverted to my introverted, shy, overthinking side, and have failed a few times. {<em>To the nurse who took my blood the other day: You have really pretty gray hair. (Seriously...It really was very pretty hair.) </em>I'm going to keep practicing this.}</li>
<li>Write more - I have been writing once a week, though I have not posted everything. {<em>You probably will never see the "unpostables"...unless I die and someone posts them on behalf. Too morbid?}</em></li>
</ul>
Home school goals:<br />
<ul>
<li>School, in general, is going very well right now. {<em>Ask me again next week...it's a fragile beast.}</em></li>
</ul>
So, that's where I am. Life's a continual bought of refocusing it seems. Repositioning. Resetting. Re-posturing???<br />
<br />
Beyond my silly little New Year's resolutions I have made a most important "re-posturing" of my faith this week...See <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2016/01/check-your-posture.html">"Check Your Posture."</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-16125813756225188502016-01-31T22:31:00.004-05:002016-01-31T22:35:24.472-05:00Check Your Posture#1 Having good posture with your body takes practice. You have to be aware of your body's position and form habits to keep your neck, back, and hips aligned so your body can function at it's best. (I have my dad to thank for always reminding me to stand up straight...Pilates is good for this too. :) )<br />
#2 Your heart can have a posture all of its own.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What's the position of your heart?</h4>
<br />
This was a question in our life group's study guide this morning at church.<br />
We've been working our way through Exodus and talked today about the Israelites whining in the desert for water, forgetting where they came from, and losing focus on God and where He was leading them (Exodus 17).<br />
Their hearts were turning inward...focusing on themselves and their immediate needs and desires instead of on the God who, thus far, had provided everything they needed. <br />
<br />
The posture of their hearts was out of alignment.<br />
<br />
Boy, could I relate...<br />
<br />
<h4>
Earlier this week I posted this verse on Instagram:</h4>
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I was feeling like Asaph in Psalm 73:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">1 </span></sup>Surely God is good to Israel,<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-1">to those who are pure in heart.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15022A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15022A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-73-2" id="en-NIV-15023"><sup class="versenum">2 </sup>But as for me, my feet had almost slipped;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15023B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15023B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-2">I had nearly lost my foothold.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15023C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15023C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-73-3" id="en-NIV-15024"><sup class="versenum">3 </sup>For I envied<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15024D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15024D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> the arrogant</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-3">when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I knew God was still good, but I just wasn't feeling it. My heart was out of position. I was focusing inward. The psalm goes on to say:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></sup>This is what the wicked are like—<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-12">always free of care,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15033N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15033N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> they go on amassing wealth.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15033O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15033O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup></span></span></div>
<div class="line" style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-73-13" id="en-NIV-15034"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>Surely in vain<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15034P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15034P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup> I have kept my heart pure</span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-13">and have washed my hands in innocence.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15034Q" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15034Q" title="See cross-reference Q">Q</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-73-14" id="en-NIV-15035"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>All day long I have been afflicted,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15035R" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15035R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-14">and every morning brings new punishments.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was just getting tired. It's hard to always try to do the right thing, especially when you mess up so often. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was thinking about it in the car, and I had one of those moments where a verse pops into your mind, and you know it's God speaking to you through His Spirit...it was a simple, <br />
<strong>"Cease striving"</strong> (Psalm 46:10). <em>Thank you, Lord.</em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, I took a deep breath and gave it up. Relief.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The rest of Psalm 73 talks about this relief...When you've entered God's presence and your heart is back in position so that you're able to have a clear view of what's going on around you, and you're able to see with new perspective what God's doing:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">23 </span></sup>Yet I am always with you;<br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-23">you hold me by my right hand.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15044AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15044AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-73-24" id="en-NIV-15045"><sup class="versenum">24 </sup>You guide<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15045AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15045AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> me with your counsel,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15045AG" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15045AG" title="See cross-reference AG">AG</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-24">and afterward you will take me into glory.</span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStdezNUzYgVc7zURzIe8RxQWZztDw-F20v4MyavNybLD4q3Q6XKPrEI5BZBwPdLaIYVPL9KQThj7D5Uz4fLf6LNupWL58bnlNyHhhnwUMVFV7_JnhlE4kwpE4pvxirD_qhmAW73_Sag/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStdezNUzYgVc7zURzIe8RxQWZztDw-F20v4MyavNybLD4q3Q6XKPrEI5BZBwPdLaIYVPL9KQThj7D5Uz4fLf6LNupWL58bnlNyHhhnwUMVFV7_JnhlE4kwpE4pvxirD_qhmAW73_Sag/s320/image.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="text Ps-73-25" id="en-NIV-15046"><sup class="versenum">25 </sup>Whom have I in heaven but you?<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15046AH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15046AH" title="See cross-reference AH">AH</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-25">And earth has nothing I desire besides you.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15046AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15046AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-73-26" id="en-NIV-15047"><sup class="versenum">26 </sup>My flesh and my heart<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15047AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15047AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)"></sup> may fail,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15047AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15047AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-26">but God is the strength<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15047AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15047AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup> of my heart</span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-26">and my portion<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15047AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15047AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup> forever.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-73-27" id="en-NIV-15048"><sup class="versenum">27 </sup>Those who are far from you will perish;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15048AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15048AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-27">you destroy all who are unfaithful<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15048AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15048AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup> to you.</span></span><br />
<span class="text Ps-73-28" id="en-NIV-15049"><sup class="versenum">28 </sup>But as for me, it is good to be near God.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15049AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15049AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-28">I have made the Sovereign <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> my refuge;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15049AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15049AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-28">I will tell of all your deeds.</span></span></div>
</blockquote>
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Phew. Praise the Lord for staying with us...even when we are as Asaph was earlier in Psalm 73:</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-73-22"><sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></sup>When my heart was grieved<br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-21">and my spirit embittered,</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-73-22" id="en-NIV-15043"><sup class="versenum">22 </sup>I was senseless<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15043AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15043AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> and ignorant;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Ps-73-22">I was a brute beast<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15043AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15043AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> before you.</span></span></span></span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
"A brute beast"...I can definitely be that at times. Sad truth.<br />
<em>{Read the full psalm </em><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ps+73&version=NIV"><em>here</em></a><em>.}</em></div>
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Thankfully, He never lets go...He never fails...God is ALWAYS faithful.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-55137759243033973942016-01-14T15:55:00.000-05:002016-01-14T15:55:43.613-05:00Round and Round #1 The grand scheme of our home school is ever changing.<br />
#2 I'm sure I'll have the "perfect plan" soon after they all graduate. :)<br />
<br />
<h4>
This year we're going "Round and Round."</h4>
<br />
I used to have a daily plan for school that would generally start with spelling and writing, move to grammar and reading, and then onward to math. Then we were suppose to do history, science, Latin, and all the rest. The problem was that we would get through with reading, barely make it through the math, and then either cry and fight through the rest, or just call it a day. It rarely ended well.<br />
<br />
When I realized that we needed to make a change I decided that instead of starting each day the same we would just pick up where we left off the day before. After a little "googling" I learned that other home school mom's have also been doing this, and that it had a name: <br />
<br />
<h4>
Loop Scheduling.</h4>
<br />
Who knew???<br />
<br />
The blog I first came across gave an outline of how to use <a href="https://evernote.com/?var=3">Evernote</a> with a loop schedule. <br />
Check it out at <a href="http://www.simplyconvivial.com/">www.simplyconvivial.com</a>. <br />
<em>(She explains it all in more detail then I ever care to, so I'll leave it to her!)</em><br />
<br />
I was already using and loving Evernote for holding my running notes/articles, recipes, addresses, schedules, and other random things, so this was an easy move for me.<br />
<br />
Thus far, this (along with a to-do list for King and Duke of daily school tasks they can do on their own) is really working. <br />
<br />
It's a little more relaxed, but the learning is more focused. <br />
<br />
<h4>
Here's a glimpse of how I'm working it:</h4>
<ul>
<li>King and Duke work on their to-do lists, which includes hygiene, chores, and as much reading/spelling/math as they can do without my help, while I do my morning chores (unload dishwasher, start the laundry, make the littles' beds, and wipe down the bathrooms).</li>
<li>I check out Evernote to see which subject should come first and then just work down the list, spending as much time as we want, or is necessary, on each subject until we run out of time (I cut off schoolwork at 3pm) or our brains are fried (usually before 3pm).</li>
<li>We could get grammar, writing, math, and history done one day, then the next day we would start with geography and move to science, Latin, and typing before we come back to grammar again. (We do some form of reading everyday.)</li>
<li>There's lots of other stuff that happens during each day, but we always try to end with a 15 minute clean-up time (for sanity's sake).</li>
</ul>
That's about all there is to it. <br />
<br />
This will obviously not be the right plan for everyone, and it probably won't be the right plan for us for forever, but it is definitely the right plan for us for now.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The "perfect" home school plan will probably always remain a mystery to me, but I'm thankful that we follow a God who directs all change and gives wisdom and knowledge when we need it.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-6513245077075801882016-01-03T20:05:00.001-05:002016-01-03T20:19:42.051-05:00Building Something Beyond Myself#1 It's a new year, and I, like so many others, have set some new goals for myself.<br />
#2 To me, these goals are like small building blocks, so I'm asking myself, "What am I building?"<br />
<br />
<h2>
Building Something Beyond Myself</h2>
<br />
<h4>
These are my original goals for 2016:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Running goals:</li>
<ul>
<li>Run a sub-20:00 5k. <em>I did a 20:30 this year...cutting 10 seconds per mile is a lot harder than it sounds!</em></li>
<li>Run a 50-miler. <em>I really want to go back to Utah in September and up the ante...IV does too.</em></li>
<li>Eat for fuel. <em>Not dieting, just viewing everything I eat as fuel - I want to eat things that benefit my body most.</em></li>
<li>AND...Run more trails. <em>Period.</em></li>
</ul>
<li>Personal goals:</li>
<ul>
<li>Compliment people more. <em>Whenever I think something nice about a person I want to say it immediately instead of over-thinking it, and letting the moment pass, like I tend to do now.</em></li>
<li>Write more. <em>I'm going to try to sit down to write at least once a week. I definitely won't be posting everything I write, but the act of trying keeps me thinking and digging and praying and learning.</em></li>
</ul>
<li>Home school goals:</li>
<ul>
<li>Finish the school year with a good attitude and my best efforts.</li>
<li>Focus on what's important.</li>
<li>Don't lose focus...<em>that's the hard part.</em></li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<ul><ul>
</ul>
</ul>
<h4>
I thought this was all good, and it's not bad, but then I read this:</h4>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
From <em>Moby Dick</em> by Herman Melville:</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Ishmael had just finished his summary of the different types of whales (not the most interesting part of the book so far), and he leaves it unfinished and says,</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: large;">"...even as the great Cathedral of Cologne was left, with the cranes still standing upon the top of the uncompleted tower. For small erections may be finished by their first architects; grand ones, true ones, ever leave the copestone to posterity. God keep me from ever completing anything."</span></blockquote>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
My train of thought:</h4>
<ol>
<li>Great works continue on, and are often not completed, within the lifetime of the person that started them.
</li>
<li>God is the great architect. <em>"<span class="text Heb-3-4" id="en-ESV-29983">For every house is built by someone, but <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29983D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29983D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup>the builder of all things is God" (Hebrews 3:4).</span></em></li>
<li>If I want to build something in life that will last beyond myself then it needs to be focused on God's work...This seems obvious to me. </li>
</ol>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
But I don't want to throw out all my goals.</h4>
<h4>
What to do?</h4>
<br />
I recently did a little personal study on Hannah from <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+samuel+1&version=NIV">1 Samuel 1</a>.<br />
Hannah had a goal...She wanted a son. <br />
She was being tormented by her husband's other wife for being barren, so she put all of her heart into praying for a child.<br />
The twist is, she promised to give the child back to the Lord.<br />
She prayed:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>“O <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of hosts, if you will indeed <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-7224L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-7224L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>look on the affliction of your servant and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-7224M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-7224M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> all the days of his life, <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-7224N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-7224N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>and no razor shall touch his head.” - 1 Samuel 1:11</em></blockquote>
And she kept her promise.<br />
<br />
After this, her son, Samuel, went on to be a great prophet of God (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+samuel+3%3A19-20&version=NIV">1 Samuel 3:19-20</a>).<br />
He anointed both Saul and David as kings over Israel (1 Samuel 9 and 16).<br />
David, of course, continues the pathway straight to Christ (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+3%3A23-38&version=ESV">Luke 3:23-38</a>).<br />
<br />
Hannah's dedication to the Lord allowed her to be part of building something much, MUCH, bigger than herself. She was part of building God's Kingdom.<br />
<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<h4>
Therefore, instead of wiping out my goals, I want to re-focus them:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Running: </li>
<ul>
<li>This is a pretty selfish sport in general, and really, it makes no difference if I meet these goals. It's kinda pointless...but I love it. :) </li>
<li>I do, however, meet a lot of people through running. I almost always come home from a race having made at least one new friend. This is where I can take the focus off myself and put it on the lasting work. </li>
<li>Most of my days are spent around my family, my church family, or other home school moms...very few non-believers there. Running is a gateway for me into the world at this point in my life, and it is a chance for me to let His light shine through me. It's my chance to "go" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+16%3A15&version=ESV">Mark 16:15</a>).</li>
</ul>
<li>
Personal:</li>
<ul>
<li>These aren't too far off track...</li>
<li>Complimenting people with truthful compliments can equal a little kindness shown to them in a sometimes dark world...like an "apple of gold" (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/quicksearch/?quicksearch=apples+of+gold&qs_version=ESV">Proverbs 25:11</a>).</li>
<li>Writing is (obviously) my way of communicating the works of God in my life to others. I hope that someone will be encouraged through it (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews%203&version=NIV">Hebrews 3:13</a>).</li>
</ul>
<li>Home school:</li>
<ul>
<li>My children are my mission field right now. To keep my focus and have a good attitude will only help them. I want them to see Christ through me, and I want to always be teaching them the Word (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deuteronomy+11:18-20&version=NIV">Deuteronomy 11:19</a>).</li>
</ul>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
I hope that you've set some goals of your own for the new year...small building blocks to build a better life for you and your family today, and prayerfully, laying foundations for works that will continue to grow long after you are gone. <br />
<br />
Build your house on the rock, and keep your mind on things above (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+7%3A24&version=NIV">Matthew 7:24</a>; <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Colossians+3:2&version=NIV">Colossians 3:2</a>)<br />
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<em><span class="text Titus-2-11" id="en-NIV-29920"><sup class="versenum">11 </sup>For the grace<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29920U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29920U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)"></sup> of God has appeared<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29920V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29920V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)"></sup> that offers salvation to all people.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29920W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29920W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Titus-2-12" id="en-NIV-29921"><sup class="versenum">12 </sup>It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29921X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29921X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)"></sup> and to live self-controlled,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29921Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29921Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup> upright and godly lives<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29921Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29921Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup> in this present age,</span> <span class="text Titus-2-13" id="en-NIV-29922"><sup class="versenum">13 </sup>while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29922AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29922AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup> of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29922AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29922AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup></span> <span class="text Titus-2-14" id="en-NIV-29923"><sup class="versenum">14 </sup>who gave himself for us<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29923AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29923AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></sup> to redeem us from all wickedness<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29923AD" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29923AD" title="See cross-reference AD">AD</a>)"></sup> and to purify<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29923AE" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29923AE" title="See cross-reference AE">AE</a>)"></sup> for himself a people that are his very own,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29923AF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29923AF" title="See cross-reference AF">AF</a>)"></sup> eager to do what is good. - Titus 2:11-14</span></em></blockquote>
Build it big.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-84627292310283282112015-12-23T20:00:00.000-05:002015-12-23T20:06:12.837-05:00Sometimes Things Stay the Same#1 Some people fear change.<br />
#2 I think I'm addicted to it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Sometimes things stay the same.</h4>
<br />
I started this blog when we first moved to Georgia. <br />
That was five years ago this January.<br />
<br />
Everything was changing then...<br />
We'd lost almost all of our belongings in a <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2011/02/journey-to-georgia-part-2.html">brown recluse infestation</a>.<br />
IV was having to drop out of law school because we couldn't afford it. <br />
He was working loss prevention at Wal-Mart, which by nature is a temporary job.<br />
We moved in with my parents and were searching without success for a place we could afford to rent. <br />
Plus, I was pregnant...again.<br />
IV's mom and dad offered us a house to rent in <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2011/02/journey-to-georgia-part-3.html">Georgia</a>, so we packed our limited belongings and headed south. <br />
<br />
It was not the best of times, but things were moving, and we were very happy when we finally landed here.<br />
<br />
Since then, our family has grown, IV has changed jobs a few times (including the year in Kuwait), and I've done a lot of running, teaching, and laundry...plus so much more.<br />
<br />
It's been a great "Georgia life", and everything seems to have finally settled.<br />
<br />
That should be a good thing...right?<br />
<br />
<h4>
Once upon a time, I prayed that the Lord would never let us get too comfortable.</h4>
That was when IV and I first got married.<br />
I never wanted to be so comfortable that I forgot my purpose here on the earth, or that I forgot how much I needed God. <br />
<br />
I think that's why I'm addicted to change...because when things are changing it's so easy to see God's hand at work. It's so easy to see my need for God and to see blessings when they come.<br />
<br />
When things stay the same, and I do get comfortable, I also become a little stale. <br />
That's why I haven't blogged in a while...I've just been living life on the surface.<br />
<br />
Of course, things are still changing around me, and in other people's lives I see it...I guess it just goes back to my self-centered nature. I want change to happen to me! (Preferable good change, of course. :) )<br />
<br />
Thankfully, when things do get stale, and I find myself in discontent, or simply too "comfortable" the Lord finds ways to bring it to my attention.<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><h4>
Sometimes He uses a six-year-old.</h4>
</li>
</ul>
My son Ace is a very deep thinker. He turned to me the other day and said:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"Mom. Why is it that before something happens I get really excited about it, but then when I'm in the middle of it I'm not excited anymore?"</blockquote>
</blockquote>
I had to break it to him..."That, my son, is the seed of discontent. It happens to everyone."<br />
<br />
I kept thinking about this over the following days and realized that I'm in the middle of my Georgia life and I'm not excited anymore...I want to be excited about life!<br />
<h4>
</h4>
<ul>
<li><h4>
Sometimes (quite often, in fact) He uses a spouse.</h4>
</li>
</ul>
IV had a new idea the other day to make some extra money...it wasn't a bad idea, but I get tired of talking about money. The more he talked, the more depressed I got. He asked me what I thought and I said in my good whiny voice, "I don't knooow. I don't know what to do."<br />
<br />
Then he asked the pointed question, "Well, what do you want to do?"<br />
<br />
My mind started turning:<br />
...I DON'T want to chase money.<br />
...I DO want to run in the mountains...far, far away.<br />
...I DON'T want to make anymore mistakes.<br />
<br />
So I said, "I want you to decide what we should do."<br />
<br />
I know our purpose is to glorify God, and I know we're where God wants us at this time. <br />
Therefore, what I want is to do life well while we're here.<br />
Other than that, I have no idea what I want. <br />
<strong></strong><br />
<h4>
So, here I am.</h4>
Waiting for nothing in particular. <br />
Praying that the Lord will direct IV when it's time for us to make a change.<br />
<br />
Because, in the end, God has a purpose...even when life is comfortable.<br />
<br />
<h4>
What then shall I do in this moment of stability? How do I keep myself from going numb?</h4>
Here's what I've come up with:<br />
<ol>
<li>Keep a journal of things I'm thankful for and blessings I've received. -<em>I've always been a fan of </em><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/"><em>Ann Voskamp and her </em>One Thousand Gifts</a><em>. That's what got me started doing this...and I've made it my own.</em></li>
<li>Take note of the jobs the Lord has put before me at this time, and do these things "as for the Lord" (<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/ann-voskamp/">Colossians 3:23</a>). -<em>I've got a husband to be a helper too, five children to teach and love, a life group full of high school kids to lead through the word, and friends and family galore...so there's plenty to do.</em></li>
<li>Stay in the Word and in prayer.<em> -If I don't do this I sink into </em><a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/2012/06/make-most-out-of-lifecontentment.html"><em>discontent</em></a><em> and self-absorption faster than a 5k. It's hard sometimes to set my mind "on things that are above" (Colossians 3:2). I've got to have daily reminders about what's really important.</em></li>
</ol>
It seems like this should be so simple, but it's really not, at least not for me, not always.<br />
<br />
<em>We just have to keep asking, keep seeking, and keep knocking (Matthew 7:7).</em><br />
<br />
<em>We have to watch and pray so that we do not fall into temptation (Matthew 26:41).</em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>We need to remember the first and great commandment, and take the focus off ourselves:</em><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyWRidzxUxs/VntAnxbVx-I/AAAAAAAAMj0/_ilxGp1O_KI/s1600/IMG_1679.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YyWRidzxUxs/VntAnxbVx-I/AAAAAAAAMj0/_ilxGp1O_KI/s400/IMG_1679.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself" -39</td></tr>
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And as we head into the heart of Christmas I'm going to be thankful for all He's done for me. </h4>
I keep thinking of Mary, living a normal life, when Gabriel brought her the news. <br />
How she was ready for the task at hand and glorified the Lord with her song of gratitude:<br />
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<em><span class="text Luke-1-46">“My soul glorifies the Lord<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24940B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24940B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-47" id="en-NIV-24941"><sup class="versenum">47 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24941C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24941C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-48" id="en-NIV-24942"><sup class="versenum">48 </sup>for he has been mindful</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-48">of the humble state of his servant.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24942D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24942D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-48">From now on all generations will call me blessed,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24942E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24942E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Luke-1-49" id="en-NIV-24943"><sup class="versenum">49 </sup><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span>for the Mighty One has done great things<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24943F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24943F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)"></sup> for me—</span></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-49">holy is his name.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24943G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24943G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-50" id="en-NIV-24944"><sup class="versenum">50 </sup>His mercy extends to those who fear him,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-50">from generation to generation.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24944H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24944H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-51" id="en-NIV-24945"><sup class="versenum">51 </sup>He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24945I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24945I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-51">he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24945J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24945J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-52" id="en-NIV-24946"><sup class="versenum">52 </sup>He has brought down rulers from their thrones</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-52">but has lifted up the humble.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24946K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24946K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-53" id="en-NIV-24947"><sup class="versenum">53 </sup>He has filled the hungry with good things<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24947L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24947L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup></span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-53">but has sent the rich away empty.</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-54" id="en-NIV-24948"><sup class="versenum">54 </sup>He has helped his servant Israel,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-54">remembering to be merciful</span></span><br /><span class="text Luke-1-55" id="en-NIV-24949"><sup class="versenum">55 </sup>to Abraham and his descendants<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24949N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24949N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup> forever,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-55">just as he promised our ancestors.” -Luke 1:46-55</span></span></em></blockquote>
I want to be ready and grateful like she was...<br />
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And I want to be hopeful for the future:</h4>
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<em><span class="text 1Thess-4-16" id="en-ESV-29603"><sup class="versenum">16 </sup>For <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)"></sup>the Lord himself will descend <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)"></sup>from heaven <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)"></sup>with a cry of command, with the voice of <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)"></sup>an archangel, and <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></sup>with the sound of the trumpet of God. And <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29603AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29603AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></sup>the dead in Christ will rise first.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-17" id="en-ESV-29604"><sup class="versenum">17 </sup>Then we who are alive, who are left, will be <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29604AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29604AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)"></sup>caught up together with them <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29604AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29604AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)"></sup>in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-29604AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-ESV-29604AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)"></sup>we will always be with the Lord.</span> <span class="text 1Thess-4-18" id="en-ESV-29605"><sup class="versenum">18 </sup>Therefore encourage one another with these words. -1 Thessalonians 4:16-18</span></em> </blockquote>
Things will not stay the same forever. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-62231214705578671942015-10-02T09:21:00.000-04:002015-10-02T09:21:18.840-04:00The North Face Endurance Challenge Utah 50k - a recap<div>
IV and I recently ran The North Face Endurance Challenge 50k in Park City, Utah. This was my first ultra marathon and the first race IV's done beyond a 10k. </div>
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I trained steadily for about 16 weeks and IV added in more running and some extra bleacher work to his normal workout schedule.</div>
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We originally planned to stay together for the race but when IV started having issues with his calf/Achilles we changed the plan. He decided to just speed hike it instead.</div>
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Here's how it went:</h3>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Pre-race: A little nervous, and a lot excited. I was ready to get up in those mountains! IV was like a kid...funny.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mile 1: Fell in behind a man who was trotting along at a nice steady pace:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I could still hear IV behind me when he would cough. The race basically started with an uphill climb that would continue on for what seemed like the next 26 miles.</span></div>
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Mile 6: I passed the first aid station feeling fine...my pacer took a potty brake so I found a new one:</div>
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IV was running with a 50-something-year-old man who's done over 60 ultras! IV said they would jog the flats and down-hills, and hike the ups.<br />
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Mile 8?: My new pace-man comes to a sudden halt...There's a HUGE BULL MOOSE just off the trail beside us! It had already stared me down and walked on by the time I got my camera out:</div>
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(There were five moose total in this little herd...so crazy amazing to see!) </div>
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IV didn't get to see them but he did see a HUGE beehive near the end...I found out later that Utah is known as "the beehive state". Who knew?</div>
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Mile 11ish: Made it through another check point and was still feeling okay. I fell in behind these dudes for a bit. We walked the big climbs through here...there was no choice really. </div>
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By this time IV's quads and hamstrings had cramped up on him severely. (The uphill climbing was to blame). He was standing, rubbing his legs, and someone gave him a salt tablet. That did the trick!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mile 12 (maybe): The views never stopped!</span></div>
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Mile 13: I think this was the official summit. I took a quick photo shoot:</div>
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(Someone around this point made the mistake of saying "it's all downhill from here." That was a big, FAT lie.)<br />
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IV said he didn't sit in the chair because he was afraid he wouldn't be able to get up!</div>
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Mile 15: I become completely famished...like, I need to eat NOW!</div>
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Mile 16: I eat! I had an orange wedge, a quarter of a pbj sandwich, some chips, a cup of broth (the best thing!), and drank some Coke and Mountain Dew (which I knew beforehand they would offer, but I didn't think I would want it...I thought wrong). Then I kept on trucking!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I took this pic for IV, since he likes these trees:</span></div>
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Mile 19: We go uphill (again) for what feels like a lifetime. I take a long walk break.</div>
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Mile 20: Running again, and then I fell flat-out on the ground. Not sure which rock got me, but it got me good. Thankfully I was not injured, and I did not cry. </div>
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IV didn't ever fall but he said he twisted his ankle bad one time and stubbed his right toe over and over. (His toenails are turning black now. :) )</div>
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Mile 21ish: Octoberfest themed aid station...much appreciated. From this point forward I do a lot of run/walking.</div>
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Mile 26: Back to Octoberfest...we did a little loop there. A very nice man filled my water bottles and urged me onward...he said "it's all rolling downward hills from here...finish with a smile," and that was the truth...and that's what I did!</div>
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When we emerged from amidst the mountains there were about 4 miles to go. We caught a glimpse of the finish line...so close, yet so far away:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xeuDru8-aCGSS3VleqaROVKmS80MV-MkQvTZFDPkzw4mrM33h3OWoHFeR7i5_37qQbhRyQHtsSXtsKoVYTpiNHvycpriSGx38Lo_G3nq6HRzz_Ve6DLEs7raFm4SI6K2rQu8035mUQ/s640/blogger-image-978976633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3xeuDru8-aCGSS3VleqaROVKmS80MV-MkQvTZFDPkzw4mrM33h3OWoHFeR7i5_37qQbhRyQHtsSXtsKoVYTpiNHvycpriSGx38Lo_G3nq6HRzz_Ve6DLEs7raFm4SI6K2rQu8035mUQ/s640/blogger-image-978976633.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">This reminded me of what I read on the plane ride over. C.S. Lewis wrote about our likeness to God versus our nearness to God in his book <em>The Four Loves. </em>He compared it to seeing your home from a clifftop, and feeling close to it, but still having miles to go before you're there. It's quoted </span><a href="https://lorijo.wordpress.com/2010/03/28/nearness-cs-lewis-quote/"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">. A good read.</span><br />
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Mile 31: 7.5 hours later...that's a 50k!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCI4f2o6JZqlracYPk9G8z-N5crOdSI1p5IRSoll-that2A-tCubi7XjjSGIY_zkBVZ1NSwXrA5t_LZdi_wP7bhJTuBiEMKLEvVDcz7epHtuMRePpz4UTtistxaHzg42k6gQO42E4iQ/s640/blogger-image--1912586242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCI4f2o6JZqlracYPk9G8z-N5crOdSI1p5IRSoll-that2A-tCubi7XjjSGIY_zkBVZ1NSwXrA5t_LZdi_wP7bhJTuBiEMKLEvVDcz7epHtuMRePpz4UTtistxaHzg42k6gQO42E4iQ/s640/blogger-image--1912586242.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
(And I do realize this picture should say "that's"...but I was a little tired when I snapped it.)<br />
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I waited for IV at the finish line...praying his leg hadn't caused him to quit. I was thinking that he would either be hating my guts when he came in, or he'd say, "We've gotta do this again." </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thankfully, it was the latter...word for word. Ha! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">It was just an amazing weekend. The race itself was well organized and the volunteers were fabulous. Park City is now one of my favorite cities. SO beautiful, and the people were very nice! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We will definitely (Lord willing) go back!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Might even take the kids. ;)</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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By <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14866H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14866H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)"></sup>awesome <i>deeds</i> You answer us in righteousness, O <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14866I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14866I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)"></sup>God of our salvation,<br /><span class="text Ps-65-5">You who are the trust of all the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14866J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14866J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)"></sup>ends of the earth and of the farthest sea;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-6" id="en-NASB-14867"><sup class="versenum">6 </sup>Who <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14867L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14867L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)"></sup>establishes the mountains by His strength,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-6">Being <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14867M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14867M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)"></sup>girded with might;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-7" id="en-NASB-14868"><sup class="versenum">7 </sup>Who <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14868N" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14868N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></sup>stills the roaring of the seas,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-7">The roaring of their waves,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-7">And the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14868O" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14868O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></sup>tumult of the peoples.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-8" id="en-NASB-14869"><sup class="versenum">8 </sup>They who dwell in the <sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NASB-14869P" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NASB-14869P" title="See cross-reference P">P</a>)"></sup>ends <i>of the earth</i> stand in awe of Your signs;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-65-8">You make the dawn and the sunset shout for joy.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-65-8">- Psalm 65:5-8</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11929791580043777536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4039268817312041697.post-33444019823070371302015-08-31T14:54:00.001-04:002015-08-31T14:54:57.431-04:00Top Ten Recipes OF ALL TIME!!!#1 My dear babysitter (turned friend) is getting married and moving away.<br />
#2 As a wedding gift I wanted to collect my "top ten" recipes...easy and delicious. <br />
#3 These are our family favorites, meaning IV's and my favorites, which my kids will (mostly) eat.<br />
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Top Ten Recipes</h2>
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<u>Basics</u>:</h3>
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1. Tacos</h4>
(This one will drive those of you who have to have exact measurements crazy....I just dash on the spices freely...by sight and by "feeling". :) )<br />
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<li>1 lb (or more) of ground beef (I usually do 3 lb and we'll have a tiny bit left over.)</li>
<li>Put it in a skillet to brown on the
stove, and then sprinkle one side evenly and generously with:</li>
<ul>
<li>Cumin</li>
<li>Cilantro</li>
<li>Salt</li>
<li>Pepper</li>
<li>Worcestershire Sauce</li>
<li>Onion Powder</li>
<li>Garlic</li>
<li>Add a couple of pinches of cinnamon and
cayenne pepper (approx 1/8 tsp)</li>
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<li><div style="text-align: left;">
Brown and crumble meat and serve of
tortilla shells with toppings of choice. (We like rice, cheese,
corn, black beans, salsa, avocado, etc., etc., etc.)</div>
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2. Lasagna</h4>
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I like this recipe because you don't have to pre-cook the noodles, and IV likes it because it's nice and meaty. Follow the link below for recipe:</div>
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<a href="http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/11949/easy-lasagna-i/?mxt=t06rdn"><span style="font-size: large;">"Easy Lasagna I"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from </span><a href="http://allrecipes.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">Allrecipes.com</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> (The best website for recipes...ever.)</span></div>
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3. Tomato Tortellini Soup</h4>
I make this whenever the tortellini's are on sale at Ingles:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7DCO2qWUmxJD7QO4haZ1Th7zO7hAG97nZiIsN_YF51m4DwYQNcS-kvXMUu5VwARpBu2XC2zw4Id1tXSNzPa5lhBsrk1wa_POHBf05hxiq-F2-oZ39ULXyed69sv_5EDCeBPf-LQm4Q/s1600/10763_Nimg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7DCO2qWUmxJD7QO4haZ1Th7zO7hAG97nZiIsN_YF51m4DwYQNcS-kvXMUu5VwARpBu2XC2zw4Id1tXSNzPa5lhBsrk1wa_POHBf05hxiq-F2-oZ39ULXyed69sv_5EDCeBPf-LQm4Q/s1600/10763_Nimg.png" /></a></div>
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It's one of the few meatless meals IV really likes:<br />
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<a href="http://recipeswagger.blogspot.com/2012/08/creamy-tomato-tortellini-soup.html"><span style="font-size: large;">"Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from Recipe Swagger</span></div>
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4. Chicken with Rice</h4>
I made this for the first time last week, but already plan to make it again...it was REALLY good. I also sped things up a little by just leaving the chicken in the skillet the whole time, mixing up the sauce around it, and then letting the chicken finish cooking on the stovetop in the sauce. It was supremely moist.<br />
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<a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2015/07/08/skillet-chicken-with-creamy-cilantro-lime-sauce/"><span style="font-size: large;">"Skillet Chicken with Creamy Cilantro Lime Sauce"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from Sally's Baking Addiction</span></div>
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I served this with Jasmine rice, which I may be addicted to, cooked in chicken broth (instead of water) and a teaspoon of lemon infused olive oil to flavor. (You could use a tsp of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon juice instead.) Yum. Yum:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfCGn0rywFbTYo8br8GcGWYCZwYb5Lior6DYeok0WYoZFB_odHcoITgbyKqpoX5UFFJ43RUSIA7ile1Dc1kAddOlMYLNlS_sg8zDDx5CbrLx69Y72uOsZnFUsNCcjiaIVlJ0JwrB1Iug/s1600/0007440161041_500X500.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/AVvXsEhfCGn0rywFbTYo8br8GcGWYCZwYb5Lior6DYeok0WYoZFB_odHcoITgbyKqpoX5UFFJ43RUSIA7ile1Dc1kAddOlMYLNlS_sg8zDDx5CbrLx69Y72uOsZnFUsNCcjiaIVlJ0JwrB1Iug/s320/0007440161041_500X500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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5. Chili</h4>
I make my first big pot of this at the end of October every year. There's always enough to freeze, and it makes for a great, fast supper on cool nights throughout the fall. Also, it makes hotdogs a real meal...that's what the kids eat when I cook it...picky, picky.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.dinneralovestory.com/first-place-loser/"><span style="font-size: large;">"Second Place Chili"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from Dinner a Love Story (Another great site for recipes, and if you ever want to get me a gift I would love to have her </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dinner-Story-begins-family-table-ebook/dp/B007679IZS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440598519&sr=1-1&keywords=dinner+a+love+story"><span style="font-size: large;">cookbook</span></a><span style="font-size: large;">. Hint. Hint. ;) )</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUpArU9ELSTcI-osiNulzMzLIdXH1Wyh5PIjtgX5vjua0_sl6u6Vbn6IMQ0VXvkB8p71UrjA052h5jHY1Z5owvIL9Q-QpJWnCXSsUPqXW_GtAiLABqUk0IL2eiv7HZvT7IRRNYQyEh-A/s1600/613PI%252BUWNnL__SX402_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.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/AVvXsEhUpArU9ELSTcI-osiNulzMzLIdXH1Wyh5PIjtgX5vjua0_sl6u6Vbn6IMQ0VXvkB8p71UrjA052h5jHY1Z5owvIL9Q-QpJWnCXSsUPqXW_GtAiLABqUk0IL2eiv7HZvT7IRRNYQyEh-A/s320/613PI%252BUWNnL__SX402_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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6. BBQ (Shredded Beef)</h4>
The remainder of these slow cooker recipes use a magic little something known as Sweet Baby Ray's Honey Barbecue Sauce. Their regular barbecue sauce is good too, but I prefer the honey:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Insert angelic music here: "Aaaaaaah"</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_146530367">I make this every time the rump roasts go on sale at Ingles. I usually buy a 3 lb roast and triple all the other ingredients. We eat it up fast on Martin's Potato Rolls:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzH13waSazro3jCBN14YtqHps54pTGylACFlA2tlwNjlXzKSyfK052Q9kCCbj4zBQYfFTGmrBbtyZldFBuXoYa4pfasN8Ui96-MAwkL1qLhdW1GtlB3K-0TgoJaYL4fseuMRBosRkgSw/s1600/12946329.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/AVvXsEgzH13waSazro3jCBN14YtqHps54pTGylACFlA2tlwNjlXzKSyfK052Q9kCCbj4zBQYfFTGmrBbtyZldFBuXoYa4pfasN8Ui96-MAwkL1qLhdW1GtlB3K-0TgoJaYL4fseuMRBosRkgSw/s320/12946329.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/73947/shredded-beef/?mxt=t06rda"><span style="font-size: large;">"Shredded Beef"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from Allrecipes.com</span></div>
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7. BBQ Country Style Ribs</h4>
These have never failed me. I buy the boneless ribs, but the bone-in ribs work just as well.<br />
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<a href="http://m.allrecipes.com/recipe/151893/grannylins-barbeque-ribs-made-easy/"><span style="font-size: large;">"GrannyLin's Barbeque Ribs Made Easy"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/">Allrecipes.com</a></span></div>
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8. BBQ Chicken</h4>
I make this when I'm craving barbecue but the roasts won't go on sale. Also, it's so easy and brainless, and you can take the chicken straight from the freezer to the crockpot!<br />
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<a href="http://forkinit.blogspot.com/2010/09/crockpot-barbecue-chicken.html"><span style="font-size: large;">"Crockpot Barbecue Chicken"</span></a><span style="font-size: large;"> from Stick a Fork in It</span></div>
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9. Brownies with Cream Cheese</h4>
When I need something chocolate but don't have chocolate chips I almost always have cocoa powder so these are an easy fix. They can be made with or without the cream cheese. This is a Paula Deen recipe I got from this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Sons-Savannah-Country-Cookbook/dp/0375751114/ref=sr_1_9?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440598033&sr=1-9&keywords=paula+deen+cookbooks">cookbook</a>:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gjJC9c76mezevstUjCYAwXM9jr78e1VU1_Ub5tpO5mYGnHVJvYmVgfhf3q25GThz4HUENFUOhdRnxhaEao7CYn_owf2paHpAGRovsGthH2TZl8DGVinkI_vVQv50KT8dl26054Q4zg/s320/5120q31xzuL__SX301_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="194" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gift from my Mother-in-law, and one of my go-to sources for some country cookin'<br />
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</tbody></table>
I found the recipe online at Home With Tammy:<br />
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<a href="http://homewithtammy.blogspot.com/search?q=lady+brownies"><span style="font-size: large;">"Lady Brownies"</span></a></div>
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10. Chocolate Chip Cookies</h4>
I've saved the best for last. My chocolate chip cookie recipe...originally from <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Betty-Crockers-Picture-Cook-Book/dp/0028627717/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1440598862&sr=1-1&keywords=betty+crocker+cookbook+1956">Betty Crocker's Picture Cookbook</a></em>:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo4sMCybHj3jnmr7aGaxf1Qb_XPeqBUgpRzRnhNEnQ5u3XCW63vX5AlzTXZCtrx9KSR_DJUvyLOd_offbnyJngvP8j0_ENYCyxczdxKFWm7S41zuDpm-dqUUU9BPBswwheRhacxLc3A/s1600/61eEZp91g5L__SX416_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqo4sMCybHj3jnmr7aGaxf1Qb_XPeqBUgpRzRnhNEnQ5u3XCW63vX5AlzTXZCtrx9KSR_DJUvyLOd_offbnyJngvP8j0_ENYCyxczdxKFWm7S41zuDpm-dqUUU9BPBswwheRhacxLc3A/s320/61eEZp91g5L__SX416_BO1%252C204%252C203%252C200_.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gift from my mother and a close second to Betty Crocker's Cookbook from 1981 - the orange one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I couldn't find this exact recipe online, so this may be an online original!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><u>Betty Crocker Chocolate Chip Cookies
(1956)</u></span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ingredients:</span><br />
<dl><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">3/4 cup granulated sugar
</span>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
1 cup (salted) butter or margarine, softened
</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
2 </span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">teaspoon vanilla
</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
2 eggs
</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
(I usually just do 2 heaping cups) </span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
½ teaspoon baking soda
</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
1 teaspoon salt</span></dt>
<dt><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">
1 package (12 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (2 cups) - {Ghirardelli
60% Cacao takes them to "dessert" level.}</span></dt>
<dt> </dt>
<dt><div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GycqmxCgerw/UvFqakeNr1I/AAAAAAAAg2I/BmpwDEpMoWw/s1024/IMG_4491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GycqmxCgerw/UvFqakeNr1I/AAAAAAAAg2I/BmpwDEpMoWw/s1024/IMG_4491.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Heat oven to 375ºF.
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Mix sugars, butter, vanilla and
eggs in large bowl. Stir in flour, baking soda and salt (dough will
be stiff). Stir in chocolate chips.
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<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Drop dough by rounded
tablespoonfuls about 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheet.
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<li><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until light brown (centers will be
soft). Cool slightly; remove from cookie sheet.</span></li>
</li>
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</ul>
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This "Top Ten" list is ever evolving, but all of these recipes are tough to beat! I hope you'll give them a try and enjoy them as much as we do!<br />
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