tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68080318537578821912024-03-19T18:29:25.494-04:00Wilmington Word Weavers Various Voices. Blended Backgrounds. Same Savior.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-59122140089362042002015-03-07T11:45:00.002-05:002015-03-09T11:35:11.371-04:00Knock Knock <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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by Laurel Senick</div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Knock, knock.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Who’s there?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The Social
Worker.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That ain’t
no joke. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">That’s
right, it’s not a joke. For many people the Department of Social Services is the
enemy. Is their sole purpose to take away their children? My experience is
different. By God’s grace, I am a person the social worker turns to after the child is in custody. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am a
foster parent. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Being a
foster parent obligates you to be in constant communication with social workers
through doctors' appointments, parental visits, visits to your home by your
social worker and the child’s social worker. Yes, each foster parent has one
too. They may pop over without notice late in the evening because of an inquiry. Once after the children were asleep and my husband and I
were relaxing with a glass of wine… Knock,knock. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">An
unfamiliar face informs me that she is the on-call worker and that a complaint
was made about the dad and she needs to investigate immediately. I inform her
that the children have been in our custody for a week.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“Surely they
could do this tomorrow,” I plead. “How can it be an emergency since they are no
longer in the parent’s custody? They’re fast asleep!"</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I have to
speak with them tonight,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“You can follow me into their room to wake
them up.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was
determined she was going to feel guilty and it worked. She saw those sweet
angels sleeping so comfortably and she cracked. She backed out of the room,
saying she would have the day worker see them at pre-school. Relieved, but no
less irritated, I ushered her out the door. Out of our house, but in every bit
of our business.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> With this sibling group alone, I have dealt with seven social workers.</span>
It feels like a scary movie where they are robots with drawn-on caring faces. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Recently I
planned a sleepover with the girls’ siblings because they only get to see them
for an hour once a week. I planned to take them all to get their hair done and
then to a movie. Sadly, it was as complicated as the
signing of the Constitution. I would have to purchase two beds and
paperwork would need to be signed and approved in the state capital before they
could stay. I was so flabbergasted I called my social worker’s boss to confirm
this crazy story. As it turned out, the other foster parent didn’t want them to
spend the night because of scheduling. Should I have been surprised that they lied?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Simply put,
dealing with the Department of Social Services in any capacity is the pits. It
causes extreme irritation of the poison-ivy kind. If a slew of profane words
escape your saved and baptized mouth you might have had a DSS encounter. I enjoy
being a foster parent but, at times, I want tell them to take this job and
shove it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> Except that it’s not a job, it’s a calling.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sure God knew about these annoying,
confusing, overlapping and sometimes lying social workers when He called Don
and me to open our home to children in need and to share our love. When the
irony of the term <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">social service</i> lodges
in my brain and causes cross-eyedification, I try to remember that God loves
the little children and the !@%$@! workers from the Department of Social
Services. And I’m supposed to, too.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God’s grace
has made it possible for us to bless children and He is helping me keep my
sense of humor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How many
social workers does it take to screw in a light bulb? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">One to
notice the light is out, one to unscrew the bad bulb, another to locate and
read the directions, one to screw in the new bulb, one on call monitoring the new
bulb to confirm it is working properly, another to…well you get the picture!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDWZFBy260tayz57nuM9Bn5dnsXMdJDF2EAs9cwGww1SehGQlIUXqrOCDqA6pBbo-mLGwXCP2Xecrylt3F8R__kURmsds0zqVNL1SKiLsooJ7UkLv-WEqOfJvGZ1v0CuC9MkYxXlL6s8/s1600/Laurel+Senick+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRDWZFBy260tayz57nuM9Bn5dnsXMdJDF2EAs9cwGww1SehGQlIUXqrOCDqA6pBbo-mLGwXCP2Xecrylt3F8R__kURmsds0zqVNL1SKiLsooJ7UkLv-WEqOfJvGZ1v0CuC9MkYxXlL6s8/s1600/Laurel+Senick+(2).jpg" height="195" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Laurel Senick has journaled her experiences and prayers to God for years. As a member of Word Weavers Wilmington,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Laurel is shaping her writing into works that will bless and encourage others. She is married to her sweet husband Don who supports all her creative endeavors. They attend Live Oak Church.</span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-43909727759842137322015-02-13T12:38:00.003-05:002015-02-13T12:38:56.447-05:00I am Loved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QS9lN3oAZbwUNevt_r7ivgHB8JT0PT8aGgcNcU_dC07iYv9G3HjyRjjzCGaMFo-clhvv861E8yBrxzqQ6Cr3uxRAvsdMH3qTSWgKGFTMhlQ88MKqBRHSjJ1M4buPISO4G0kbjMzpmsM/s1600/valentines+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-QS9lN3oAZbwUNevt_r7ivgHB8JT0PT8aGgcNcU_dC07iYv9G3HjyRjjzCGaMFo-clhvv861E8yBrxzqQ6Cr3uxRAvsdMH3qTSWgKGFTMhlQ88MKqBRHSjJ1M4buPISO4G0kbjMzpmsM/s1600/valentines+3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We were on our way to the beach, but
Lynn Rose’s face revealed a familiar scowl and her eight-year-old arms were
tight across her chest. She sat in the back seat with her three-year-old
cousin, Elissa. I caught glimpses in my rear view mirror.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lynn Rose,” I said, “your words
have been unkind this afternoon. What did Elissa do to make you want to say
those things?” She tightened her lips and lowered her head.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Lynn Rose had recently come to live
in Elissa’s home. Drugs and alcohol had ruined her parents’ marriage and she
lost the home she knew. The two young girls in my back seat were the
grandchildren of my sister’s new husband. Though I had no direct family ties, I
had come to care for Lynn Rose and Elissa as if I had known them all their
young lives. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Lynn Rose,” I said. “Sometimes I’m
mean to others when I think they’re getting more love than I am. But guess what
I found out? God has enough love in His big heart for every single person. He
gives special love to each person, just the kind they need. He especially knows
the kind of love kids want.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I stopped at the traffic light and
breathed a short prayer for the right words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“Do you know what I do when I don’t
feel loved? I said. The girls looked puzzled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I
say, ‘I am loved’ really loud.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Elissa’s
eyes brightened. “Sometimes I say it really, really loud.” My voice rose with
each syllable<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am wuved. I am wuved,” Elissa
shouted. I looked at Lynn Rose through the mirror. She ducked her head behind
my seat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>“I am wuved. I am wuved,” Elissa
chanted in her small voice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Be quiet!” Lynn Rose said, leaning close
to Elissa. Elissa stopped.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I eased the car into a parking place and
rummaged for change for the meter. We carried our beach bags to the sand and
plopped them down. Kicking our flip flops away, we ran to the waves. The girls
grabbed my hands and we jumped. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">After the hundredth jump, Lynn Rose pulled
on my arm until my ear was near her mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I said it,” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“Said what?” I asked, forgetting our
conversation in the car.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“I said ‘I am loved.’” I gave her a
squeeze.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">“But you have to say it loud.” I shouted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I don’t know what the people around us
thought. A three-year-old, an eight-year-old and a thirty-something-year-old
jumping waves and shouting “I am loved” at maximum volume.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">I
pray they were as blessed as I was.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I lost touch with Lynn Rose because
my sister and her husband divorced. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A
few years later, Lynn Rose wrote my sister to let her know she was adopted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Below her signature, she wrote <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am loved</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I pray you are feeling loved this
Valentine’s Day. If not, say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am wuved</i>
or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loved</i>. Repeat as needed. But you have to say it <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loud</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">In John 15:9 Jesus describes
His love for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">“I’ve
loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(The Message)<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I have loved you even as the Father
has loved me. Remain in my love.” (NLT)<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">BIO<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;">Sondra writes,
hoping to increase her reader’s intimacy with God. She delights in sharing the
good things He does in her life. She was called to work in children’s ministry
in college and writes for children and about children. An active member of Word
Weavers, she lives in Wilmington, North Carolina with her husband, David.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-63808064517998317592015-01-30T17:28:00.000-05:002015-01-30T17:46:30.951-05:00January Journey<br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">by Angie Mojica-Barnes</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QU8SfawJryMbuRUdhlZBcIC59KhRYOwGHtFxsi4rTSLhCharP3Sp4I9KxZbiHRgFagezijzOnJPpVnhWlYIsGCZbckYFiaH66_Peyo9uH9s6o2htlxm4WRVHXSFOjY_TFyYGn2Fafpk/s1600/january+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0QU8SfawJryMbuRUdhlZBcIC59KhRYOwGHtFxsi4rTSLhCharP3Sp4I9KxZbiHRgFagezijzOnJPpVnhWlYIsGCZbckYFiaH66_Peyo9uH9s6o2htlxm4WRVHXSFOjY_TFyYGn2Fafpk/s1600/january+1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Can I let you in on a secret? I dread
January. Hate it. I think the dread stems from going back to school after
Christmas break as a kid. I remember getting up before the sun and waiting
for the bus in the cold darkness. The routine of school life was starting again
and I was ill prepared for it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">The feeling of a dark beginning
lingers with me every January. I lose joy at the coming days when all I can
see is the work I need to do in order to grow in the areas of my life that I
desire: becoming a great writer, a better wife, and a truer follower of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>In my faulty memory I forget about the
progress I've made. Last year I took two writing courses, where I learned so much. I gained a deeper understanding of what real love is: how the mundane and
the messy make us stronger as a couple. As for Jesus, He remains far truer to me
than I will ever be to him. He continues to show his faithfulness to me by not
giving up on me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">God in His sovereignty uses the
uncertainty and the icy winds of winter to spur me on to fight for what is
important. He teaches me to find value in the struggle and joy hidden in the
dark.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">He promises me, not victory over
every challenge, but to walk with me through the winter until I can see the
season’s promise of spring as He blesses the work of my hands. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Friends, He
walks with us. He said He would. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;">Philippians 1:6 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being
confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to
completion until the day of Christ Jesus<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p><br />
</o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ydDdGUh57t7gqycCOBIzqbQ1idQ21Z_Y1pkUVIvStXwX5Vse5zww6-9pe05_tmZuwboHunYs4hFw-VCz8z2d-CF8x8XtCChSVyXa7pSZGaQHE5jHTo65GXBh4FI5SeOu6P8Z-qkccPQ/s1600/angie+M.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/AVvXsEi0ydDdGUh57t7gqycCOBIzqbQ1idQ21Z_Y1pkUVIvStXwX5Vse5zww6-9pe05_tmZuwboHunYs4hFw-VCz8z2d-CF8x8XtCChSVyXa7pSZGaQHE5jHTo65GXBh4FI5SeOu6P8Z-qkccPQ/s1600/angie+M.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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</span>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Angie Mojica-Barnes is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; line-height: 150%;">She is a secretary by day and a writer by night. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She loves Jesus, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">dancing and all things encouraging. </span><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-79720363184251824302015-01-02T14:41:00.000-05:002015-01-04T16:30:23.038-05:00A New Year's Resolution to Dissuade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sdH69ZuEEJSRc5sE4k9KFMm_NZHB8oOES3I4rdYQozYO3SdcH2Cim2bib12lGVlN_ObIDx_qfEMvIYMczZXrq8HOJXLPCCXtRmr-Q1fEUXWNYM_b6yZwpq75lBORKyl3c-OgUHzS4EM/s1600/dinner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-sdH69ZuEEJSRc5sE4k9KFMm_NZHB8oOES3I4rdYQozYO3SdcH2Cim2bib12lGVlN_ObIDx_qfEMvIYMczZXrq8HOJXLPCCXtRmr-Q1fEUXWNYM_b6yZwpq75lBORKyl3c-OgUHzS4EM/s1600/dinner.jpg" /></a></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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My special china graced the table. Candles lit. Food
prepared. I knew they would arrive soon. I could feel their darkness. Though I
didn’t like these beguiling enemies, I had invited them for a visit.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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A harsh knock at the door warned me of their presence, and I
welcomed them in.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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As soon as they sat down <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discouragement</i>
began the conversation. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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“You’ve been doing this for years,” she hissed. “You’ve
touched a few lives, but where’s the growth to prove your worth, your talent .
. . your calling? Your friend’s blog has received a million views; you’ve not
gleaned half that.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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With each comparing sentence I slumped farther into my
chair.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I could barely breathe. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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The other guest, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fear</i>,
chimed in, “You are nobody,” he softly echoed. His melancholy voice streamed
from pale lips, “Who would want to read your words? Who are you to write Bible
studies and books? What audacity!” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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His words invited a third guest named <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Self-Pity</i>. She let herself in and silently pulled up her chair to
the table. She did not need to speak. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I placed food on my guests’ plates as I agreed with their
slander. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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“I know,” I admitted. “I am not good enough.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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After a few hours, satisfied and victorious, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discouragement </i>and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Fear </i>sauntered to the door, but <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Self-Pity</i>
hung around. Though silent, her presence further darkened my heart. I didn’t
want her there, but I didn’t know how to make her leave. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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I heard myself pray, “Help me, Lord.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Just as quickly as my enemies exited, a gentle, warm, new
voice entered the room and whispered into my soul. I couldn’t see His presence,
but I knew He was there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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“I am faithful,” He whispered.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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His was a voice of hope, encouragement, and promise. His
always brought life and light.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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“I’ve given you an assignment, my child. Leave the numbers
and success to me. Don’t you know my economy is different? I’ve a plan for you.
Trust me. Do what I lead you to do.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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The residual darkness from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discouragement, Fear,</i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Self-Pity
</i>began to dissolve as I chose to believe the Holy Spirit. I slowly lifted my
hands to the Voice of Promise. I rebuked the voices I’d previously entertained
and told them they were no longer welcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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There would be no special dinner for them tomorrow night. My
table would be set only for Jesus. I would prepare His dinner one faithful bog
post, one article, or one chapter at a time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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Do you entertain <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discouragement,
Fear, or Self-Pity</i> as I do? As the New Year approaches, these three
resolutions can dispel their power and strengthen our resolve to follow the
call to write:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .75in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Don’t entertain negative comparisons. Rebuke
those thoughts. Remember God’s economy is different than ours.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spend daily time with Jesus, listening to His
direction. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Spend time worshiping the One for whom you
write.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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What are other ways you can disarm <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Discouragement, Fear, and Self-Pity?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;">So do not fear, for I am with you; do
not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will
uphold you with my righteous right hand.</span></i><span style="background: rgb(253, 254, 255); color: #001320;"> (Isaiah 41:10)</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></i></div>
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDZVLPCo29Eeslhy1S5UQkqOGkWNQD7rrxsLWcWkYoRdxRqv7iqeHlG9C5Xu6SgmnMOWUu8GechNcDF46Vr5blCHmUfpNOKkZ7gzepZtq0q8ydof8eDc-ZwzYw0mcpBp7uoyXRvQU3hQ/s1600/Andy-Lee2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyDZVLPCo29Eeslhy1S5UQkqOGkWNQD7rrxsLWcWkYoRdxRqv7iqeHlG9C5Xu6SgmnMOWUu8GechNcDF46Vr5blCHmUfpNOKkZ7gzepZtq0q8ydof8eDc-ZwzYw0mcpBp7uoyXRvQU3hQ/s1600/Andy-Lee2.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
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Bio: <o:p></o:p><br />
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<o:p> </o:p></div>
Andy Lee is an author, blogger, teacher and women’s ministry
speaker.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
She also serves as a mentor for Word Weavers International helping
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launch and support new chapters all around the country. Her greatest</div>
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passion is
Jesus and teaching people how to dig into the Bible but her </div>
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second passion is
encouraging new writers to follow their call. She</div>
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hales from <st1:state w:st="on">Oklahoma</st1:state>,
but she love <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state>
and hopes to</div>
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live here for a long time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
To enjoy more insight from Andy, visit </div>
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<a href="http://wordsbyandylee.com/">http://wordsbyandylee.com/</a> and </div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/andyleeauthorpage?ref=hl">https://www.facebook.com/andyleeauthorpage?ref=hl</a>.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-43135379489421739502014-12-10T11:31:00.000-05:002014-12-11T08:24:26.038-05:00Wrestling with Christmas<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
by Sondra Dron<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-kzjTVKdHo6GhZQEcxH7n98o_qwXqm2zfDB4BHnHNItdqAWQMkOubHWDnCcMCgTMFkr3Ai3c1cYK0_8qFXrzAZKOKJ9D60l09f0OUsvueckp1H-sRgp6bfwQ3-xXx9zkAHvyJ_IMyRM/s1600/stress+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-kzjTVKdHo6GhZQEcxH7n98o_qwXqm2zfDB4BHnHNItdqAWQMkOubHWDnCcMCgTMFkr3Ai3c1cYK0_8qFXrzAZKOKJ9D60l09f0OUsvueckp1H-sRgp6bfwQ3-xXx9zkAHvyJ_IMyRM/s1600/stress+5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Christmas used to cause me
debilitating stress. I pictured myself wrestling with a muscle-bound opponent.
I longed to push his face in the mat, triumphant over him.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> Perfectionism</i> embellished the front of his muscle shirt. I was in
the ring, battling for my trophy belt bejeweled with the words <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Christmas Sanity</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">How did I make peace with Christmas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>May I gratefully share things I have discovered in several decades of
Christmas? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can let go</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">.
I have come to realize I cannot guarantee anybody’s Merry Christmas. People are
as merry as they choose to be. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can express
love, but no matter what we do or how much we spend, people will react based on
their perceptions and expectations. We can let go of our need to control their happy
or unhappy responses.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can cling</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> to the peace and joy of Christmas,
but I can set myself free from traditions that don’t work in the present. I’m
not required to bake a dozen cookies for each neighbor because my mother did. I
can prayerfully ponder what’s meaningful now. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can be gentle</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">,
especially with myself. I can release swollen expectations of what I need to
accomplish. I choose to re-evaluate anything that causes anxiety. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I trying to impress or please? Is love at
the core of it?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can be firm</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">,
especially with myself. I can restrain impulse buying that will lead to New
Year stress. Even children can understand that it’s about the manger and the
cross, not the tree and the gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">yes and no </i></span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">to<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>invitations and
commitments. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Yes</i> to those that will
bring joy to me and others. I can say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no</i>
and still be a good person. Even Jesus said <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no</i>
to family and friends. He delayed in going to Lazarus and did not stop ministering
when His mother and brothers wanted to talk with Him. (John 11 and Luke 8) <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can give freely </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">to those who can’t or won’t give
back. I can give as unto God. I can invest in a person. I can take a risk.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></b><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can receive graciously. </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can say “Thank you,” and not rush
to buy a gift for the giver. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can laugh</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">, intentionally.
I watch funny movies, listen to funny songs and invite children over. I
accentuate the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">holly jolly.</i> I give
myself permission to enjoy.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can be still. </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I can stop shopping, cooking and
cleaning. I can light a candle and do nothing but stare. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can pray </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">with the above candle burning. I let God whisper. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I close my eyes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I embrace the Love of the Universe and let
Him embrace me. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perfect sanity.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is your level of sanity so far this
season? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Have you found a treatment for
insanity at Christmas?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please take a
minute to share it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1UUQpBXlZd3__6wiX9NE6g9yJtFFwgGLYjrA0SEvTFLhTzS8XcaZ0c41x1giIb-LhyhsVgme7XzJZRSFKfqZy_fmDL_-Rk-MHpJFo9dgvPNxtiRnDqaFKLzoKdg34y1EFRKm6lA83Gc/s1600/WRI+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1UUQpBXlZd3__6wiX9NE6g9yJtFFwgGLYjrA0SEvTFLhTzS8XcaZ0c41x1giIb-LhyhsVgme7XzJZRSFKfqZy_fmDL_-Rk-MHpJFo9dgvPNxtiRnDqaFKLzoKdg34y1EFRKm6lA83Gc/s1600/WRI+4.jpg" height="200" width="132" /></a><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"></span> </div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sondra
Dron loves to help others find intimacy with Jesus. She is charter member of Wilmington Word Weavers, a writers critique group. She lives in Wilmington with her
husband, David. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 8pt 0in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></div>
</span></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-70003005282553782392014-11-24T16:06:00.002-05:002014-11-24T16:23:41.629-05:00Thanksgiving Chocolates <strong></strong><br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiWP9UbBJ6vgDmcu-hO92pIP0VwQFAn5MzY5DB9D1pELPtSsG2GMZGwFCIHOYXtoCu8zFRJitWC_M6m8il1ZyOOkeJm4bRC2BZ8CWDiwdY4cqLBQbQb-bPfVzgVxP14mgRq-2Ez-K_Qk/s1600/chocolates.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyiWP9UbBJ6vgDmcu-hO92pIP0VwQFAn5MzY5DB9D1pELPtSsG2GMZGwFCIHOYXtoCu8zFRJitWC_M6m8il1ZyOOkeJm4bRC2BZ8CWDiwdY4cqLBQbQb-bPfVzgVxP14mgRq-2Ez-K_Qk/s1600/chocolates.png" /></a></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p><br />
<o:p>by Mirjami Budarz</o:p><br />
<o:p></o:p> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>“</i>My Mama always said, ‘Life was like a box of
chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.’”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> -</span>Forrest Gump. This iconic quote seems to hold
true. The box of life contains unpalatable bitter and bittersweet candies in
the assortment among the sweet ones.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
My first Thanksgiving in this country was such a piece. I
went into a long labor and after hours of agonizing pain, our first baby was
born. Out of much pain came joy and the wonder of a new life and new
motherhood. A piece of bitter sweet candy out of the box of life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<o:p> </o:p></div>
There have been many sweet pieces since that time, but then
again I got an unpalatable surprise <br />
from my chocolate box. Alzheimer's disease
mercilessly silenced my dear sister Liisa. It cocooned her. She became unreachable.<br />
<br />
I missed her desperately and
lamented to my daughter. She said, “Stop the pity party and be thankful for
Liisa and her life. Celebrate the memories, the sweet times you shared.” Teary
eyed, I picked up that bitter chocolate piece from my box of life and thanked
God for my precious sister. Ever so slowly sweet memories flooded in and filled
the deep void with solemn thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
You may also yearn for someone dear to sit at your festive
Thanksgiving table to share a family meal, stories, warmth, time together,
friendships and hugs. Instead you feel sadness and a painful void. Those are
the bitter unpalatable pieces. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Choose to treasure the memories, give thanks for them and
look up. Your box of chocolates isn't empty yet. All the boxes contain a sweet
“future and hope” piece. Although plain looking, it is the costliest candy,
with the unique taste and stamp of the Master Chocolatier.<o:p></o:p></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Sadly, some will leave that special candy untouched, look
upon it with disdain and walk away.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Please pick up your “future and hope” piece, smell the
tantalizing aroma and taste the goodness. Remember to thank the Master
Chocolatier.</div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Oh</i>, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">ta<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">ste and see that the Lord is good. Psalm</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> 34:8 NKJ<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>For I know the thoughts I think towards you,
says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and hope. Jeremiah 29:1
NKJ<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i>Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
For his mercy endures forever. Psalm 118:1 NKJ</i><br />
<em></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BAgQH4rDw7BpXIeHOYOu06vSxEDOcCRYddo0GpZGouefskwsvPk1-QOtuao6fShagMBt9wRaIE6LDDNPwVNvyvjHOybV_bSAsbctyOTJufXfD9qP3nVrQ18xzHh7YutWwIKCKaYnZrQ/s1600/mirjami+budarz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BAgQH4rDw7BpXIeHOYOu06vSxEDOcCRYddo0GpZGouefskwsvPk1-QOtuao6fShagMBt9wRaIE6LDDNPwVNvyvjHOybV_bSAsbctyOTJufXfD9qP3nVrQ18xzHh7YutWwIKCKaYnZrQ/s1600/mirjami+budarz.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a></div>
<em></em><br />
Mirjami is an active member of Wilmington Word Weavers. <br />
She is an artist, writer and follower of Jesus.<br />
<i><o:p></o:p></i> </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03939025655361466028noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-20476876640000363742014-11-02T12:28:00.000-05:002014-11-02T12:28:03.469-05:00Who Will Go?<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><i>By Venus Schrader</i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-align: center; text-autospace: none;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who Will Go?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Who
or What is this voice I hear?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
rage<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">This
fear<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
see the gazelle, she wants to run<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Run
fast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Run
strong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Run
long and hard<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Filling
her lungs with new air<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">New
life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
heart pumping new blood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkness moves swiftly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Shadows
try to overtake her<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
never looks back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It
would mean death<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">They
would capture her soul<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
life would be over<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
body is weak <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkness knows she is tired<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
legs lose their spring<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
stride is small<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
hears a small still voice<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>I
love you</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>I
love you</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>I
will never leave you</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>Don't
give up</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i><b>Don't
brake your stride</b></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Out
of the darkness the gazelle sprints<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Running<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Running
fast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fast
long strides<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
head lifted <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
back high<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Strong
eyes wide open<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Full
of life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
heart pumping new blood<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">New
energy <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
fire in her belly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkness is fading<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over
the hills she runs <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Through
the valleys<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over
the streams<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
sees the mountains<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
runs faster than ever before<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
air is clean and good<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
tenacity she approaches the mountain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Higher
and higher with each step<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
is stronger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
top of the mountain in view<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
darkness will not find me here<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Peace<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Quiet<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Light
and warmth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The
sweet smell of LOVE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
looks from the mountain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Courage
to look back<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
sees the darkness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A
consuming ball of smoke<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Twisting
and twirling<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Destroying
it's prey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
hears the cries<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Loud
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Anguish<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who
will go?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Down
the mountain<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">She
runs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Runs
fast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Runs
strong<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Her
heart pumping new blood</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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When the pressures of my personal life press in on me I
ask myself, <i>Am I fit to serve?</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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The imperfections of my past creep in to challenge my
ability to be of use in the kingdom of God.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Before long I feel like this gazelle weak and afraid.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Too tired to fight.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Too weak to serve.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Then Jesus reminds me that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he is my strength. <o:p></o:p>Zechariah 4:6 says:</div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><i>Then he said, "This is God's message to Zerubbabel: Not by might , nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord Almighty - you
will succeed because of my Spirit, though you are few and weak.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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God's word draws us in to His presence. And like the
gazelle, we find our strength in His presence and the darkness fades away. Amen.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The Bible says:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i>You make known to me the path of life;<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>in your presence there is fullness of joy;<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<b><i>at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Psalm 16:11</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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God has created each of us for such a time as this. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You can do all things through Christ your strength.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Like the gazelle
run your race with <span style="font-size: large;">courage</span> - your heart pumping new blood.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Your Turn: In what areas of your life are you like the gazelle?<o:p></o:p></div>
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In what ways has God directed your path during the hard
times?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will you go?</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyXjUHJdJoMmLYk45YrGdE449vZjZ2pzLl9IOkjJmgA8PVUM14tXdxVpETSRGnQZKsaTaOZaYmeDAUsryGz0-EJKUj0kos9psoh6JV7LmvJLQtpz0QTdlMnVc8Jdau6SrkCG1BV1XfDc/s1600/Venus+Schrader+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicyXjUHJdJoMmLYk45YrGdE449vZjZ2pzLl9IOkjJmgA8PVUM14tXdxVpETSRGnQZKsaTaOZaYmeDAUsryGz0-EJKUj0kos9psoh6JV7LmvJLQtpz0QTdlMnVc8Jdau6SrkCG1BV1XfDc/s1600/Venus+Schrader+headshot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bio: </span>My husband and I, three daughters and one
granddaughter landed in Wilmington, NC five years ago. I enjoy spending time
with family and friends exploring the wonders of life. As God leads I hope to
express this journey of<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span>life
through the beauty of words.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-74526786444338546482014-10-10T11:01:00.000-04:002014-10-10T11:01:52.066-04:00Are You Denying Christ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yL5Tw6rssrJfKTQ6PRzEgSTzi_1amhCUbdS2ezCVwNyLAAoUAmCzbhIFTfEUwySu9pgnBiiRhEMTH5XxvGRFvskBgaIap-9itbcZG3-mPdJhHjv71DekSCCrjNycxX5-JXPPuy2zvZU/s1600/Israel-+084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3yL5Tw6rssrJfKTQ6PRzEgSTzi_1amhCUbdS2ezCVwNyLAAoUAmCzbhIFTfEUwySu9pgnBiiRhEMTH5XxvGRFvskBgaIap-9itbcZG3-mPdJhHjv71DekSCCrjNycxX5-JXPPuy2zvZU/s1600/Israel-+084.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A gate in Galilee, photo by Andy Lee</td></tr>
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<br />
<br />
Written by, Laura Menefee</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<br />
“You are not one of his disciples, are you?”<br />
<o:p> </o:p>“I am not.” replied Peter.<br />
<o:p> </o:p>“Didn’t I see you with Him in the olive grove?”<br />
<o:p> </o:p>Again Peter denied it, and at that moment a rooster began to
crow.<br />
<o:p> </o:p>This was the third time that Peter denied that he knew the
Lord (John 18:25-27).</blockquote>
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A haunting scene. As soon as the denial slipped out of Peter's fearful mouth, the memory of Jesus' words flashed back. Peter had promised he'd follow Jesus even unto death.<br />
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“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your
faith may not fail. And when you have
turned back, strengthen your brothers" (Luke
22:31-32).</div>
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Can you imagine hearing these words from Jesus? </div>
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Have you ever had a time in your life when you failed
God? Perhaps you made a decision that
you knew He did not want you to make.
Perhaps you face an addiction that you try day after day to break, yet
you seem to fall right back into the habit.
Maybe you can’t stand the pressure.
It is just too much at times to fight the fight and live a Holy and
pleasing life. Maybe you secretly long
to do just whatever with no thought of the repercussions. </div>
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It is easy to wonder why Simon Peter would walk away from
the Lord whom he chose to follow.
It’s easy to blame him and think, “How could he do that?" </div>
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Peter is not alone though. Many of us have failed Christ too.</div>
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But Jesus prayed for Simon Peter. He also prays for you and me. </div>
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I recently went through a time of severe
spiritual attack. I felt the presence of
warfare as strong as being on the battlefield. I felt alone—like no one was there fighting
with me. The truth is that the God of heaven
and of earth was praying for me that I would not lose faith, that I would
be strong and trust in Him.</div>
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I tried and
tried to keep the faith and be strong but I failed. </div>
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I no longer feel like I am living in that battlefield. I feel relief, but I also realize what I lost
by giving in. I regret being weak. </div>
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But I’m encouraged by this passage and its truth. <b>It reminds me that God will still
use me even when I fail.</b> I love when
Christ says, “And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” </div>
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Simon Peter went on to be used by God in a great way. God still had a plan and a purpose for his
life. He also has a plan and a purpose
for us. </div>
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Are you letting a failure in your life hold you back? Don’t allow yourself to be held captive any
longer. Give what you have and what you
are to God. Let Him do the work to use
the heart that you have for him. Simon
Peter did!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIAXIetTZRDdGZhXwJXvMrrSwdi_N7CO1NKQbLm21i1tnEE84oPLG8PtO3q2YzYHHrAeX-ZMJbUsqr_mOnTj5wpKym8z26TAPjy8gGfecpoWPXKsAfpdQite8xfr2sg74m0GhVyax2a8/s1600/Laura+Meneffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIIAXIetTZRDdGZhXwJXvMrrSwdi_N7CO1NKQbLm21i1tnEE84oPLG8PtO3q2YzYHHrAeX-ZMJbUsqr_mOnTj5wpKym8z26TAPjy8gGfecpoWPXKsAfpdQite8xfr2sg74m0GhVyax2a8/s1600/Laura+Meneffee.jpg" height="200" width="123" /></a></div>
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Bio: Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 1998, Laura Menefee has learned to live through very painful emotional times. She shares her experience through writing and speaking, hoping to bring awareness. She lives in Wilmington NC, but is originally from Northern Kentucky.</div>
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</div>
Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-51314538395217284422014-08-29T15:45:00.001-04:002014-08-29T15:45:32.820-04:00How to Shatter Bloggers Block: A Poem<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOBpf9S6_QtWh414opWm3tWAJSf7Rzi8Nj4qXxEACoKdqJgr7O3ocdnZqOxzlnjTSbPjl1I4HGJKKFUdA2bbx8L87vjc8DJwAXCqvqWjURfbX8MOrcHakETPyfyyNCJCFgvFwjtMaEug/s1600/Computer+Key-board_BJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVOBpf9S6_QtWh414opWm3tWAJSf7Rzi8Nj4qXxEACoKdqJgr7O3ocdnZqOxzlnjTSbPjl1I4HGJKKFUdA2bbx8L87vjc8DJwAXCqvqWjURfbX8MOrcHakETPyfyyNCJCFgvFwjtMaEug/s1600/Computer+Key-board_BJ.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Written by, Andy Lee<br />
<br />
<br />
All day long I've wondered....<br />
"What should I write?"<br />
The blinking cursor on my computer screen<br />
Has mocked me with delight.<br />
<br />
<br />
I've searched the caverns of my brain<br />
Looking for the perfect story<br />
Crawled through cobwebbed memories<br />
Only to decide they were all boring.<br />
<br />
Don't I have something wonderful to tell?<br />
Something that will change a life?<br />
Isn't that the purpose of this job?<br />
Is that holding me back or my pride?<br />
<br />
But then I remembered that nothing is easy<br />
Nothing that matters deeply in life.<br />
And yet I often take myself too seriously<br />
I must find balance between grace and strife.<br />
<br />
That's when the fear that chained my hands<br />
From tapping on the keys,<br />
Was shattered like shards of glass<br />
And my brain was suddenly freed.<br />
<br />
My fingers began to type the first<br />
Sentence of this benign poem<br />
And joy was restored to my heart<br />
As a new blog post was born.<br />
<br />
Yes, we write to make a difference<br />
We write to tell a story<br />
But writing has many purposes<br />
Otherwise, it would be boring.<br />
<br />
So, the lesson learned my writing friends<br />
When writer's block dumbfounds<br />
Just simply begin typing your first thoughts<br />
And words will abound.<br />
<br />
For just the right purposes<br />
Whether laughter, learning or tears.<br />
Trust the One whose called you to this.<br />
He will be faithful all your years.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
With Joy,<br />
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Bio: Andy Lee is a mentor for Word Weavers International, an inspirational speaker, and Christian Living writer. She's a self-proclaimed Bible study geek who loves to teach others how to dig into the ancient languages of the Bible where it breathes.This Oklahoma girl loves living on the coast of North Carolina with her husband and three almost-all-grown-up children. Find her words of encouragement at <a href="http://wordsbyandylee.com/" target="_blank">www.wordsbyandylee.com. </a></div>
Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-31475951841439779562014-08-21T11:36:00.000-04:002014-08-21T11:39:10.280-04:00Times of Uncertainty Prove God's Faithfulness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNoxHPoQcr7YLwCIMkDDkmuwTptIpmUMDarxZfHCro3vl3Gxb7XMBahRAY-zdIMopCLtUwa61K7XIPR93T_oGQeSiVA_qsIJyNjCT9Uv2BI2sHuvWrOPhAU1L31Vt2ri4LPOzqrRnSkE/s1600/Joanne+S.+bird+alone+at+sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhNoxHPoQcr7YLwCIMkDDkmuwTptIpmUMDarxZfHCro3vl3Gxb7XMBahRAY-zdIMopCLtUwa61K7XIPR93T_oGQeSiVA_qsIJyNjCT9Uv2BI2sHuvWrOPhAU1L31Vt2ri4LPOzqrRnSkE/s1600/Joanne+S.+bird+alone+at+sunset.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by JoAnne Sylvia</td></tr>
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Written by: JoAnne Sylvia</div>
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Psalm 13 (NIV):</div>
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How long, Lord?
Will you forget me forever?</div>
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How long will
you hide your face from me?</div>
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How long must I
wrestle with my thoughts</div>
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and day after
day have sorrow in my heart?</div>
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How long will my
enemy triumph over me?</div>
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Look on me and
answer, Lord my God.</div>
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Give light to my
eyes, or I will sleep in death,</div>
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and my enemy will
say, “I have overcome him,”</div>
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and my foes will
rejoice when I fall.</div>
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But I trust in
your unfailing love;</div>
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my heart
rejoices in your salvation.</div>
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I will sing the
Lord’s praise,</div>
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for he has been
good to me. </div>
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This psalm takes me back to the grief...the pain of
separation after being married for 20 years, followed by an unexpected divorce.
I believed that my husband and I would grow old together, that when the kids
were grown, we would travel across country in an RV like my parents did.</div>
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I could not understand how God could have let this happen. I
felt deserted and confused.</div>
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Even I didn't know what a wreck I was after the divorce,
until I woke up from the nightmare of a sick rebound relationship which I often
call "The Year of Hell."</div>
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In the years that followed, I wondered what was wrong with
me, that I couldn't find anyone right for me to date, let alone, marry. It
seemed like I was alone for a long time, but in retrospect, it wasn't that
long, and I was never alone.</div>
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God was with me the whole time. My guardian angel walked
beside me, shaking her head in exasperation. And Jesus, the Good Shepherd, was
always there, lighting the path of love that led back to the fold.</div>
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Jeremiah 29:11 was my life preserver.</div>
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"For I know
the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you
and not to harm you, plans to give your hope and a future."</div>
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Maybe God wanted me to be single so I could accomplish more,
because relationships do take time and effort, even the good ones. And the unhealthy relationships, well, they
can be insanely distracting, taking us way off course...</div>
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(Or maybe not off course, but learning what we need to change
to be ready for the gift.)</div>
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What I know now is that I had to work on me, and be a better
parent and draw closer to God. I had to
love myself and do what was right for me as a single person. I kept going to the church where I felt
accepted and cherished. I kept working and learning, singing and enjoying
creation. I kept putting one foot in
front of the other, loving the family and friends who walked beside me.</div>
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<b><i>And God did have a plan!<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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The Lord has been good to me, with many blessings, including
bringing my soul mate to me when the time was perfect.</div>
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In times of uncertainty, I must remember God's mercy and let
my heart rejoice! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Photo by JoAnne Sylvia<br /><br /></span><br />
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Bio: JoAnne Silvia has worked as a substance abuse counselor for over 26 years. She is currently working on the memoir, <u>Perfect Timing, Lessons in Love, Faith and Perseverance,</u> with her husband David, her high school sweetheart who found her after 39 years of no contact when the time was right. You can find more of JoAnne’s writing on her blog: <a href="http://joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">“Anything is Possible,” at Joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com</span></a></div>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-8640352980874595422014-08-19T20:33:00.001-04:002014-08-19T20:33:12.961-04:00My Little Pony<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Angie
Mojica-Barnes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I
was reminiscing with a good friend about all the toys I wanted as a child but
never got. I was the fourth of five children in a single parent home and money
was always tight. I recalled to my friend that the one toy I always wanted was
a My Little Pony horse. I did get the off-brand one once, but to my trained
little girl’s eye, I knew it was <b><i>NOT</i></b> the real deal. What made it
bittersweet was that my cousins, my usual playmates, owned a slew of them. How
I loved playing with those ponies, and my cousins too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> After
swapping stories of lost childhood longings, I promptly forgot about the
conversation and went to work. During my lunch hour, I walked by a lake
engrossed in my thoughts. It was a lovely spring day and I came to stand at the
edge of the lake on the grass. Glancing down at my feet, I saw what at first
looked like a blur of hairy colors. Curious, I bent down, picked it up, only to
discover it was a My Little Pony! It<i> was</i> the real deal, a pink and
purple miniature Pegasus; it was lying in the grass waiting for me to find it.
It even had the logo on the bottom left leg. I put in in my pocket and walked
on, my heart swelling and a lightness washing over me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> I have
often wondered at times if God heard my prayers and forgot me while he was
handing out good things to others. It was as if I looked at God through the
lens of a broken glass, while he still looked at me as the little girl whom he
loves perfectly. God gave me a sweet reminder that day, in the form of purple
plastic. I will tuck it away in my heart and remember he does not forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Isaiah
49:15 says: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Can a mother forget the baby
at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may
forget, I will not forget you</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">What
about you friend? What has God done for you that you need to remember today?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbT2BPD36TkXFlnd6m1iby0YqZeNPnpipW3qs4wrWGu1Pk0S5OoUYvsbv5XHu5vulnWGL82JpXnVVn9wEVhvIMX9wnUkwUq9bCLjmhK9cC4WSYOIENN_JW1-koclgObpZRYG6eo00ixqk/s1600/Angie.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/AVvXsEgbT2BPD36TkXFlnd6m1iby0YqZeNPnpipW3qs4wrWGu1Pk0S5OoUYvsbv5XHu5vulnWGL82JpXnVVn9wEVhvIMX9wnUkwUq9bCLjmhK9cC4WSYOIENN_JW1-koclgObpZRYG6eo00ixqk/s1600/Angie.png" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Angie
Mojica-Barnes is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; line-height: 150%;">She is a secretary by day and a writer by night. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">She loves Jesus,
dancing and all things encouraging.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-90708877818682494452014-08-03T14:03:00.000-04:002014-08-11T21:43:51.962-04:00Dancing Through the Pain<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>By Beth Jarrott</i></span></div>
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In my mid-30’s, I was sick, in constant pain, and weighed
a mere 89 pounds.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I sought help from
numerous doctors. Only they had no answers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy Sigrid Gombert/Gallery Stock</span><br />
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Pain radiated from the lower left side of my back to
under an anomalously, protruding left ribcage. The pain was so intense at times
that I could only breathe in quick, shallow breaths. Worse still, was the unrelenting
nausea. At one point I was so dehydrated, I had to be hospitalized. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I knew something was wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Horribly wrong. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Over the next four years my symptoms continued. Although
the pain lessened some, the nausea remained and I grew thinner and weaker by
the day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I felt helpless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Comfort came in the form of Psalms. As a child, I’d
memorized Psalm 23. Only now did I understand the true depth and breadth of
David’s words.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo Courtesy Kevin Kelly</span><br />
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<span class="text"><i>Yea,
though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</i></span><i> <span class="text">I will fear no evil;</span>
<span class="text">for Thou art
with me; Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.</span></i></div>
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<span class="text"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">While in
this <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">valley </i>of unexplained sickness,
I decided to embrace the pain. Lean on God. And dance like David.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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I was a member of a Davidic (Hebrew) dance troupe and
drew succor from worshipping like King David. One evening while rehearsing an
especially difficult maneuver, I twisted too quickly. I dropped to the floor as
pain shot through my left side. It felt like I’d cracked a rib. The following
morning I called an orthopedic specialist.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Dr. Jenkins was young, affable, and seemed genuinely concerned.
He ordered a bone scan <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to assess for trauma or fractures that
are otherwise difficult to locate during a normal x-ray.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Following the scan Dr. Jenkins entered the room with a
worried expression and asked, “Were you born without a left kidney?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Both shocked and alarmed, I answered, “No. I should have
two kidneys! Why?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Your bones are
fine, but only your right kidney appears on the scan.”<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXlNXFU919NHKFn_E9U0bmiH4QchwYhlXh1Z0ZuCBlrhfJo6ue7EZWtMESYZmiakN4zGPnuTJHh8wrzfBxDLagMAvL3kXcwDUXqNFL6v8F_M5_o_jz6qyfe955m9FQrQU2WWlDop_zR0/s1600/nurse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioXlNXFU919NHKFn_E9U0bmiH4QchwYhlXh1Z0ZuCBlrhfJo6ue7EZWtMESYZmiakN4zGPnuTJHh8wrzfBxDLagMAvL3kXcwDUXqNFL6v8F_M5_o_jz6qyfe955m9FQrQU2WWlDop_zR0/s1600/nurse.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy Clare Kendall</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
Immediately, I was whisked to the hospital where a
battery of tests determined I did have a left kidney, only it no longer
functioned. Consequently, a Nephrologist was summoned where he performed a left
nephrectomy (kidney removal).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As the Nephrologist removed the dead kidney it crumbled
in his hands. He said it was a miracle it had not turned gangrene. Apparently my
kidney died because the ureter, <span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the
tube that carries urine from the kidney,</span> ruptured. As a result, it
leaked toxins into my body and caused me to become very ill.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Were it not for the dance incident, my health would have
continued to decline. I thank God for the mysterious way He worked on my
behalf.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As for me, I’ll continue
dancing through the valleys.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIqUOIDV0ttxbeO8geN16W6Ah8MLmWcC9BWJ69MDVK-IoWH4aNH7l1ZqiasOe_ch87IuCBqkjEZqgG-ETeoGC4gkdCmLKcGDwVZ8cvJ5HBN55sKmZZtL-1TCuWZp2y-L2FYPCL2hl7nE/s1600/lady.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxIqUOIDV0ttxbeO8geN16W6Ah8MLmWcC9BWJ69MDVK-IoWH4aNH7l1ZqiasOe_ch87IuCBqkjEZqgG-ETeoGC4gkdCmLKcGDwVZ8cvJ5HBN55sKmZZtL-1TCuWZp2y-L2FYPCL2hl7nE/s1600/lady.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo courtesy <a href="http://favim.com/">favim.com</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Surely
goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in
the house of the </i></span><span class="small-caps"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></i></span><span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> forever.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text">The Lord works on our behalf every day.
Can you identify ways He has miraculously intervened on your behalf?</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span class="text">-Beth</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span class="text"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y75pNKWxx79c1zt3-5xbKQ7fXOvJssInpzZtg2who0gxSLqAfb1wAQ4EVz-5nujV2WrebCAlzJI2QeZI-1zCnUI2DS9GN7xg_ZvBGaqA7Iaofori_YnJs5sZOiu00YJuwTSsWNm5LkM/s1600/Beth+Jarrott+Bio+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4y75pNKWxx79c1zt3-5xbKQ7fXOvJssInpzZtg2who0gxSLqAfb1wAQ4EVz-5nujV2WrebCAlzJI2QeZI-1zCnUI2DS9GN7xg_ZvBGaqA7Iaofori_YnJs5sZOiu00YJuwTSsWNm5LkM/s1600/Beth+Jarrott+Bio+Pic.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
<span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;">Beth Jarrott is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina, where she lives an Encore Life with her husband, Tom, and their two granddaughters, Grace and Bella. For over a decade she traveled throughout <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> providing self-esteem programs in youth prisons, detention centers and training schools. She is also a writer, speaker, lover of Jesus, and in the summer months she can often be found dipping her toes into the great <st1:place w:st="on">Atlantic Ocean</st1:place>.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12pt;"> <i>Visit her blog: </i></span><b><a href="http://myencoreliferaisinggrandchildren.blogspot.com/2014/04/n-is-for-family.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">My Encore Life of Raising myGrandchildren.</a> (click on link)</b></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-75378529321921274832014-07-24T21:34:00.000-04:002014-07-24T21:34:41.142-04:00Security in Troubled Times<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
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by Nivine Richie</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">high and exalted, and the train of his robe filled the temple.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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– Isaiah 6:1 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The call went straight to voice mail. I was on my way home
from an overseas trip and I tried to call my husband at his office, but I
couldn’t reach him. Normally the receptionist would have answered; it was the
middle of the day after all. Instinctively, I knew something unusual was going
on.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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When I finally reached my husband, he told me the whole
story. The partners of his firm had arrived at the office unexpectedly that morning
and announced that the firm would be closing its doors. He and a few other employees
would be offered transfers to California, but the rest would be offered
severance pay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I was stunned. We lived in south Florida, and California was
a universe away. In one 10-minute phone conversation, my world came to a
standstill. As a stay-at-home mom with two children in diapers, I immediately began
running through scenarios of how we would make ends meet once my husband’s
paycheck came to an end. My comfortable, secure life was about to change.
Suddenly nothing seemed permanent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8MkeENNUlqHgFYmGi9UIugQTysMOL42NdncC49ZTUtjqgw7zUt4Gap7L6Mu_-OBs3a9kShEwBD54_2mCg6Me0GhyphenhyphenBAInbwulJCzoUvXU32QKImVpvFDVttIkXfGFJmaBLyytp1zWlLc/s1600/Isaiah6-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV8MkeENNUlqHgFYmGi9UIugQTysMOL42NdncC49ZTUtjqgw7zUt4Gap7L6Mu_-OBs3a9kShEwBD54_2mCg6Me0GhyphenhyphenBAInbwulJCzoUvXU32QKImVpvFDVttIkXfGFJmaBLyytp1zWlLc/s1600/Isaiah6-1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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In Isaiah 6, Isaiah’s world had suddenly come to a
standstill too. King Uzziah died after having reigned for 52 years. Everything
was upside down. But in spite of the upheaval Isaiah and the rest of the
country would experience, Isaiah describes God seated on His throne in full
splendor. A great contrast between a dead earthly king and the Heavenly King, alive
and unshaken.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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We all have earthly kings: jobs, homes, families, friends. Our
sense of security is disrupted when we discover these kings are unreliable or
fleeting. But just as the people in King Uzziah’s day were reminded that the Lord
was still on the throne, we can be encouraged when we remember that He is our
King as well. Others come and go, but our King of Kings never fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The day my husband’s job went away, my young family was
shaken. Isaiah 6:1 reminds me that I can take comfort knowing that when earthly
“kings” die, my God is still seated on His throne and He has my future safely
in His grip.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Can you identify any earthly kings in your life that pale when compared
with your living King of Kings?<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">About the author:</b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM4g4qUuuzB-C-n24Nbpp9x_8eOinbo44BwyaGXFXkG3PfeiSui_MutBEr0Box-SmJJEhJCXapWDVaAH1Av7p4XDF8JiInERYGQTYUuiFJtvIkcQwf1S8D44p6N6gnZeEZYSD0inCeno/s1600/Nivine's+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTM4g4qUuuzB-C-n24Nbpp9x_8eOinbo44BwyaGXFXkG3PfeiSui_MutBEr0Box-SmJJEhJCXapWDVaAH1Av7p4XDF8JiInERYGQTYUuiFJtvIkcQwf1S8D44p6N6gnZeEZYSD0inCeno/s1600/Nivine's+headshot.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></b></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Nivine Richie </b>is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>a women’s Bible study teacher in
Wilmington, N.C., where she lives with her husband and two teenage children. A
university finance professor, she is actively involved in the Christian faculty
association on campus. Nivine has participated in and taught many small group
studies over the years. She seeks to help others launch their own small group studies
and is available to speak at women’s events. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Her new book</b>, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enduring
Faith: An 8-Week Devotional Study of the Book of Hebrews</i></b>, is available from
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Amazon at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103111/">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103111/</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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or <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Barnes and Noble at <a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enduring-faith-an-8-week-devotional-study-of-the-book-of-hebrews-nivine-richie/1119840476?ean=9781941103111">http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/enduring-faith-an-8-week-devotional-study-of-the-book-of-hebrews-nivine-richie/1119840476?ean=9781941103111</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Visit her at <a href="http://www.unfoldinghisword.com/">www.unfoldinghisword.com</a>
to find tools to help you grow as a small group leader.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Contact her at <a href="mailto:nivine@unfoldinghisword.com">nivine@unfoldinghisword.com</a>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnfoldingHisWord">https://www.facebook.com/UnfoldingHisWord</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
or on Twitter at @UnfoldHisWord <o:p></o:p></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-48024625371875965112014-07-18T18:31:00.000-04:002014-07-18T18:32:22.186-04:00Stormy Night<div class="MsoNormal">
By Mirjami Budarz</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p>Middle of the night</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I wake up to beating rain,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
water hitting at my windowpane.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
My room, so dark,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
long shadows, scary sounds,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
my heart starts to pound.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lightning, roaring thunder,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I pull up the blanket,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
tuck my head under.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Where is my teddy bear,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
the one with a loose eye and a little tear?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I search the corners of my bed,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
just then I feel his velvety head.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Come here my teddy bear,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need your hugs, comfort and care.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh140qmDu51MSskPcIdDPDyhqzRtyxl4i-ZwGnQ9-aUbM9T2wiPZ9MqajMfLU858EYdo9xvOQI8d3tZS2u48pngXYm205u2H0R68OTDVnBVA0bGcNp-L6JtiklmGL-5uLifoNTQAwY1KPQ/s1600/Stormy+Night+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh140qmDu51MSskPcIdDPDyhqzRtyxl4i-ZwGnQ9-aUbM9T2wiPZ9MqajMfLU858EYdo9xvOQI8d3tZS2u48pngXYm205u2H0R68OTDVnBVA0bGcNp-L6JtiklmGL-5uLifoNTQAwY1KPQ/s1600/Stormy+Night+2.png" height="258" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Again, lightning strikes, loud thunder.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Why don’t you speak to me bear,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
are you awake, I wonder?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mama, mama, I cry; come here,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I need you to hold me, to be near!<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mama, mama...<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
She walks into the room,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
not a moment too soon.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I feel her warm hand on my cheek,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I hear a soft whisper; go back to sleep.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
But first, we'll say a prayer,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
for God watches over us,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
always ready to comfort and care.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsQpR8ann3mgGNwnlumVnQ45djYKtpMAcur4m4ybhlt_-br1JANJ42dyD1bI5583rRZdpeJs5d2x_72301oE6AepYyVpOev3ygkoaehFNXEiDHKKhe-KlN-kkTkPO7SQew-Dzm4vhMN8/s1600/Stormy+Night+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDsQpR8ann3mgGNwnlumVnQ45djYKtpMAcur4m4ybhlt_-br1JANJ42dyD1bI5583rRZdpeJs5d2x_72301oE6AepYyVpOev3ygkoaehFNXEiDHKKhe-KlN-kkTkPO7SQew-Dzm4vhMN8/s1600/Stormy+Night+1.png" height="257" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dear Jesus, you calm the storm, the Bible says,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
do it right now in the heart of your child,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
cast away all fear and worry,<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
and do it soon, please hurry.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">(Awana devotional by
Mirjami Budarz - 10.1.1998)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
When the stormy
nights emerge, we, the children of God, young and old alike, are called to cast
all our fears and worries upon God, for He cares for us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
Such precious
knowledge, yet it's easy for me to pick-up the messy bundle of troubles
again...and again, and then struggle stooped sorrowfully under the burden,
unable to live fully the life God has for me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
During the
inevitable storms of life I need to remind myself often that I have a privilege
and instructions to drop-off my burdens by God and to leave them there. He
wants me to trust Him completely and be a shelter in my storms and the comfort
and peace in my heart and mind.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
God yearns to talk
and walk with me. I am neither forsaken nor alone in my mundane troubles. I am
cared for and cherished by my creator. He loves me in spite of my shortcomings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
That motivates me
to emulate the faith of a little child, to live with exuberance and look ahead
with confidence, knowing that with God all things are possible, and that he
holds the future. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
The terrors of an
unforeseen stormy night must yield to the light of a new morning, one brimming
with promise of new mercies, hope and possibilities. For that I'm forever
thankful. It puts a big grin on my mature face and dance into my step. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .5in;">
How about you?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
...<i>Don't be anxious about anything, but in
everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. <o:p></o:p></i>Philippians 4:6</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
...<i>Cast your cares on the Lord, and he will
sustain you...<o:p></o:p></i>Psalm 55:22 </div>
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.<i>..his mercies never come to an end, they
are new every morning. <o:p></o:p></i>Lamentation 3:22<br />
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Bio:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0arKFlKAx-7vf6gpGH9cicdeunXNcJSQD1bGn5kfBWhzLdWT1KVPoWqcLl-Zr8zQqFVItzoaUz2qN4bdNJ5Je6bixT00mffqWyxiApLVmPTfOVB0zVGGedvPWmZva40t6EVSDWZ8kwQ/s1600/Mirjam's+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0arKFlKAx-7vf6gpGH9cicdeunXNcJSQD1bGn5kfBWhzLdWT1KVPoWqcLl-Zr8zQqFVItzoaUz2qN4bdNJ5Je6bixT00mffqWyxiApLVmPTfOVB0zVGGedvPWmZva40t6EVSDWZ8kwQ/s1600/Mirjam's+headshot.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Author and artist Mirjami Budarz was born in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on">Finland</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> after WWII into a large displaced Karelian family. Later she moved with her family to </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> and eventually the </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> retiring in </span><st1:place style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Wilmington</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">NC,</st1:state></st1:place><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> with her husband in 2008. A short story of Mirjami’s was published in Guidepost’s, </span><i style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Unexpected Answers </i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">and she has illustrated two children’s books. </span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-32704089838241009362014-06-30T13:40:00.001-04:002014-06-30T13:40:23.707-04:00The open mike<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><i>By Tammie Ledford</i></span><br />
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I overheard a conversation I wasn't meant to hear. Call it a case of the “open mike”. My 82 year old mother fractured her back and was in the hospital. It was two in the morning, she was in pain so we rang for meds. The aide answered, he was with another patient but would tell the nurse. Then it happened, he left the intercom on. It was amusing listening to him chit chat with his patient. </div>
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I was contemplating leaving the warm blanket I was under to let him know of the faux pas, but he made it to the nurses station and told her our request. </div>
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<b>She lashed back.</b></div>
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Her words stung… "patients have too many rights." "I don’t need three people telling me to "get pain medication," there was more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3alQ5FpgxXulBJcnfAjoi3CVm9PVBcVZ0ijIGbQANJtLC0uKSawQD9AZxwWz9EAIPCOrgG-LlY3xntKsFM02O55uZX8Ub-D8TwKxs_aodv6aQmmcflnJ4uU_12drO6y9NwhJlBO6Hig/s1600/Tammie+Mike+Pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3alQ5FpgxXulBJcnfAjoi3CVm9PVBcVZ0ijIGbQANJtLC0uKSawQD9AZxwWz9EAIPCOrgG-LlY3xntKsFM02O55uZX8Ub-D8TwKxs_aodv6aQmmcflnJ4uU_12drO6y9NwhJlBO6Hig/s1600/Tammie+Mike+Pic.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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My face grew hot, I was shocked at her response. I thought about all the hardships my mother had endured in her life, how she had handled them with grace. If anyone had rights it was her! How could a nurse, someone dedicated to healing, respond with disregard for their patients? My anger was growing.</div>
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Then the Lord, as <i>He</i> <i>always</i> does, very gently reminded me of things I had said in the past, words I would have been embarrassed about if there had been an “open mike”. <i>He reminded</i> me that <b>He is</b> the <i>open mike </i>and every thing we say or think, kind or unkind falls on <b>His ears</b>. </div>
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<b>Ouch!</b></div>
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King David wrote in Psalms 139:1-4 </div>
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<i>O Lord, you have searched me and known me!</i></div>
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<i> You know when I sit down and when I rise up;</i></div>
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<i> you discern my thoughts from afar.</i></div>
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<i> You search out my path and my lying down</i></div>
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<i> and are acquainted with all my ways.</i></div>
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<i> Even before a word is on my tongue,</i></div>
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<i> behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.</i></div>
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I thought about words, how powerful they are! In a flash words can tear someone apart or build them up. </div>
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<b> Death and life are in the power of the tongue,</b></div>
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Or in James 3 and how impossible it is to tame the tongue, how the same tongue blesses G-d but curses the man G-d created and it shouldn’t be this way.</div>
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Slowly my anger was replaced with empathy. I thought of all the physical hurt the nurses saw every day on the trauma floor. People from all ages and walks of life. I tried to imagine how emotionally draining it must be to manage their pain. I could understand her frustration. Then empathy was replaced with compassion and I began to pray, I prayed for the nurses, the other patients but I also prayed that I would always use my tongue to encourage others.</div>
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Can I challenge you to do as I did in those wee hours and determine to choose your words carefully? After all there is always an “open mike”.</div>
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<i>Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips! </i></div>
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Psalm 141:3 </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">About the Author: </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MErr0xgBvQoRCYYvRqi_wL9FHxWLn3S1K2jHyDOF1HG55nFl3tqfTC1HqmFejCj09dbgWp5T1rqD34VyeJgPfHVf1c39VZ5HICJULLqn_fn6x8GaH096iyXbRcVLq2-mFb4K_5O_MqM/s1600/Tammie+bio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_MErr0xgBvQoRCYYvRqi_wL9FHxWLn3S1K2jHyDOF1HG55nFl3tqfTC1HqmFejCj09dbgWp5T1rqD34VyeJgPfHVf1c39VZ5HICJULLqn_fn6x8GaH096iyXbRcVLq2-mFb4K_5O_MqM/s1600/Tammie+bio.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Tammie has been married to her best friend Randy for 34 years. They have three sons and two amazing grandchildren. She recently retired from a career in advertising and is pursuing a dream she never forgot, to write children’s stories. They have been residents of Wilmington since 1995.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-44455022743982229342014-06-21T18:45:00.001-04:002014-06-21T18:45:31.719-04:00Have You Been Tricked?<div class="Pa24" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; line-height: 32px; text-align: center;">by Nivine Richie</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">But exhort one another every day, as
long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the
deceitfulness of sin. </span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Hebrews 3:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">Several years ago, Hollywood made a
film about a child adopted by a movie production company. In <i><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120382/"><b>The Truman Show</b></a>
</i>starring Jim Carrey,</span><span class="A6"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;">the boy was raised on the set for the
television show and never knew that his “parents” were paid actors. His
neighbors and friends were extras. Each day he walked down the street and
greeted people that were paid to greet him in return. Then one day his eyes
were opened. Instead of his perfect home and neighborhood, he saw an artificial
main street. Rather than family and friends, he saw hired hands. His world, as
enticing as it was, came to an end when he discovered the edge of the movie set
and climbed out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sin is tricky.</span> Like a movie set of a
neighborly main street with beckoning storefront windows and inviting front doors,
sin is an attractive façade. Look closely, however, and we find that nothing is
for sale in the store, and no one lives behind those front doors. Sin is a
charade, a mirage, a trick. It is never what it seems. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Not
only does sin trick us into believing it is desirable, it has a secondary
effect as well. Sin causes us to turn away from God. Whenever I’ve toyed with a
pet sin, I’ve found myself uncomfortable in church. Believers irritate me. I’m
critical of the preaching and the choir stops sounding good. I think I can walk
away from my sin anytime I’m ready. Then, one day I wake up to find myself
tangled in sin’s deceitfulness. Nothing short of the power of God can free me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Have
you ever experienced the deceitfulness of sin in your own life? Maybe what started
out as a small thing turned into a sticky web, and the harder you worked to
untangle it, the more trapped you felt. Freedom is available. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="text"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man.
God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but
with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be
able to endure it.</span></i></span><span class="text"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"> 1 Corinthians 10:13<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I
look back on those seasons in my life where I’ve been stuck in sin. Like the
lead character in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Truman Show</i>,
I’m amazed that I was too deceived to see through the façade and recognize
reality. I don’t need to be overwhelmed by temptation because God is faithful; He
always provides a way to exit the movie set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">About the author:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhetUmmJylTpEz4BV2S3glFvKlLsO1Pm-h6Hx_PGo5e1tXsvCgr3_YHIAV0OGBguL-P0WoIbIyRnTMBpsW5PZ0VnDxFKqBnclZYgWEohvQeAiG56-gIKvYFwyxkK_FTTP0xP-HjuojPUw/s1600/Nivine%2527s+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhetUmmJylTpEz4BV2S3glFvKlLsO1Pm-h6Hx_PGo5e1tXsvCgr3_YHIAV0OGBguL-P0WoIbIyRnTMBpsW5PZ0VnDxFKqBnclZYgWEohvQeAiG56-gIKvYFwyxkK_FTTP0xP-HjuojPUw/s1600/Nivine%2527s+headshot.jpg" height="200" width="142" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Nivine Richie </span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">is<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>a
women’s Bible study teacher in Wilmington, N.C., where she lives with her
husband and two teenage children. A university finance professor, she is
actively involved in the Christian faculty association on campus. Nivine has
participated in and taught many small group studies over the years. She seeks
to help others launch their own small group studies and is available to speak
at women’s events. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">This devotion is adapted from her new book</span></b><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Enduring Faith: An 8-Week Devotional Study of the Book of Hebrews</i>,
available from Amazon on kindle at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUZCZFS/">http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KUZCZFS/</a>
and in print at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103111/">http://www.amazon.com/dp/1941103111/</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AcwWCnhGf5IC3rzlj8HLc9ASSSI-qEWok7OYB1qX3wvFOPvYw5HHW-Day_ci3XJViiG6AikT0sJUb5gyRWnd3wewd2Y_tl4clAzP38sM-d1yNaPT_6Vm75cEcmyjPdre4rjzSsCvsh4/s1600/Enduring+Faith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AcwWCnhGf5IC3rzlj8HLc9ASSSI-qEWok7OYB1qX3wvFOPvYw5HHW-Day_ci3XJViiG6AikT0sJUb5gyRWnd3wewd2Y_tl4clAzP38sM-d1yNaPT_6Vm75cEcmyjPdre4rjzSsCvsh4/s1600/Enduring+Faith.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Visit her at <a href="http://www.unfoldinghisword.com/">www.unfoldinghisword.com</a> to find
tools to help you grow as a small group leader.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Contact her at <a href="mailto:nivine@unfoldinghisword.com">nivine@unfoldinghisword.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/UnfoldingHisWord">https://www.facebook.com/UnfoldingHisWord</a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">or on Twitter at
@UnfoldHisWord <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-230335579274679122014-06-11T19:13:00.000-04:002014-06-11T19:13:19.537-04:00Daddy's Girl<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By Venus Schrader</span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Daddy's girl.”</span> Those words take me back to a time when I would cringe. My father was a man to be feared. He was as big as the Incredible Hulk, a body builder and a mean drunk. He spent most of his youth and early adult years behind bars, including the time of my birth. “Daddy's girl?” No thank you, I'll pass. However I did have a desire to be precious and provided for.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.0791666666666666; text-indent: 35.3pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This had a huge impact on my life when I became a Christian. There I was, a frail twenty-one year-old girl, battered, abused by the world then thrown away like the evening trash. I was desperate for a savior, not a daddy. The last thing I wanted to hear is that God is my heavenly Father. How can He be my father? Why is He my father? I don't need a father. My heart and mind were on overload with questions, fear and confusion. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKkxr-xnhTGn1bAAWotIAwyXY3Yj9u2_I-CbWqazUQVUh1so2HlCaCzexYmavGs60Emvx1DSjDZYFfK1Eeg-VdFArEcmmpkP6h2O4OPsvzEBoAX2JlMsmXZPYQegr_EqCygZnTEjkSJs/s1600/Venus'+dad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrKkxr-xnhTGn1bAAWotIAwyXY3Yj9u2_I-CbWqazUQVUh1so2HlCaCzexYmavGs60Emvx1DSjDZYFfK1Eeg-VdFArEcmmpkP6h2O4OPsvzEBoAX2JlMsmXZPYQegr_EqCygZnTEjkSJs/s1600/Venus'+dad.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In 2008 God answered my prayers and restored me and my dad's relationship. Our daily phone calls lasted for hours on end. The first time we prayed together, each word released a tear that washed away the past. The gratitude I had for God in that moment could have overflowed the Grand Canyon. Before I knew it, I looked up and at forty years old, I was a daddy's girl.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">On January 16, 2011 at 2:30am our journey took a turn to eternity. The nursing home called with the message, “It won't be long now.” My feet seemed to dangle at the edge of the bed, I was three again and I wanted my daddy to be my hero, not a monster. And I praise God he had become my hero so far away from the monster of my past. “Can I talk to him?” I asked. As I turned to the 23rd Psalm, I was told he was intubated and could not respond. Before I finished the Psalm I could hear my daddy trying to talk. I said a prayer of thanksgiving to God for his life and our relationship. I told him we would be together forever. They said he opened his eyes and was trying to talk to me. I heard every word, he said “You’re my girl.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is your relationship with God based on your relationship with your earthly Daddy?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If it is anything like mine, know that God can make all things beautiful in his time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Venus: <i><b>My husband and I, three daughters and one granddaughter landed in Wilmington, NC five years ago. I enjoy spending time with family and friends exploring the wonders of life. As God leads I hope to express this journey of</b></i></span><i><b><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">life through the beauty of words.</span></b></i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-48406707446542229682014-05-29T14:11:00.001-04:002014-05-29T14:11:49.450-04:00God Promises to Walk Through Every Death Valley With Me<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by, Kim M Andrist</td></tr>
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By, Laurel Senick</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they
comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4 NIV)</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I've</span> always imagined a literal death with this passage,
the threat of death that is always around us. But a recent event allowed me to see death’s other stinging possibilities-- like the death of a desire or dream. </div>
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My husband and I have been foster parents just over two
years. We have never been able to have
our own children, but we know the Lord will bless us one day with children whether
by birth, fostering or adoption. </div>
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A few weeks ago we received an email telling us that two
little boys had been cleared for adoption and in need of a forever home. The brothers were two and three year’s old,
toddlers. Boy how our lives would change! After prayer our excitement budded, and we let Social Services know that we were interested in being their forever
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The next day we received a
picture of these two little angels. Our social worker explained that a few
other families were interested and that the team would meet next week to decide
which family would make the best match. </div>
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We prayed along with our church community group. A few other friends and family were told and
asked to pray. Our prayer was that God would place these two precious ones
where they were meant to be. That God would sovereignly reign over the
situation. </div>
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The night before the meeting when the final decision would be made I
was very excited. I had tried all week not to get my hopes up.<span style="font-size: x-large;"> But what is hope
if not up?</span></div>
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I received an email the next afternoon. </div>
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Another couple was
chosen. </div>
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I tried to put on a brave
face in front of friends and family saying I knew that God knew best, but Jesus saw my broken heart, my
questions. He began the process of healing. </div>
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Using His word and His people God is healing me. </div>
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Long before I was born
God promised to walk through every death valley with me, assuring me every step
that he is sovereign and good. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
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Are you in a place where you need to know that God is
sovereign and offering you His hand?</div>
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Bio: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCX3Ccc6FUWUV3L-_P8KqNlthwZaz3YFTkkS5KQD9vXzldh-7QhxP0Tg5ihNe-JMOQ65sYdtmw9xocOaSrEf_YQqh4oypEOFZXOJwNnSqpvWQ9R-sWMQX_gmsL5345tNxIrZVNkr7s9k/s1600/Don+and+Laurel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinCX3Ccc6FUWUV3L-_P8KqNlthwZaz3YFTkkS5KQD9vXzldh-7QhxP0Tg5ihNe-JMOQ65sYdtmw9xocOaSrEf_YQqh4oypEOFZXOJwNnSqpvWQ9R-sWMQX_gmsL5345tNxIrZVNkr7s9k/s1600/Don+and+Laurel.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Laurel
Senick has journaled her experiences and prayers to God for years. As a member of Word Weavers Wilmington,</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Laurel is shaping her
writing into works that will bless and encourage others. She is married to her
sweet husband Don who supports all her creative endeavors. They
attend Live Oak Church.</span></div>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-40857997855331529952014-05-23T13:16:00.002-04:002014-05-23T13:16:52.337-04:00Making Time for Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By JoAnne Silvia,</div>
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“I thought I’d never see you again!” </div>
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That’s what Aunt Ruth said when we surprised her last week
for her birthday. My dad had been talking about wanting to go see his sister in
<st1:city w:st="on">Milwaukee</st1:city> for a few months, but he was hesitant
about making the trip from <st1:state w:st="on">North
Carolina</st1:state>. At 83, his war wounds from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Korea- </st1:country-region>and knees that need replacing- make every step a challenge. But with Aunt Ruth turning
92, despondent about her loss of independence and telling us in every phone
call, “I’m praying for the Lord to take me,” Dad decided he needed to go see
his sister.</div>
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We made the trip, with assistance from patient airport staff
maneuvering Dad to our connecting flight in <st1:city w:st="on">Atlanta</st1:city>
and wheeling him all the way to the rental car in <st1:city w:st="on">Milwaukee</st1:city>, to stand at Aunt Ruth’s door where
we called her on the phone since she didn’t hear the buzzer or the knock. Dad
didn’t want to tell her we were coming, because he didn’t want her to worry. We
just told her there was a birthday surprise on the way. She was so happy to see
us her eyes sparkled, and she welcomed us into her apartment with amazing agility
as if she could run circles around her baby brother. </div>
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Aunt Ruth doesn’t
remember what she had for lunch two hours ago, but she and Dad collaborated to
recall colorful details of growing up in <st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state>.
During our three day visit, it was my privilege to soak up stories of family
history- especially stories about the grandmother I never knew. </div>
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Dad’s mother, Marie,
worked hard all her life. “She could make do with anything,” Aunt Ruth said. It
was an important skill for a woman married to an alcoholic who was “always
right.” Aunt Ruth and Dad talked about
how their mother made most of their clothes, often by re-making hand- me-downs
from neighbors. She grew vegetables to “put up” in the basement and flowers for
the church altar. She raised chickens and baked 12 loaves of bread every
Saturday. She made pies and cakes on Sundays. She took in the orphaned children
of her brother and took care of her mother. </div>
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During our visit to <st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state>,
Dad opened up more to me about the horrors of <st1:country-region w:st="on">Vietnam</st1:country-region>, something he’d stopped
talking about because it gave him nightmares. He told me about drinking heavily
when he got back to the states to try to medicate what we now call PTSD. He
told me that he thought of taking his own life when I was 12 years old and
totally clueless. He told me about the Navy chaplain who took him under his
wing and encouraged him to give his pain and guilt to God. Now, I feel
tremendous gratitude for the man of God who helped save my father’s life.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Taking my dad to <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:place></st1:state>, spending quality time with him
and Aunt Ruth, blessed me with rich memories. It was a blessing for them to be
able to share this time together. I will always remember listening to them
reminisce for hours as I drifted off to sleep on Aunt Ruth’s sofa, feeling safe
and comforted by the memories of love that prevailed over all their hardships. <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Bio: </span>JoAnne Silvia has worked as a substance abuse counselor for
over 26 years. She is currently working on the memoir, <i>Perfect Timing, Lessons in Love, Faith and Perseverance,</i> with her
husband David, her high school sweetheart who found her after 39 years of no
contact when the time was right. You can find more of JoAnne’s writing on her
blog: “Anything is Possible,” at <a href="http://joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com/">Joannaoftheforest.wordpress.com</a><br />
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-44610365908497882522014-05-15T10:15:00.000-04:002014-05-15T10:15:17.322-04:00Learning Trust through Bitter Moments: A Closer Look at the Life of Naomi<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Written by, Laura Meneffee</div>
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I have come to be very fond of the story of Ruth. For years, the Lord has put it in front of
me, allowing me to wrestle through every little part. This morning though, I saw a side that I
hadn't seen before. I saw the clear
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“The almighty has made my life very bitter.”<br />
“The Lord has afflicted me.”<br />
“The almighty has brought misfortune upon me.” (Ruth 1:21)<br />
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I had never thought of Naomi as a bitter woman and have
never noticed her described that way but in this passage, I couldn't help but
hear evidence that she was bitter at this time in her life. After
all, Naomi was hurt by her situation and she acknowledged that God, in his sovereignty,
allowed it. She had lost her husband, her
two sons and her home. Her life was going to be very difficult given her age
and situation.</div>
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It's painful when you know that the God you love is all
powerful and He loves you very much, but He is allowing you to go through
something difficult. We often
question, “Why do you want me to go through this Lord? Why do you want me to
suffer?”</div>
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Deep down inside I'm sure Naomi saw a
purpose for what she was going through, though she just wasn't able to
see it at first. She had to take it, bear it and
trust that God knew best. </div>
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She had to
live in her pain, knowing God allowed her to be there.</div>
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Have you been in this place? Have you felt like God was against you
and must be mad or disappointed in you?
I know I have.</div>
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Even in Naomi’s sorrow, God was working for her. In the last
chapter of Ruth, Naomi's friends address her:</div>
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“Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you
without a guardian-redeemer. May he become
famous through out Israel! He will renew
your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter in law, who loves you and who is better to you than
seven sons, has given him birth” (Ruth 4:14,15).</div>
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This child that Ruth laid in her mother in law’s arms was
named Obed, the father of Jesse, King David’s Father. This woman, in the midst of her sorrow, became the great grandmother of King David, a man after God’s own
heart. </div>
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Even though it seemed like God had forgotten Naomi,
He certainly had not. </div>
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We also can know
that God is working out the details of our life for good, just as it states in Romans
8:28, “And we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love
Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” </div>
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Bio: Diagnosed with
Bipolar Disorder in 1998, Laura Menefee has learned to live through very
painful emotional times. She shares her experience through writing and
speaking, hoping to bring awareness. She
lives in Wilmington NC, but is originally from Northern Kentucky.</div>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-91398231279447829142014-05-08T15:00:00.000-04:002014-05-08T15:00:00.820-04:00Amazing Grace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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By, Melissa Cox </div>
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<span style="line-height: 200%;">With downcast eyes, Joy stood
nearby as her friend Stormy leaned toward the other women in line. </span></div>
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While the conference/concert goers
waited for the doors to open, Stormy’s
eyes flashed as she hurled her words:
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“There will be no saving seats
tonight!”</div>
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Earlier that day during the women's conference, Stormy and Joy
encountered the very same same group of women, and a heated argument brewed over seats
that were claimed but unoccupied. The
guardian of the reserved seats insisted Stormy and her friend sit elsewhere in
the 3,000 seat arena. They did, but Stormy was very vocal about the
inconvenience and her displeasure. </div>
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Now, hours later, either by
chance or intent, Stormy was once again addressing the woman who’d saved
seats earlier and her group of friends. The surrounding spectators stepped back, held
their breath, and waited for the response.</div>
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But before a battle could erupt,
Grace stepped out of the group and approached Stormy. With a calm and gentle voice, she smiled and said, "If you want my seat, I'll be glad to give it up for you."</div>
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What else could Stormy say? Her argument and temper were completely diffused. A conversation ensued and Grace and Stormy talked
about their life journey; they even exchanged phone numbers. </div>
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Joy was so relieved Grace stepped in
when she did. She had been trying to
settle Stormy down for a long time, but Stormy wouldn't, or maybe couldn't,
hear her. Now the two of them would be
able to have a good time and enjoy the evening’s events in peace. </div>
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All thanks to Grace.</div>
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When you encounter women like
Stormy, how do you respond? Will Grace’s
kindness help change your response?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGKvLRxcC6VEbYk2PdHK57m6ust-eR_zlPLZ8u8kaBXhT_lly9AW9E9oc5xqwVkfHBsexGgVXxuvijLrjBzbLXJr2ypUP-2qfTbxmM2irWt-VM8T40x3F7OHaCBmHjuGZ_8d6G2AFn8c/s1600/Melissa+Cox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGKvLRxcC6VEbYk2PdHK57m6ust-eR_zlPLZ8u8kaBXhT_lly9AW9E9oc5xqwVkfHBsexGgVXxuvijLrjBzbLXJr2ypUP-2qfTbxmM2irWt-VM8T40x3F7OHaCBmHjuGZ_8d6G2AFn8c/s1600/Melissa+Cox.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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Bio: Melissa Cox has lived in <st1:city w:st="on">Wilmington</st1:city> with her husband and daughters for almost 10 years. She has been leader of a Women’s Prayer
group for three of those years. Ironically, it was at the Women of Joy
conference that her small group encountered “Stormy” and God poured out HIS
amazing grace to teach a lesson in peace to all of them. </div>
</div>
Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-51142483469304552292014-04-24T10:26:00.000-04:002014-04-24T10:26:57.606-04:00I Yearned for Something More: The Journey from Platitude to a Personal Easter Experience<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">By, Mirjami Budarz<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">From my childhood, in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Finland,</st1:place></st1:country-region> I remember Palm-Sunday
and sweet songs of Hosanna in the church and heart; the house was cleaned for the holy-days, our long farm table was decked with linen cloth, pussy willow branches were put in a large vase and
decorated with ornaments. Grandma and mother baked many kind of special Easter
pastries, and cooked. We children colored eggs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">From my the teenager years I remember, that during passion week
the radio played only classical music and hymns and movie theaters featured
somber religious movies, if any. It was a long boring week, time of waiting and
suffering. Then Easter came, and I felt obligated go to church and hear of
death, burial and resurrection of Christ. The church bells chimed, and<i> I
yearned for something more. </i>Then we finally had our festive family meal. Life
was “on” again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">As a young adult, a new mother, Easter became cutesy, with
new outfits, a time of furry Easter bunnies, egg hunts, candy and a noisy
festive meal at Grandma's house, and <i>I yearned for something more.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">Then something
happened in the early seventies, during <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>'s,
hot summer, during a time of social and spiritual upheaval, a time when tanned
hippies slept on the beach with their dogs, marijuana, and incense smells
lingered in the humid air. A time when long haired young women walked
barefoot, dressed in fringed cutoff jeans and halter tops, peace signs
dangling on chains around their necks, including mine. The time when our little
son waited excitedly for a baby-brother whom he wanted to name after his
favorite car, Buick. A time when our money was tight,Vietnam war was ending or
over. Time of our second baby's birth, (no we didn't name him Buick)...<i>And I
yearned for something more.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">Suddenly.. the
name Jesus started to pop up in every-day conversations, there were signs of
surprising spiritual quests everywhere. I heard of Him during the frequent
walks with my little boys to the newly opened health store; He followed me to
the farmers market and Indian restaurant or past the transcendental
meditation-yoga shop. I heard </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">(more like a haunting) of Jesus almost
anywhere I went...and constantly my own thoughts drifted to God. Finally one
evening I knelt in the alone-ness by my bedside and prayed simply: “Jesus if
you are real, I need to know you, come into my life.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Then, the first time
since childhood, I heard a sweet Hosanna song in my heart as a bitter-sweet
Easter exchange took place, and what had been just a platitude turned to a deep
personal experience.</b></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">Holy son of God gave His life as ransom for mine. I sold Him for
30 pieces of silver, He made me His priceless treasure. I denied him, He
adopted me in His family. And as I yelled, “crucify Him”, He prayed, “Father
forgive her, she knows not what she is doing.” As I hammered the nails in His
sacred hands, He carved my name in His palms. When I jabbed a crown of thorns
on His brow, He promised me the crown of life. And as I stripped Him naked, He
gave me a robe of righteousness. When I pierced His side, He made my heart His
habitation. As I wrapped His dead body in burial cloths and spices, He gave me
His life, washed me white as snow and I became a sweet savor of Him. I felt
ashamed of what I had done and hid Him behind a stone, there He became my
corner stone and rock of salvation. I left Him alone in tomb, but death could
not keep Him, for His name was Life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 14.0pt;">And when He rose on the early dawn of that long-ago
Easter-morning, He proclaimed, “I will never leave nor forsake you.” Therefore
now I profess, “My Lord and my King,” and as His cherished child I sing
joyfully again:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 19px;">“Into the city I'd follow the children's band,</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"> waving a branch of the palm tree high in my hand; one of his heralds, yes, I would sing,</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 19px;"> loudest hosannas, "Jesus is King!"</span></span></blockquote>
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Bio:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background: white;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Author and artist Mirjami
Budarz was born in </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Finland</st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">
after WWII into a large displaced Karelian family. Later she moved with her
family to </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on">Germany</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> and eventually
the </span><st1:country-region style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on">United States</st1:country-region><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> retiring
in </span><st1:place style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;" w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Wilmington</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">NC,</st1:state></st1:place><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;"> with her husband in 2008. A short story
of Mirjami’s was published in Guidepost’s, </span><i style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">Unexpected
Answers </i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt;">and she has illustrated two children’s books. </span></blockquote>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-71301906789782682652014-04-17T10:16:00.000-04:002014-04-17T10:16:48.676-04:00Heavenly Appetizer<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<em style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%;">Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me
where I am. Then they will see all the glory you gave me because you loved me
even before the world began. John 17:24.</em></blockquote>
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By, Sondra Dron<br />
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Jesus once allowed me to see what it will be like when I am
with him. </div>
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I dreamed I was standing on
the grounds of a large estate. A magnificent
house stood on an upward slope of land. A grove of trees towered over me. The sunlight played in the leaves
above and the grassy moss formed a carpet beneath my feet.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Someone touched my shoulder and I turned. Without a word, He
put his hand on my back and we waltzed. We skillfully twirled and swayed
beneath the trees, in and out, from shade to sun. I marveled at my ability to
dance so grandly. I noticed His suit, which resembled a military dress uniform,
light in color and adorned with applets, braid and medals earned.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I lifted my eyes to see His face. It was Jesus. My knees
went weak, but He held me firm. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I struggled between an impulse to run away and a desire to
experience the intimacy and exhilaration of the dance. I stayed. I drew
closer to His chest, unable to look into His eyes again, but wanting to.</div>
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<br /></div>
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He slowed our steps and, putting His arm at my waist, led me
toward a path sloping downward. Approaching a place where the ground dropped
off sharply, we turned and continued until we came to the bottom of the small
cliff. In the cliff, an area like a porch was hollowed out. I was drawn to a
richly upholstered bench. I sat down and He followed. The rock hung overhead;
gentle rivulets of water danced off the edge.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We sat silently for awhile then He pointed through the soft cascade.
The land swept downward, covered in rich grass until it became a wood. Beyond
the trees was a still blue lake reaching to the horizon. He put His arm behind
me on the bench and leaned toward me.</div>
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<br /></div>
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“I made this all for you,” He said. </div>
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I looked into His eyes once more and my dream was gone.</div>
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I find comfort recalling the dream. My anticipation
grows as I remember His promise: “And if I go to prepare a place for you, I
will come back and take you to be with me, that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:3 NIV</div>
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As you ponder the cross and the resurrection this Holy Week,
remember that Jesus was looking beyond the cross to the day that He and we will
be joyful together where He is. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Anticipate! Rejoice!<br />
Has Jesus given you a dream of heaven?<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12pt;">Sondra
Dron loves to help others find intimacy with Jesus. Her passion is to point
children to Jesus so they can know Him fully. Her current project is a
devotional book for boys. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">She lives
in Wilmington with her husband, David.</span></div>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-57797104271317739572014-04-10T13:54:00.000-04:002014-04-10T13:54:26.821-04:00Back It Up, Girlfriend!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
By, Beth Jarrott<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">My goal was to join the
blogosphere by March of 2014. For months I’d been researching, writing and
editing a month’s worth of posts before launching my blog. I even bought </span><i style="font-family: Arial;">Blogging for Dummies</i><span style="font-family: Arial;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">The day of launching my blog finally
arrived.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I bounced upstairs and fired
up my laptop, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">clicked on the folder
labeled “First Month’s Blog” and for
whatever reason, I decided to change its name. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Only instead of clicking
“Rename,” I clicked “Delete!”</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsKxgzPwr1_6ZkPaD42DJQPMe_3en8mwP2GyKE_dRumbMNO_zGmbQnZe1BAfXOf4dqaMs5kx6HxquRLg9CX_VenSK3Vaz17Ki2MItgoTj7echa4aIYW5vYbN-Z8Yz9PaBHAyukXCfFRE/s1600/Computer+Key-board_BJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKsKxgzPwr1_6ZkPaD42DJQPMe_3en8mwP2GyKE_dRumbMNO_zGmbQnZe1BAfXOf4dqaMs5kx6HxquRLg9CX_VenSK3Vaz17Ki2MItgoTj7echa4aIYW5vYbN-Z8Yz9PaBHAyukXCfFRE/s1600/Computer+Key-board_BJ.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial;">No. No. This can’t be happening!</span></i><br />
<br />
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</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I remembered the Recycle
Bin.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">Yay!</span></i></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">I popped it open only to
discover that it had been disabled. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Apparently when I bought my
laptop a year ago, the person who installed the software didn’t think the
Recycle Bin necessary and disabled it.</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">At that moment </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I remembered the episode of
</span><i style="font-family: Arial;">Sex In The City</i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> where Carrie
Bradshaw’s beloved laptop crashed. (I think it’s the only entire episode of </span><i style="font-family: Arial;">Sex In The City</i><span style="font-family: Arial;"> I've ever watched) She,
too, was a writer. She rushed her laptop to some computer geek only to hear,
“It’s not looking good. Did you back it up?”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">“Back it up?” She yells.
“No! I didn’t back it up!”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Panic-stricken like Carrie
Bradshaw, I drove my laptop to the nearest computer repair shop.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">God can make a way
where there seems to be no way, I kept breathing.</span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Arial;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">The computer whiz asked me,
“Did you backup your stuff?”</span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">If I had backed it up, I wouldn't be here!</span></i></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UV3-pXIVzs5LRknUeD4S_dxhs-OZKetnfkbGn97-hyx7ASa2eg01ejmgPXDTOQB2v1ChS2GmMeATZZWSXykfP-6Cpwg-6_wUaQNuSbNuAb-NMGv1J6jRi-9M4WGdH_bhYl598Ar9nQ4/s1600/Legs+and+High+Heels_BJ.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/AVvXsEj-UV3-pXIVzs5LRknUeD4S_dxhs-OZKetnfkbGn97-hyx7ASa2eg01ejmgPXDTOQB2v1ChS2GmMeATZZWSXykfP-6Cpwg-6_wUaQNuSbNuAb-NMGv1J6jRi-9M4WGdH_bhYl598Ar9nQ4/s1600/Legs+and+High+Heels_BJ.png" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">He ran two recovery programs
through my computer, to no avail. Since the Recycle Bin had been disabled, my
laptop obliterated the file. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">All my hard work vanished,
with one simple click. </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I wanted to cry.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Unlike Carrie Bradshaw,
comforted only by her Louboutin, lacquered red soles; I drew comfort from the
Savior of my soul.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">I was now tasked with rewriting a
month’s worth of posts.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">I wanted to give up.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">But fellow Word Weavers prayed for me.They prayed that my rewrites would
surpass the original ones.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">As I started over, </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">I remembered reading
Franklin Graham’s book,<span style="color: red;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rebel-With-Cause-Franklin-Graham/dp/0785271708/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397146973&sr=8-1&keywords=rebel+without+a+cause+franklin+graham" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Rebel With A Cause</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">.<span style="color: red;"> </span>In it he shared how his wife, Jane
Austin, had accidentally deleted an entire book he had written. He immediately went into action, and for the next several months he rewrote his book.
Consequently, it turned out to be a God thing – the rewrite was better than the
original he said.</span></div>
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</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">On April 1<sup>st</sup>, 2014, I
finally launched my blog<span style="color: red;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><a href="http://myencoreliferaisinggrandchildren.blogspot.com/2014/04/n-is-for-family.html?spref=fb" style="color: blue;" target="_blank">My Encore Life of Raising My Grandchildren</a>. (click on link)</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">Like Franklin Graham, I
liked my rewrite even better. God doesn't waste anything.</span></div>
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</div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;">Backing Up Your Stuff!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4Jf-qIdyBUBctWdy97XlTb_betUfLIoUndloVC-qi5aE2lrvstpnYwBf-iD-INasaU5BLDfluqCbQlBITFpZLJ98oj3hQSfA1SwzcPyvP-xwhZ0QQ_-vnWvnqiGXR-DEjNf11BzGPbM/s1600/Backup+Key+BJ.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil4Jf-qIdyBUBctWdy97XlTb_betUfLIoUndloVC-qi5aE2lrvstpnYwBf-iD-INasaU5BLDfluqCbQlBITFpZLJ98oj3hQSfA1SwzcPyvP-xwhZ0QQ_-vnWvnqiGXR-DEjNf11BzGPbM/s1600/Backup+Key+BJ.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Typically, I backup my
stuff. I really do! Except for about a month, I wasn't backing up anything. I
was so focused on writing, I simply forgot.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">We buy insurance for our
homes, cars, boats, businesses and more. We need to think of backups as data
insurance.</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">There are a plethora of
programs to backup data (saving information to other sources). For example: </span><a href="https://cloud.google.com/products/cloud-storage/"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Google Cloud</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><a href="http://kb.soluto.com/web-apps/what-is-microsoft-skydrive/"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Skydrive</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, </span><a href="http://www.carbonite.com/"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: blue;">Carbonite</span></span></a><span style="font-family: Arial;">, a flash drive, or simply saving your documents to
an email folder.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: Arial;">And girlfriend, you can bet Carrie Bradshaw’s
designer shoes, I’ll be backing up my prose from here on! </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;">How about you, are you
backing up your stuff?</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;">Beth Jarrott is a native of Wilmington, North Carolina,
where she lives an Encore Life with her
husband, Tom, and their two granddaughters, Grace and Bella. For over a decade
she traveled throughout <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">North
Carolina</st1:place></st1:state> providing self-esteem programs in youth
prisons, detention centers and training schools. She is also a writer, speaker,
lover of Jesus, and in the summer months she can often be found dipping her
toes into the great <st1:place w:st="on">Atlantic Ocean</st1:place>.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> <i>Visit
her blog: </i></span><b><a href="http://myencoreliferaisinggrandchildren.blogspot.com/2014/04/n-is-for-family.html?spref=fb" target="_blank">My Encore Life of Raising myGrandchildren.</a> (click on link)</b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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Andy Lee: Speaker, Author, Lover of Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00478393464705123851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6808031853757882191.post-68554733207996241472014-02-17T10:04:00.001-05:002014-02-17T10:04:04.811-05:00Love Is A Verb<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: xx-small;"><b> The blog themes for this month are: February and Love. We hope you enjoy these posts!</b></span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><br /></span></i></b>
By Melissa Cox</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-large; mso-fareast-language: JA;">Love is a verb</span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">What
good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no
deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without
clothes and daily food.</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><sup><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; mso-fareast-language: JA;"> </span></sup></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If one of you says to them, “Go in
peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs,
what good is it?</span></i></b><span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James 2: 14-16 NIV<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I remember a story
a pastor told about God repeatedly calling him to approach a homeless man
begging in front of our local Walmart. Even though he didn’t want to, the
pastor brought the beggar lunch and just as he suspected, the homeless man
asked the pastor for something more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Pray for me</span>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">So the pastor took
his dirty hands in his and prayed for him in the median, cars passing on both
sides. We expect that kind of faith and obedience from a pastor, but what
happened next humbled the pastor and me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">When the pastor
finished, instead of letting go of his hands, the homeless man began to pray
for the pastor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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</div>
<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I cried when I
heard this story because I realized that my faith and my actions were
empty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Lord, how many opportunities
to pray for someone have I allowed to pass by me?</i><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> How many times has someone shared their suffering and needs with me
and I have I uttered “I’ll pray for you” but walked away forgetting my pledge
and their need almost immediately?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How
many times have my words been as empty as my promise?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">I heard this story
two years ago and it changed me. Whenever someone asks me for prayer, I
immediately pray over them. No matter where we are. I have prayed for friends,
co-workers, and total strangers inside Walmart, doctor’s offices, school
buildings, parking lots, public bathrooms, and hospitals. Sometimes, I just hug
them and whisper a quick prayer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sometimes, I begin praying for them even before they finish the
sentence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4UotXfTxyuliQYU0YmWS0wS3qUi6PdYH2-0Gcp84vyfvFUUzHkMZuH-7ArYWpzqZckfcmTI8iksS-U4hkpaiX6Es9VtLVD9fvyjKSLFm0AznJMqop0cWTvPA3E95XBZsmHzRb8g7ssA/s1600/hug+and+prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV4UotXfTxyuliQYU0YmWS0wS3qUi6PdYH2-0Gcp84vyfvFUUzHkMZuH-7ArYWpzqZckfcmTI8iksS-U4hkpaiX6Es9VtLVD9fvyjKSLFm0AznJMqop0cWTvPA3E95XBZsmHzRb8g7ssA/s1600/hug+and+prayer.jpg" height="279" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It’s awkward
sometimes, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is that I act.</div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-language: JA;">Words are not enough.
It’s time for our faith to express itself in love and not just with empty
words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Love is a verb</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a call
to action.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i>Melissa
Cox is a Georgia native and has lived in Wilmington for almost 10 years. She’s a wife and the mother of 3 kids, 2 dogs, and one cat. She dreams of being a famous
inspirational speaker, who writes life changing books and lives in a tropical
paradise. She currently serves as Chaplain of the Wilmington Word Weavers
group<b>.<o:p></o:p></b></i></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1