tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1231037032692423802024-03-05T02:47:04.549-05:00Fix My Eyes on Jesus and ShineWelcome! Let's share the journey together as we seek to grow more intimate in our relationship with Jesus. Let us fix our eyes on Him, the Pioneer and Finisher of our faith, so we will shine brightly before the world!
Hebrews 12:1-2 and Psalm 34:5Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.comBlogger186125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-29469238482091343202015-11-28T20:25:00.000-05:002015-11-28T22:06:35.536-05:00The Favor of the Lord: Not to be confused with “the easy life” ~ Guest Post with Barbie Swihart<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Thank you, Barbie Swihart, for this wonderful opportunity to be your guest blogger. Blessings of JOY, dear daughter of the KING!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qh26h74TbHmkwjjamyAKvZIHJHBK5S4O-YDG12f8lxNdHb0KkuvFvO4948xm8EZ95soy0MSQM7ZM6jbup7b6C1WPD5wtP829gF5n9iq-TrQ9o9ht9vYeeqTtQORYpc0QwDkoViOIwG1C/s1600/draw+near+Exodus+33+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Qh26h74TbHmkwjjamyAKvZIHJHBK5S4O-YDG12f8lxNdHb0KkuvFvO4948xm8EZ95soy0MSQM7ZM6jbup7b6C1WPD5wtP829gF5n9iq-TrQ9o9ht9vYeeqTtQORYpc0QwDkoViOIwG1C/s320/draw+near+Exodus+33+blog.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you've asked the Lord for a word for the new year, or maybe not. It's become rather popular in my circle of community.</span><b style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> Rather than focus on a list of New Year’s resolutions,
the last five years I’ve asked Holy Spirit to highlight <i>a particular word</i> to be my theme for the coming year.<i> </i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It's a word I use to search the Scriptures. It's a word through which I continually ask, "Jesus, what do You want me to know?"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Each of these years has truly been an adventure with Him. I've found this to be a faith-stretching exercise as well. You see, Holy Spirit highlights a word already knowing all the </span><span style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">details of the next year of my life. So,
in many aspects this word for the year is much like the Lord Himself who goes
before and behind and hems us in so that we are never, ever alone.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Perhaps
this is why my word for 2015 (</span><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">favor</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">)</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> has been a bit more
challenging. At first it seemed this
word didn’t reconcile...<a href="http://www.myfreshlybrewedlife.com/" target="_blank">continue reading.</a></span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-84523976800383830202015-07-05T04:00:00.000-04:002015-07-05T04:00:04.206-04:00Probably Proverbs - Answers to life's questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the past week, words have been pointed and shot like arrows through social media. Sides have been drawn, judgments hurled and arguments formed in an attempt to persuade the other side, and to what end?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One side cheers, while the other side wails.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When angry words pierce hearts, is anyone persuaded? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does anyone win?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For those of us who follow Christ, we do well to heed the wisdom of God's Word regarding our words.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">but the tongue of the wise brings healing.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Proverbs 12:18 esv</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It is not becoming of Father God's children to descend into arguments and judgment. It is not our place to bring conviction to any human being. In fact, Jesus' words were very specific and a direct commandment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Matthew 22:37-39 niv</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As we seek to obey our Father, we rely on Him to fill us with His love...the love that would proclaim His love for the whole world and His desire that no one would perish.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And as we live out His love for every person, blessing and praying for all and especially those with whom we disagree; Holy Spirit comes with conviction of truth.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come Holy Spirit, teach us and fill us with Your love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Come and do in all of us what only You can do to draw all men unto Yourself!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Your Glory...Amen!</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-82127303325496723472015-06-21T04:00:00.000-04:002015-06-21T04:00:05.260-04:00Probably Proverbs - Answers to life's questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"My son, do not make light of the Lord's discipline,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>because the Lord disciplines those He loves, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Hebrews 12:5-6 niv</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It's Father's Day. For some it is a happy day... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For others, it's a day that threatens to tear off the scab from a deep heart wound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I think Father's Day is a day to pray for our men; a wonderful reminder to ask Almighty God to Father our men with His unconditional love as they have never been fathered before. This is a day, possibly to mark the beginning of a year (or even a decade...a generation) of speaking the names of our men before the Throne of Grace with compassion, love, grace and forgiveness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now that my sons are grown men, I've become more aware of young families with children. I enjoy seeing young children with their parents and remembering the days gone by. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I notice young dads, young parents in general, seem somewhat reluctant in disciplining their children. In general, dads seem to lack confidence when normal child-like behavior takes over in public places. So, as one who has been there, I feel a responsibility to encourage the young ones coming along behind us - the next generation raising the next generation.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M5kr5cx1aCicZ5CrX1hwBm8-lVNR8grQzxBOVKbPmzq5VveSwQ1SrrvkfAVcNrMfrN8wehMZlrA4fW5DE6iUM0mhm71fb8-xpOc5M8i7-tRI8RloikrOfCngdyz7_oZDiH_6oahqgqKi/s1600/The+Brittain+Men+prov+312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0M5kr5cx1aCicZ5CrX1hwBm8-lVNR8grQzxBOVKbPmzq5VveSwQ1SrrvkfAVcNrMfrN8wehMZlrA4fW5DE6iUM0mhm71fb8-xpOc5M8i7-tRI8RloikrOfCngdyz7_oZDiH_6oahqgqKi/s640/The+Brittain+Men+prov+312.jpg" width="608" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Many times I have offered parents an understanding smile when small children are acting like children in public. If the opportunity arises, I like to offer a word of encouragement to "keep going and don't give up, discipline is for the good of the child and is worth the difficult and painful moments in the long run". I am amazed at the relief these words of encouragement - even a warm smile - bring to young parents.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Yesterday, my husband and I visited our neighborhood pool. My heart was delighted to see so many dads with young children in tow...moms too. I smiled (a lot) watching little girls and boys jump off the edge of the pool into strong daddy arms and ride on daddy backs into the deep end. I especially enjoyed watching the dad, who stood in line with many little ones, take his turn in line for the diving board. Who enjoyed it more...the kids or the man?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">However, my heart truly hurt for the big, strong young man who struggled to discipline his strong-willed toddler who continually swatted at his dad, screaming, crying and kicking because dad said it was time to get out of the pool. I admire this young dad even now as I think about his perseverance. He didn't lose his temper; he acted like a "dad" and used calm discipline for the good of his child.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So, why did my heart hurt for him? Though, he was acting as a good dad, his demeanor indicated he lacked confidence in his role as a disciplinarian. He did a great job, but he was obviously embarrassed by his young son's behavior. (Who hasn't been embarrassed by a young child's temper tantrum?) I wanted so badly to walk over to him and tell him, "Good job, dad!", but he wouldn't have been able to hear me. I did catch his eye a time or two and gave him, what I hope was, a reassuring smile.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>SO, WHAT CAN WE DO?</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What would happen in our men's lives...what would happen in<i> our</i> hearts...if we began today, ladies, to bless our men before the LORD? What if we get on our knees (maybe our faces) before Jesus and confess our offenses toward the men in our lives because they haven't nearly lived up to who we thought they should be for us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Holy Spirit come and use these words to pierce the dark places of our hearts. </i></span><i>Show us where we have harbored offenses. </i><i>Show us where we have allowed bitterness to take root and grow large like kudzu in our heart gardens. </i></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>We repent, Jesus; we choose to turn away from the sin You already defeated in our lives. </i><i> </i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus, as we turn to You and allow You to till up our heart gardens, burning away everything which does not look like You, we trust You to sow in this redeemed soil all the seed which eagerly and abundantly bears the fruit of Holy Spirit.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>And Father, we do lift up our men to You for encouragement, to be Fathered by You. We know You love our men more than we do, and we know Your plan for them, Your correction of them is perfect. Come Holy Spirit and do what only You can do for the men we love. We bless them and speak life over them and thank You for helping us see Your men as You see them. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>Oh God, You are the best Father! Thank You for growing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in our hearts. And thank You for correcting us, Your children, for our good and so that we will look more and more like You, through Your Son, and by the power of Holy Spirit!</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy Father's Day to all the fathers!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We bless you to look to your Father in heaven for instruction as you fulfill your responsibilities as a dad and love your children with the love of Jesus.</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-35773504120988984402015-06-14T03:30:00.000-04:002015-06-15T14:55:10.180-04:00Probably Proverbs - Answers to life's questions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He who guards his lips guards his life,</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but he who speaks rashly will come to ruin.</span></b></i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Proverbs 13:3 NIV</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you ever have difficulty because of your words?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Have you ever experienced that moment when the words are right on your tongue and Holy Spirit sends out the instant spell check to your brain, but you purposely (in the emotion of the moment) disregard His warning, and let the words fly?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you ever wonder how you can feel so justified one moment and 30 seconds later grieve the depravity of your soul?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, maybe you have better self-control. Or maybe you are more obedient to Holy Spirit in the heat of the moment. I can honestly say this is an area of great growth for me. Jesus revealed my tongue as an area of weakness early in my walk with Him. It was a humbling and difficult realization because this issue with my tongue doesn't have anything to do with using profanity. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It has to do with the words of my tongue having the power of life and death, blessing and cursing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am so grateful; one of the first books of the Bible I studied in depth was James.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These words from James 3:3-6 struck at the heart of my weakness.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot want to go. Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have no power within myself to control my tongue. As Holy Spirit has made this small, but lethal aspect of my human body an object of priority, I have chosen to surrender. I am grateful to Father for His loving discipline in asking that I place my tongue in submission to His will.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am grateful because I know my Father wants best for me. He wants my heart and soul to be full of the fruit of His Holy Spirit so that my words which flow from my tongue will be full of grace and love and joy and hope.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The rest of His words in James 3 are true. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be so. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, Father, again today, I surrender my tongue to Your will. I ask like Isaiah that You cleanse my lips with Your Holy fire. I ask You Holy Spirit to bring loving conviction and highlight areas in which I need to confess the sin in my heart which pours forth sin from my mouth. I confess. I surrender.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And, I thank You Jesus for taking all my sin upon Yourself on the cross. I thank You for Your cleansing blood and for the Robe of Righteousness You have given me to wear for all eternity! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thank You Jesus for taking my sinful words from within and replacing them with words of righteousness; words tasting of the fruits of Holy Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For Your Glory Father...For Your Glory and my growth as a child of Your Kingdom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amen. </span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-7110178521285013502015-05-31T03:30:00.000-04:002015-05-31T03:30:01.105-04:00Probably Proverbs: Answers to life's questions.<br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-68740128728416539692015-05-25T17:00:00.000-04:002015-05-25T20:53:44.391-04:00Five Minute Friday::Rise<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_dO4B7p_eIzUp4gPAJPtH1PZguQaMwjss3ZLrSrvqninT8TuYzevlV_lzYfgCYTCH_-EhD23DRVtCCuSTsE2sA2eWFYNa9TrfCDBBt8gYom9u1AWtn8MKhJujQC5NLzdEyyxZczZH8sN/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb_dO4B7p_eIzUp4gPAJPtH1PZguQaMwjss3ZLrSrvqninT8TuYzevlV_lzYfgCYTCH_-EhD23DRVtCCuSTsE2sA2eWFYNa9TrfCDBBt8gYom9u1AWtn8MKhJujQC5NLzdEyyxZczZH8sN/s200/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" width="200" /></a>Blessings of remembering the BRAVE on this Memorial Day 2015; those who gave their very lives for the freedom of us who live. On this day of remembrance I am joining Kate Motaung and over a hundred other beautiful women for <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>.<br />
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This week's prompt is <i>RISE. </i><br />
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My timer is set for 5 minutes. <br />
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GO!</div>
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I saw the word <i>RISE </i>on Kate's website, but in my mind I read ARISE. Immediately my thoughts recalled an old hymn I just recently sang in a ministry training conference, and by which my soul was wonderously moved.</div>
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The refrain was immediately on my lips as I saw the word <i>RISE.</i></div>
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<i>I will arise and go to Jesus, </i></div>
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<i>He will embrace me in His arms; </i></div>
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<i>In the arms of my dear Savior, </i></div>
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<i>O, there are ten thousand charms.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZliTGfRzWhJlGUUKdibj3qeBRoCWKn-I9pvRGjF5eApt4cpgTvK8bzn45lrVAPoZ6Ts7RwGdGjs9LSDefQNLxUHvyz7FCOQlGBvkeWc3m0pzKEIAV61RjcJDImM1SVxI0w59puJH5S9Ay/s1600/IMG_20150420_185940_616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZliTGfRzWhJlGUUKdibj3qeBRoCWKn-I9pvRGjF5eApt4cpgTvK8bzn45lrVAPoZ6Ts7RwGdGjs9LSDefQNLxUHvyz7FCOQlGBvkeWc3m0pzKEIAV61RjcJDImM1SVxI0w59puJH5S9Ay/s320/IMG_20150420_185940_616.jpg" width="320" /></a>I was so stirred by this hymn, quite foreign and ancient sounding in contrast to the more common worship music of our day. The cadence and the words caused me to stand at attention and focus on the meaning of what I was singing. Holy Spirit brought a sudden conviction, "Wake up, and pay attention to this battle cry. Sing it for all your worth if you really mean it!"</div>
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Once home from the conference, I went to the internet to research this old hymn. The words were written by Joseph Hart in 1759, while the music was previously written by Jean Jacques Rousseau in 1750. Such an old, old hymn and yet it was chosen in our modern day to bring a group of believers, training for leadership, into worship before Almighty God. Interestingly, the name of this hymn is <i>Come, Ye Sinners. </i>How utterly appropriate!</div>
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Here are the words, which struck deep to awaken my spirit. Here are the words, which caused me to stand at attention as if waiting for my Commander to hand me His battle orders.</div>
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Come, ye sinner, poor and needy. Weak and wounded sick and sore.</div>
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Jesus ready stands to save you. Full of pity, love and power:</div>
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He is able, He is able, He is willing; doubt no more.</div>
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He is able, He is able, He is willing; dount no more.</div>
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refrain - </div>
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I will arise and go to Jesus, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4wbb9JnSDc4Y-JaRDAlXUmAOM6gv3bBl11vAxl-5l2caI8hUaSVo4gKMjDoVJ6IdW0Guhqi-AIvnrCvyWvHBggv_azDQyshFfG3RPMcqlCnSgTFN4lZRY3KKA1_uRpJ8rGwIutChXEHA/s1600/IMG_20150410_140447_434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL4wbb9JnSDc4Y-JaRDAlXUmAOM6gv3bBl11vAxl-5l2caI8hUaSVo4gKMjDoVJ6IdW0Guhqi-AIvnrCvyWvHBggv_azDQyshFfG3RPMcqlCnSgTFN4lZRY3KKA1_uRpJ8rGwIutChXEHA/s320/IMG_20150410_140447_434.jpg" width="180" /></a>He will embrace me in His arms; </div>
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In the arms of my dear Savior, </div>
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O, there are ten thousand charms.</div>
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Come, ye thirsty, come and welcome, God's free bounty glorify.</div>
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True belief and true repentance, Every grace that bring us nigh, </div>
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Without money, without money; Come to Jesus Christ and buy.</div>
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Without money, without money; Come to Jesus Christ and buy.</div>
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refrain - </div>
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Come, ye weary, heavy laden. Bruised and broken, full of sin; </div>
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If you tarry, till you're better, You may never enter in:</div>
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Not the righteous, not the righteous; Sinners Jesus came to win.</div>
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Not the righteous, not the righteous; Sinners Jesus came to win.</div>
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refrain - </div>
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I will arise and go to Jesus, </div>
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He will embrace me in His arms; </div>
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In the arms of my dear Savior, </div>
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O, there are ten thousand charms.</div>
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Grateful today as an American citizen for all our brave men and women who gave their lives so I might freely write, post, believe and live today. Grateful today for my dear Savior, Who came and called my name to follow Him; He gave His life a ransom for mine. I will arise and go to Jesus!</div>
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<a href="https://youtu.be/S15jK24SZZg" target="_blank">I Will Arise and Go To Jesus (Come, Ye Sinners)</a> by Michael Card, Starkindler: A Celtic Conversation Across Time</div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-37129648610149302842015-05-25T03:30:00.000-04:002015-05-25T14:18:50.597-04:00Jesus as Servant...my example...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R12aqugcKgauuVAell11KpEgf4vBiuq1YIhPJMD8NngNXcdpFqMCFunp2GbHq0T-hWBGWUrQexHwdk4RzUOthGNXJTP8nn_uLSF4ymJf6ZqTGck-hNUX9S9G47Vnbhn3roS8V94XUCWd/s1600/wash+one+another%2527s+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9R12aqugcKgauuVAell11KpEgf4vBiuq1YIhPJMD8NngNXcdpFqMCFunp2GbHq0T-hWBGWUrQexHwdk4RzUOthGNXJTP8nn_uLSF4ymJf6ZqTGck-hNUX9S9G47Vnbhn3roS8V94XUCWd/s640/wash+one+another%2527s+feet.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">So if I, Your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, <br />you also ought to wash one another's feet. <br />For I have given you an example that you also should do just as I have done for you.<br />John 13:14-15 hcsb</span></td></tr>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-86949530583103057342015-05-24T01:30:00.000-04:002015-05-24T01:30:01.437-04:00Psalm Sunday*May 24, 2015<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4qcIYSe3g3w2g7LXimGNeGKn8Sxyp2JwAilgPLn82opDStzOH7Vl87JHUD-tyL514uXbDFRamEe-BeqQtCSyLqCxFHmCf7e29e49CYbgmAntyTY20t85Td8PBqB43Hz3W_AjP-j2RtU9/s1600/St+Augustine+Psalm+31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF4qcIYSe3g3w2g7LXimGNeGKn8Sxyp2JwAilgPLn82opDStzOH7Vl87JHUD-tyL514uXbDFRamEe-BeqQtCSyLqCxFHmCf7e29e49CYbgmAntyTY20t85Td8PBqB43Hz3W_AjP-j2RtU9/s640/St+Augustine+Psalm+31.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In You, O Lord, do I take refuge;<br />let me never be put to shame;<br />in Your righteousness deliver me!<br />Incline Your ear to me;<br />rescue me speedily!<br />Be a rock of refuge for me,<br />a strong fortress to save me!<br />For You are my rock and my fortress;<br />and for Your name's sake You lead me and guide me.<br />Psalm 31:1-3 esv<br /></td></tr>
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-29992468254572218202015-05-20T01:00:00.000-04:002015-05-23T15:26:10.866-04:00Looking for my Father in the mirror<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO8rtxKLQrWJ6moLl79avHGAj-jUMQepiyRTKqiPABGC8ra482dGUIb_m9vOgWjwn5AOmafjX5P8qR2hSsBd22n7djqN80Hi9zyrYRtLGzvfQUWEiaHL8F5jmfNAcWyXRXqrmhN1Vx4ul/s1600/IMG_20150309_185900_084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO8rtxKLQrWJ6moLl79avHGAj-jUMQepiyRTKqiPABGC8ra482dGUIb_m9vOgWjwn5AOmafjX5P8qR2hSsBd22n7djqN80Hi9zyrYRtLGzvfQUWEiaHL8F5jmfNAcWyXRXqrmhN1Vx4ul/s320/IMG_20150309_185900_084.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Mirror, mirror on the wall</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Who do I look like after all?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Holy Spirit unveil my eyes to see</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">(ever increasingly)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">a reflection of the One who forever </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">adopted me.</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-89453674125468240562015-05-17T05:00:00.000-04:002015-05-17T05:00:01.626-04:00Psalm Sunday * May 17, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-74829896529861763912015-05-12T00:43:00.000-04:002015-05-12T00:43:07.965-04:00Tuesday @ Ten...I Write Because<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This Monday night almost Tuesday morning, I should be asleep. An early alarm will shake my peaceful rest too soon. Normally, my eyes close and sleep overwhelms me as my head simultaneously snuggles into my pillow.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ml9NkYyoGUUk99F6346BuaqdaXALZht3FPsVEwKZeGddQaLP9YMLKIPwOKhGD04CaqWjZW9Ob6kXvEDmxHfoXRFBGOV2l3bthV5qdkdjv-4JOI8z-MEtZnjlQh8eHKNQcxXuZoPzK3Vc/s1600/Tuesday+at+Ten.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1Ml9NkYyoGUUk99F6346BuaqdaXALZht3FPsVEwKZeGddQaLP9YMLKIPwOKhGD04CaqWjZW9Ob6kXvEDmxHfoXRFBGOV2l3bthV5qdkdjv-4JOI8z-MEtZnjlQh8eHKNQcxXuZoPzK3Vc/s200/Tuesday+at+Ten.jpeg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tonight though, my mind is awake. I'm not feeling anxious. Perhaps the short cat nap during the movie was enough to keep me alert for awhile.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, as I clicked on </span><a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;" target="_blank">Tuesday@Ten</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> tonight, I saw KarenBeth's writing prompt from last Tuesday...I write because.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">my mind is busy</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">all the time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">thoughts weave in and out</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">over and around</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">like the major highways of our city</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">thoughts, words, ideas, songs, conversations </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">continuously zoom around the thoroughfares of my busy - </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">sometimes overactive imagination</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos9zFvzFDLBTS7M4G2WcueeLov0rXHhF0DbE7H8ThMtJoA1d7mAeLsQxtBY_csSCH5Txf1gF-bJyvZ0_Xidv_ee3qT5hq5RgnZwkZ3DR4Vgwx8EPhHCf7mu774OcehEpLN2H7xHCHkyk9/s1600/Droid2012+to+2015+2506.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhos9zFvzFDLBTS7M4G2WcueeLov0rXHhF0DbE7H8ThMtJoA1d7mAeLsQxtBY_csSCH5Txf1gF-bJyvZ0_Xidv_ee3qT5hq5RgnZwkZ3DR4Vgwx8EPhHCf7mu774OcehEpLN2H7xHCHkyk9/s320/Droid2012+to+2015+2506.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it's a tool </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">which enables me to organize thoughts</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it's a solution</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">when a brain traffic jam occurs and I feel stuck</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it's a peaceful pastime</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">bringing solace from the chaotic, fast-paced world</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">it's a method</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I find useful for focusing, learning and even memorizing</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel free </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">to express myself</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I enjoy the process of stringing many words together to form meaningful expressions</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel creative</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel I have given a piece of myself</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ7Ya7L9oepQW-SJ3vEtKCj3oYvFDZJLkv6SV33ZzZxRc8BGtJ62KKCYpJlg74xk5Wg02ymv6ybdwdFV_w6Kuh_wJTLwN1Sgd5udPjDEeb9FlMyJHGIGDnRxf__kqaq0gTY3aTErWV9RA/s1600/Droid2012+to+2015+1888.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ7Ya7L9oepQW-SJ3vEtKCj3oYvFDZJLkv6SV33ZzZxRc8BGtJ62KKCYpJlg74xk5Wg02ymv6ybdwdFV_w6Kuh_wJTLwN1Sgd5udPjDEeb9FlMyJHGIGDnRxf__kqaq0gTY3aTErWV9RA/s320/Droid2012+to+2015+1888.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">words thoughtfully, prayerfully organized</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">allow me an opportunity to </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">thank, encourage, love, greet, celebrate, teach, edify, motivate and congratulate</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">my life redeemed in Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">is His story worth telling</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">to honor my Savior </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">and give Him all praise and honor</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I want to leave behind a testimony</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">of a transformed life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwus6L5VOTrYmy3jScb1unTL-kkt0Roi2-j6iB33rD3wNQaZL9vOaRbMVrnFfF47im_IsSUjo54h00CgtIO1fZMBKRXVqhJSDR_3C2PInUIFUnQnn8orBtSNGIPZZR18UMpadYQE3he_m/s1600/Droid2012+to+2015+2119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbwus6L5VOTrYmy3jScb1unTL-kkt0Roi2-j6iB33rD3wNQaZL9vOaRbMVrnFfF47im_IsSUjo54h00CgtIO1fZMBKRXVqhJSDR_3C2PInUIFUnQnn8orBtSNGIPZZR18UMpadYQE3he_m/s320/Droid2012+to+2015+2119.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">by faith in Christ</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">my life written in journals and blogs</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">a new creation</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">a chosen, adopted daughter of a loving Father who is King</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yes, He's given me the words.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He's writing the story of my life</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I write because...</span></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-9455871660775912632015-05-10T03:30:00.000-04:002015-05-10T03:30:03.227-04:00Psalm Sunday*May 10, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-QCfmWwRcWcAo79hjavjCeLrY9IwDYiJ0tXXMAx7TnCzMFMARWBrjbXPF8Qt5_jR8z5ABmcs096y7nZ6fTNZBVypJPaqfJzXSG4OHlQN7GyR3zbwng1RvrCzc_0QOWDZenmODtiQ2AiS/s1600/Psalm+SundayMay+10,+2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="524" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-QCfmWwRcWcAo79hjavjCeLrY9IwDYiJ0tXXMAx7TnCzMFMARWBrjbXPF8Qt5_jR8z5ABmcs096y7nZ6fTNZBVypJPaqfJzXSG4OHlQN7GyR3zbwng1RvrCzc_0QOWDZenmODtiQ2AiS/s640/Psalm+SundayMay+10,+2015.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-47128056945671175572015-04-29T22:12:00.000-04:002015-04-29T22:12:00.242-04:00Will You Pray with Me?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I have so much to be thankful for....do
you? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I
woke up this morning. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I am
drinking my second cup of coffee. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkG6K5SOT-I5X6w-dAsTFxuLxPW6Kequ1SFm_J9w8n3n65TeBhUjprvweSWqr8KG-XyqQN5Ayv36_tsLJQeH6FoQOniF8fXj7w27kLx4T4GYN8DOr9vZaTy45jZCEiQJzc3MhwDRnmm4P/s1600/coffee+and+Jesus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkG6K5SOT-I5X6w-dAsTFxuLxPW6Kequ1SFm_J9w8n3n65TeBhUjprvweSWqr8KG-XyqQN5Ayv36_tsLJQeH6FoQOniF8fXj7w27kLx4T4GYN8DOr9vZaTy45jZCEiQJzc3MhwDRnmm4P/s1600/coffee+and+Jesus.jpg" height="200" width="115" /></span></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I
have food for breakfast... </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">running
hot water and soap...</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">a car
to drive... </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">and a
job to go to shortly. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">I am
wealthy beyond measure with just these. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Thank YOU, Father, for Your abounding goodness toward Your
children...us!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">We
have much to bring before You, Father. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">We
are holding hurtful situations...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">feelings...anxious thoughts..."what
ifs"...and "should haves".</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 13.5pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Father, these are all too
burdensome for us. We are weak. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">So,
You say we can hand these over to Jesus. We can...will we?</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Ax5Zxy_iiEiaefGVb8y1SndjmgasGQL7a6iywTiUOTicT4YfmDZrzlsQT_vD5Ld3Qd1Qacgc_7MW1PILIJGEgJsgZhog-GyRiRYAbwBVgYHU79j1UU51r3k_xEX3At4aolSs9DEoS4A/s1600/cross+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"></span></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">We
won't simply lay our wrong thinking and our hurt feelings and our painful
bodies and broken minds at the foot of the cross. We will offer all the broken
pieces right into Your wounded, nail-pierced hands. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">and He Himself (Christ) bore our sins in His
body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for
by His wounds you were healed. I Peter 2:24 nasb</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Ax5Zxy_iiEiaefGVb8y1SndjmgasGQL7a6iywTiUOTicT4YfmDZrzlsQT_vD5Ld3Qd1Qacgc_7MW1PILIJGEgJsgZhog-GyRiRYAbwBVgYHU79j1UU51r3k_xEX3At4aolSs9DEoS4A/s1600/cross+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Ax5Zxy_iiEiaefGVb8y1SndjmgasGQL7a6iywTiUOTicT4YfmDZrzlsQT_vD5Ld3Qd1Qacgc_7MW1PILIJGEgJsgZhog-GyRiRYAbwBVgYHU79j1UU51r3k_xEX3At4aolSs9DEoS4A/s1600/cross+.jpg" height="320" width="148" /></a><span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">With
gratitude, Jesus, we recognize and testify; You went to the cross to bear the
rebellion, brokenness and sin within Yourself as the spotless, sacrificial Lamb
of God.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "Helvetica",sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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<!--[endif]--><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">You,
God, are good and trustworthy. You are faithful and You know what You are
doing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">So we
trust all to You… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">and
wait… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">and
watch expectantly… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">on
tiptoes to see Your Glory! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #b6d7a8; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt;">Amen.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-t4WemcfKK5g%2FVUGOpDTbzbI%2FAAAAAAAAI0Y%2FuQ7bkeMWeuE%2Fs1600%2Fcross%252B.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7Ax5Zxy_iiEiaefGVb8y1SndjmgasGQL7a6iywTiUOTicT4YfmDZrzlsQT_vD5Ld3Qd1Qacgc_7MW1PILIJGEgJsgZhog-GyRiRYAbwBVgYHU79j1UU51r3k_xEX3At4aolSs9DEoS4A/s1600/cross+.jpg" -->Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-83583400542324175712015-04-26T23:30:00.000-04:002015-04-27T00:02:17.167-04:00Psalm Sunday*April 26. 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmuOwfXsTa-ZMD2MuW6wzgk7Wga9hcaobILmp1_cDE7IO-sDpB7FM3Fy_d5NZjyqnHvmT06U5WcT45uq3bJbHKSnpUUAKvbJPJOs2m0mR8_E3M7b97R1Mpu1aX5MOB2tb0kP45Na4nkxk/s1600/Psalm+143.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXmuOwfXsTa-ZMD2MuW6wzgk7Wga9hcaobILmp1_cDE7IO-sDpB7FM3Fy_d5NZjyqnHvmT06U5WcT45uq3bJbHKSnpUUAKvbJPJOs2m0mR8_E3M7b97R1Mpu1aX5MOB2tb0kP45Na4nkxk/s1600/Psalm+143.jpg" height="640" width="376" /></a></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-44877570325244046412015-04-20T00:09:00.000-04:002015-04-20T00:09:23.038-04:00Psalm Sunday*April 19, 2015<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR5MnTPZWQ5r1kWTgj63nA-GujHekVqxyZv6bbpQHxGYZ6VEc6xgHF4bsqTG81y9VF2iGsM_cIk36X-OulyoQBpiAh9s6fqAZlDdgmUxHs4AYhnltoJzIP7bOOwBwckTiA3nArEA7usFhy/s1600/Psalm+139.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/AVvXsEgR5MnTPZWQ5r1kWTgj63nA-GujHekVqxyZv6bbpQHxGYZ6VEc6xgHF4bsqTG81y9VF2iGsM_cIk36X-OulyoQBpiAh9s6fqAZlDdgmUxHs4AYhnltoJzIP7bOOwBwckTiA3nArEA7usFhy/s1600/Psalm+139.jpg" height="620" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-55866377678773249602015-04-18T17:27:00.002-04:002015-04-25T17:46:58.162-04:00FMF::GoodThis was supposed to be a link up with Kate Motaung and a whole bunch of beautiful souls for <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>. Kate's word prompt for the week was <i style="color: purple; font-weight: bold;">GOOD,</i> and it was Good Friday. I just never got to actually post this Five Minute Friday writing.<br />
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Regardless the Scriptures and the promises of God associated with the word prompt 'Good' are too valuable to me to let this one slip away....even if it's taken more than two weeks!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, even though I have no opportunity to link up this post, with 5 minutes on the timer, here I go...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7TpdGktegYZbDRfHp7Ls2oDuV9QdC4_q4NhZZqusJm9ZezspF8qsCLVfiEnBSLmWzRvUXNjnZy33kJOB7s_c7_RIFIk_ncqa9AHn16X-udxwmdzSl6LjOSp9zkZX-APCge9MkcORw7e/s1600/100_4810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNk7TpdGktegYZbDRfHp7Ls2oDuV9QdC4_q4NhZZqusJm9ZezspF8qsCLVfiEnBSLmWzRvUXNjnZy33kJOB7s_c7_RIFIk_ncqa9AHn16X-udxwmdzSl6LjOSp9zkZX-APCge9MkcORw7e/s1600/100_4810.JPG" height="182" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our sons are a gift from the LORD, Psalm 127:3, and have blessed us greatly. They've also challenged me in a variety of ways and some of the challenges (of raising sons to adulthood) have thankfully resulted in a considerable amount of spiritual growth for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Them? I am sure the Lord has a whole academic program in mind for each of our sons, and I am sure the Lord is pursuing each one and maturing them as He writes His story in each of their lives. However, that is THEIR story, and their individual relationship with the One who gave them life!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As for me, about the time our oldest son was graduating from high school and preparing to leave the nest for college, I began to ask the Lord for a Scripture verse to pray continuously. I was somewhat frantic and feeling out of control (I'm still not sure why I ever think I have been in control...of anything), and so I begged Father for an anchor from His word. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_HkfFcfsU_z27x7LY4TOLUTQcX1KbUkofanirDFgjT6bplbUQi0nv0zrt_Fd5CEHbPL6IKdA-x5mvOSqDlUg-yFnuWyJUvuWWbR5pvln0Fr_41S3u1hqoRUnpVESQiJ886Cmp8UbEBwM4/s1600/154.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I asked for an anchor to keep me stable and provide the peace I knew I needed because prayer would be all I could do for this young one just flying the nest. And sweetly, tenderly, Holy Spirit responded with Scripture and told me I could hold this word from God as His promise. With tears of gratitude, I received this word from the LORD, and for the last six years I have prayed this promise over our oldest son. (And sometimes I sing it...)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that He who began a <b>good</b> work in you (son) will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. niv</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As one flew the nest, one remained in high school. In the senior year of this younger son, I once again went back to the Lord and asked for a Scripture anchor</span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Again, Holy Spirit faithfully and tenderly responded to my request. For the last four years I have prayed this Scripture promise over our youngest son. (And sometimes I sing it...)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0NoeegC8of3_3gJpez8zFVpH4YJzTn2MYtZk-NGpCGMzfRlqIazS8BbFabxggCJ5XE9baksyE4FQAqpt7L3NYEgLyHho-ybb9qJKMjgYQwQqXEqwYsiVyGJEhTnW0GRPxVlx1ULUU073/s1600/ResizedImage951372087167170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I Chronicles 16:34 Give thanks to the LORD, for He is<b> good</b>; His love endures forever. niv</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifGNeoajp-hh_pSRuFdozRt7B00xIDca2l3WHL-667cJXQvmkMOFB9_MDF-wzxfsGsbpcL7hE2_4vLYOVxRfTwHR_yXXInqvikKusZYoaW2Kzrnr9yomW4lgdrLTwinALOLB-RaCjtYE_d/s1600/My+Handsome+guys+2014.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/AVvXsEifGNeoajp-hh_pSRuFdozRt7B00xIDca2l3WHL-667cJXQvmkMOFB9_MDF-wzxfsGsbpcL7hE2_4vLYOVxRfTwHR_yXXInqvikKusZYoaW2Kzrnr9yomW4lgdrLTwinALOLB-RaCjtYE_d/s1600/My+Handsome+guys+2014.jpg" height="200" width="177" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I continue to stand on tiptoes of expectant anticipation as I watch (now a cheerleader on the sideline) our<b> Good</b> Father pursue and mature His sons in adulthood. Our LORD is indeed <b>good</b> and His love endures forever. And as He promised He would do with our son, our God is faithful to continue to complete the good work He began in me...oh so many years ago!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have often said, "One day I will write a book entitled, </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Almost Everything I Know About God I Learned From My Sons.</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" And maybe one day, I will do just that!</span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Blessings of GREAT JOY on your amazing adventure journey with JESUS!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am linking up with Holly Barrett and <a href="http://hollybarrett.org/2015/04/testimony-tuesday-diana-rockwell.html" target="_blank">Diana Rockwell and Testimony Tuesday!</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please take time to visit and be encouraged with some inspirational stories of perseverance, hope, faith and JOY.</span><br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-84681622171395477822015-04-12T19:14:00.001-04:002015-04-12T19:14:36.609-04:00Psalm*Sunday*April 12, 2015<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6b2JXBop38m__b2t9LAPVjOjjatsZ29373g67hu24JiWgAtS8E2CSQlrhSg0pIwxAigGkY5fRbZl3um5sfbML3ixhxVE_M_a7Mhh_QpSByXTBEY_4krgoMif2ZV9HxUV7fBV_k_NHBfI/s1600/Psalm+138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia6b2JXBop38m__b2t9LAPVjOjjatsZ29373g67hu24JiWgAtS8E2CSQlrhSg0pIwxAigGkY5fRbZl3um5sfbML3ixhxVE_M_a7Mhh_QpSByXTBEY_4krgoMif2ZV9HxUV7fBV_k_NHBfI/s1600/Psalm+138.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-53125303002681564962015-04-02T17:30:00.000-04:002015-04-03T07:29:20.342-04:00Making it Personal * Reflections of Passion Week *<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2C07Yuh8Cl0nvT2UADTAdQODPujptxBqlUFeDDxIfiflvoHsCyKvIdIxj5XsYuxofDznrpml3tog04lGb07X8KteTGWUaeAaL7X1oVNk0Kd87Kwkj7ynH266fcO6sLrHqn_xqtvONGs3q/s1600/Lisa+@+2+years.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/AVvXsEi2C07Yuh8Cl0nvT2UADTAdQODPujptxBqlUFeDDxIfiflvoHsCyKvIdIxj5XsYuxofDznrpml3tog04lGb07X8KteTGWUaeAaL7X1oVNk0Kd87Kwkj7ynH266fcO6sLrHqn_xqtvONGs3q/s1600/Lisa+@+2+years.jpg" height="178" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;">The </span><span style="color: red;">sin</span><span style="color: #141823;">, yes </span><span style="color: red;">the stain</span><span style="color: #141823;"> with which I was born. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;">Was I born with this mark because of my parents? Were they marred as well?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-size: large;">Yes! </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;">I was and they were, and every single person given life all the way back to the first people created...Adam and Eve...their wretched state after the rebellion.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">With the exception of <span style="font-size: large;">ONE, </span>The One Who was God become flesh.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823; font-size: large;">Jesus, </span><span style="color: #141823;">the One and Only, sent from God without </span><span style="color: red;">sin</span><span style="color: #141823;">.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The unblemished</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Lamb of God.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;">So, yes, I was born with this</span><span style="color: red;"> stain of sin</span><span style="color: #141823;">; to which I have continually added by trying to live life on my own. You know, doin' it my way!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="color: #141823;">I did not understand the wretched nature of my </span><span style="color: red;">sin</span><span style="color: #141823;">; nor did I understand my</span><span style="color: red;"> sin</span><span style="color: #141823;"> (with me at birth) was as great a rebellion as that of Eve and Adam when they turned traitor against their Creator.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">My great rebellion?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">The great rebellion of all mankind?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><i>Unbelief!</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Nor did I even begin to contemplate the <span style="font-size: large;">Majesty of my Maker</span>, nor the nature of a Holy God, who in His purity and jus</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">tice must cast the verdict of His wrath upon traitorous rebels such as myself. </span></span></div>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">So, as such, I walked blindly and boldly toward my unredeemed fate...</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">teetering precariously on the edge of a destructive cliff.</span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">But God...</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">against whom I rebelled by my unbelief, pursued me with His extravagant love and extraordinary mercy unto the day of my surrender. </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">At the bottom of my personal pit, I raised my white flag and received the free gift of my </span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Rescuer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">I was dead, but He has made me alive through faith!</span></div>
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<i style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;">Romans 6:23. nasb</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="line-height: 19.3199996948242px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KYuLvHS-ABSfONo1qIQhWGu2hvC0Q-WneW9aPUhs_CaFCusCg0TEi8-dNxuxa0SFdsFhaGEY7BghUyUDLQx_Cxbl4uG-BQXHCj4XgoJRuqTdJRrVru3c3Bx2BHC_HE5rfOFVQlvUG_JX/s1600/IMG_20141113_164959_723-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8KYuLvHS-ABSfONo1qIQhWGu2hvC0Q-WneW9aPUhs_CaFCusCg0TEi8-dNxuxa0SFdsFhaGEY7BghUyUDLQx_Cxbl4uG-BQXHCj4XgoJRuqTdJRrVru3c3Bx2BHC_HE5rfOFVQlvUG_JX/s1600/IMG_20141113_164959_723-1.jpg" height="320" width="203" /></a></i></span></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-41879559470627271952015-03-30T16:59:00.004-04:002015-03-30T19:17:17.706-04:00FMF::BreakToday I'm linking up with Kate Motaung and a whole bunch of beautiful souls for <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a> (on Monday). Kate's word prompt for this week is <span style="background-color: lime; color: blue;">BREAK.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, with 5 minutes on the timer, here I go...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Break!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Spring Break!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: magenta; font-weight: bold;">YES!! </span><span style="color: lime; font-weight: bold;"> </span>I work in a middle school, and as of Friday, I (we) will be on spring break. Woo Hoo!! Count it down...4, 3, 2, 1...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All I've heard for the month of March, "I'm so ready for <span style="color: blue;">spring break</span>!" Adults, as often as the children, are crying out, "I need a <span style="color: blue;">break</span>!"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A <span style="color: blue;">break</span> from what? A <span style="color: blue;">break</span> from stress, demands, routine, the early alarm clock, and maybe each other; the possibilities are endless.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">For me personally, I look forward for a week long<span style="color: blue;"> break</span> from the demands of the early alarm clock. Additionally, I look forward to spending a whole week with my husband in which we remove ourselves from the routine and live a bit "in the moment".</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2jYV5GEmRyRW7UNZSwwxgAH5kKLBgGFyvg7IwtZCPRizGv9ghPSebxx5I0eEua1Gs2E3cqHsDQUmT7VibPfhztC9WCekYratNs-O-iFdSIG9GE2veBLt3R3ujZaocpc6BCQByBct4CDH/s1600/100_4569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi2jYV5GEmRyRW7UNZSwwxgAH5kKLBgGFyvg7IwtZCPRizGv9ghPSebxx5I0eEua1Gs2E3cqHsDQUmT7VibPfhztC9WCekYratNs-O-iFdSIG9GE2veBLt3R3ujZaocpc6BCQByBct4CDH/s1600/100_4569.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Previous Spring Break Adventure<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="font-size: small;">Though we have matured in years, our hearts feel the youthful excitement and anticipation of</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; text-align: left;"> spring break</span><span style="text-align: left;">.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;"> Whether we stay home or go away, we just naturally see this week as a time to let our hair down, pull out the flip flops, turn on some music and twirl a bit...and laugh!</span></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You know, God is in favor of taking a <span style="color: blue;">break</span>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He established a Sabbath day for rest. </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Genesis 2:2-3</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus set the example for taking a <span style="color: blue;">break</span>. He went off by Himself at times, and invites us to do the same. <i>Mark 6:31</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Psalmist reminds us that sometimes we need to take a <span style="color: blue;">break</span>, and be still. It is in the stillness we remember God is God and He is in control of all things. <i>Psalm 46:10</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>My time is up, and I am sure Scripture gives us plentiful examples of taking a <span style="color: blue;">break</span>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>What Scripture examples are being revealed to you by the revelation of Holy Spirit?</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Will you share?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Do you need a BREAK?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Blessings of GREAT JOY on your amazing adventure journey with Jesus!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Lisa </i></span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Five Minute Friday is sponsored by <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Kate Motaung.</a></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Each week Kate posts a prompt word. The idea is to write on the prompt word for five minutes without re-writing, re-thinking or editing. One word and 5 minutes worth of thoughts. Please take time to visit Kate's website and read through the creative thoughts of the many women who link up with Kate for Five Minute Friday.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLesOeX1BSWfWoYyY_HFhNdXwGcVvy7X_sh90P_ofWFWjgRVMGx2mCurgtKXFY7qk1tVe73JE8z-omdH-nrflfpKbPnngU1ZXL45xV46tplKRftQZKs-UbVW0zLNaal3Kqtxi39BSk-VoS/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLesOeX1BSWfWoYyY_HFhNdXwGcVvy7X_sh90P_ofWFWjgRVMGx2mCurgtKXFY7qk1tVe73JE8z-omdH-nrflfpKbPnngU1ZXL45xV46tplKRftQZKs-UbVW0zLNaal3Kqtxi39BSk-VoS/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></span></a><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Disclaimer:</b> I rarely write on Friday. I typically take two or three days to marinate on the word prompt, and for the most part "write" my thoughts in my head before sitting down at my laptop with the 5 minute timer.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It takes me longer to go through and find pictures to go along with the writing.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">All in all the five minute free write is still a challenge to my first-born perfectionism. However, I embrace the challenge and appreciate the opportunity to express each week my thoughts through the written word.</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8570KMcx_1lUjWyb6XhQDgxSp62FlDqM52Q0Ys6lv8U_x2cqusKoyoFc7wYfhoUoaCcFUcJTckUGrLNJ6dCKSsqaQd88m3mzy6J4TNEH7QE8hWffF9loyxqC4AWeSlrmw4W7Q-3GbbeT/s1600/Inspire-Me-Monday-cropped-250x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh8570KMcx_1lUjWyb6XhQDgxSp62FlDqM52Q0Ys6lv8U_x2cqusKoyoFc7wYfhoUoaCcFUcJTckUGrLNJ6dCKSsqaQd88m3mzy6J4TNEH7QE8hWffF9loyxqC4AWeSlrmw4W7Q-3GbbeT/s1600/Inspire-Me-Monday-cropped-250x250.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Also, I am linking up today with Anita Ojeda on her fabulous website ~ <a href="http://www.blessedbutstressed.com/" target="_blank">Blessed (but Stressed)</a>.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Thank you, Kate and Anita, for hosting link ups.</span></i></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-60939109366628443442015-03-29T05:30:00.000-04:002015-03-29T05:30:01.443-04:00Psalm.Sunday.March 29.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEWmDZNqdGpcM_MU0qtSPWPTpcBEiNXSIU5lrKwmdxZF2S1BulpoxBTE_PYK5NHNNEX9dfeC3W908IW3NkQTmzsDNG3Xl3gvHyoEVoKJK34oVrpg-WEOb5DN24zxVOUfjEjcOwfh-JgRL/s1600/Psalm+126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYEWmDZNqdGpcM_MU0qtSPWPTpcBEiNXSIU5lrKwmdxZF2S1BulpoxBTE_PYK5NHNNEX9dfeC3W908IW3NkQTmzsDNG3Xl3gvHyoEVoKJK34oVrpg-WEOb5DN24zxVOUfjEjcOwfh-JgRL/s1600/Psalm+126.jpg" /></a></div>
Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-54187816009748870672015-03-22T15:16:00.000-04:002015-03-23T09:24:22.623-04:00Five*Minute*Friday::Real*Today I'm linking up with Kate Motaung and a whole bunch of beautiful souls for <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Five Minute Friday</a>. Kate's word prompt for this week is <span style="color: #990000;">REAL.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">So, here I go. Keepin' it REAL for the next 5 minutes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">GO. My intent is to encourage. I hope to cause us all to question, "What is beautiful?" I hope to create a discussion, and I hope we will all seek Father for His view.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIHsomcilzUcNNCkgzHmVPOG58LwbPOjFcZA5NDOSWlMfLMQbb53czKsN7lFGPs3ArrlpkbX7699zQUDn58m4KuNSAKbQHRIXYyhB-irGmp1EoLvY-PGnpj-d7QG45JI3OzcMubFveYaZH/s1600/St+Augustine+1987.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/AVvXsEiIHsomcilzUcNNCkgzHmVPOG58LwbPOjFcZA5NDOSWlMfLMQbb53czKsN7lFGPs3ArrlpkbX7699zQUDn58m4KuNSAKbQHRIXYyhB-irGmp1EoLvY-PGnpj-d7QG45JI3OzcMubFveYaZH/s1600/St+Augustine+1987.JPG" /></a><span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">This is me in my mid-twenties. No gray hair; just naturally brown and sun-streaked compliments of the Florida sunshine.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm7Um62jGROi74vu7I6w0XJSbM3yhmnBPmdz4swqI31AZa5Ux02nqXXp4kg3hRnZc7PPfCJhWd75LfvvFC-3z7WFQjIpyjLZE8oKIiJfn_KdlKuPTr8OcNGBNJm-m4pG3BSlqv4S_fqGA9/s1600/Lisa+May.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/AVvXsEgm7Um62jGROi74vu7I6w0XJSbM3yhmnBPmdz4swqI31AZa5Ux02nqXXp4kg3hRnZc7PPfCJhWd75LfvvFC-3z7WFQjIpyjLZE8oKIiJfn_KdlKuPTr8OcNGBNJm-m4pG3BSlqv4S_fqGA9/s1600/Lisa+May.JPG" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #990000;">This is me in my late-forties. I had some gray, but I was attempting to cover it up at great expense and to no avail. The grays grew in faster than I could cover.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7IzZsA9zSUji9aqrl6LPWGgIiNa4KAf6F48cp9Iqm8YERbhWtXJj8J7hZN7-cjE2nBNOeiopQZja5BgMbb6ymUwR8BtraliEhe-svIWZGIJLxhm7nbQO_sDY4rtXdXY8MS5NZv4S6nxaW/s1600/The+Real+Me.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/AVvXsEi7IzZsA9zSUji9aqrl6LPWGgIiNa4KAf6F48cp9Iqm8YERbhWtXJj8J7hZN7-cjE2nBNOeiopQZja5BgMbb6ymUwR8BtraliEhe-svIWZGIJLxhm7nbQO_sDY4rtXdXY8MS5NZv4S6nxaW/s1600/The+Real+Me.jpg" height="200" width="168" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">This is me...50ish, and I've gone natural. This is the REAL me.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Frustrated with the time and expense of dying my silver hair brunette, I finally did a quick cost benefit analysis. I decided the benefits of color in an <i>attempt</i> to maintain a youthful appearance were not enough to justify the cost.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Besides at 50, I was turning over a new leaf of freedom. Freedom to be me; the REAL me. I decided my hair color should be REAL as well.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHKtWd9DIzKg1WFX0IImKXCm97YiXOqApCf9bg6WCUnpudRJQtpbDSk8zsI_AXtU0xEF5ZoAhar2EcI8NU1BAc3OZqERLVk3re9TSBjvQnLcaZJRfO4zDUry3ko91a98UOrt8oMqMXBkx/s1600/Fun+Couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLHKtWd9DIzKg1WFX0IImKXCm97YiXOqApCf9bg6WCUnpudRJQtpbDSk8zsI_AXtU0xEF5ZoAhar2EcI8NU1BAc3OZqERLVk3re9TSBjvQnLcaZJRfO4zDUry3ko91a98UOrt8oMqMXBkx/s1600/Fun+Couple.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">It wasn't an easy choice. I didn't want to have large streaks of silver framing my face. I didn't want to be perceived as old because of my hair color. And so with fear and trepidation, I made a choice...a difficult choice in our perception conscious culture; I chose to embrace the REAL color of my hair.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The reactions of others have been interesting! </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk8KO3zVvOi0APa3dfVnDDcirWB_gpN5OX0d2PswpnsslcDZAyl43jptiWTzKvqHnciFE7z-AORnn0PoN3uuWWYSvTTMpP2tnaKeENRadyGaMRYw_wL9EKqJSQE5R8_Zj673KezgZeDKT1/s1600/Going+on+a+jet+plane.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/AVvXsEhk8KO3zVvOi0APa3dfVnDDcirWB_gpN5OX0d2PswpnsslcDZAyl43jptiWTzKvqHnciFE7z-AORnn0PoN3uuWWYSvTTMpP2tnaKeENRadyGaMRYw_wL9EKqJSQE5R8_Zj673KezgZeDKT1/s1600/Going+on+a+jet+plane.jpg" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">I want to make it clear right up front. This isn't a rant. I'm not mad at anyone. I'm not trying to convince anyone to stop coloring their hair. I'm not arguing that I am right and you are wrong. I say with hair color~<i>to each her own</i>!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I'm simply conveying the very REAL (unsolicited) commentary regarding my very REAL hair color - dark brown streaked with silver!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">On a weekly regularity, a stranger will approach me and ask, "Is that your<i> real</i> hair?" (I kid you not!)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiptwhZKoe1lzTbL02u53DUzcVTMzKeot5xJ34HexoMQqskgbMwlO9AywVaSDsFnsu3FyIBdrfPc5UXmOFnZLJC3fNyHz8yNHFUbuXy9ZXKHVBLOny2wFNIw3GwHlGgmg7_LRCu-3OyC41/s1600/RandLDecember14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiptwhZKoe1lzTbL02u53DUzcVTMzKeot5xJ34HexoMQqskgbMwlO9AywVaSDsFnsu3FyIBdrfPc5UXmOFnZLJC3fNyHz8yNHFUbuXy9ZXKHVBLOny2wFNIw3GwHlGgmg7_LRCu-3OyC41/s1600/RandLDecember14.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">With equal regularity, in a group of women discussing hair color, gray roots, etc, someone will state that while gray looks good on me, it wouldn't look good on them. (I receive your compliments. Truly I do. Thank you!)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And just a month or so ago, I ran into a neighbor at the grocery store who did a double take and then exclaimed, "Wow, Lisa, you're so gray!"</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I've been asked if my husband is OK with my naturally gray hair. (I don't know why not; he has gray around his temple and lots of gray in his beard.)</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">I've been asked if I'm concerned about being passed over in the job market in favor of younger looking women. (I'm really not trying to compete against younger women for a career at this point.)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSwsnld_FNVlWUc5r0F5R0cL8MLG2djpgyzs2HfKlYBabDevxI5DsGfu_VG0oTmag9PbEcyjmRt2EIAjsJ8WeBh6fHU5SZhkWwIcCuGvlNIoxb3fg1dWzz4-tEnCC6t0C6AMawR6HyaDbG/s1600/Birthday+2013.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/AVvXsEjSwsnld_FNVlWUc5r0F5R0cL8MLG2djpgyzs2HfKlYBabDevxI5DsGfu_VG0oTmag9PbEcyjmRt2EIAjsJ8WeBh6fHU5SZhkWwIcCuGvlNIoxb3fg1dWzz4-tEnCC6t0C6AMawR6HyaDbG/s1600/Birthday+2013.jpg" height="297" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #990000;">I'm fascinated....truly, fascinated on a daily basis by the reactions of others to my decision to be REAL...hair color and all. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Probably the most fascinating aspect of all is my own reaction. Though I made this decision and chose to "do it scared" (my life motto), I've truly embraced my REAL hair color. <i> I rather like it.</i> </span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">I never could have manufactured the silver band of hair which now frames my face.</span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">My silver hair is unique...it's me...it's REAL!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">And in this Word, I take heart...</span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: #666666;">Gray hair is a glorious crown:</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #666666;">it is found in the way of righteousness.</span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span style="color: #666666;">Proverbs 16:31 hcsb</span></b></i><br />
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<b><i>Five Minute Friday is sponsored by <a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank">Kate Motaung.</a></i></b><br />
<b><i>Each week Kate posts a prompt word. The idea is to write on the prompt word for five minutes without re-writing, re-thinking or editing. One word and 5 minutes worth of thoughts. Please take time to visit Kate's website and read through the creative thoughts of the many women who link up with Kate for Five Minute Friday.</i></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLesOeX1BSWfWoYyY_HFhNdXwGcVvy7X_sh90P_ofWFWjgRVMGx2mCurgtKXFY7qk1tVe73JE8z-omdH-nrflfpKbPnngU1ZXL45xV46tplKRftQZKs-UbVW0zLNaal3Kqtxi39BSk-VoS/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-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/AVvXsEgLesOeX1BSWfWoYyY_HFhNdXwGcVvy7X_sh90P_ofWFWjgRVMGx2mCurgtKXFY7qk1tVe73JE8z-omdH-nrflfpKbPnngU1ZXL45xV46tplKRftQZKs-UbVW0zLNaal3Kqtxi39BSk-VoS/s1600/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<b><i>Disclaimer: I rarely write on Friday. I typically take two or three days to marinate on the word prompt, and for the most part "write" my thoughts in my head before sitting down at my laptop with the 5 minute timer.</i></b><br />
<b><i>It takes me longer to go through and find pictures to go along with the writing.</i></b><br />
<b><i>All in all the five minute free write is still a challenge to my first-born perfectionism. However, I embrace the challenge and appreciate the opportunity to express each week my thoughts through the written word.</i></b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"></a></i></b><br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-47298256296121649482015-03-22T02:00:00.000-04:002015-03-22T16:04:04.896-04:00Psalm.Sunday.March22.<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Psalm 121.Where will my help come from? My help comes from the Maker of heaven and earth...Protector of Israel...the One who never sleeps.Amen.</span><br />
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<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-64663695574786470862015-03-18T23:53:00.001-04:002015-03-25T21:45:27.143-04:00Tuesday @ Ten::Strength<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Nehemiah 8:10...do not grieve, for the JOY of the LORD is your <i><span style="color: blue;">strength</span></i>.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was a time in my life I looked around and saw my people in disarray, the walls were broken down and discouragement, sadness, and yes, even hopelessness were the prevailing winds of this season. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uBhCC-L4mN02Uom2TljGnVyx_WqG_o6om5xbFESMDDuVFLhS0xH2YAklzJFQdW-qrITSLEJzILOrSt5kpWINxZLxTVPWMD66XRVpVCI8GTneH48mlxX23gp7e7490-9U5w0iuSoSkflE/s1600/Israel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uBhCC-L4mN02Uom2TljGnVyx_WqG_o6om5xbFESMDDuVFLhS0xH2YAklzJFQdW-qrITSLEJzILOrSt5kpWINxZLxTVPWMD66XRVpVCI8GTneH48mlxX23gp7e7490-9U5w0iuSoSkflE/s1600/Israel.jpg" height="258" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There was no <span style="color: blue;"><i>strength.</i></span>..none of our man-made security was enough to hold us steady.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I imagined myself much like Nehemiah, grieving the state of his scattered and distraught people and his ruined hometown - Jerusalem.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I asked myself, and God, on a daily basis - perhaps multiple times daily - "How did we get here?" </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I wonder if Nehemiah did as well. He and his people were the people of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We are also the people of God. Followers of Jesus. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Believers...holding firm to the Word of God....the blood of Jesus...forgiveness and redemption through Jesus' finished work on the cross.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhhh, but hadn't we, like the Israelites of old, Nehemiah's era; hadn't we relied more and more on our own strength...our own abilities? Hadn't we wandered a bit?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg808zQjMmP1xQMoUo2Qhr64UNJSt67wHyZHHLucrNEjs7vylCCAYF6_ptM2nOxRV9ZCU5hZYypuZwAafvseu8x-pZp7GlFBgVkLgHnj0FoiZrANG7Azri2z4d5rvZnYFPRNOrXa_toyy9f/s1600/IMG_20150318_222504_982-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg808zQjMmP1xQMoUo2Qhr64UNJSt67wHyZHHLucrNEjs7vylCCAYF6_ptM2nOxRV9ZCU5hZYypuZwAafvseu8x-pZp7GlFBgVkLgHnj0FoiZrANG7Azri2z4d5rvZnYFPRNOrXa_toyy9f/s1600/IMG_20150318_222504_982-1.jpg" height="124" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This Scripture jumped off the page. Grieving, I recognized two qualities I longed for, but could not resurrect by my own effort or willpower. </span><br />
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<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">JOY and STRENGTH </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And they both come from Him...the LORD!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I looked backward through Nehemiah for context, I realized this declaration was made in Jerusalem by the Priest, Ezra, when the word of the LORD had been restored to God's people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Nehemiah was grieved over the devastating report he had received regarding Jerusalem. He repented before the Lord on behalf of his people, and Nehemiah was given favor by a pagan king to go and rebuild the wall. He was blessed by God to go home and restore his people and their city of Jerusalem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I prayed. I repented. I confessed my weakness. I asked for favor...and wisdom...His power because we had none of our own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">By God's Grace and His <span style="color: blue;"><i>Strength</i></span>, our walls are rebuilt. Our people are continually being restored. We rejoice in God's goodness and faithfulness to us... even when we haven't been either, good or faithful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I testify...today....<i><b><span style="color: blue;">The JOY of the LORD is my strength!</span></b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></b></i></span>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Blessings of GREAT JOY on your amazing adventure journey with Jesus!</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Lisa</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Linking up with <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/" target="_blank">Karen Beth</a> for Tuesday @ Ten with this week's prompt word - Strength.</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BmjftDvPkFAHsGdNRJUX-2ceg2cfgXddMwr_1dak8V_NlI7rTvNsiWrfdiqISed4EC1wyw20h3mlYTTK7ZB6UyAiomIi1OVjY7dA3tgDi2bIQ-wAd0ycaSgPSYGcExTKEmo8bB-pbqjb/s1600/Inspire-Me-Monday-cropped-250x250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5BmjftDvPkFAHsGdNRJUX-2ceg2cfgXddMwr_1dak8V_NlI7rTvNsiWrfdiqISed4EC1wyw20h3mlYTTK7ZB6UyAiomIi1OVjY7dA3tgDi2bIQ-wAd0ycaSgPSYGcExTKEmo8bB-pbqjb/s1600/Inspire-Me-Monday-cropped-250x250.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Also, linking up with <a href="http://www.blessedbutstressed.com/2015/03/23/missing-the-obvious/" style="color: magenta;" target="_blank">Anita Ojeda</a><span style="color: magenta;"> </span>for Inspire Me Monday.</b></i></span><br />
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-41907017205577431082015-03-16T00:09:00.000-04:002015-03-22T16:04:28.945-04:00Psalm.Sunday.March15.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsuQEnyQ4_qmAYFiCJB6IrFbz4taeZgIao4HSidZhRb-_QXgbYJCe98wlxXH_KrXjDCzbYCoYws-hP4aYhPdp1mD1ZP8O5db9EHyDHHU4_fuXBzziykyAV_jAhLvLFHpDqS975QThDcCN/s1600/Psalm+Sunday+Psalm+119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsuQEnyQ4_qmAYFiCJB6IrFbz4taeZgIao4HSidZhRb-_QXgbYJCe98wlxXH_KrXjDCzbYCoYws-hP4aYhPdp1mD1ZP8O5db9EHyDHHU4_fuXBzziykyAV_jAhLvLFHpDqS975QThDcCN/s1600/Psalm+Sunday+Psalm+119.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123103703269242380.post-77321227991371340222015-03-15T00:26:00.000-04:002015-03-15T00:26:01.939-04:00Tuesday @ Ten::Grow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ-GE7caTF9wwSvt8do5laKk9jFy1IBKkmZspMaRRZzMgCBbQ8wQskSvJs1T9v9QH6Ly6W-tm3AqNUBOyZ5m5LoqqHqq2Zpw3_Lyi9HSHdN3NPpI8tMjp4IeQEr4BE-A8EjB0Yi5J4fXr/s1600/Tuesday+at+Ten.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrJ-GE7caTF9wwSvt8do5laKk9jFy1IBKkmZspMaRRZzMgCBbQ8wQskSvJs1T9v9QH6Ly6W-tm3AqNUBOyZ5m5LoqqHqq2Zpw3_Lyi9HSHdN3NPpI8tMjp4IeQEr4BE-A8EjB0Yi5J4fXr/s1600/Tuesday+at+Ten.jpeg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
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Tonight I am linking up with Karen Beth...writing on her current word prompt - <span style="color: #38761d;">GROW. </span>I hope you'll take time to visit her blog <a href="http://www.findingthegracewithin.com/?page_id=8607" target="_blank">Finding The Grace Within</a>. Perhaps you will make yourself a cup of tea and relax while you enjoy the creativity of the beautiful contributors to this link up with Karen Beth.</div>
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<b>Grow. </b> According to <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/grow" target="_blank">Merriam Webster</a>, the word has many definitions and applications. Here are just a few: </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5qmb4p8NOgI_ac8FsrItJPcCZsmsjaD-BPsI451rVtIPTwW6NTfKV6Ms7hFFg5YrrhZYpsjR_E-9ZbRHL5s_lf7_en3kUpeC2MR5Ba5EBFuIhyphenhyphenP-FHES8-hdlUFcBZ9nu-aJJGatAkCl/s1600/IMG_20141104_170219_987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY5qmb4p8NOgI_ac8FsrItJPcCZsmsjaD-BPsI451rVtIPTwW6NTfKV6Ms7hFFg5YrrhZYpsjR_E-9ZbRHL5s_lf7_en3kUpeC2MR5Ba5EBFuIhyphenhyphenP-FHES8-hdlUFcBZ9nu-aJJGatAkCl/s1600/IMG_20141104_170219_987.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a>1. to become larger: to increase in size, amount, etc</div>
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2. to become better or improved in some way: to become more developed, mature, etc<br /><div>
3. to pass from childhood to adulthood</div>
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To grow is to change. To grow is painful. To grow is exciting...and scary.</div>
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To not grow is boring...to become stagnant. To not grow is death.</div>
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I remember one summer of my youth complaining - my knees hurt, my hips hurt, my shoulders and back hurt. And I remember hearing, "You're ok, those are just growing pains." </div>
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Indeed, at the end of the summer I had grown 6 inches! Yes, physical growth is painful, and yet exciting. As our "seeds" grew in height, we measured and marked their progress on a wall in our basement. Each growth marker brought smiles, shouts and jumps of joy!</div>
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While growth from childhood into adulthood means that we become physically full grown, there's continual opportunity for emotional, intellectual and spiritual growth. To become better or improved in some way: to become more developed, mature, etc. from the Merriam Webster definitions above.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyN7BnakICaXwVIhaMdeTW4DYyF6t5kYVsZZbV005RIm6Xxe4UyFMVkn0p_mab1EsIhWGYY3tHw8vlgH3LIUR9r3YTuXZWnbzGYapXjQ2_1zVd6lMxepCK8HlZ6XW_Ve3C4rD4zvkpNwi/s1600/IMG_20140726_173611_077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOyN7BnakICaXwVIhaMdeTW4DYyF6t5kYVsZZbV005RIm6Xxe4UyFMVkn0p_mab1EsIhWGYY3tHw8vlgH3LIUR9r3YTuXZWnbzGYapXjQ2_1zVd6lMxepCK8HlZ6XW_Ve3C4rD4zvkpNwi/s1600/IMG_20140726_173611_077.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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A tree grows from seedling to fruit bearing maturity. New growth and bearing fruit are signs of life. At times a little pruning may be necessary to further the growth and fruit production...to cause the tree to flourish in life. </div>
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Similarly, we should be continually growing, maturing and bearing fruit - even into our old age. I don't know about trees, but I know pruning in my life is painful. And yet, pruning is necessary, at times a little fertilizer is necessary for growth as well.</div>
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Growth is necessary for life. I want to live fully every day of my life. And so, this is the desire of my heart....to continually grow, mature, develop gifts and bear fruit for the glory of God.</div>
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This is the encouragement I find in Colossians 1:9-10 ~</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijKauMW40oQMKJf7jDdMcbRQfo_Txwwg5mL5o1wTsMWVZ3F7P6Kxa5CdDmV38bNQPVX37emVOFO-rJ7JUsqjgWtWZXT3S3lbEEyWcJ69nNzTc5t2I-gMoHjTMGfp4xJGnmMGghCxaXu6lE/s1600/IMG_20140523_184807_376.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/AVvXsEijKauMW40oQMKJf7jDdMcbRQfo_Txwwg5mL5o1wTsMWVZ3F7P6Kxa5CdDmV38bNQPVX37emVOFO-rJ7JUsqjgWtWZXT3S3lbEEyWcJ69nNzTc5t2I-gMoHjTMGfp4xJGnmMGghCxaXu6lE/s1600/IMG_20140523_184807_376.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwXN5i-e7IkwDBHzMRghJcEcsr2T1mYO2tqjO8G3aXt2EXb5nNaf2mZwg-EVSm7NX4fZZP1k7BEQB8ueBtwXWs0FiesfVN5Jo4k7ZUDNmMpo7RFQ4EzWzIEncLhMAMMUvE0WQOr75jP08X/s1600/IMG_20141101_201412_966.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So we have not stopped praying for you since we first heard about you. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We ask God to give you complete knowledge of His will and to give you spiritual wisdom and understanding. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and your lives will produce every kind of good fruit. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">All the while, you will grow as you learn to know God better and better.</span></i></div>
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Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09800378332426370420noreply@blogger.com0