tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354007492024-03-12T22:23:56.329-05:00His Beautiful MessLiving in dangerous proximity to Jesus & learning to love the messAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666725456369097037noreply@blogger.comBlogger771125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-8742768245318532232017-03-04T22:21:00.000-06:002017-03-04T22:21:32.670-06:00Uninvited prayer<div>
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Lord, You are teaching me so much about trusting You. Fully. Completely. Without suggestions or projections. I'm choosing to embrace the very next thing You show me. I'll take this first step. And then I'll take the next. </span><br />
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I finally understand that I don't have to fully understand each thing that happens for me to trust You. I don't have to try and figure it out, control it, or even like it, for that matter. In the midst of uncertainties, I will just stand and say, "I trust You, Lord." </div>
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I visualize me taking my fear of rejection from my incapable clutched and placing my trust in Your full capability. And as I do, I make this all less about me and more about you. I replace my fragile efforts to control with Your fortified realities. </div>
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You are the perfect match for my every need. </div>
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I am weak. You are strength. </div>
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I am unable. You are capability. </div>
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I am hesitant. You are assurance. </div>
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I am desperate. You are fulfillment.</div>
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I am confused. You are confidence. </div>
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I am tired. You are rejuvenation. </div>
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Though the long path is uncertain, You are so faithful to shed just enough light for me to see the very next step. I now understand this isn't You being mysterious. This is a great demonstration of Your mercy. </div>
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Too much revelation and I'd pridefully run ahead of You. Too little and I'd be paralyzed with fear. </div>
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So, I'm seeking slivers of light in Your Truth just for today and filling the gaps of my unknown with trust. </div>
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From the Uninvited book</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-3643715336111881382017-03-01T20:51:00.002-06:002017-03-01T20:51:35.991-06:00Choosing Faith Not FearI am choosing to let go of fear and move forward. I have to. For my sanity. My mind is not the enemy's playground. A war has been waged for my mind. The lies have roared so loud that it often drowns out Truth. But God wants me to choose Truth. His Truth. He's speaking to me. And when the barking voice of the devil calls out to me, the mighty Lion of Judah is here and far more powerful than what the enemy has been throwing at me.<br />
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You don't have to accept bondage or abuse. You can know Truth and be set free by that Truth.<br />
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Bondage of the heart and mind is a scary place to be. When someone rips away everything you know about yourself and fills you with lies and fear and does evil things to you, it's an awful place to be. And you may think you have to accept it because it's the only words that have filled your mind for months and years. But IT'S NOT TRUE.<br />
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You need to know THERE IS FREEDOM IN CHRIST. He didn't die so we could live in bondage to lies. God wants to set you free and give you life. ABUNDANT LIFE!!! That no one can strip from you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666725456369097037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-83380647222242245442017-02-28T21:38:00.003-06:002017-02-28T21:38:55.086-06:00Let's decrapify!It's been awhile since I blogged. Sometimes life's circumstances require silence. Sometimes you feel the need to crawl in a hole, bandage your heart and just sit with God.<br />
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He sees.<br />
He heals.<br />
He knows.<br />
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Even writers struggle to put words to some things. At least words that can be posted to a blog. I still don't have all of the words to explain the past 197 days. My life has turned upside down. Brain fog seems to be my constant companion. "Good" days have been few and far between. And feeling normal seems to be a thing of the past.<br />
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Embracing a new normal<br />
Having grace with myself<br />
Being patient in the process<br />
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And now I am beginning to write again. To process and learn and grow. I have been encouraged by many people to journal during this season. To write out the questions that I have. To jot down what I am thankful for. Putting pen to paper just has a calming effect. The click clack of a keyboard can be rather rhythmic.<br />
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There is a time for silence. But there is also time for words. Words to bless. Words to encourage. Words to heal.<br />
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So here we are on Fat Tuesday. The day before Lent starts. Many people associate Lent with fasting. Perhaps fasting from certain foods or drinks, or even for certain time periods. Fasting from social media is also popular. I suppose for many, the goal is to abstain from something and then focus more on God. I love the idea of an intentional focus for 40 days. After all, that's not a long time. And the benefits can be huge.<br />
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This year, I have decided to join a challenge for a different kind of Lent. It's called <a href="http://www.whitehouseblackshutters.com/40-bags-in-40-days-2015/" target="_blank">40 Bags in 40 Days Decluttering Challenge</a> and it's hosted by White House Black Shutters. It's about "decrapifying" your life. Decluttering one area at a time. It could be one area of your house, but they also suggest working on "non-stuff" too, like clearing out your email, organizing your photos and sorting files into folders. With my house on the market, there is a lot of decrapifying and clearing out that needs to happen. It's time to simplify and reduce stuff. I've already dealt with a lot of the big furniture, but now it's time to go through the stuff that seems to be EVERYWHERE. And in addition to decluttering my house, it's also time to declutter my heart.<br />
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I came across this graphic on Facebook today about fasting during Lent. And I love it. It's time. Decluttering my heart is about not listening to the lies but focusing in on God's Truth. It's about looking forward through the windshield of life instead of obsessing about what is in the rearview mirror. And it's about choosing to be thankful even when life feels unsteady. I can't ignore or diminish what has happened, but I can choose to grow from this. I can choose to forgive, to let go of what I can't change and to look to God for His peace and presence.<br />
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So consider joining me for this 40 day challenge to decrapify and simplify life. It's going to be a good challenge with lots of fun photos and probably some tears along the way. But in the end, whether you get to 4 bags or 40 bags, you'll feel better about your space. It really works.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13666725456369097037noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-69384592014112027692016-10-10T20:34:00.000-05:002016-10-10T20:34:08.014-05:00Not the destiny of my future Lately I've been reading Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely. That book title could be the title of my current season because that is how I feel. Every. Single. Day. Rejected. Alone. Unloved. And yet. God has chosen me. He promised to never leave me alone. He loves me with a love that I can't even begin to comprehend. And I came across a quote and then prayer toward the end of the book that could've been ripped from the pages of my journal because it just so clearly expresses the cry of my heart these days. I hope you read it, take a deep breath and say "Amen!" along with me.<br />
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"If I really believed that God's healing is more powerful than any hurt the world could ever hand me, I could trust God. I could trust His plans. I could move forward by saying, 'Yet not what I will, but what You will'....<br />
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....Yet not what I will, but what you will.<br />
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I trust that in all these things, Your will is good. I can trust You even when I don't understand. I cannot fully trust You while still holding on to things that made me question You. I have to let those things go.<br />
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You so clearly promise when I am blinded by the dark realities, You will guide me. You will guide me to the spiritual help I need. But You will also guide me to the emotional and physical help I need. Help me see Your provisions and be humble enough to receive them. You will make the rough places smooth. You will do these things and will never forsake me.<br />
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You have said, "I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them" (Isaiah 42:16).<br />
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You say Your Word is sharper than a double-edged sword. So I cut these ties from my soul with the precise edge of Your truth.<br />
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I was abandoned. That is a fact from my past, but it is not the destiny of my future.<br />
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I was rejected. That is a fact from my past, but it is not the destiny of my future.<br />
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I was hurt. That is a fact from my past, but it is not the destiny of my future.<br />
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I was left out. That is a fact from my past, but it is not the destiny of my future.<br />
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I was brokenhearted. That is a fact from my past, but it is not the destiny of my future.<br />
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Heartbreaking seasons can certainly grow me but were never meant to define me. I let go of the hurt and embrace the growth the minute I'm able to say, 'Yet not what I will, but what You will.'"<br />
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In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray these words. Amen and amen!!<br />
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Excerpt from Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurstAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-33005890283019758802016-08-22T18:54:00.001-05:002017-02-28T20:13:47.673-06:00New LifeI <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">got a hanging plant for Mother's Day from my step kids and their bio mom. It was so sweet of her to think of me. But then I neglected the plant. I've always had a black thumb but when you forget you own a plant and thus, never water it, of course it will die. A couple months ago, I remember looking at the plant and see all the dead stems and no green left and I knew I'd killed it. As much as I wanted to keep it alive and flourishing because it was such a sweet gift, I killed the plant. But I left it sitting there because I didn't feel like getting rid of it just yet. Maybe it was laziness. Maybe I just didn't want to throw it away quite yet. </span><br />
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And then today, I glanced down at the plant on my way outside, expecting to see the pathetic dead mess. But wait! There are flowers! There are green stems growing!! From the dead plant, new life has come. From the dried up, withered stems, new flowers have grown! </div>
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So too in our lives. There are times when we neglect our walk with God and we begin to dry up. We look withered and dead and worthy only for the burn pile. But God steps in. He waters us with His grace and love. He gently prunes away the deadness and brings new life to our souls. </div>
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I've been through a season of dryness. Of feeling withered, broken and dying. But God is not done with me. He is pruning away the rubbish. He is getting rid of what is dead so that He can breathe new life into me. He is turning my heart of stone into a heart of flesh. I am withered but He is my Strength. I am broken but He is my Healer. There is hope. He is not done with me. </div>
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“I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Psalm 27:13</span></div>
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“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” <span style="font-family: "helvetica neue light" , , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">Philippians 1:6</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-82567227121589977392016-07-26T21:00:00.000-05:002016-08-23T13:54:50.248-05:00Sonshine basketsI'm in a women's Bible study that wanted to bless and encourage some folks who may be struggling. We came across the idea of Sonshine baskets where you put yellow items together and give them away.<br />
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Here are the goodies we came up with - notepad, cards, sticky notes and smiley face stickers all bound with yellow ribbon; emoji stress ball; a mug with tea and hot chocolate packets; cup with candy and wrapped with a treat bag; hand soap; hand sanitizer; hand wipes; Lay's chips; and tissues. </div>
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I assembled this sample that we will use for putting the baskets together. We got blue bowls from Dollar Tree. Then I put yellow chevron ribbon and two flowers on each one. </div>
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The bowls are ready to go. </div>
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It took much longer than I thought but it was a fun project. We will also be giving them a card that I designed. </div>
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I've got the pieces all together for the ladies to assemble. This is the sample one. The Bible verse is embossed on a paint chip and the butterflies are cut out of a coordinating paint chip. Really easy and so cute!! </div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-32149326255239551112016-07-23T13:14:00.002-05:002016-07-23T13:14:36.416-05:00Hold on to the One hold you<div style="background-color: white; color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16.08px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top: 1em;">
Maybe life is a mess<br />And there are more shattered pieces than can be counted<br />Maybe life is a dream<br />And there are more blessings than can be numbered</div>
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Whatever you face -<br />Tears that flow unending<br />Smiles that make your cheeks ache<br />In the highs<br />In the lows</div>
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Whatever you face<br />Hold on to the Truth<br />Hold on to the One who loves you<br />Because He's holding your life<br />He's holding you</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-59927033691792626722016-07-20T10:45:00.001-05:002016-07-20T10:45:38.178-05:00Thankful for Good NeighborsWe have been blessed with some incredible neighbors! They've helped us with home/yard issues, let us use their pool and just loved on our kids. One neighbor in particular, Jimmy, is absolutely amazing. He has mowed our yard when Chris was busy working. He trimmed our bushes and dug out a bunch of stumps. He helped Chris cut down a tree and chop it into firewood. Jimmy is always willing to answer home project questions, loan us tools and help us with our crazy DIY ideas. Today we wanted to thank him for being a great neighbor and since he & Denise love Pizza Man, a gift card was most fitting along with a thank you card that I made.<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fFt8ioZLyyA/V4-coUOd8FI/AAAAAAAAANU/iTiqK0Fed6o/s640/blogger-image-945961626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fFt8ioZLyyA/V4-coUOd8FI/AAAAAAAAANU/iTiqK0Fed6o/s640/blogger-image-945961626.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-37218624159087181082016-07-15T12:47:00.001-05:002016-07-15T12:47:06.892-05:00Guatemala Thank You Cards<div>I recently got a special order request for thank you cards that would be used to say thank you to those supporting a mission trip to Guatemala. I had such a great time making them and thinking back on my own mission trip experiences. I'm so excited for these high school kids. It may be a trip that changes their lives. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GiF7CjBKbLg/V4khkLDhCsI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jWC6UwP1Mgg/s640/blogger-image--88269336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GiF7CjBKbLg/V4khkLDhCsI/AAAAAAAAAM8/jWC6UwP1Mgg/s640/blogger-image--88269336.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">On the inside, I added a map and the word "pray" to remind recipients to pray for the team.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QzowPXRv7pE/V4khktbuH-I/AAAAAAAAANA/yku6sSywmBo/s640/blogger-image-1813747095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QzowPXRv7pE/V4khktbuH-I/AAAAAAAAANA/yku6sSywmBo/s640/blogger-image-1813747095.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHw_MGePnHA/V4khjllwfkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/jSOi0Q96sEA/s640/blogger-image-1032259116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GHw_MGePnHA/V4khjllwfkI/AAAAAAAAAM4/jSOi0Q96sEA/s640/blogger-image-1032259116.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTep06izyMc/V4khiUWx8WI/AAAAAAAAAM0/G8w09HSPzLM/s640/blogger-image--1816595543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FTep06izyMc/V4khiUWx8WI/AAAAAAAAAM0/G8w09HSPzLM/s640/blogger-image--1816595543.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So here is the final product - 15 thank you cards with envelopes - they've been prayed over that they will bless the recipients and that the team will be the hands and feet of Jesus as they go. </span></div><div><br></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-33533760061304985022016-07-10T21:32:00.001-05:002016-07-10T21:32:53.544-05:00Pen palsMy girl child loves to write cards and mail them to people. She's amassed quite a number of pen pals all over the country. Today we made some cards so she could send them out. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-le8Tufam9z8/V4MFUVUpAiI/AAAAAAAAAMc/oH86tO0lXm0/s640/blogger-image--1748401842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-le8Tufam9z8/V4MFUVUpAiI/AAAAAAAAAMc/oH86tO0lXm0/s640/blogger-image--1748401842.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">also worked on some cards. I received a request for 15 thank you cards for a high school kid that is going to Guatemala on a mission trip. He's going to use them to thank his supporters. It's been fun working on them. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfZlnBPICC0/V4MFVMw-glI/AAAAAAAAAMk/FpeJOUbqw2M/s640/blogger-image-1017649199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NfZlnBPICC0/V4MFVMw-glI/AAAAAAAAAMk/FpeJOUbqw2M/s640/blogger-image-1017649199.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-upX6KWIEI/V4MFT_U4o_I/AAAAAAAAAMY/M18FxJGw9gc/s640/blogger-image--726183420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-h-upX6KWIEI/V4MFT_U4o_I/AAAAAAAAAMY/M18FxJGw9gc/s640/blogger-image--726183420.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvnfx9lOovc/V4MFU55EW4I/AAAAAAAAAMg/62bg_V70r8c/s640/blogger-image-1037166402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hvnfx9lOovc/V4MFU55EW4I/AAAAAAAAAMg/62bg_V70r8c/s640/blogger-image-1037166402.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I will be adding a map of Guatemala on the inside of each one as well. It's been a fun project! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-14108534311104321712016-07-08T08:35:00.001-05:002016-07-08T08:35:02.736-05:00Grape bugs, leaks and a delivery driverYesterday I took delivery of a trampoline and had some issues with the driver who took down a power line in front of my house, blamed me for it being too low and then drove off. Fast forward to last night's dream. I had a dream that there were grapes in the kitchen floor and when I went to pick them up, they turned into round green bugs with hundreds of legs and they would scurry away from me and then turn back into a grape. While I'm trying to smash them, I realize that we have water leaking from a jug that was left on the counter. Only this jug managed to leak enough water to be ankle deep and ice cold. I finally smash all the grapes and begin mopping up water when I hear a crash and look into the den. The delivery truck driver had come back and driven his truck into my house and was coming to kill me. I ran to hide in the closet and call 911. And I just kept kicking myself for smashing all the grape bugs because maybe they could've eaten the driver before he could find me. I could hear him pounding and banging, trying to get out of his truck. Suddenly I woke up and realized that the banging was my neighbor taking apart our old trampoline. I guess it's time to get up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-65933748586096986422016-07-04T22:58:00.001-05:002016-07-04T22:58:17.658-05:00EncouragementI got to spend some time today making cards. It was great! I need to win the lottery so I can do crafting full time. :)<div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_AD7VfCRKQ/V3swS5vV6KI/AAAAAAAAAMI/xZR8AwhJ_Ts/s640/blogger-image--295955172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U_AD7VfCRKQ/V3swS5vV6KI/AAAAAAAAAMI/xZR8AwhJ_Ts/s640/blogger-image--295955172.jpg"></a></div><br></div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-25376796547529684182016-06-26T23:06:00.001-05:002016-06-26T23:06:29.762-05:00MBA begins!Tomorrow I start my MBA so naturally tonight I'm freaking out. I printed the syllabus and read over the course expectations. When I did my first Master's degree, I was single with no kids and I didn't work full time the first year. A lot of time has passed since then. I've gotten older and apparently also more crazy to now be pursuing another degree at this stage of my life. I feel disorganized, overwhelmed and ill equipped for this journey. And I'm tempted to quit before I even begin. Sigh. 🙄<div><br></div><div>I used to feel organized. On top of things. Ready to conquer the world. That's a fleeting memory now. These days I am more on edge. Frazzled. Overwhelmed. A great way to start a new journey. </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-367819809061080512016-06-19T18:14:00.001-05:002016-06-19T18:14:48.133-05:00Flip Flops, Friends, and FaithNext week our church is having a ladies retreat. The theme is Flip Flops, Friends and Faith. I was bummed to realize that I couldn't go but happy to get a chance to help with the preparations. <div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p6GeYjSMCUU/V2cnZgoxq7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/2kdNhf9us6c/s640/blogger-image--1435819714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p6GeYjSMCUU/V2cnZgoxq7I/AAAAAAAAAL0/2kdNhf9us6c/s640/blogger-image--1435819714.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>I found a flip flop pattern online. With some modification, I added the theme verse. </div><div><br></div><div>1Corinthiabs 16:13 ~ "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong."</div><div><br></div><div>Using foam adhesive and ribbon, I created the 3D flip flop. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Agw25N3ga7c/V2cnYSNBVTI/AAAAAAAAALk/nYYDo628oG8/s640/blogger-image-1537222204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Agw25N3ga7c/V2cnYSNBVTI/AAAAAAAAALk/nYYDo628oG8/s640/blogger-image-1537222204.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>To go along with these flip flops, I picked up some burlap sacks to put chocolate in. And then added a small version of the flip flops to stay with the theme. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTzDgUy32N0/V2cnX82m0aI/AAAAAAAAALc/aAV4Of2szRU/s640/blogger-image-887843343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xTzDgUy32N0/V2cnX82m0aI/AAAAAAAAALc/aAV4Of2szRU/s640/blogger-image-887843343.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>Each lady with be given a flip flop and chocolate bag at the retreat. </div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6PCEN7bpdc/V2cnZCbDrBI/AAAAAAAAALs/v2gJmwgsXN4/s640/blogger-image--1430182993.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F6PCEN7bpdc/V2cnZCbDrBI/AAAAAAAAALs/v2gJmwgsXN4/s640/blogger-image--1430182993.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div>It should be a great weekend. A photo booth, a godly woman to speak words of encouragement and refreshment, lots of good food and of course, tons of laughter and fun! I'm so bummed to have to miss it. </div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-76026588448776061992016-06-16T20:43:00.004-05:002016-06-16T20:43:49.115-05:00Calling<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Today I'm reflecting on calling. My primary calling is related to my identity in Jesus Christ. Am I rightly related to the Lord? Is every interaction I have something that pleases Him? The evil one spends so much time accusing God's precious children...do I spend my time connected with His righteousness and His character enough that the accuser has nothing to say about me? My calling is first about being, not doing. It's about who I am in Christ, not what I am doing for Christ. I serve an Audience of One. The outpouring of ministry comes from the inpouring of Holy Spirit. I am called to seek His face continually and in every interaction I have and to obey Him in everything (Psalm 115:1; 1 Cor. 10:31; 2 Cor. 2:14-15).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">As calling relates to a specific vocation, let me offer a picture that helps me. Not long ago, I was sitting on the shore of Long Lake in Eagle River, WI and I peered down into the water. I could see the bottom! It was so clear and clean! I thought of other lakes and rivers that I've been to where you can't see the bottom even where the water is just a few inches deep. You might see muck or seaweed but who knows what's really down there. But Long Lake is so clear - you know exactly what is in the lake and what your feet are touching when you wade out there. People are like that. Some lives you peer into and all you see are murky waters. You might catch of glimpse of something from time to time if the water settles at all but at the slightest touch the murky-ness is back. There is so much junk in their life or they are trying so hard to hide themselves in the stuff of life. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Then there are people like Long Lake - you see right through them, right to the heart of who they are. You don't have to wonder what they are made of because you can see if for yourself. They are refreshing to be around and you can't help but want to drink in what they are about. I want to be that kind of person - a Long Lake person. I long to be transparent. For others to see my life and know exactly what I am about and what God is doing in me. I long for realness and vulnerability. At times in life, a speed boat rushes by and waves roll in. The waters are disrupted but guess what? If you are a Long Lake person, you could still see through the waters. Of course, you could take a stick and stir up the sand at the bottom and some murky-ness would occur. We all have junk in our lives. But God is in the business of redeeming our junk and wants to use us to minister to others. Broken people reaching broken people...(Matt. 28:18-20; Micah 6:8).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">And that is my heartbeat for other women and kids...to pour into their lives out of what God has done and is doing in me. Because of Christ's love for me, I am compelled by love for others - to come alongside them, point them to Truth in Scripture, to encourage them (1 Thess 5:11), and pray for them. My heart beats wildly when I see someone "get it" - when the light of spiritual truth goes on - or when I am involved, directly or indirectly, in equipping them for life and ministry (2 Tim 2:2). Perhaps it could all be boiled down to discipleship, equipping, and encouragement. I long to invest in the lives of women and kids - to dive deep into life on life ministry.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Where will this passion take me? To a college campus? To the mission field? To a church or camp? To something else yet to be discovered? Perhaps all of these. I don't know. But I do know the One who holds my future and I trust Him to guide my steps (Prov. 3:5-6 & 16:9).</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-26024074439603358742016-06-15T21:39:00.000-05:002017-02-10T19:44:38.466-06:00Look Closely And See<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A land with deep scars - some visible...some not.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A people with deep hurts - some visible...some not.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A land of beauty and pain.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A people of hope and love.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">The landscape is dotted with broken homes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A glimpse of the broken lives within</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A boy searches through the town dump</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Desperately seeking a "treasure"</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Anything that will buy him a chunk of bread</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Or a few tortillas</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A young girl, with big brown eyes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Grinding corn to make tortillas</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A family's only source of income</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Never enough</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Hope. Peace. Love. Contentement.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Flowing from the people</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Even in the midst of great poverty</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Even when devastation ravaged their country</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Even when a few tortillas and a can of beans is all they have to eat</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Look closely and see</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">The "woman" on the corner is just a girl</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Forced to sell her body to hungry men</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">So her family can eat</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Her dark brown eyes will haunt your days and your nights</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><strong style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Look closely and see</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Hollow eyes filled with desperation and longing</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A longing to be free</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">A longing to know she's loved for more than her body</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Desperate to know that the chains that bind her</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Can be broken</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Don't close your eyes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Don't just walk on by</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">How can she call on the one she hasn't believed in?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">How can she believe if she hasn't heard?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">How will she hear without someone preaching to her?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Who will be sent to preach?</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">At times, often times, comfort must be forsaken</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">The known left behind</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">To walk with someone in their hurt</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">In their mess</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">To hold a hand</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Meet a need</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">To share love, His love</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Slow down</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Open your eyes</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">Be moved</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18.2px;">LOVE</span>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-57384587169865001592016-06-14T20:25:00.000-05:002016-06-16T20:26:04.403-05:00Contribution"Your greatest contribution to the kingdom of God may not be something you do but someone you raise." ~Andy Stanley<br />
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What a great reminder for all parents! It's easy to get caught up in the mundane, everyday, ordinary things of life and lose sight of why it matters how you raise your kids.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-11754804046791260082016-06-13T20:40:00.000-05:002016-06-16T20:44:04.457-05:00Cutting edgeHow will you maintain a cutting edge in your life?<br />
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God created me with a destiny in mind. In choosing to fulfill the destiny He has for me, it is essential that I take time to be sharpened, by God and by others (Prov. 27:17). Three areas came to mind where I need to be sharpened by God: I need daily time with Jesus, to study His Word, not just to prepare a study or to teach a class but for personal meditation & growth. Cultivating a prayer life that consumes me must be a top priority. And Scripture memorization must be a regular part of my life – hiding God’s Word in my heart that I might not sin against God (Psalm 119:11).<br />
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It’s also important to be sharpened by others. Again, three ideas came to mind as I prayed about this. First, I believe it’s important to maintain a mentoring relationship that allows for genuine accountability. I need to be held accountable in the areas listed above, in my leadership, and in life. It’s vital to find people who will challenge me and spur me on. A second sharpening I see is in reading books/listening to cds related to my calling. This opens the door for learning from others who are on a similar journey. And a third area of sharpening is through determining my God-given priorities/goals each year and then reviewing them on a monthly/quarterly basis. Those who hold me accountable should know these priorities as well. Throughout the year, these priorities should be the basis of my commitments and I must be willing to say “no” to even the good things that come my way, in order to receive that best things that God has in store for me.<br />
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The outpouring of ministry comes from the inpouring of Holy Spirit. So I must make spending time in His presence a priority. When I don’t, I get tired, worn down, and open to all sorts of influences. I must set my heart and mind on things above! (Colossians 3:1-2)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-28126796740680559722016-06-12T13:30:00.000-05:002016-06-16T20:27:51.249-05:00ControlThings I can control in my marriage:<br />
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My attitude<br />
My thoughts<br />
How kind I am<br />
How well I listen<br />
How honest I am<br />
How often I say "thank you"<br />
Who I spend my time with<br />
How I express my feelings<br />
The amount of effort I put forth<br />
How much time I spend worrying<br />
Whether or now I try again after a setbackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-68578951520053103132016-06-11T20:30:00.000-05:002016-06-16T20:30:59.524-05:00A mountain of paper<br />
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When you are offered this much craft paper for $2, how do you say no??? I love garage sales!!</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-20444000928061807822016-06-10T15:00:00.000-05:002016-06-16T20:32:53.785-05:00Don't flip flop on Jesus<br />
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We have a women's retreat coming up at my church and I am making some take home treats for the ladies. Our theme is Flip Flops, Friends and Faith. The little bags will have some chocolates in them. </div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-49332670744710840282016-06-06T20:16:00.001-05:002016-06-06T20:16:57.745-05:00Be still<div>Be still my runaway heart…</div><div>Be still my desire to fix things…</div><div>Be still my anxious thoughts…</div><div>Be still and know without a doubt, God is.</div><div>God is the answer.</div><div>God is the solution.</div><div>God is the desire met.</div><div>God is what I am looking for.</div><div>God is what I need.</div><div>God is God.</div><div>Be still and know.</div><div>- Lysa TerKeurst</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-24920291293233166842016-06-05T18:18:00.001-05:002016-06-16T20:33:22.495-05:00Peace in your heart<div>
I came across this quote on Facebook today and it hit me hard. I long for peace in our marriage. I long to have a godly marriage. And I know I have heart issues that need to be addressed. Only by God's grace can I become the wife He wants me to be. And it's so stinking hard some days. No, make that most days. </div>
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"Marriage adopts your character and your habits. If husband and wife are are spiritually weak and not growing, their marriage will be weak and not growing. If the two of you are not getting better personally, then your marriage will not get better. Therefore the best way to improve your marriage is to improve the people that make up the marriage. If your desire is to have a godly marriage, you and your spouse must be godly. The secret to making your marriage better is in making yourself better. All marriage problems are the results of the issues of the heart. Make your heart right with God and He will make your marriage right. Peace in your marriage is the byproduct of the peace in your hearts." - Isaac Kubvoruno</div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-82560093774984138142016-05-22T10:47:00.001-05:002016-05-22T10:47:10.749-05:00Where is the love?Grief hits the heart<div>Strangles the soul</div><div>Stealing away joy</div><div>Destroying peace</div><div>Diminishing hope</div><div>Where is the love?</div><div>Hugs, touch, a stroke </div><div>Holding hands</div><div>Rubbing the back</div><div>Tangible works of love</div><div>Longed for</div><div>Hoped for</div><div>Will they come again?</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35400749.post-57220683774485244282016-05-15T11:17:00.001-05:002016-05-15T11:17:52.477-05:00TearsTears flow unchecked<div>From large brown eyes</div><div>Heavy with pain</div><div>Clouded with sorrow</div><div>That never seems to lift</div><div>Until the door opens</div><div>Then tears are wiped away</div><div>A smile pasted on</div><div>Hiding the depths of hurt</div><div>Confusion and despair </div><div>All is well</div><div>Life is good</div><div>Until the door closes</div>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0