tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-39884649751160717982023-11-16T09:45:04.050-06:00Shara NelsonStriving for Ten Talent Life Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-639421852288023522015-01-26T11:15:00.001-06:002015-01-28T14:25:26.043-06:00Recasting Your Net: Perseverance in Discouragement <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We are getting an HEB Plus in my hometown, finally, and I am so excited! However, because of the road construction to prepare for the new store, the left lane of the street that it will reside on has been closed for several weeks. Over the past few weeks, time and again I would forget that it was closed and have to practically force my way into the right lane at the last minute. I need to be in the left lane to turn toward my street, so having to switch back and forth between lanes was inconvenient. Eventually I got used to the road being one lane and would prepare in advance by getting in the right lane early. After I dropped my kids off at school this morning, I drove through Starbucks and got some coffee before driving home on that exact road. Prepared for the merge, I got into the right lane, then soon realized the left lane was open again! Since that's the lane I actually need to be in, I very happily got back over. I immediately heard these words:<br />
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These words are very comforting to me as it seems the past season has been a "one lane" season. I have been very discouraged by the struggle and constant battle. Can you relate? Does it seem like everything you do has been met with a closed door? I believe God's timing is precise and perfect - whether or not it can be frustrating for those of us bending to it - and these seasons happen for reason. But, seasons change! I believe as we move into Spring, flowers will not be the only thing blooming.<br />
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A few weeks ago at church, while reading Luke 5, my spirit came alive as I related so strongly to Peter's story. I already feel as though Peter and I were cut from the same cloth: temperamental, zealous, the list goes on, but I also have immense respect for Peter. He allowed Christ to break him down and rebuild him into an amazing disciple - he surrendered to God's plan for his life - even though at some points he did it "kicking and screaming". He is my favorite Biblical Figure, so the fact that I am moved by an historical account that he is upfront and center in is nothing new, but this story pricked my heart in a different way. For the past year, I have felt as though God has been asking me to work toward something that is going nowhere. This something is taking my time, money, and causing me a lot of personal stress. I knew going into it that it was God's plan, but as circumstances have gotten harder - I have gotten weary. I have been ready to hang it up, much like the fishermen in the passage:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">"On the banks of Gennesaret Lake, a huge crowd, Jesus in the center of it, presses in to hear His message from God. 2 Off to the side, fishermen are washing their nets, leaving their boats unattended on the shore. Jesus gets into one of the boats and asks its owner, Simon, to push off and anchor a short distance from the beach. Jesus sits down and teaches the people standing on the beach.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 After speaking for a while, Jesus speaks to Simon.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jesus: Move out into deeper water, and drop your nets to see what you’ll catch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Simon (perplexed): 5 Master, we’ve been fishing all night, and we haven’t caught even a minnow. But . . . all right, I’ll do it if You say so."</span></div>
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When is enough finally enough? I can almost hear those words spilling out of Peter's mouth in this passage. He and his fishermen had been working hard all night, to no avail, and had already washed empty their nets and dropped them on the shore. I have wanted so badly to "drop my net" in this past season. I almost heard my own voice when I read Peter's initial response, "Please, God, NO MORE!" But Peter trusted Christ, or at the very least chose to obey him, so he picked up his net once more and threw it out. </div>
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<i><b>What happens when we are obedient in perseverance? </b></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">" Simon then gets his fellow fishermen to help him let down their nets, and to their surprise, the water is bubbling with thrashing fish—a huge school. The strands of their nets start snapping under the weight of the catch, 7 so the crew shouts to the other boat to come out and give them a hand. They start scooping fish out of the nets and into their boats, and before long, their boats are so full of fish they almost sink!"</span></div>
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Because of Peter's obedience, Christ was able to shine. Not only did he cause Peter to have a very successful fishing trip, but he also brought glory to himself - which, by the way, is what this life is all about. Isn't it? To surrender in obedience so that Christ can shine. What better way for Christ to shine than in the dark, discouraging places? If Peter had been successful the first time around, he never would have seen Christ's power - nor would the masses that had just listened to Christ's sermon. They were watching. They are still watching today.<br />
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<i><b>Our lives are on display to reveal God's glory.</b></i></div>
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At the end of the story, Peter falls on his knees in awe of Christ, feeling undeserving of his graciousness. In response, Christ tells Peter that from this point on he would be a "fisher of men". What does that mean? It means that because of Peter's willingness to submit his will to that of Christ's, he would be used to "reel in" men and women to the Kingdom of God. From this point on, Peter was on display as a disciple of Christ. Imperfection aside, God would use Peter to bring himself glory.<br />
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As I sat quietly in church and read this passage, I knew what God was saying to me. Allow me to paraphrase (and feel free to use whatever "God voice" you'd like as you read);<br />
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"Shara, this isn't about you. I am doing kingdom work. I need you to persevere. If you will surrender to my calling, I will do great things. "</div>
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Surrender. One simple word that requires so much. Yet, it's so worth it isn't it? Surrendering to God never returns void. I've done some kicking and screaming, but I have made up my mind.<br />
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So, here I go. I'm recasting my net. Will you join me?</div>
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<span style="color: magenta;">If you enjoyed my post, please feel free to follow me on google, subscribe via email or share my post with your friends! xo- Shara</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-82050706972939767082014-10-16T23:32:00.000-05:002014-10-20T21:55:54.483-05:00Overcoming Hindrances: Kicking Obstacles to the Curb!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One Step Forward - Two Steps Back
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Have you ever had a dream in which you<br />
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move, or what about trying to call someone but couldn't dial the number? Frustrating, right? What is even more frustrating, though, is feeling like<br />
this is real life. One step forward - two steps back is a dance I am very familiar with right now. I have<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pray Against Hindrances</b></span></div>
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Over the past week, after a series of strange, frustrating and sometimes dangerous events, I very clearly heard God tell me to "pray against hindrances". Before I had hardly any time to let this sink in, I had to deal with a very upsetting situation. In the midst of letting myself become too emotionally involved and being tempted to stoop to a level that I would quickly regret, I heard those words again - "pray against hindrances". I quickly realized that this situation was not a random occurrence, but a purposeful hindrance placed in my path to steal my focus. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What's Holding You Back? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Hindrances come in many forms. Some are obvious and some are more subtle. The situation I referred to was subtle. It wasn't blatantly keeping me from physically doing my job, but instead occupied my mind to the point that I could not concentrate on anything else because I was so upset. Hindrances can be physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual. We must learn to discern our encumbrances so that we can cast them aside.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Therefore, having so vast a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, and throwing off everything that hinders us and especially the sin that so easily entangles us, let us keep running with endurance the race set before us." Hebrews 12:1</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #001320;">Breakthrough</span></span><span style="color: #001320;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> is Coming!</span></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">God does not want you remaining stale - he desires that you have victory! I encourage you to pray and ask God to open your eyes to anything that is holding you back from running the race that he has set before you. I'd love to hear your feedback! Has God revealed an obstruction? How are you dealing with it? </span><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-78271816659758259502014-08-07T13:04:00.001-05:002014-08-15T03:38:51.650-05:00Could your hopelessness be part of God's plan? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I was inspired to write during a recent Sunday morning sermon, as my pastor spoke on Luke 24:13 - 'The Walk to Emmaus'. If you are familiar with the passage, you know that it is a story of two men who are taking a journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus and unknowingly have a conversation with Christ along the way. The two men leave Jerusalem confused and hopeless concerning Christ's death, but arrive enlightened with newfound hope and understanding after Christ reveals to them the truth of His death and resurrection. The message of this story is typically the same, spun from different voices, however one particular verse kept jumping out at me that brought a whole new light to the passage. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"And we had our hopes up that he was the One, the One about to deliver Israel. And it is now the third day since it happened." v. 21</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">More specifically on my mind, is the second part of the verse which reads, "And it is now the third day since it happened". </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Seemingly insignificant, these words would be easy to scroll over without a second thought. However, every single word in the Bible is significant and of importance and this short phrase is not excluded . In fact, I have noticed that the phrases that don't seem to make sense in the passage sometimes have the most awesome part to play in the story! I feel this way about these words. They have haunted me since I read them. I can see the two men, heads hanging, utterly devastated. </span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Enter Jesus</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">So why do these words have such significance? It is common in Jewish culture to believe the soul of the dead hovers over the body for three days, making resurrection possible. However, after those three days are over, it is believed that the soul departs. These men had most likely been desiring or expecting Christ to rise within those three days and once the those three days were gone - so was their hope. Now here they are, totally and completely lost. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Their spirits are crushed and any reveries of a king, sitting on a throne, bringing them deliverance from their physical oppressor are lost. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be patient with me, however, as I say that </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I believe their state of devastation was right where Christ needed them to be.</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Up until this part of the story, His plan had been molded into <i>their</i> plan, in a form that made sense to them and was possible without divine intervention. </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Their hopelessness is good and is a much needed means to an end, an end that will benefit them tremendously. They were so intent on believing they knew how things should play out, that they never would have been able to see they were missing the forest for trees - if He hadn't set those trees on fire - so to speak. I can see Christ patiently waiting until the moment their human hopes were out of the way, so that he could step in. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Perhaps he even walked by them - invisibly - until that precise moment that they hit pure hopelessness, then BAM! he appeared, ready to do His thing.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You see, sometimes God has to peel apart our fingers and loosen the grip of the hope to which we cling, so that He can then replace it with Him - allowing us to see that what we have been holding to, so strongly, is false. And would you blame providence for this? For the momentary breaking of one's heart, ideals and plans, in order to show us what He has is real. Not better, but real...true. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Christ does not offer <i>better</i> hope, He <i>is </i>hope. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, as I reflect on these two men, I see the importance of complete reliance on Christ. Had they not had to set aside their assumptions and focused on Him, they wouldn't have ever known that true salvation was coming for them - not just a physical deliverance from bondage, but an eternal salvation for their souls! They found a hope that day that isn't based on circumstances. It goes beyond that. Beyond pain, confusion and frustration. These men, and their famous journey, are a beautiful picture of how our crushed dreams and lost hope aren't necessarily an end, but the beginning of a journey that holds more than we could ever dream of for ourselves. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"But as it is written, 'Things which an eye didn't see, and an ear didn't hear, which didn't enter into the heart of man, these God has prepared for those who love him.'"</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: inherit; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"> 1 Corinthians 2:9 World English Bible</span></h4>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-513672991772084572014-02-20T16:12:00.002-06:002014-08-16T12:25:57.339-05:00The First step <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMJ6LNsGp1bNxfJ2SFGQ8iSeyX7B3SjfF1B-4DpRlD7ttnh7oHljdkmZu6MLWWpW8NVUbplaRPB0Xn0p1SEEZDKJiHWVZclurpeJ1We_3R44LVi3dWeEUMMG9CZVGO4ehB59andEZ8sTak/s1600/TTPbutton.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/AVvXsEhMJ6LNsGp1bNxfJ2SFGQ8iSeyX7B3SjfF1B-4DpRlD7ttnh7oHljdkmZu6MLWWpW8NVUbplaRPB0Xn0p1SEEZDKJiHWVZclurpeJ1We_3R44LVi3dWeEUMMG9CZVGO4ehB59andEZ8sTak/s1600/TTPbutton.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This blog post is a snippet from my book The Thankful Project. The content of this post is from a chapter that I have dedicated to learning gratitude in adversity. I hope you enjoy this tidbit! </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">You’ve probably heard the old adage, “The first step in recovery is admitting you have a problem.” Why is this? Simply put, if you do not know what you need then you won’t know what to ask for/work for, etc. However, If you are anything like me, you’re not fond of looking at your mess up close and personal like. You know, the stinky fish in the trash that’s smelling up your kitchen, i.e the pile of bills and debt sitting on your desk? Or what about the giant elephant in the room, i.e. the infidelity, depression, etc. ruining your life? Ignoring it’s existence will not make it go away. Let me repeat that. Listen carefully. Ignoring the thing that is ruining your life is not going to make it go away. Neither will griping about it, crying about it, having a pity party or worrying. What, Shara? I can’t worry my problems away? To all of us worry warts out there, that sounds like heresy. It’s true though and you know it, because you’ve been worrying for years and your house smells like stinky fish and every time you want to watch t.v. you find yourself yelling at Gladys to get out of the way! (That’s the elephant’s name...she’s been there so long you had to finally name her.) I am making light of this, but I know that a lot of the time it is truly hard to think there is any positive emotion that will actually benefit our situations. We are partially right about this because truthfully apart from occasional circumstances in and of ourselves we are not capable of digging ourselves out of our own ruts. Enter God. Enter glorious, faithful, remarkably incredible God. He will show up anywhere the praise of His people beckons him, even if that means slap dab in the middle of a dilapidated mess!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> The first thing that</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Nehemiah did upon arrival in Judah was to take a midnight stroll around the city to inspect the destruction. He needed to know what he was dealing with so that he could make a plan. Plenty us of have had to come home after tornados, hurricanes, or tsunami’s and see the utter heartbreak of our town torn to pieces - add to that the hate of war - and you can imagine the anguish he felt. After surveying the mess, Nehemiah was better aware of the situation, which allowed him to make a solid plan!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span>So, if you've found yourself in a sticky situation, it might be time survey the damage! Don't be afraid to face your disaster head on! Do it with the confidence that God has gone before you to lead the way towards rebuilding! Ask him for wisdom and guidance on the your next steps towards restoration! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hope you enjoyed this (slightly adapted for blog purposes) snippet of my book, "The Thankful Project"! Keep an eye out for the book in its entirety later this year! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">XO - Shara</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-63326475597254684792014-02-14T09:41:00.001-06:002014-10-20T22:04:14.262-05:00Love Bites <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I haven't blogged in a while. My husband and I are partnering with another couple and opening a restaurant…soon! So, that has been consuming a lot of my time and anytime that I have been committing to writing, has been for my book. But, I got to thinking about something today and felt inspired to write - so here goes! Forgive the short and sweet approach of this post!<br />
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Every genre and generation of music sings about it. From "love hurts", to "love bites", to "I'm gonna keep on loving you", love has been the topic of too many songs to count. Why? Because that is something that everyone can relate to. We have all felt love - even if it was/is reluctant or leery. We loved our parents or siblings when we were children, then friends has we got older and on to spouses or significant others. We love being loved, the feeling it gives us. We enjoy the companionship and intimacy that love grants us. But if you're anything like me, you don't like to think about the negative aspects of loving someone.<br />
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A couple days ago I drove my parents to see my uncle, who is in the hospital recovering from surgery. My sister planned on going with us (she ended up not being able to) and I made the comment to her, "aww…the whole family all together for the day!" Only that wasn't true. One of us - my brother - is missing. Our family will never be whole again until eternity. You better believe the empty 5th seat would have been felt, even after 20 years. That's how it goes when someone you love dies. You feel the crushing pain for the rest of your life. Does it fade a bit? Perhaps…but it never dies. This post isn't about grief or losing a loved one, though. It's about love, period, and the sacrifice that you sign up for when you choose to love someone. You see, when we choose to love someone we are choosing all the hurt that love encompasses. Whether you're lied to, cheated on, or they die and leave you desperately lonely for their presence - we chose it when we chose <i>them</i>.<br />
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I started reading The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom a couple days ago, who by the way, along with her family, is the human epitome of love. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten and will carry on with their legacy. In the book, after Corrie is turned away by the man she loves, her father says to her "Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love." Wow. To have already pondered the pain of love, this quote caught my attention. I read it over and over.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Do you know what hurts so very much? It's love."</span></b><br />
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That sums up this post in 2 short sentences.<br />
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Remember that when you chose to give your love to your children, spouse or best friend. At some point your heart will be broken, but that is alright. Garth Brooks says it best in his The Dance - " I could've<br />
missed the pain, but I'd had to miss the dance." <br />
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Dance on my friends.<br />
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XO - Shara<br />
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In keeping with the theme of Love and sacrifice, I would like to encourage you to pick up my friend's book, "Intentional Marriage: The Art of Loving Your Husband." It is .99 for today only on Amazon. Pick it up!!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-8791738062733269282014-01-24T16:27:00.001-06:002014-01-24T16:27:04.443-06:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-74440430275510910592014-01-24T15:04:00.001-06:002014-01-24T15:07:10.029-06:00The Role of Gratitude: The Thankful Project Book Excerpt<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The following is an </span>excerpt<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> from my upcoming book The Thankful Project, which speaks about living a victorious life through gratitude. This particular </span>excerpt talks about the role of the priest and poses the question of whether we are taking our job seriously in the royal priesthood of Christ. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">“They are to stand every morning to thank and to praise the LORD, and likewise at evening.” 1 Chronicles 23:30</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Bible has a lot to say on the subject of thanksgiving in regards to our spiritual journey. More than a suggestion, it is commanded of us and part of our role as Christians. An intricate part of worship, thanksgiving is crucial to our spiritual growth. The existence or non-existence of Thanksgiving can be used as a good indicator of where we are in our walk with God. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">In 1 Chronicles chapter 16, we see a very important, and beautiful, picture of the role that thanksgiving plays in Christianity, as David appoints the levites with their different roles in offering praise to God. King David has just had the ark brought back to Jerusalem after it had been out of Zion’s possession for quite a while. After celebrating its return, David wastes no time in giving the Ark a home and setting up the duties of the priests. He immediately appoints the Levites with different jobs concerning the ark.</span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“David appointed the following Levites to lead the people in worship before the Ark of the Lord—to invoke his blessings, to give thanks, and to praise the Lord, the God of Israel.” 1 Chronicles 16:4 (NLT)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> The roles consisted of praising and petitioning God, as well as giving thanks. There was actually a specific job designated solely to being thankful. Having a heart of gratitude may sometimes start to seem cliche or trite, but this passage of scripture shows us the true importance it holds. At the point of history in this verse, God’s spirit did not live within humans as he does today, but in one place - The Ark of the Covenant - and the Levites, or priests, were the liaisons between believers and God. God’s people counted on the priests to help them remain in good standing before the Lord by offering sacrifices, praise, and offering thanksgiving! The people of God expected and relied on the Levites to carry out these duties on their behalf. Once Christ ascended to heaven, He sent Holy Spirit - the spirit of God to live within those who believe. Now we are our own priests - our lives and praise our sacrifice. How often are we offering our thanksgiving to God? I can’t help but wonder if we maintain our priestly duties to the degree that we would have expected the Levites to do for us. Do we take advantage of this incredible gift or do we take it for granted? This question can only be answered individually, and I have a feeling I know <i>my</i> answer. Can you say “ouch”? </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Notice also that the priests were not merely stating their thanks for “counting their blessings”, they were offering <i>up</i> their thanksgiving <i>to God</i>. You may consider yourself a grateful person, but are you giving the thanks where thanks is ultimately due? </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Paul confronts the consequences of due thanks being withheld in the book of Romans as he writes about the wrath of God being poured out on the godless and wicked. In chapter one, He points out the root of their detestable sins:</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“For although they knew God, <b>they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him</b>, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Romans 1:21 (NIV emphasis mine)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Withholding gratitude from God had a pretty hefty price tag for these “godless and wicked” people, as the next few verses explain that He gave them over to their sin. They refused to acknowledge Him and His goodness, made life about themselves and distorted the truth, thus beginning the downward spiral. They worshiped themselves and the things of this world </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">rather</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> than the maker of all things, hoping for power from powerless things. We do the same thing when we refuse to worship God by giving an offering of thanksgiving - acknowledging Him as the true God “from whom all blessings flow”. </span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">XO-Shara</span></span><br />
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</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> This post was shared at:</span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-4686993540544693502014-01-09T09:50:00.001-06:002014-01-09T09:52:08.590-06:00One Word: Commit<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Do you have commitment issues? You can be honest, there is no judgement here. I am the poster child for commitment issues. I am great at coming up with grand schemes, but following through hasn't always been my strong suit. A few months ago, the Lord convicted me of allowing my talents to lay wasted, and encouraged…err…commanded me to pick them up and use them. So, I began writing my blog and after some time of being consistent with that, He began having me write a book. I don't think my commitment issues stemmed from laziness ( not completely anyway), but in not feeling like what I was doing was anything special - a kind of "why bother?" attitude. The truth is, as long as we are doing it for The Lord - it<i> is </i>special - to him - and he receives it as worship!<br />
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As the new year began, I saw the growing trend of the "one word" movement for 2014, in place of the traditional resolution. I wasn't feeling totally swayed at first, but my need to conquer a good challenge kicked in and since coming up with one lone word as my resolution for 2014 was truly a challenge - I accepted! I mean really, one word?! I figured I would need at least 25 to get myself in order! Can I get an amen?! Seriously, though, as I began to ponder on the verses that'd been on my heart - and thought about the verses that my husband had shared with me, I heard my "one word". COMMIT. I feel that this word was two-part, meaning that I needed to commit to work the blessings He's given and will give me, and that once I have made that choice, that I then need to commit those blessings to him.<br />
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"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." Proverbs 16:3</div>
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This is an oldie but a goodie, for most of us. We read it and trust in the fulfillment of His promise. This promise is conditional, however, and I wonder how many of us have been putting the emphasis on the wrong syllable, so to speak, when it comes to this verse and others like it. In order for our plans to succeed,we must first COMMIT them to the Lord. Um…yeah. That's easy peasy. NOT! If you're like me, you like to control your plans - they are yours after all, right? Well, even if that's true, so is this:</div>
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"People may plan all kinds of things, but the Lord's will is going to be done." Proverbs 19:21</div>
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Oh, Proverbs! You have a way of chopping us down to size! But really, we know that God can navigate better than we could even dream of, so why waste precious time trying to steer ourselves? That being said, it is still not easy to give over a dream! </div>
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It's a trust fall, a leap of faith. But we know that he will catch us -that he will come through, because he is faithful! So, close your eyes and jump already!</div>
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Maybe you are still stuck on the actually committing to the working park - the making up your mind to put your head down and plow - I am right there with you. I am more of a sit in the shade and sip tea kind of gal….not a plower, but I hear God saying it is time to work - and sow amazing seeds that will turn into fruit more bountiful than we can imagine! </div>
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He is faithful to his promises. Commit and watch him establish you. </div>
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Yesterday, I heard the words of a very successful Christian who is no stranger to hard work, say the words, "If you will not be lazy and commit to the process - He (God) will do great things". This struck me, as it was the very words He'd already been speaking to me. I love how he confirms His Word to us. </div>
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So, I took the challenge and found my one word for 2014. I will commit to the process and I will commit the process to Him. Will you commit in 2014? What's your one word? </div>
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XO - Shara<br />
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This blog was linked up at Serving Joyfully!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-41731683162033890662014-01-03T11:51:00.000-06:002014-01-03T11:56:41.209-06:00Thoughts on the New Year and First Friday Link Up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We have a double oven in our home, but for the last year the top oven has not worked. It's a major bummer when the holidays roll around, especially when you are hosting Thanksgiving - but a lot of people make do with one oven, so can't really whine too much, right? I actually turned it on for a while on Thanksgiving day and asked God for a miracle, but alas, the little oven light remained un-illuminated. </div>
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A couple days ago, I walked into the kitchen to my husband cooking breakfast. He was making pig n' blankets and as I groggily stumbled to the coffee pot, he announced that the top oven was working! I stood there, half asleep, staring at the little red light that shows you the oven is on - illuminated for the first time in over a year. He hadn't done anything but turned it on! I immediately felt the Holy Spirit tell me that this was God's favor - things that hadn't worked previously would work now - with HIS hand on us. </div>
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I truly believe that if we submit ourselves to Christ with obedience, that God is ready to knock our socks of this year! What's your dream for 2014? Mine is to be debt free and I know that if we are faithful to the process that God is going to come alongside of my husband and I and multiply our efforts! He is such a good God that knows how to give above and beyond our wildest dreams! So dream BIG this year!</div>
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Here are a couple scripture passages that I have enjoyed reading and feel may be pertinent to the coming year:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. Psalm 2:8</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33</span><span class="p" style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 13px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #001320; font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">I also think that the book of Jude is a magnificent prophetic word for this year. Dig in The Word! </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="color: #001320;">Share your thoughts on the New Year or anything else that is on your heart and link up </span><a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/a-hrefhttp10-talents.html" style="color: cyan;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="color: #001320;"> or click on First Friday Link Up in my header.</span></span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-59824239852901626802013-12-17T10:27:00.000-06:002013-12-17T11:03:56.828-06:00Can Joy Be Restored? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEkFyYHkxWdLWkSRmHv5C5IUyTga6Kvh0Km0nuonj7VFhsPcymcBBN5VawT9ZIzOySzloufNBC8rrE6HY3SCKcTBr5ItIBGEUIatxGKTQBFYVZ8vi-h80PeClMvUG2DtWvSg42zzXg5C9/s1600/Joyblue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIEkFyYHkxWdLWkSRmHv5C5IUyTga6Kvh0Km0nuonj7VFhsPcymcBBN5VawT9ZIzOySzloufNBC8rrE6HY3SCKcTBr5ItIBGEUIatxGKTQBFYVZ8vi-h80PeClMvUG2DtWvSg42zzXg5C9/s400/Joyblue.jpg" width="400" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">When I was pregnant with our first child, twelve years ago, I prayed everyday for her to be filled with God’s joy. There were so many things that I could have prayed over her - contentment, health, etc. -</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">but i chose joy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">After she was born, her father carried her tiny body across the hospital hall to the nursery. He swears that she smiled at him - and though the thought of a newly born baby smiling is hard to believe - I <i>do </i>believe - because I know what I prayed all those expectant months. Now, twelve years have passed and the story has changed. Life has happened - her wide-eyed naivety lost, and I find myself longing for my happy baby. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I understand all to well the things that rob her joy and perhaps I miss my own innocence as much as I miss hers; it feels life has jaded me as well. She is a part of me, a reflection of me - a woman in the making. She is mine to mold, mine to hold. She is my daughter, my sister in Christ and one day, God willing, will be a dear friend. She depends on me to guide her through this minefield of a world. It is not for the faint of heart, shaping a child into a woman. It brings me to my knees - in sobs, in hair-pulling frustration, and in prayer. My prayers sound more like a desperate plea, and they are not lost on Him. His reply is gentle, but heard.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>It’s time for joy to be restored.</i> </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">But how does she...do I... get something back that has been gone for so long? </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> then it comes - my answer in the form of a question..</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>Have you forgotten all that I have done for you</i>? God’s words pierce, but they arouse hope because I know what he is saying - that he can be trusted with her heart. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He can be trusted with <i>my</i> heart. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So I relish each smile, giggle, and pre-teen silliness when it comes. I even join in. I become a woman-child myself, and it is healing - freeing. This delicate, breakable, adolescent reminds me of who I want to be, of who I need to be.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am reminded of who I need to be, for <i>her </i>sake. I must be an example for her follow - a pattern of who she will become.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I am reminded of my undeniable need for God. Reminded that he constantly works in me - molding and shaping me into the image of His son. I see the image - a perfect circle - each of us perpetually maturing, following the pattern set before us. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">LInked up at <a href="http://www.shelovesmagazine.com/" target="_blank">SheLoves Magazine</a> today! </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">XO-Shara</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-71539554622915358842013-12-16T11:21:00.000-06:002014-10-22T20:49:54.284-05:00Brian "Head" Welch: Sell Out?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am starting a new series that will feature several Christian celebrities. My first post is on one of my favorites, Brian "Head" Welch. This man just can't seem to avoid starting controversy and I love it!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Brian "Head" Welch. Photo Credits Unkown.</span><br />
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Brian Welch, better known as "Head", rose to fame in the 90's as the lead guitarist for Korn, a successful US metal band. He took band mates and the music industry by storm in 2005 when he announced that he'd become a born again Christian and left the band, giving up a large signing bonus, to focus on his new found Christianity. However, in 2013, head returned to Korn, perplexing Christian fans and leaving them to wonder if he was finished with his faith.</div>
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After quitting Korn, not having quit his passion for music, Head began his own band, Love and death. Love and Death, while putting out much more wholesome lyrics than Korn, fed Head's need to use his talent. So then why in 2013 did he decide to return to Korn and re-embrace the less than orthodox environment he'd previously felt convicted to leave?<br />
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In a recent interview with In The Now Magazine on Blabbermouth, Head describes his return to the band as "riding a wave of joy." When asked during an interview for Huffington Post, how he reconciles his faith and his choice to play for Korn, he replies with a simple, "they're my people!" He reminds us that Christ didn't exclude himself from the world, but befriended them. So what do we say to this? Is it a cliche excuse to do what he wants in the name of Christ or could it be more? Could it be that he is subtly crying out to Christians Trust me, I got this! I love these people and I want them to see Christ in me? Could he being taking Paul's approach and being "all things to all people?"<br />
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While Head remains quite reserved about his decision, if we allow his life to speak for him - it will. Much like his fellow band member, Fieldy, who is also a born again Christian, he chooses to lead a life that shows Christ rather than speaks so much of Him. During an interview with CBN, Fieldy explains his method for spreading the gospel: "It's weird 'cause when you're living your life for Christ, people know it!" He talks about the sad truth that some people don't want help, or salvation, and that all we can do is be their friend "until they're ready to open up." And isn't that what Christianity is all about - living a life of true freedom for others to see, and then being ready to help them have the same thing when they are willing? It is said that light shines brightest in the darkness. What better backdrop is there for Christ's love? It seems to me, he left for the right reasons and has returned for the right reasons.<br />
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So He lives his life, in the midst of the storm, standing on the rock. Is he a sellout? Yeah! He sold out. He will no longer be controlled by the mindset of the music industry, but live amongst them - set apart. I applaud you, Head! Keep on keeping on!<br />
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Get Head and Fieldy's book here: </div>
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<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=tt0f9b6-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=0061431648&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=05C7C2&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe> <iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/cm?t=tt0f9b6-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=006166250X&ref=tf_til&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=05C7C2&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&npa=1&f=ifr" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe><br />
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This post contains my personal and honest opinions. No compensation was taken. Post contains Affiliate links.<br />
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Resources:<br />
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http://live.huffingtonpost.com/r/segment/korn-the-paradigm-shift/523c964e2b8c2a6de3000451<br />
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http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/korn-guitarist-brian-head-welch-interviewed-by-in-the-now-magazine-video/<br />
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http://www.cbn.com/tv/1418742796001<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-73494129332666934342013-12-12T09:50:00.001-06:002013-12-12T11:37:17.535-06:00Devotional Review and GIVEAWAY: Journey Through Judges by Laura Krokos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I have been using the devotional Journey Through Judges by author, Laura Krokos. I have enjoyed it so much that I decided to do a giveaway for 1 copy of the book. Below is my review. Enjoy!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Journey Through Judges.<br />
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In the Christian literary world there are devotionals and there are Bible studies, and then there is Laura Krokos' <i>A Devotional Journey Through Judges, </i>which is a little bit of both! Her title is apt, as this book truly is a journey. Unlike most devotionals that contain random verses from different parts of the Bible, Journey Through Judges provides consecutive verses beginning at the first verse of Judges and ending with the last, giving the reader a cohesive theme to follow throughout the devotional. The reader is able to gain knowledge of the book of Judges while benefitting from Laura's insight and personal tidbits. I am thoroughly enjoying this devotional. I would recommend it to anyone wanting a devotional that is a bit different from the traditional coffee table edition, or anyone that would like a Bible study that does<br />
not require much time.<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tt0f9b6-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1492305243" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> She did a beautiful job on this book!<br />
Great work!<br />
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If you would like to pick up your own copy of Laura's devotional today, simply click on the link below!<br />
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*Disclaimer: My personal copy and giveaway copy were both purchased with my own money. The review states my honest opinions on the product. Post contains affiliate links.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-64521328173070581492013-12-03T10:58:00.002-06:002013-12-05T15:42:19.994-06:00Healing Through Thanksgiving - The Thankful Project Book Excerpt <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsbrlsZolbYa3-BWCxUF0G3j4Z0lSiKGOYoArGk03-YVphuG9MIsSbIG7G9cmcim0X227wHj3CVfcleQvjIYROjC5RFT_FI4ENBld4-8wdrWAvJCs7G48cvl2Vd5Jlm1aOICThSbpuoNd/s1600/THANKFULCOLLAGE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipsbrlsZolbYa3-BWCxUF0G3j4Z0lSiKGOYoArGk03-YVphuG9MIsSbIG7G9cmcim0X227wHj3CVfcleQvjIYROjC5RFT_FI4ENBld4-8wdrWAvJCs7G48cvl2Vd5Jlm1aOICThSbpuoNd/s320/THANKFULCOLLAGE.JPG" width="320" /></a>Some of you know that I am currently working on my first e-book. I won't bore you with the details, but the book covers the healing power that being thankful holds. Writing the book has been cathartic for me, as well as insightful as I have discovered new truths in the Bible for the power of thanksgiving! Here is an excerpt with a couple questions for you to ponder on, as well as the last two personal stories for <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/the-thankful-project.html" target="_blank">The Thankful Project</a></span> that I hosted in November. Be blessed! </span></div>
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</span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">The idea of gratitude is not new to me, but recently I have been taken to new depths in which I can see the healing potential that having a spirit of gratitude can bring - especially in the harder times of life. My journey begin recently while pondering some of my own personal struggles. While seeking wisdom, it seemed that God began speaking about gratitude through what seemed like every available facet. I began to meditate on 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which commands us to be thankful in </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">all </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">circumstances. Gratitude is not a suggestion - it is a command. This verse tells us that it is the very will of God. There must be a reason that God’s will for us is to be grateful in all circumstances - the "all" implying not just the happy times in life. I began to think about smaller trials that I have experienced and desert seasons my husband and I traveled through. I realized that when we chose to worship God and give him an offering of thanksgiving, things went much smoother - His glory shined through. Instead of worrying and freaking out </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">until </i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">he provided, we thanked him for his provision - knowing he is faithful while we waited. The trial then became a faith building, intimacy growing, moment. The wheels in my brain began turning quickly as I wondered if it is possible to apply this approach to more devastating situations such a grief or mental illness, both of which I suffer. Could being thankful </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">in</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> my depression be the key to getting </span><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">out</i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;"> of my depression? Could thanking God for His perfect will and plan help relieve my grieving heart? The Thankful Project was born shortly after this introspection. I began asking people that I knew to think about times when they were able to learn thankfulness in adversity. I asked several people to write out their stories for me to share on my blog. Something interesting began happening as these friends and family members were actually being ministered to through this assignment. While they were having to think on their hardships and write about thanksgiving in the midst of them, they were receiving revelation and healing. They were seeing their troubles, not as thorns, but as ....blessings! The more that I talked to people and studied on the subject of gratitude, the more I realized this was information that has to be shared. </span><br />
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</span></span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="letter-spacing: 0px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Have you ever walked through a season of utter sorrow only to later look back and see God’s hand on that situation? What if you were able to walk </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">through</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that trial with the same amount of hope you had after you could see how God used it for His purposes? I believe that gratitude allows you to do just that - thank God for the storm </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">while you are in it</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> - rather than when it is over and all is calm again. By doing that, you are able to walk through the wind and hail that life’s storms bring, with your head held high - hope being your confidence. Maybe you already through a specific season of life that has left you </span>devastated<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> and feeling hopeless? I truly believe that gratitude can bring the healing you are longing for.</span></span><br />
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</span></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Questions to ponder on:</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Think of one thing in your life that you never thought you could be thankful for.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. If it were possible to receive healing in this area through thanksgiving, would you be willing to offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God for this situation? </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I hosted The Thankful Project in November. I shared people's stories of learning thanksgiving through adversity. Some of these stories will be included in the book. Here are the last two - but certainly not least. I know one of these people well, and though she is purposely vague about her situation - let me say this to you: your amount of emotional pain does NOT dictate whether or not you can receive healing! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Story Submitted by Donna Foley</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Lord, don't ever expect me to thank you for this like it tells us in your word. I won't."</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Did I actually say that to the Lord? Did I have the nerve to utter those words? I'm afraid I did. I have always felt that I should speak out loud what my heart feels-He knows what am thinking anyway. It kind of clears the air. Not that I am proud of it you understand. But, the truth stands. It has been many, many years since I spoke those words to the Lord. I had just traveled through-no-crawled through is a more accurate way to describe my months in the fire. The fire of tempering, molding, and reshaping. Had I committed </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">some big sin? No! Someone else had and I was paying the price-with my mind, body, and soul. But, when I walked out of the fire with my pockets full of scripture, my lips in </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">continual prayer, and my heart and mind full of wise counsel-I knew I now stood on a solid rock foundation!! I knew my Lord in a more intimate way than ever before. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">Years passed and I continued to heal. Then one day I found myself standing along side my son who needed everything I could give him. -emotionally, spiritually, and physically. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">He needed my help going through cancer treatment and then help on his final journey HOME.I stood tall and strong beside him with my feet planted on solid ground. Then-I said to my Lord- thank you for the trials of yesteryear!! I could never have made it through this time with Shane without that time of fire testing. The Lord knew my heart and that I would do anything for my children. Would I choose to go back and go through those trials again with what I know now. NO!!! The journey back is too painful! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">I just am so thankful that I have Abba Father who doesn't let me go back or allow me to know the future! Live today! Trust today! Walk the path that my savior has laid out for </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; letter-spacing: 0px;">me today and be thank you He is wiser than I am and will get me through to the END!</span></div>
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Donna Foley is the author of <i>Shane: Given by God.</i> This book is a ministerial tool for those who have lost loved ones. If you would like a copy or know someone who would benefit, please let me know in the comments below and I will get you one, free of charge. </div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have found out that in life there are many ups and downs. In the up times, I can be so happy and so thankful and in the down times, well, let’s just say that I am a “Big Cry Baby”. But, the Lord is changing that attitude in me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A little less than a year ago I got myself into a real mess. Type II diabetes was ruining my life. I had let myself be convinced that I could do whatever I wanted, eat what I wanted and how much I wanted and never exercise and that all these things would not bother me. WRONG!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The diabetes got out of control and so did I. My Dr. tried a new medicine, but it didn’t work for me. So, he told me that he really couldn’t help me anymore and that I needed to see a Diabetic Specialist. I was heartbroken and very scared. I pretty much felt hopeless, which is a lie from the enemy. All kinds of things went through my mind, like I would be on insulin, my kidney’s would fail and I would be on dialysis, etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">After getting my appointment set to go to the Diabetic Doctor, I really got myself in gear. I was on my knees seeking God’s forgiveness for doing this to myself and I was asking God for direction. He led me to a low-carb diet and to a gym. By the time my appointment came to see the Diabetic Doctor, the blood sugar numbers were coming down. Dr. Daniel, just kept me on the one medicine that I was on and didn’t add anything else. He told me to keep eating right and exercising and to keep losing weight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The next two times I went to see him, I got awesome reports. Things just keep getting better. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can truly say that I am so thankful that all of this happened. Had it not, no telling what would have happened. The Lord has shown me that His Hand is always on me. He wasn’t caught off guard and He wasn’t surprised. He also, has shown Himself faithful. He has been with me leading me and helping me every step of the way. I still have a long way to go and I now know that He can be trusted fully. When I waver or get off track, he gently leads me back. When I feel down, He lifts my head. I give Him Praise and Honor and Glory. HE is the Faithful One who loves me and who loves you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don’t ever give up. Always be thankful. If you are His and are living according to His purposes, He is always working things out for your good. Thanking Him for all He has done in my life. I can’t make it without Him. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love and Blessings,</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Linda</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks so much for stopping by! x0-Shara</span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">This blog was shared on Titus 2 Tuesdays linkup! </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-23273814875286057882013-11-27T12:31:00.000-06:002013-11-27T13:55:45.277-06:00Why Celebrate Hanukkah: How-To for Newbies Plus Gift Ideas<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQjUrqiHC19elxf0HyYcwI6gQTAb4Nq6W73Saq_XoVbzcVQQ9zImgaxVj4IXHB0bzH80wZXs1tBG-ZQaoFJtPe6Q2T9AU5RlC4dJTaAPKCMfpM8dqcRFL402fA7zDGfHUpgmY0L4m9BvH/s1600/ID-10088378.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/AVvXsEgDQjUrqiHC19elxf0HyYcwI6gQTAb4Nq6W73Saq_XoVbzcVQQ9zImgaxVj4IXHB0bzH80wZXs1tBG-ZQaoFJtPe6Q2T9AU5RlC4dJTaAPKCMfpM8dqcRFL402fA7zDGfHUpgmY0L4m9BvH/s320/ID-10088378.jpg" width="212" /></a>If you are unfamiliar with Hanukkah, it may seem strange celebrating a "Jewish" holiday when you aren't Jewish. However, in the Bible the feasts were called the "feasts of <b>the Lord</b>" and were extended to the aliens in the land (that's the non-Jews). The feasts of the Lord hold incredible teaching opportunities for us as well as great spiritual truths. Plus, Christ honored them so why shouldn't we? Even though Hanukkah was not one of the original feasts in the Old Testament that were required to be celebrated, it is still an important part of Christianity's history and a brilliant reminder of God's provision.<br />
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Hanukkah is referred to as The feast of Lights or The feast of Dedication in the New Testament. John chapter 10 speaks of Christ being in Jerusalem during the feast. Shortly before this, he had given his famous "light of the world" message, which not so coincidentally would prepare the hearts of those celebrating the up and coming feast. Hopefully as they saw the lights, they would remember His words and their eyes would be opened to the truth. So, why celebrate Hanukkah if he's fulfilled the feast as the light of the world? Simple. It reminds us, inspires us and <b>honors Him. </b><br />
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So what were they celebrating exactly? Quick history lesson: the temple where God's people worshiped had been desecrated by heathens and was not functioning as God intended it to. A very brave clan with the name of the Maccabees stepped up and started a revolt. The temple of God was taken back and re-dedicated to God, hence the name Feast of "Dedication". The priests lit the lamps (menorahs) as they'd been commanded of God, but there was a problem - there was only enough consecrated oil to last three days and it would take a week to receive more. The priests had been commanded to never let the lights go out, so they would not be able to keep their requirements. Or would they? This is where the miracle comes in. The lights remained lit until the new supply of consecrated oil arrived - eight days. When God commands us do something, he makes sure we are equipped! He is the ultimate provider! I LOVE this story! It reminds me that no matter how crazy or impossible somethings seems, if God has called me to do it - he will give the provision! He's amazing like that!<br />
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Hanukkah starts on Thanksgiving day this year! How appropriate is that? On the day we give thanks, we can give thanks for his provision while celebrating the holiday that reminds us of just that! So if you are as smitten with this holiday as I am and are ready to give your best shot at "eight crazy nights", here is a simple how-to and a few small gift ideas. Don't become overwhelmed. Keep it simple and enjoy!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Simple How-to:</span></b></div>
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1. <b>Get a menorah or make one. </b>You can go all out and buy a beautiful Hanukkiah( a menorah specially for Hanukkah) or you can simply grab 9 tea lights or candles and line them in a row. Get creative with this! You will use the middle candle every night to light the candles, it is called the "servant candle" and represents Christ. You will start from the right end of the candles or menorah and, using the servant candle light the number of candles that correspond to that night of Hanukah. (ex. the fourth night of Hanukah, you will light the four candles starting from the right end- the servant candle remains lit as well).<br />
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2. <b>Tell the story of Hanukkah. </b>We celebrate to be reminded, so make sure you prepare your heart and the hearts of your children with the "why" of the holiday! This can be as simple or in depth as you want it. I will provide links to printables below.<br />
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3. <b>Enjoy the Culture! </b>Indulge in traditional Hanukkah goodies such as donuts or latkes. (recipes below)<br />
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4. <b>Have some fun! </b>Play dreidel! Target has dreidels and gelt (gold wrapped chocolate made to look like coins) in their dollar section. The game is easy and fun - the kids will love it! Make Hanukah crafts! Use print outs for the kids to color or make Hanukah crafts!<br />
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When you are buying gifts for eight nights, the cost can add up quickly. Small gifts are wise, especially if you also celebrate Christmas. Our family chooses to only give gifts the first night and the budget is around $5. We also only give to the kids. Don't feel pressured to stick to any certain traditions, make it your own. Here are a few inexpensive gift ideas:</div>
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Gift cards - grab a $5 giftcard for Starbucks, Sonic, etc. Everyone loves these and it doesn't break the bank!</div>
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Dreidel and gelt - This will be a big hit with the kiddos and it's a fun activity to boot!</div>
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Movie night box - Grab a cheap movie and throw in some popcorn and candy! Voila! You have a family movie night!</div>
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Ornament - If you celebrate Christmas as well, this is a fun time to give a new ornament, since Hanukkah typically falls, or a tleast starts, before Christmas. </div>
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Socks - This one is great for women and children! Make it more sophisticated by adding a nice foot cream or lotion. </div>
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When buying for young children, think about age and gender. Girls tend to love nail polish, lip gloss, polly pockets, etc. Those items are inexpensive and still a delight! For boys, think small lego sets, Hot Wheels, etc. </div>
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I tend to think "stocking stuffer" size gifts for Hanukkah. This is a good rule and makes gift buying easier! </div>
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Remember to make this holiday your own, creating personal traditions and memories! The importance is being reminded of God's goodness and all else is extra! Have fun and God bless! </div>
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recipes: http://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/454611/jewish/Chanukah-Recipes.htm</div>
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Hanukah story printable: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/789752/jewish/Printable-Chanukah-Guide-2013.htm</div>
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Activities/crafts for kid: http://www.enchantedlearning.com/crafts/hanukkah/</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-59957654564091335872013-11-25T12:28:00.000-06:002013-11-25T13:21:42.421-06:00Being Thankful Even When it Hurts<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Today's post is a contribution to <a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/the-thankful-project.html" target="_blank">The Thankful Project </a>from fellow blogger, Mandy Kelly. Mandy has poured her heart out and written a beautiful, candid story. If you've ever suffered from infertility, not only will you relate to her story, I believe you will be ministered to and inspired! Please check out her bio below. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzg5B7rSYxbZ-k_9_pyjG-zC4wR3KF2F_2WJ_VXUCcv8nTUXfmhO18jJeH1k7ZTsvZyVJFg1r03EsUieYpnuFTi8IQ9769Dd8iICH5kAiigcqI8Iy2oQGkdNJyEcjYmKknyokXxQXQ_Hk/s1600/hurts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIzg5B7rSYxbZ-k_9_pyjG-zC4wR3KF2F_2WJ_VXUCcv8nTUXfmhO18jJeH1k7ZTsvZyVJFg1r03EsUieYpnuFTi8IQ9769Dd8iICH5kAiigcqI8Iy2oQGkdNJyEcjYmKknyokXxQXQ_Hk/s400/hurts.jpg" width="300" /></a><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Everywhere I turn, they are there. I can’t seem to escape them. From my own family, to my Facebook wall, they haunted me. The desire within my heart almost had me sick to my stomach.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Babies. Beautiful, miracles from God. Ten tiny fingers and toes. Oh, how I long for a sweet infant of my own.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yet, outside of a miracle from the Lord, I will not have any.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have always wanted to be a Momma – and I love being Momma to my three blessings. My husband, whom I married just over a year ago, was a widow. He had three children who had lost their Momma. I get to be their Momma now. I have so much to be thankful for. Three beautiful children who call me the name I longed to hear. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have learned that the job and title of Mommy is given from God. It is nothing something you get when you get a positive pregnancy test, a hospital visit, or even adoption papers. It is a job that is given to you by the Lord. The Bible says that children are a reward from Him – they are our heritage (Psalm 127:3). It is my highest calling to be their Mom. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Yet, this doesn’t mean I don’t long for children of my own. Yet, medical science says no. I pray the prayers of Hannah- asking that if the Lord will just give me a child in my womb, I promise them for Him. That I will them for His glory and for His service.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He gently whispers to do that with the ones He has entrusted me with.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He tells me that it is a high calling to raise another woman’s children. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The cost of discipleship is high in this world. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, I am reminded to be thankful. Even when my heart is broken over what will never be- in all situations I am to be thankful. He has taught me to be thankful for the beauty in His timing and in His plan. I know I will never replace the ache that that the children (especially my oldest who will remember her birth Mom) will have in their heart- but I get to show them how to be thankful. We get to process this life together. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So today, as I look at the pictures of the newborn babies, and as I hold my new niece, I am thankful. For my children’s health. For their personalities. For the ways that they are like me. For how her hand fits into mine. For evening cuddles and bedtime stories and prayers. I am thankful for devotions in the morning, and shepherding their young hearts. I am thankful for girl talks and reading the Bible with my oldest. Most of all, I am thankful for the beautiful name Mommy- and so glad that I can wear it as mine. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitWjWO6aM5nxSC35nvcJ2CN1-b9TXZFPpx3A373VFnBsgOiBxcvgYkvQ1ahyphenhyphenJIsOt0ycyB-JABlcXFqUYI-xOl5h7H9CVdNofPwSgGvcJJ4BIL0a7Z1mO1CrTxWIO51zjG6PefI1lW9Cu/s1600/1457076_693568861039_1413757532_a.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/AVvXsEgitWjWO6aM5nxSC35nvcJ2CN1-b9TXZFPpx3A373VFnBsgOiBxcvgYkvQ1ahyphenhyphenJIsOt0ycyB-JABlcXFqUYI-xOl5h7H9CVdNofPwSgGvcJJ4BIL0a7Z1mO1CrTxWIO51zjG6PefI1lW9Cu/s1600/1457076_693568861039_1413757532_a.jpg" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Mandy is passionate about two things: The Word of God and the Souls of Men (and Ladies!). She is a married to her best friend, and gets the privilege to love on their three blessings (who lost their biological momma a few years ago leaving her husband widowed). She loves that the Lord has let her life be an example of delighting in Him and watching Him mold her life to make her desires match His. She spent 9 years in an early childhood classroom, and 4 years in an “in house” seminary program at her home church. She loves everything about being married, and loves to bring God glory through her roles as Christ-follower, Wife and Mother (in that order!) She enjoys women’s ministry, cooking, crafting, and traveling the world. Her greatest desires are to have her marriage bring God ultimate glory, see her children walk in truth, to lead others to the feet of Jesus, and to lead women into deeper and intimate relationship with their Savior through study of the Word of God. Mandy blogs personally about Faith, Marriage, Parenting and More at Women of Worship (www.women-of-worship) and is on the leadership team of Good Morning Girls (</span><a href="http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;" target="_blank">www.goodmorninggirls.org</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">) where she encourages women to get into the Word of God daily!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-74212079685584559402013-11-18T10:14:00.004-06:002013-11-25T13:18:13.299-06:00I Am Thankful For Every Minute of Pain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's post in a guest post written by my sister, Lanna Webb. Lanna truly knows what it means to learn thanksgiving in the midst of adversity, in particular pain. Is God present in our pain? Does he use it for our good? Read Lanna's story to get a glimpse of one person's thoughts on those questions.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bear with me during the first couple of paragraphs and make it to the end, please.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m 41 years old. I’ve spent 16 of my adult years – beginning at 17 – with a migraine-intensity chronic tension headache born of a rare form of headache (yay, me) caused by Occipital Neuralgia. O.N. also causes migraines, including chronic ones. I was blessed with having those, also, although they came in clusters and sometimes gave me some down time. Yes, I DID have two different types of migraine-intensity headaches at the same time. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>When I turned 32, I took my dream job as a teacher at Brazosport Christian School teaching Secondary (7-12</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> grade) students. In addition to the headaches, I also began to have pain in other places. It started in the legs – by 6</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"> period every day I was shuffling instead of walking and had to teach sitting down. Then came pain almost everywhere else. Then came the extreme fatigue – so bad that I would sometimes have to pull over on my 20-minute drive home to catch a catnap so I could make it the rest of the way. Then I started tripping over my own feet. And one day, I realized that I was more and more frequently losing ordinary words during conversation. I know a lot of people struggle with trying to drum up words sometimes, but I was beginning to lose them at an alarming rate. I became so dizzy at times that I weaved and ran into lockers or other people in the hallways and fought blacking out. There were other symptoms, as well, and a bevy of tests that all came back clear or inconclusive. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And still I taught and even began a career as an administrator serving as Secondary Principal. It was more than a job; it was a very clear manifestation of the use God had planned for me, for which He had worked all those decades to prepare me. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And then one day I couldn’t read. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Let me backtrack. I noticed that I was having trouble understanding statements and questions about anything that was not overly familiar to me. It wasn’t just that I couldn’t comprehend; I could not understand the words spoken. It was literally as if the person talking to me were using a foreign language. And then I picked up a book and could no longer read. Oh, I could read each individual word, but I could string no more than two together to form a cohesive idea. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m not going to lie – I totally freaked out. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Long story cut short: I had to quit my job and leave my students. I grieved as if I had lost my best friend to death. And I grieve to this day. My health tanked so badly I ended up, for all intents and purposes, bed-ridden – I could get up some and on the rare day go places, but mostly I lay in bed. For several weeks, I couldn’t read because I couldn’t understand stuff; I couldn’t watch TV because I couldn’t follow the story line for the duration of the show; and I couldn’t adequately converse with my family and friends because I couldn’t hold my concentration to the end of a thought. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gradually it got better. Turns out I had suffered brain trauma similar to that of a mild stroke, trauma brought on by too many stressors – illness, long hours, concern for my school & teachers & students, not to mention keeping up with my family, and the ever-present pain. My brain began to heal but my pain remained and, in fact, grew. I’ll spare you the diagnoses and theories that brought on the various types of chronic pain and bring you to January, 2013 when I could no longer sit in our living room (which I rarely saw) and watch TV with my family because the pain in my back was too intense to allow me to sit through even a 30 minute sit-com. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Since then, I have had several huge bounds forward and a couple of devastating tugs backward. But one thing remains constant:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My God loves me so much that He bore the pain of watching one of His kids – a child He loves more than we can fathom loving one of our own – watching His child suffer for the vast majority of her adult life. He bore that pain because He is more concerned with her good than her feel-good.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How incredibly amazing is that? He held tight during the really bad times because He refused to sacrifice an eternity of good for a fleeting temporal moment of feel-good. Wow!</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are so many things for which I am thankful – lessons that I know I have learned and areas in which I have profited, all because of the pain I’ve endured. There are so many people for whom I am thankful because of their compassion and service and intercession and love and faith and trust and help, all cultivated because of dealing with a loved one in chronic pain. There are so may relationships for which I am thankful that have grown exponentially tighter and more valuable because of the things we have gone through together because of my pain. There are so many virtues for which I am thankful that I see in my children, virtues that I have no doubt were wrought out of the ordeal of having a mother with chronic pain. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>But I am infinitely more thankful for my God, the Father, the Author of the Universe, who saw all of the pain beforehand and the outcome of afterward and allowed me to go through it all for the sake of good. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty, the all-powerful God who could have taken the pain away in much less than the blink of an eye but chose not to do so, all for the sake of good. He is Jehovah Rapha, the God Who Heals, and yet He held off on my healing for the sake of good. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m so thankful and incredibly humbled that the God of the Universe who has so many other things to draw His attention, has firmly placed Holy Spirit between me and all the (Christian) naysayers. God has protected me, provided for me, shown mercy to me, and given me the ultimate gift of not giving in to what so many people tried to tell Him (and me) the He should do in order to make things turn in the direction of what they, in their finite and earthly minds, deemed the good for me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am supremely grateful that God is smarter than I and knows that yes, I shall be healed by the stripes of Yeshua my Messiah, but that God’s timing is of utmost importance, that good is more important than feel-good, and that God’s will surpasses all others – for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, I am thankful for every minute of my pain.</b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-29652428488073535592013-11-08T09:27:00.001-06:002013-11-25T12:50:36.236-06:00Thankfulness and a Giant God Smack!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today's guest post is a contribution to <a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-thankful-project.html" target="_blank">The Thankful Project</a> written by new blogger, Heather Nelson. Heather is my sister-in-law and also a close friend of mine. She's a great writer - her personality shines through her words! Check out her bio below and go see what she has to offer on her blog!</span></div>
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When I was a child one of my favorite movies was “Polyanna.” I seriously could write an entire dissertation about this film and why it is completely awesome, but instead I will just tell you to go and find it and watch it, you will thank me. The main character, Polyanna, is an orphan who has been raised through many trials. She constantly plays what she lovingly calls “the glad game.” It is her goal to always find something to be glad about in every circumstance. Man, what a lesson! In thinking about thankfulness through adversity, this was the first place my mind went. Can I truly find something to not <i>just</i> be glad about, but be <i>thankful </i>for in every circumstance? <br />
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So, here I am thinking of writing a piece on thankfulness through adversity. In my mind I started scouring through at least a dozen different situations in my past where a specific adversity or “trial” had occurred and tried to think of how I could write and encourage thankfulness in all things. <br />
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In doing this, I began to unearth a pattern that I was not prepared for. God's funny like that, right? So instead of telling you what a great Christ follower I am when faced with trials, I am going to tell you, ugly blistering sores and all, the truth. The truth is, I flipped out. Every. Single. Time. Oh, I was thankful. I was ALWAYS thankful when it seemed the trial was over, or when God pulled me out, or provided. Man was I thankful for Him then. But in the middle of ugly, in the smack dab center of hurt, pain, and worry, I was not thankful... I was fearful. Though I know that having fear in my heart for provisions is not having faith that God will provide ( Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds!) I still have struggled through the years with surrendering to His care.<br />
For the most part, the pattern essentially ended up looking like this (and I will use examples of actual trials I have faced).<br />
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Trial -struggled with infertility - My response: Flip out (depression, a lot of crying, hopelessness, <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>jealousy of other pregnant women, anger at God,).... After God Delivered (opened my <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>womb <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and allowed me to be pregnant) : I was so thankful. <br />
Trial -marriage separation- My response: Flip out (depression, anger, hopelessness. I did <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>eventually learn to completely lean on God and He did allow me one of the sweetest times of <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>communion with Him at that point. )...... After God Delivered (my husband and I were reunited <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>and began to work hard on our union) : I was so thankful.<br />
Trial - Financial hardship - My response: Flip out... After God delivered (provided): I was so <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>thankful.<br />
Trial - Lost job, move to smaller place - My response: Flip out. After God delivered: I was so <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>thankful. <br />
Trial - YADA YADA YADA you get the point.<br />
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Wow. And this is where God did His thing to me that I am very familiar with. I can describe it as a full fledged smack in the forehead, like an “I should've had a V-8” moment. Can somebody say “CONVICTION”?? Yeah. Conviction. Well that was SO NOT what I was planning on for this article. Ok then, lets take a big fat look at what's going on right now shall we? I'm in the middle of a financial hardship again. Things are, well, really tight. We have to fully rely on God for everything. For those of you who've been there, you know that this type of struggle can put a strain on many of other areas of your life, thus creating a bunch of little hairy mini trials. THEN- just tonight (hahaha, go figure) I fell and injured my knee, as in, going to get an xray tomorrow type of injury- ugh. So, my first reaction to this, were the following thoughts.... 1. are you serious? How can I be such a klutz? 2. I'm so mad, I am 36 years old, not 80 for crying out loud. 3. I'm trying to lose weight and being unable to work out is really going to make this harder. 4. We do not have the money for this. <br />
Yeah, not a great example to list here IN THE MIDST of me working on this. Then I sit down to start writing about thankfulness and my V-8 moment is back. Back this time with a flashing light. I just totally wrecked that up God. Please forgive me. <br />
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These are not life ending, cancer ridden problems I'm dealing with here people, I totally get that. But, they are MY problems. So I am forced to take a better look. I don't want to be in this pattern anymore! I want a new pattern, and you know what? I think that's what God wants too. In fact, I KNOW that's what He wants, and here's why:<br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1. <b>Colossians 3:14-17</b> <a href="http://biblehub.com/colossians/3-14.htm"><b>14</b></a>And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>perfect harmony. <a href="http://biblehub.com/colossians/3-15.htm"><b>15</b></a>And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>called in one body. And be thankful. <a href="http://biblehub.com/colossians/3-16.htm"><b>16</b></a>Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>thankfulness in your hearts to God. <a href="http://biblehub.com/colossians/3-17.htm"><b>17</b></a>And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. <br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>2. <b> 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 </b> <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/5-16.htm"><b>16</b></a>Rejoice always, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm"><b>17</b></a>pray without ceasing, <a href="http://biblehub.com/1_thessalonians/5-18.htm"><b>18</b></a>give thanks in all <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. <br />
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So, my new pattern should look like this: Trial - My response: Thank God for his faithfulness, rejoice in His sovereignty and grace. Trust - If God delivers – Praise him. If He doesn't – Praise Him. Because, I know He is in control of ALL things, and I KNOW that I can rest in His Sovereignty.<br />
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Wow, so easy right? NOT! I know I will have to revisit this every single time, because in my own will I will not ever rise up to this. Here's the deal folks, I need Jesus, and I need Him B-A-D. So then, what do I do? I pray. I pray a lot. I read His word, a lot. I seek to glorify Him, because ultimately, all of my pleasure, my joy, my life, regardless of my circumstances, will come through Christ being magnified.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkcgI-0MY8p5dP4ZEd7HPwmCWAXIbOARZsT0uAlrzBlRMODd6epGHi_XwkfevzmGCZBnyDic0fKdERh4d_DM_TpjwmU9_bppD7By0rBWyTWViyw6bORSksQRYQCfxLt08l_UJcsZl-WXX/s1600/Heatherblogpic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLkcgI-0MY8p5dP4ZEd7HPwmCWAXIbOARZsT0uAlrzBlRMODd6epGHi_XwkfevzmGCZBnyDic0fKdERh4d_DM_TpjwmU9_bppD7By0rBWyTWViyw6bORSksQRYQCfxLt08l_UJcsZl-WXX/s200/Heatherblogpic.jpg" width="149" /></a><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Heather is a wife of 16 years, a mom of 4, and a big fat sinner saved by grace. In her minimal spare time after running kids to baseball or cheerleading practice, going to games of all kinds, and attempting to keep her house clean...she writes a bit. For fun she loves camping and karaoke and is working on a way to do both at the same time. You can check out her ramblings at <a href="http://www.heatherlnelson.com/"><span style="color: #021eaa; letter-spacing: 0px;">www.heatherlnelson.com</span></a></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-25281540376440139522013-11-04T19:58:00.000-06:002013-11-25T13:18:58.287-06:00Finding Gratitude in Messy Moments<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">I am happy to introduce today's guest blogger, my friend Dayna Bickham. Dayna is an incredibly talented story teller and writer, all around. She is the author of " No More Lies" which is available through her website, and has more projects in the works! Be sure to check out her bio below for more info!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Today Dayna is sharing a story on learning thanksgiving in adversity as a contribution towards <a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/the-thankful-project.html" target="_blank">The Thankful Project.</a> </span></div>
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<a href="http://photobucket.com/images/gratitude%20quotes" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="gratitude quotes photo: BASIS 2 AA gratitude-frontcdcover.jpg" border="0" height="320" src="http://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd496/3jaysmom/3jays%20life%20quotes/gratitude-frontcdcover.jpg" width="320" /></a>She yells and screams at me, “I hate you!” and something inside me breaks. How did we come to this? This place where all we ever seem to do is fight and all we ever see in the other are the things we do not like?</div>
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Parenting teens is difficult. Any parent who tells you they don’t worry or wonder about their kids a little bit more than they did before they turned into hormonal, easily aggravated and somewhat unbalanced people is either a- not a parent, or b- insane. For me, parenting teens is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute I feel immense pleasure over who my kid is becoming and in the next moment I want to scream “What did you do to my precious cherub of a child, you hideous monster?!”</div>
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Not that I get to yell that.</div>
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So, in the midst of all the angst, and between their bouts of yelling and the occasional silent treatment, how can I honestly say I am thankful for my kids?</div>
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When it all boils down to it, they have been the catalysts God has used to challenge and change me more than anything else. For that I am thankful.</div>
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I thought I may never get to have children so having two is a bit of a miracle. On top of that, having both of them healthy has been a challenge. We have battled epilepsy, learning disorders, emotional problems, and personal differences.</div>
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Through it all I am constantly surprised and generally amazed by them. Even when we are fighting, my girls display so much character and strength. I look at them and I get, in some small way, how God must feel about us.</div>
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Even when we are acting like complete rear ends, He manages to love us perfectly. For that, I am also grateful.</div>
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So during a month that is both beautiful and beautifully challenging with its busy shopping season, family gatherings, and reflective qualities, I chose to be grateful for the thing that brings the most aggravation into my life: my kids.</div>
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<a href="webkit-fake-url://AAEE2602-6620-4594-89B9-ED597D1271D5/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="webkit-fake-url://40296CF3-C64B-4A6A-98DE-9463596C61E4/image.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="webkit-fake-url://40296CF3-C64B-4A6A-98DE-9463596C61E4/image.tiff" width="161" /></a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"> Dayna Bickham is a wife and mother. She loves missions work and is passionate about writing. For her, the epitome of a great day is one spent loving on others and a night spent writing about it. She loves bread too much and exercises too little, but now she knows she is the child of the King, and nothing else really matters. Dayna blogs regularly at </span><a href="http://daynabickham.com/" style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0433ff; letter-spacing: 0px;">daynabickham.com.</span></a><span style="font-family: 'Lucida Grande'; letter-spacing: 0px; text-align: justify;"> </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-81906842274097705912013-11-01T10:55:00.000-05:002013-11-02T17:18:57.172-05:00The Thankful Project AND "First Friday" linkup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">Enter his gates with</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; font-size: 15px; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">thanksgiving</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">, and his </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">courts with</span><span style="font-family: 'Apple Chancery'; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> praise</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">! Give thanks to him; </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">bless his </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;">name!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">~ </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Psalm 100:4</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">According to Psalm 100:4, a heart of Praise and Thanksgiving is the correct posture for entering into <b>the presence of the Lord. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Psalm 84 says that <i>one day</i> in his courts were better than a thousand days anywhere else! The glory of The Lord is responds to the worship on your tongue! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Your thanksgiving activates God's spirit!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Today is the beginning of The Thankful </span></b></div>
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<b><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Project! </span></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">People have submitted their stories of <b>learning to be thankful even in the midst of adversity</b>. I am excited and honored to share them with you! I will be posting them throughout the month of November. Please take time and read their stories as they are encouraging and inspiring! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To read the stories and/or learn how to submit your own, click</span></b> <a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/the-thankful-project.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Join the "First Friday" linkup <a href="http://10-talents.blogspot.com/p/a-hrefhttp10-talents.html" target="_blank">here</a>!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-69839589536010346382013-10-31T16:46:00.000-05:002013-10-31T17:12:24.318-05:00Broken Hallelujah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">He gives beauty for ashes..<i>.</i></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><i>for</i> ashes.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sometimes the ashes come first. Sometimes the mourning strips us bare...<i>then</i> the beauty comes, making something precious out of the pain. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sometimes our posture is changed, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">bringing us to our knees, heads bowed - hung -</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A few days ago as I was dropping my daughter off at school,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She wasn't feeling well, was tired, and then on top of that, remembered that she'd forgotten to get to school early to lead a club she helps head up. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">As we pulled closer to the school, she dropped her head and began to sob - asking, no begging, me to let her go home.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I had to make a quick decision. I decided to take her home. On the way home, we talked about how life doesn't always allow us to run away from the day, even when we feel badly or things are going crummy. I warned her that next time, I would probably remind her of that and lead her to take on the day with God's grace. Sometimes we need to be totally dependent on his strength. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Sometimes we need a different kind of grace. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, I took her home and put her to bed.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Her eleven - almost twelve - year old, worn soul.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Not cancer worn.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Not grief worn, and probably not worn enough for the world, or her school, to acknowledge her need for reprieve.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Just pre-teen, hormonal, under the weather worn. Legit in its own right. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">So, I took her home and joined her in her bed, breathing in her youth, her fleeting innocence. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I drank her up and didn't care that she had other places she should have been, because she's mine and I had her to myself. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I read to her from One Thousand Gifts, by Ann Voskamp. And though the elegant, poetic wording is not fully appreciated by her young mind, she understood. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She understood the need to give thanks in all things. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">She listened to words of war torn souls grasping at an invisible God, needing a tangible touch. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And it brought her perspective. It healed her heart -</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and her mother’s heart.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">thirty-two year old, hormonal, under the weather heart. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A heart that has seen death and suffering and grasped at an invisible God, needing his tangible touch. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It healed me, whole, and I was grateful for the quick decision of mercy that I’d made minutes earlier. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For now I was being shown mercy.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For that I was thankful as well. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thanked God for my child who was alive and well, lying next to me.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thanked him for my two other children, and my family. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thanked him for my brother, who against my plan is gone now.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I thanked him that His plan was better,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and that all things from him are <i>good</i> - and that <i>all</i> things are from Him.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">That He is in control,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and I can trust him - even in the pain. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Even in this life where sorrow is inevitable. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Those of us who have submitted our lives to God are commanded to give thanks in all things.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Obedience to that command brings about such sweet reward.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is cathartic, soothing and reviving. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My daughter voiced that she would like to journal her thanksgiving,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and I think it’s good, </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">To list our blessings , whether by pen or mouth or song,</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">and send them up as a praise offering to the giver of all things good - to the giver of all things! </span></div>
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Thanks for stopping by! With Love -Shara<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-57930699726827708052013-10-29T20:07:00.002-05:002013-10-30T12:05:25.405-05:00With You In Mind... In Honor of Shane Foley and Amberle Woodard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This evening I joined my daughter and many other people in our community as we crossed the street from LJI - police escorted - to gather at the memorial of a young girl who tragically lost her life at that very place, <b>on this day</b> last year. I put my arm around my daughter, consoling her as she grieved her friend, and then watched her proudly as she went to pay her respects to the family.<br />
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It was a precious sight to see...<br />
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such a large group of people, <b>taking time out in their day to remember</b> a sweet life taken, in our eyes, too soon.<br />
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As the memorial time concluded and we walked back to our car, I held her hand and watched all the young children walking and talking, each impacted in some way by Amberle's life...and her death. I felt my daughters sweet, 11 yr. old hand and felt sad that she learned so young the sting that death brings.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6WV7WBi6qmUd_-us2uSwGONOO0oijIpu4XoFI3GsnvdQnFjg4qOjaE7Ca7GUIPQngd2AUFylLzY1bxd7OJTLYzNs621qFLv-Ai3e9-kZ4qyzG0vTTG8ry62aG-uxYm-PCZJShl-isjHU/s1600/photo.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/AVvXsEiV6WV7WBi6qmUd_-us2uSwGONOO0oijIpu4XoFI3GsnvdQnFjg4qOjaE7Ca7GUIPQngd2AUFylLzY1bxd7OJTLYzNs621qFLv-Ai3e9-kZ4qyzG0vTTG8ry62aG-uxYm-PCZJShl-isjHU/s1600/photo.JPG" width="320" /></a>The void that it leaves...<br />
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Moments earlier when she'd approached me, at the last minute, about going to the memorial gathering, I was conflicted about whether to go. I had supper to think about, and it was getting late. I closed my eyes to gather my thoughts as she begged me, saying how important it was to her because Amberle was her friend, and I knew then that we must go.<br />
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Because I, too, know the pain that death inflicts...<br />
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I also mourn today.<br />
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<b>On this day </b>twenty-two years ago we lost my brother to cancer. I know how it feels to watch other people's worlds carry on, while your world is forever changed, halted - at best moving in slow motion...as you push through the painful fog that is determined to suffocate you. You watch other people move and breathe and talk so easily, and wonder how they're doing it...with such ease. People, unknowingly, tell you time will heal all wounds. And though it does not,<br />
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<b>time does cause the fog to disperse</b> and the breaths to come more easily.<br />
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I have looked at pictures and read many kind words today - honoring the life of my brother. And though people cannot take your grief and shoulder it for you, there's healing in those kind words that remember the one you long to see. There's healing in knowing they are not forgotten. That is why I knew we must go tonight and cross that street -<br />
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life should be remembered.<br />
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Because in my pain, in my need for Shane to be remembered, I could offer the same to them - remembrance. As we stood near the family, my eyes locked on Amberle's siblings - of course - because<br />
I have been there. And though I can't tell them that the pain will eventually go away, I can tell them that<br />
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the pain is a testimony to the love...<br />
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and that's ok. It's ok to feel that pain. Because it reminds us to respect this time we are given on earth - to live it well.<br />
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<b>We live it well with them in mind.</b><br />
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<b>A</b>mberle - Tonight, we crossed the street with you in mind. We loved your family with you in mind. We live out the rest of this day with you in mind.<br />
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Shane - Today I spent time with Lanna, with you in mind. I looked at your picture and I read stories...with you in mind. I held your niece's hand and took her to honor her friend's life, with you in mind.<br />
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I live...with you in mind.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-12558277815772414692013-10-23T19:20:00.002-05:002013-10-30T12:04:16.846-05:00The Thankful Project<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurkjAVp_qmRH2eftZPC3B2C3a_RpmBDc2UmgFemQhQeDIOwRdG2ZvSi23vIXUfiR8W6xslJLiAbUEgnMnb6qaYb-uwO7NdB8wEyGdympTIwEvJBj8qHLsVb-ypwzUPvuegUfY09blNFUN/s1600/thankful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjurkjAVp_qmRH2eftZPC3B2C3a_RpmBDc2UmgFemQhQeDIOwRdG2ZvSi23vIXUfiR8W6xslJLiAbUEgnMnb6qaYb-uwO7NdB8wEyGdympTIwEvJBj8qHLsVb-ypwzUPvuegUfY09blNFUN/s320/thankful.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Bible tells us to be grateful in ALL things - this includes our more difficult times of life. I truly believe there is healing and hope in offering a sacrifice of thanksgiving to God in our pain. Have you experienced something recently or even in the past that was difficult? Were you able to find a way to be thankful in those circumstances? Maybe you are in a challenging season right now and learning to have a thankful heart in the midst of your hurt or frustration. If so, your story would be a great addition to </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Thankful Project</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">!</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">If you would like to participate in </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Thankful Project</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">, please follow these guidelines:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Write a unique, non published, post describing your past or present circumstance and how you learned or are learning to give thanks through it. If you are a blogger and would like to put a teaser for your post (along with a referring link) on your blog, that would be great!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Word count suggestion: 500-100 - It is your story, though, so word count is flexible. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">One picture is welcome and will be posted with your story.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Please include only one link. You may attach a bio and link to your personal blog which will be posted to your story.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">By submitting a story, you are giving me permission to post it to my Blog site as well as use it for linking to my site. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0b5394; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Submit posts to: SharaANelson@gmail.com</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Thank you so much for sharing your story! Stories will begin posting to </span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">The Thankful Project </i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, FreeMono, monospace; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">page on the 1st of November - posts submitted after that date will still be used. </span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-12081907437387150272013-10-20T21:46:00.001-05:002013-10-21T11:05:39.950-05:00So Many Words. <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5DjuIclFtO2403Br0p25xIpneyGwSn620z4snFIZiAj83oyoGWOdZ-mE_Q08f8k2YCatDQEVEZUuWvHt_6E8ldMqjT3a7n9NhgkWfL-e5YSIPGdxmwLAGNqkBJRXOmQJwrz6wdKEaTnji/s1600/butterfly-1267606-m.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/AVvXsEj5DjuIclFtO2403Br0p25xIpneyGwSn620z4snFIZiAj83oyoGWOdZ-mE_Q08f8k2YCatDQEVEZUuWvHt_6E8ldMqjT3a7n9NhgkWfL-e5YSIPGdxmwLAGNqkBJRXOmQJwrz6wdKEaTnji/s1600/butterfly-1267606-m.jpg" /></a></div>
I have often wondered what macabre scene must take place inside of a cocoon. Sheltered privately inside the chrysalis, the butterfly undergoes such a transformation. Though the process is undoubtedly a bit messy, <b>what emerges is beautiful! </b>Much like the butterfly, we spend our lives being transformed. However, much <i>unlike</i> the butterfly, we are not hidden away during this process.<br />
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Life is messy, and rightly so. When you take something and turn it into a completely<i> different </i><br />
something, it is bound to be a strenuous journey.<br />
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Blood, sweat, and tears<br />
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Joy, sorrow and pain<br />
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laughter, victories and defeat<br />
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all play their part in the molding.<br />
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When I look over my life and think of all the descriptive words that tell my story, I feel the emotion tied to each.<br />
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carefree<br />
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broken<br />
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death<br />
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depressed<br />
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fearful<br />
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introvert<br />
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deliverance<br />
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<b>freedom</b><br />
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pain<br />
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love<br />
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So many more words could be named, and I start to wonder if the butterfly <i>feels </i>the change as it takes place. Does it kick and scream or cry out in agony?<br />
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Or does it succomb because it knows it is necessary?<br />
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It's necessary in order to be what it was destined to be. <b>It was destined to fly.</b> It was not destined to be trapped on the ground , but to soar above - to see things the eye cannot see on the ground.<br />
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And to do this, it must grow wings.<br />
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And growth is painful.<br />
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So many words...so many adjectives and verbs fill the pages of my life's story.<br />
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As I write this, my Uncle is lying in a hospital bed that he will not get out of again. His eyes closed to this world, lungs breathing weary breaths - a soul about to ascend.<br />
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tubes<br />
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hospital bed<br />
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grieving family<br />
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memories told<br />
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so many words...so many letters and vowels filling the last moments of his life's story. Each one necessary. Eighty-six years of metamorphosis coming to an end. Soon he will emerge - perfect.<br />
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And I wonder, does the butterfly anticipate the accent? <b>Does it long for the breaking through?</b><br />
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So many words...what are yours?<br />
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"The world promises you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." — Pope Benedict XVI</div>
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Thanks for stopping by! With Love - Shara</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-76608485058021276482013-10-12T21:06:00.001-05:002013-10-13T00:56:54.309-05:00Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I am slightly embarrassed to say that after taking an overview of my blog and noticing that everything I write about is slightly controversial and/or tough to swallow, I actually considered purposely writing a post on something much more subdued - an easy to read, feel good piece. From the name of my post today -"Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice" - it would appear that I was successful in this endeavor, but don't be fooled, for when I pondered on a delightful subject matter, all I heard was the sound of crickets. The truth is, as the subtitle of my Blog "My Heart in Text" tells you, what makes it into my blog is what is resounding in my heart at that moment, and my heart is generally not a 24/7 party, y'all. It is full of hard questions, concerns, passions, etc. and the things that bubble up the most are what make it into writing. Today's post can be blamed on David Platt, as his book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1414373287/ref=as_li_tf_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1414373287&linkCode=as2&tag=tt0f9b6-20">Follow Me: A Call to Die. A Call to Live.</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=tt0f9b6-20&l=as2&o=1&a=1414373287" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> is stabbing at my heart, furrowing my brow and just all around causing me conviction. So...here goes!<br />
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Sugar and spice and everything nice - those words do NOT encompass Christianity. Have we watered down the gospel? Is the church responsible for creating designer christians that wear the faith when it is popular, but toss it just as soon as someone snubs their taste? Has the gospel been turned into a feel good movement that has people thinking their commitment (I use this word loosely) will never be tested? Even more scary, when Christ divides the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32), will we the Church, be standing there feeling responsible for their false security? Will some of them point their fingers at me while screaming, "She told me this is all I had to do to go to heaven?" I cringe. Literally - I just shivered inside. How do we share a faith that offers more hope than humanly possible, yet requires a life sacrificed? </div>
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Picture this scenario: lady is sitting on her couch, wringing her hands, needing hope in the worst way. Just then, a salesperson knocks on her door. When she opens it, the salesperson asks her if she is in the market for hope. She can barely contain herself, "Why yes I am!", she says with delight! The salesperson tells her that this is her lucky day, as he has the solution to her problem. He pulls out a large metal contraption then lights it on fire. All she has to do is lay down on the fire and then she'll have more hope than she could ever ask for! The lady gasps, "But I'll surely die!" "Well, yes...", says the salesman, "but you will also surely have hope!" </div>
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Door is slam shut. </div>
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I do not blame this lady, I would slam the door, too. However, this is the Christian faith. Christ says, "Take up your cross and follow me."( Luke 9:23 ) We must be "crucified with Christ"( Galations 2:20 ) so that we may live. So, how do we encourage those seeking ultimate hope to trust Christ with their lives? What could the salesperson have done differently? For starters, he could have laid down on the fire himself. Awkward? Yes. Uncomfortable? Definitely. Would it have shown the lady that hope is possible? For sure!<br />
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We are called to make disciples. However, if we want others to follow Christ, we must follow him first - <i>truly</i> follow him. We must follow his example and follow his lead. If we want others to trust Christ, we must trust him first. If we expect to <i>make </i>disciples, then we must first be true disciples ourselves. We need to pick up our crosses. We need to live out our lives for others to see - yes, even the struggles. If the Church is producing watered down Christianity - the result is watered down Christians. It is our responsibility to be a tree that produces good fruit!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12267091481031387040noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3988464975116071798.post-4501211040049330222013-10-03T09:57:00.001-05:002013-10-03T14:20:55.137-05:00Why Knowing God's Wrath is Important<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I thought about what to title this post and after a little bit of debate in my mind, I just typed out the blunt truth of what I am writing about. I know that in the blogging/writing world many choose to title their work with catchy, even sometimes seemingly scandalous wording, in order to attract readers. It's publicity - I get that - and I have done it. However, though this title may sound like just that - it isn't. I truly believe that <b>without having felt God's wrath over our sin - we can never fully understand his love.</b> We can never fully understand who He is.</span><br />
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It Breeds Salvation</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>After all, what is salvation?</b> Isn't it understanding that you should die because of your sin and responding to that? Isn't it knowing that in and of ourselves we deserve God's punishment but don't have to experience it in full - eternity in Hell? Is a supposed wrath enough to make one understand the gift of sacrifice that Christ made on our behalf? Is it necessary to really feel this offense down in our soul; to experience the dread and shame it produces in order to then be relieved by the saving grace? I believe it is. <b>Because the truth is, He hates sin. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It Gives perspective </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But, Shara, <b>there is no condemnation is Christ </b>- remember? Here is my response to that: how would we ever realize the amazing gift that is no condemnation if we'd never felt the weight of it? How would we appreciate love if we never knew hate? Would we truly give thanks for our health if we'd never been sick? When I lived at home and would get sick, my dad would say to me, "Sure makes you appreciate the days you feel good, doesn't it?" He was right - it did, and it is the same with sin. <b>When you feel the sting that sin brings, you welcome and praise the salve of redemption. </b>So, yes, I believe that there is "NOW no condemnation for those in Christ."- Romans 8:1 Remember who Paul was speaking to, though. He was speaking to men and women to had already experienced the law. He was saying to them - (my paraphrase) <i>you've known God's law, now you will discover his love.</i> The Romans had felt the sting of their sin. They'd known his wrath and understood the importance of this precursor!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It allows Confidence</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Not only does having felt this power give us perspective of our otherwise fate, it gives us the knowledge of our fierce savior.</b> We see firsthand how magnificent He is. We do not fear the enemy, for "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 We know what an amazing defender he is, because we've seen His wrath - and have been saved from it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It Cultivates Intimacy</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Philippians 3: 10 describes intimacy with Christ this way: "That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death." This verse makes my head spin and my heart leap into my throat. I want to read this and think to myself, <i>you're a better man than I, Paul, </i>then carry on with my life. But I can't, because then I read verse 11: "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">That if possible I may attain to the [</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body]." (Amplified Bible) And then I understand, that in order to have the latter, I must do the first. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">What does knowing Christ in his suffering have to do with God's wrath? <b>We cannot truly appreciate the sacrifice that he made on our behalf if we do not know God's wrath, for Christ experienced it in full as he died upon the cross. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Experiencing God's anger can be a bit scary, but that is ok, for "<b>The fear of The Lord is the beginning of wisdom.</b>" The commitment of being a Christian is not all rainbows and butterflies. It is dirty sometimes, but it amazing. I want to end this post with a poem that I wrote a few years ago. I hope you enjoy. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your wrath is like a book, though I have only read a page.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your fury a fire, and I have only felt one flame.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your anger, rushing waters, </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've been tossed but by one wave. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Tis not because I've caught myself, </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">before being consumed, </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">but because of your love that watches over, </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">your love that ever looms.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For your love- </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">the same as your wrath.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It pushes me away,</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">it snatches me back. </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It's a love affair, </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">a seeming game, </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">because one lover, </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">wanders where she may. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Oh! If she would just make up her mind!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Then the tide would pull back, the flame would die. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But battle draws.</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">She roams.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Wrath thunders.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Love groans.</span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">And it is He!</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">It is He that keeps bringing her back.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">The tide that sweeps her in, </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">the beach her lovers lap. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">A love she'd never known </span></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">had she never known the wrath! </span></span><br />
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