tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52587391031453234142024-03-13T08:31:23.683-07:00Singing FarmGirlMichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-9904615650602449032014-05-01T09:20:00.000-07:002014-05-02T12:13:34.711-07:00Dusty Keys and Good Excuses<br />
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Seeing that it has now been almost 10 months since my last blog entry I'm almost embarrassed to come back! The best excuse for "blog neglect" that I can come up with? </div>
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<span style="color: #e06666;">I GOT MARRIED!</span></div>
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Not sure if that is a good excuse or not but it's the truth. When I wrote my last blog on July 18th I was just at the beginning of a dating relationship that would end with "Will you...?" and start something else with "I do!" </div>
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I wasn't trying to be sneaky or anything.... I would have posted about it sometime but I ended up having some computer difficulties (as in I wrote blogs and then the computer wouldn't post them!) and then life got... well... a little busy.</div>
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Though I'm not going to go into the whole story right now (if you're curious check out <a href="http://www.theknot.com/wedding/Michelle-and-Karl-14">this</a> link to see our wedding website), I did want to "touch base" and give an answer to the question everyone asks a new bride:</div>
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SO WHAT IS YOUR NAME NOW???</div>
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Drum roll please..........</div>
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May I present <span style="color: #45818e;">MRS. Karl Hertzler</span></div>
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{Say what????}</div>
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Yep, that's right (and NO he did NOT take MY name)! I got lucky and snagged a guy with the same last name - No name change for me!</div>
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But beyond the silliness with the name-thing, I have been blessed with a husband who is better than I ever could have imagined! We have a snug little house which we are making into a home and I am excited to get back on here and share bits of life with you! </div>
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For now, I'll leave you with a picture of the happy couple on our wedding day:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23RqkrvDqzQy-kuwf9yYZix5eSwfq5nAuQVVHjhHHwo0FWfjwLAp94Wo9__MMsuzPdEEBURDlhDBZ0HaArbmI13x6dP0VH0hTtW_8FnUCrZwYCOm2rpPdVpMNc8vzugRMD0zA7auYSREG/s1600/WeTwo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23RqkrvDqzQy-kuwf9yYZix5eSwfq5nAuQVVHjhHHwo0FWfjwLAp94Wo9__MMsuzPdEEBURDlhDBZ0HaArbmI13x6dP0VH0hTtW_8FnUCrZwYCOm2rpPdVpMNc8vzugRMD0zA7auYSREG/s1600/WeTwo2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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And this song by Don Moen:</div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">"God is good all the time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">He put a song of praise in the heart of mine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">God is good all the time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Through the darkest night, His light will shine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">God is good, God is good all the time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">If you're walking through the valleys</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">And there are shadows all around</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Do not fear, He will guide you</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">He will keep you safe and sound</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">He has promised to never leave you</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Nor forsake you, and His word is true</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">We are sinners and so unworthy</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Still for us He chose to die</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Filled us with His Holy Spirit</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Now we can stand and testify</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">That His love is everlasting</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">And His mercies, they will never end</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Though I may not understand</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">All the plans you have for me</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">My life is in your hands</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">And through the eyes of faith</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">I can clearly see that</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">God is good all the time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">He put a song of praise in the heart of mine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">God is good all the time</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">Through the darkest night, His light will shine</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px;">God is good, God is good all the time"</span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-71028015995025581792013-07-18T09:36:00.000-07:002013-07-18T09:36:14.544-07:00How Good and Gracious<div style="text-align: center;">
This week I have been overwhelmed by how good our God is! Yes, there is His fearsome side - demanding justice and perfection - but for the Creator of the universe and Lord of all to pay attention to the tiny details in MY life??? WOW! Talk about an overwhelming feeling of unworthiness and gratitude!</div>
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This morning, as I was basking in the thought of His lovingkindness I read Psalm 107:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLBZDd1GEIHFZ3rMnIPWM96i1rGQQVfR5hAZHfqS78h-30xdO368bHWMKEbDrFnqFu0sOMFAs_xAO-jE929EkCEVmJQdgpL75qkG3qqsueiKZ9QRNzY-bv44AcioqK2zJgf3hMFDGYc2a/s1600/morningcoffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLBZDd1GEIHFZ3rMnIPWM96i1rGQQVfR5hAZHfqS78h-30xdO368bHWMKEbDrFnqFu0sOMFAs_xAO-jE929EkCEVmJQdgpL75qkG3qqsueiKZ9QRNzY-bv44AcioqK2zJgf3hMFDGYc2a/s1600/morningcoffee.jpg" iya="true" /></a></div>
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<span class="chapter-3"><span class="text Ps-107-1"><span class="text Ps-107-10" id="en-NKJV-15710"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">1</span></sup></span>Oh, <span style="color: #990000;">give thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span>, for <strong><i>He is</i> good</strong>! </span></span><span class="text Ps-107-1">For His mercy <i>endures</i> <strong>forever</strong>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-2" id="en-NKJV-15702"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">2 </span></sup><u>Let the redeemed of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">say </span></strong></u><i><u><strong><span style="color: #990000;">so</span></strong>,</u> </i></span><span class="text Ps-107-2">Whom <u>He has redeemed</u> from the hand of the enemy,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-3" id="en-NKJV-15703"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">3 </span></sup><u>And gathered</u> out of the lands, </span><span class="text Ps-107-3">From the east and from the west, </span><span class="text Ps-107-3">From the north and from the south.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-4" id="en-NKJV-15704"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">4 </span></sup>They <u>wandered</u> in the wilderness in a desolate way; </span><span class="text Ps-107-4">They <u>found no city</u> to dwell in.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-5" id="en-NKJV-15705"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">5 </span></sup>Hungry and thirsty, </span><span class="text Ps-107-5">Their soul fainted in them.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-6" id="en-NKJV-15706"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">6 </span></sup>Then <u><span style="color: #990000;">they cried out</span></u> to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in their trouble, </span><span class="text Ps-107-6"><i>And</i> <strong><span style="color: #990000;">He delivered them</span></strong> out of their distresses.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-7" id="en-NKJV-15707"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">7 </span></sup>And <strong>He led them</strong> forth <span style="color: #990000;">by the right way</span>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-7">That they might go to a city for a dwelling place.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-8" id="en-NKJV-15708"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">8 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">Oh, that <i>men</i> would</span> <span style="color: #990000;">give thanks</span> to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <i>for</i> His goodness,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-8">And <span style="color: #990000;"><i>for</i> His <u>wonderful</u> works to the children of men</span>!</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-9" id="en-NKJV-15709"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">9 </span></sup>For He <u><span style="color: #990000;">satisfies the longing</span></u> soul, </span><span class="text Ps-107-9">And <u><span style="color: #990000;">fills the hungry soul with goodness</span></u>.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-10" id="en-NKJV-15710"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">10 </span></sup>Those who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, </span><span class="text Ps-107-10">Bound in affliction and irons—</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-11" id="en-NKJV-15711"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">11 </span></sup><u>Because they rebelled</u> against the words of God, </span><span class="text Ps-107-11">And <u>despised the counsel</u> of the Most High,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-12" id="en-NKJV-15712"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">12 </span></sup>Therefore He brought down their heart with labor; </span><span class="text Ps-107-12"><u>They fell down, and <i>there was</i> none to help</u>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-13" id="en-NKJV-15713"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">13 </span></sup><strong><span style="color: #990000;">Then</span></strong> they cried out to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in their trouble, </span><span class="text Ps-107-13"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>And</i> <strong>He</strong> saved them</span> out of their distresses.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-14" id="en-NKJV-15714"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">14 </span></sup>He brought them <u>out of darkness</u> and the shadow of death, </span><span class="text Ps-107-14">And <u>broke their chains</u> in pieces.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-15" id="en-NKJV-15715"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">15 </span></sup><u><span style="color: #990000;">Oh, that <i>men</i> would give thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <i>for</i> His goodness,</span></u></span><br /><u><span style="color: #990000;"><span class="text Ps-107-15">And <i>for</i> His wonderful works to the children of men! </span></span></u><span class="text Ps-107-16" id="en-NKJV-15716"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">16 </span></sup>For He has broken the gates of bronze, </span><span class="text Ps-107-16">And cut the bars of iron in two.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-17" id="en-NKJV-15717"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">17 </span></sup>Fools, <u>because of their transgression</u>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-17">And <u>because of their iniquities</u>, were afflicted.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-18" id="en-NKJV-15718"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">18 </span></sup>Their soul abhorred all manner of food, </span><span class="text Ps-107-18">And they drew near to the gates of death.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-19" id="en-NKJV-15719"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">19 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">Then</span> they cried out to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in their trouble, </span><span class="text Ps-107-19"><span style="color: #990000;"><i>And</i> He saved them</span> out of their distresses.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-20" id="en-NKJV-15720"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">20 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">He sent</span> His word and healed them, </span><span class="text Ps-107-20"><span style="color: #990000;">And delivered</span> <i>them</i> from their destructions.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-21" id="en-NKJV-15721"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">21 </span></sup><u>Oh, that <i>men</i> would</u> give thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <span style="color: #990000;"><i>for</i> His goodness</span>,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-21">And <i>for</i> His wonderful works to the <u>children of men</u>!</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-22" id="en-NKJV-15722"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">22 </span></sup>Let them sacrifice the <u>sacrifices of thanksgiving</u>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-22">And <span style="color: #990000;">declare His works with rejoicing</span>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCefzlWAICh8K9DFDoc9iqcaLb4SKygmdIhiLzri8K71cono6pydhdJePoW-5NuakwNuiAMH-k6QcntW5s1i5IogFDJp3suMCanDgGbqgcnlRcRyY-akfs2LznF3dGAO6WxnHOt_wUYdH/s1600/ohthatmen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFCefzlWAICh8K9DFDoc9iqcaLb4SKygmdIhiLzri8K71cono6pydhdJePoW-5NuakwNuiAMH-k6QcntW5s1i5IogFDJp3suMCanDgGbqgcnlRcRyY-akfs2LznF3dGAO6WxnHOt_wUYdH/s1600/ohthatmen.jpg" iya="true" /></a><span class="text Ps-107-23" id="en-NKJV-15723"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">23 </span></sup>Those who go down to the sea in ships, </span><span class="text Ps-107-23">Who do business on great waters,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-24" id="en-NKJV-15724"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">24 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">They see</span> the works of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-24">And His wonders in the deep.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-25" id="en-NKJV-15725"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">25 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">For He commands</span> and raises the stormy wind, </span><span class="text Ps-107-25">Which lifts up the waves of the sea.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-26" id="en-NKJV-15726"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">26 </span></sup>They mount up to the heavens, </span><span class="text Ps-107-26">They go down again to the depths; </span><span class="text Ps-107-26">Their soul melts because of trouble.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-27" id="en-NKJV-15727"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">27 </span></sup>They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, </span><span class="text Ps-107-27">And are <u><span style="color: #990000;">at their wits’ end</span></u>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-28" id="en-NKJV-15728"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">28 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">Then</span> they cry out to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> in their trouble, </span><span class="text Ps-107-28">And He brings them out of their distresses.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-29" id="en-NKJV-15729"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">29 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">He calms the storm</span>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-29">So that its waves are still.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-30" id="en-NKJV-15730"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">30 </span></sup>Then they are glad because they are quiet; </span><span class="text Ps-107-30"><span style="color: #990000;"><u>So He guides them to their desired haven</u></span>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-31" id="en-NKJV-15731"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">31 </span></sup>Oh, that <i>men</i> would give thanks to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> <i>for</i> His goodness,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-31">And <i>for</i> His <span style="color: #990000;">wonderful </span>works to the children of men!</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-32" id="en-NKJV-15732"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">32 </span></sup>Let them <u>exalt Him</u> also in the assembly of the people, </span><span class="text Ps-107-32">And <u>praise Him</u> in the company of the elders.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-33" id="en-NKJV-15733"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">33 </span></sup>He turns <u>rivers into a wilderness</u>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-33">And the <u>watersprings into dry ground</u>;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-34" id="en-NKJV-15734"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">34 </span></sup>A <u>fruitful land into barrenness</u>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-34"><u>For the wickedness</u> of those who dwell in it.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-35" id="en-NKJV-15735"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">35 </span></sup>He turns a <span style="color: #990000;">wilderness into pools</span> of water, </span><span class="text Ps-107-35">And <span style="color: #990000;">dry land into watersprings</span>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-36" id="en-NKJV-15736"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">36 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;"><u>There He makes the hungry dwell</u></span>, </span><span class="text Ps-107-36">That they may establish a city for a dwelling place,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-37" id="en-NKJV-15737"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">37 </span></sup>And sow fields and plant vineyards, </span><span class="text Ps-107-37">That they may yield a<span style="color: #990000;"> fruitful harvest</span>.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-38" id="en-NKJV-15738"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">38 </span></sup><strong>He</strong> also <u>blesses them</u>, and they multiply greatly; </span><span class="text Ps-107-38">And He does not let their cattle decrease.</span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-39" id="en-NKJV-15739"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">39 </span></sup>When they are diminished and brought low </span><span class="text Ps-107-39">Through oppression, affliction, and sorrow,</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-40" id="en-NKJV-15740"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">40 </span></sup>He pours contempt on princes, </span><span class="text Ps-107-40">And causes them to wander in the wilderness <i>where there is</i> no way;</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-41" id="en-NKJV-15741"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">41 </span></sup>Yet He sets the poor on high, far from affliction, </span><span class="text Ps-107-41">And makes <i>their</i> families like a flock.</span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-42" id="en-NKJV-15742"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">42 </span></sup><span style="color: #990000;">The righteous see <i>it</i> and rejoice, </span></span><span class="text Ps-107-42"><span style="color: #990000;">And all iniquity stops its mouth.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Ps-107-43" id="en-NKJV-15743"><sup class="versenum"><span style="font-size: x-small;">43 </span></sup><u><strong>Whoever <i>is</i> wise will observe these <i>things,</i></strong></u></span><br /><span class="text Ps-107-43"><strong><u>And they will understand the <span style="color: #990000;"><em>lovingkindness</em></span> of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</u></strong><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(NKJV)</span>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">"Oh Love that wilt not let me go, I rest my weary soul in Thee;</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">I give Thee back the life I owe, That in Thine ocean depths its flow May richer, fuller be. </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">"O Light that foll'west all my way, I yield my flick'ring torch to Thee; </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">My heart restores its borrowed ray, That in Thy sunshine's blaze its day May brighter, fairer be.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">"O Joy that seekest me through pain, I cannot close my heart to Thee; </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">I trace the rainbow through the rain, And feel the promise is not vain, That morn shall tearless be.</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">"O Cross that liftest up my head, I dare not ask to fly from thee; </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">I lay in dust life's glory dead,</span></em><em><span style="color: #073763;">And from the ground there blossoms red </span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">Life that shall endless be!"</span></em></div>
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<em><span style="color: #073763;">(hymn lyrics by: George Mattheson)</span></em></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-50150028589999034442013-06-11T21:05:00.000-07:002013-06-11T21:05:12.229-07:00Jesus CallingWhile visiting for my sister's high school graduation, my grandparents recommended a daily devotional book by Sarah Young titled "Jesus Calling." They loaned us their copy and I have been so encouraged and challenged by the Biblical truths declared in each daily paragraph. Today's (June 11th) came from Isaiah 12:2 and Romans 8:6:<br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Trust Me</span></span> and don't be afraid, for<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"> I am your</span></span> </i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;">Strength and Song</span>.</i> <u>Do not let fear dissipate your </u></div>
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<u>energy. Instead, invest your energy in trusting Me and </u></div>
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<u>singing </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><u>My Song</u></span><u>.</u> The battle for control of your mind </div>
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is fierce, and years of worry have made you vulnerable </div>
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to the enemy. Therefore, you need to be vigilant in</div>
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guarding your thoughts. Do not despise this weakness</div>
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in yourself since I am using it to draw you closer to Me.</div>
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Your constant need for Me creates an intimacy that is </div>
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well worth the effort. You are not alone in this struggle </div>
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for your mind. My Spirit living within you is ever ready </div>
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to help in this striving. Ask Him to <i>control your mind;</i></div>
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He will bless you with <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #0c343d;"><i>Life and Peace</i></span><i>.</i></div>
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Our church is in the midst of 52 days of combined, purposeful prayer for our church, homes, community, etc. This devotional reading goes along so well with what I have felt led to pray for myself, my immediate family, and my church family; that Christ would control what we think, say, and do. What does a life controlled by Christ look like? What would YOURS look like if you "invested your energy in trusting Him and singing His Song?"</div>
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I love the words to this old hymn written by Kate B. Wilkinson sometime before 1913:</div>
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May the mind of Christ, my Savior,</div>
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Live in me from day to day,</div>
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By His love and power controlling</div>
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All I do and say.</div>
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May the Word of God dwell richly</div>
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In my heart from hour to hour,</div>
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So that all may see I triumph</div>
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Only through His power.</div>
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May the peace of God my Father</div>
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Rule my life in everything,</div>
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That I may be calm to comfort</div>
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Sick and sorrowing.</div>
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May the love of Jesus fill me</div>
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As the waters fill the sea;</div>
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Him exalting, self abasing,</div>
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This is victory.</div>
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May I run the race before me,</div>
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Strong and brave to face the foe,</div>
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Looking only unto Jesus</div>
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As I onward go.</div>
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May His beauty rest upon me,</div>
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As I seek the lost to win,</div>
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And may they forget the channel,</div>
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Seeing only Him.</div>
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</i>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-8365028220010079582013-05-06T16:50:00.000-07:002013-05-06T16:50:40.336-07:00Confidence<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The older I get the more <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> I think I should have. The reality is that I seem to question myself all the more as time goes on. Questions about life, my plans, my world view, myself.... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So many things can make us question: why? when? where? what? how?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It can be as simple as an off-handed remark in a passing conversation or understanding a different way of life; realizing something you've never seen clearly before; a caring question or friendly chat; for the first time understanding something you've heard all your life; any kind of change.... </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The list is endless. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life it just full of questions that need answers and often there are more of the former than the later. That is a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> killer: not knowing the answer. If I dwell on what I don't know I start getting a bit panic-y. It's hard making decisions in this state and there are decisions to be made every day.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'm not talking about the "big" decisions so much as the "small" ones. Those that shape character: the good fruits of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). When I am focusing on questions without answers my fruit is "stunted" in a way. For example, think about how hard it is to be joyful when you're worried....</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This line of thought brought to mind the song Maria sings in "The Sound of Music":</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"What will this day be like? I wonder.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What will my future be? I wonder.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...Oh I must stop these doubts all these worries!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I don't I just know I'll turn back.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I must dream of the things I am seeking - </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am seeking the courage I lack.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The courage to serve them with reliance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Face my mistakes without defiance.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Show them I'm worthy and while I show them, I'll show me..."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The song shows that a change came when Maria stopped mulling over what she </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">didn't know and began stating what she did:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> in sunshine, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> in rain,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> that spring will come again</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Besides which you see I have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confidence</span> in me!"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">Confidence</span> means to be "self-<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">assured</span>, to feel or show <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">certainty</span> about something, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">secure</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">positive</span>, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">safe</span>." So what is it I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">confident</span> in? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"I am <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">CONVINCED</span> [to be completely certain about something] that nothing can ever separate us from God's love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow - not even the powers of hell can separate us from GOD'S LOVE. No power in the sky above or in the earth below - indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from THE LOVE OF GOD THAT IS REVEALED IN CHRIST JESUS OUR LORD." </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Romans 8:38-39 NLT)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">The best picture of </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">confidence</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> I can think of is a child that runs and jumps off a platform into your arms. They didn't stop to wonder IF, HOW, WHEN, WHERE ... With complete joy they are living life, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">confident</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">. </span></span></span></h3>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">"He is jealous for me. If love's like a hurricane, I am a tree</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">All of a sudden I am UNAWARE of these AFFLICTIONS</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">ECLIPSED BY GLORY and I realize just how beautiful You are</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And how GREAT Your affections are for me</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Oh How He Loves Us!</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">We are His portion and He is our prize </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">If His grace is an ocean, we're all sinking</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Then heaven meets earth like an unforeseen kiss</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">And my heart turns violently inside of my chest</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">AND I DON'T HAVE TIME TO MAINTAIN THESE REGRETS</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">WHEN I THINK ABOUT THE WAY</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">That He Loves ME!"</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">("How He Loves" by: David Crowder)</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><img height="22" id="share-lyrics" src="http://www.metrolyrics.com/images/n2/fbshare.gif" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; left: 380px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; position: relative; top: 690px; vertical-align: baseline; visibility: visible; z-index: 1;" title="Share these lyrics on Facebook!" width="99" /></span></span></span></span></div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-75719846301965740712013-04-24T07:23:00.000-07:002013-04-24T07:23:42.573-07:00Back In The SaddleOops! I was doing so well with my 2013 resolution to blog more. Ah well, I do have some valid excuses: I was out of state the beginning of March and over Easter (hopefully you will read more about that soon) which was lovely but travel does make life busier! And I WAS still writing. A recent aquiantance (i.e. last summer) asked me if I would write an article (see link at bottom) for a website he manages called "The Breed's Hill Institute; Articles, News, History and Education about The Revolutionary War and America's Founding." <br />
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He said I could pick any subject from the 18th century to research and write about. And so I would like to introduce you to Miss Sybil Ludington; a 16 year old girl who many have named as "the female Paul Revere." This is Berton Braley's clever take on Longfellow's poem:</div>
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<em>Listen, my children, and you shall hear </em><br /><em>Of a lovely feminine Paul Revere </em><br /><em>Who rode an equally famous ride </em><br /><em>Through a different part of the countryside, </em><br /><em>Where Sybil Ludington’s name recalls </em><br /><em>A ride as daring as that of Paul’s. </em></div>
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<em>In April, Seventeen Seventy-Seven, </em><br /><em>A smoky glow in the eastern heaven </em><br /><em>(A fiery herald of war and slaughter) </em><br /><em>Came to the eyes of the Colonel’s daughter. </em><br /><em>“Danbury’s burning,” she cried aloud. </em><br /><em>The Colonel answered, “‘T is but a cloud, </em><br /><em>A cloud reflecting the campfires’ red, </em><br /><em>So hush you, Sybil, and go to bed.” </em></div>
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<em>“I hear the sound of the cannon drumming” </em><br /><em>“‘T is only the wind in the treetops humming! </em><br /><em>So go to bed, as a young lass ought, </em><br /><em>And give the matter no further thought.” </em><br /><em>Young Sybil sighed as she turned to go, </em><br /><em>“Still, Danbury’s burning–that I know.” </em></div>
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<em>Sound of a horseman riding hard </em><br /><em>Clatter of hoofs in the manoryard </em><br /><em>Feet on the steps and a knock resounding </em><br /><em>As a fist struck wood with a mighty pounding. </em><br /><em>The doors flung open, a voice is heard, </em><br /><em>“Danbury’s burning–I rode with word; </em><br /><em>Fully half of the town is gone </em><br /><em>And the British–the British are coming on. </em><br /><em>Send a messenger, get our men!” </em><br /><em>His message finished the horseman then </em><br /><em>Staggered wearily to a chair </em><br /><em>And fell exhausted in slumber there. </em></div>
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<em>The Colonel muttered, “And who, my friend, </em><br /><em>Is the messenger I can send? </em><br /><em>Your strength is spent and you cannot ride </em><br /><em>And, then, you know not the countryside; </em><br /><em>I cannot go for my duty’s clear; </em><br /><em>When my men come in they must find me here; </em><br /><em>There’s devil a man on the place tonight </em><br /><em>To warn my troopers to come–and fight. </em><br /><em>Then, who is my messenger to be?” </em><br /><em>Said Sybil Ludington, “You have me.”</em></div>
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<em>“You!” said the Colonel, and grimly smiled, </em><br /><em>“You!” My daughter, you’re just a child!” </em><br /><em>“Child!” cried Sybil. “Why I’m sixteen! </em><br /><em>My mind’s alert and my senses keen, </em><br /><em>I know where the trails and the roadways are </em><br /><em>And I can gallop as fast and as far </em><br /><em>As any masculine rider can. </em><br /><em>You want a messenger? I’m your man!” </em></div>
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<em>The Colonel’s heart was aglow with pride. </em><br /><em>“: Spoke like a soldier. Ride, girl, ride </em><br /><em>Ride like the devil; ride like sin; </em><br /><em>Summon my slumbering troopers in. </em><br /><em>I know when duty is to be done </em><br /><em>That I can depend on a Ludington!” </em></div>
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<em>So over the trails to the towns and farms </em><br /><em>Sybil delivered the call to arms. </em><br /><em>Riding swiftly without a stop </em><br /><em>Except to rap with a riding crop </em><br /><em>On the soldiers’ doors, with a sharp tattoo </em><br /><em>And a high-pitched feminine halloo. </em><br /><em>“Up! up there, soldier. You’re needed, come! </em><br /><em>The British are marching!” and the drum </em><br /><em>Of her horse’s feet as she rode apace </em><br /><em>To bring more men to the meeting place. </em></div>
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<em>Sybil grew weary and faint and drowsing, </em><br /><em>Here limbs were aching, but still she rode </em><br /><em>Until she finished her task of rousing </em><br /><em>Each sleeping soldier from his abode, </em><br /><em>Showing her father, by work well done, </em><br /><em>The he could depend on a Ludington. </em></div>
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<em>Dawn in the skies with its tints of pearl </em><br /><em>And the lass who rode in a soldier’s stead </em><br /><em>Turned home, only a tired girl </em><br /><em>Thinking of breakfast and then of bed </em><br /><em>With never a dream that her ride would be </em><br /><em>A glorious legend of history; </em><br /><em>Nor that posterity’s hand would mark </em><br /><em>Each trail she rode through the inky dark, </em><br /><em>Each path to figure in song and story </em><br /><em>As a splendid, glamorous path of glory– </em><br /><em>To prove, as long as the ages run, </em><br /><em>That “you can depend on a Ludington.”</em></div>
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<em>Such is the legend of Sybil’s ride </em><br /><em>To summon the men from the countryside </em><br /><em>A true tale, making her title clear </em><br /><em>As a lovely feminine Paul Revere!</em></div>
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Follow the link below to read the article and learn more about this brave young lady.</div>
<a href="http://www.breedshill.org/The_Breeds_Hill_institute/Another_Midnight_Ride.html" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.breedshill.org/The_Breeds_Hill_institute/Another_Midnight_Ride.html</a><br />
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-49506743410252714122013-02-26T08:52:00.000-08:002013-02-26T08:52:33.197-08:00Ask The One Who Knows<b><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 10.5pt;">
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"><em><o:p></o:p></em></span> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Words I heard on the way to work this morning (from a song off the Franz Family's "Who At My Door Is Standing" CD) coupled with pictures I found online:</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt;"><em>Jesus I am thankful for all You've given me <br />And I'm asking for Your help Lord to be all You'd have me be </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>I'm asking You 'cause You know how t</em></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>o heal a heart and clear the doubt <br />You can take away the hurt and make it all work out <br />I'm asking You 'cause You know how </em></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>May I always be aware of the blessings that You bring <br />And may You always be the reason I lift my voice and sing </em></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxRYcfUTQ5nPBPEje33Hzm4zhbxBkeMSYGSaurxiwD3cVZ8JZWEz8HWBruIU5o8BQU3XFJY9pvTs_3mMw5CD0uV3NR2eM64y23HpL4d6l-tTRL7SJOnhsU9heTtUtv4g2u9KoufuvUtul/s1600/MineForAMoment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxRYcfUTQ5nPBPEje33Hzm4zhbxBkeMSYGSaurxiwD3cVZ8JZWEz8HWBruIU5o8BQU3XFJY9pvTs_3mMw5CD0uV3NR2eM64y23HpL4d6l-tTRL7SJOnhsU9heTtUtv4g2u9KoufuvUtul/s1600/MineForAMoment.jpg" gsa="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Teach me faith and guide me and show me how to stand <br />Through trying times that face me Lord I know You can </em></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; font-size: 9pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">("I'm Asking You" by: Shawn Lane)</span></em></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: 'Verdana','sans-serif'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: #949086; font-family: 'Century Gothic','sans-serif';">This last picture is by artist Kelly O'Neill. This is what she shares about the story behind "Mine for a Moment." After losing a close friend, she "was struggling to balance loving fiercely with a willingness to let go." GOD showed her this picture in her mind, and she painted it. "...a little girl was playing in the field with her father. He had just let go of her hand, and she was running away, but smiling back at him. I knew that this image represented the attitude I was to have about the people I treasure most in my life." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Information from another person's blog.)</span></span></span></span></div>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-40176992362081960462013-02-21T17:16:00.000-08:002013-02-21T17:16:59.486-08:00Unfading Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Nanny, PopPop, Mom, and Me; 4 generations!</span></span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My great-grandmother, Katie Rice Syphard Shantz, was born September 17, 1918. Early this morning, Feburary 21, 2013, she passed away. Being her first great-grandchild I realize how incredibly blessed I was to have known her so well and to have so many wonderful memories.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZwMJA8uDPAfZMudoK7jhXYDqGNXeRMIsZ3rQOmWUKQyrRdvgp55ZBrkg8NJjWHYkU-6D8A5aSAq3lDz3-bVK8WtMWC59lD0ie4iZu2j6BYO2MfUk9EzfMg3QFH2ynVaZ_qFsDRjYo6svD/s1600/SAM_3319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">Nanny, Mom, and Great-PopPop (He passed away before I was born)</span></span></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Just a few things that come to mind when I think of Nanny:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She was my great-grandmother/babysitter/friend.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She was the one who came closest to spoiling us. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She enjoyed taking us shopping and giving gifts.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ You had to be careful what you said you liked because she would buy it for you!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ I remember taking summer naps on the carpeted floor of her air conditioned appartment.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ My first sleep-over (all by myself, just for fun) was with her.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ As a little girl I was facinated by the fact that she had false teeth and would take them out at night.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ Her favorite color was red. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She used to tell me about a red coat she had when she was a girl.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She loved seeing cardinals and butterflies.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ A box of crayons and coloring book would keep us entertained for hours.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ I blame my love of Peanut M&Ms and York Peppermint Patties on her. She always had them in the pantry.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She liked taking long walks and pretty flowers</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She liked good eating:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">homemade cookies & veggie soup/chicken nuggets/hot dogs/French fries </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ Ice cream was a staple:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">butter pecan/peach/black cherry/whipped cream in a can and marachino cherries.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She would find the biggest potato chips in the bag and give them to us.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ We watched TV at her house since we didn't have cable: </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Waltons/Flinstons/Jetsons/Scooby-Doo/Dr. Quinn/</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Lawrence Welk Show</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She loved animals, especially baby animals, chicken, and geese.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She made scrap books for her great-grandchildren. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥She would page through magazines looking for cute things to cut out.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She loved babies; holding and playing with them.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She thought a dog licking your face was just horrible.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She taught us the saying: "Beans, beans the musical fruit…" and thought "tooting" was hilarious!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">✥ She loved her family.</span></span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">A picture from mom's photo album of a very young Katie Shantz</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #676767;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She struggled with Altzhiemers for more than a decade and it was hard knowing she didn't remember any of us. She was so loved and we will miss her so much, but I am glad that she no longer has to deal with physical ailments. It makes me happy to think that she is able to enjoy things again, that she is with Jesus, and there will never again be pain in her life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I LOVE YOU, NANNY! ❤</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #676767;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">She probably would have liked to hear the Cathedrals sing this song:</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b><i>"I am going to a city,</i></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Where the streets with gold are laid,</i></b></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Where the tree of life is blooming,</i></b></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>And the roses never fade.</i></b></span></div>
</span><span style="font: normal normal normal 14px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Here they bloom but for a season;</i></b></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Soon their beauty is decayed.</i></b></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>I am going to a city,</i></b></span></div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><i>Where the roses never fade.</i></b>"</span></div>
</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
Written by Elsie Osborn, Jack Osborn, Jim Miller</blockquote>
</span><br />
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-26505828878205769542013-02-14T04:06:00.000-08:002013-02-14T04:06:27.767-08:00The Question Of LOVE<br />
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<i><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"The condition of the human heart is that we all pursue love."</span></b></u></i><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"> </span></b></u></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">- Robert Messarge, Jr.</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Based on what history has told us, I believe it is safe to assume that this statement is true. What history has not done is to remove from our hearts the question: </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">'What is love?' </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Is it an all consuming feeling that looks to passion and sensuality? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Is it the short-lived drama of a high-school crush? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Is it shown by a mother's tender care of her child? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">By a man's unique concern for his wife's happiness? </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">A child climbing into a welcoming lap, resting its head on a capable shoulder, knowing she's safe?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">What is love?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">❦</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"Is love a fancy or a feeling? No. It is immortal as immaculate Truth, 'Tis not a blossom shed as soon as youth drops from the stem of life -- for it will grow, in barren regions, where no water flows, Nor rays of promise cheats the pensive gloom... Nor will it change, though all be changed beside; Though fairest beauty be no longer fair, Though vows be false, and faith itself deny, Though sharp enjoyment be a suicide, And hope a specter in a ruin bare." </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">- Hartley Coleridge</span></blockquote>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">❦</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">This past Fall I had the priviledge of meeting the Jost family at one of their concerts (those of you who have seen their movie clips might know them by the youtube title "Jostie Flicks"). Their oldest daughter, Emily, sang a song her mother, Lisa, composed about the words we say and what they mean. The chorus was what stuck with me the most:</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"When you say LOVE, you say a million things</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">More than flowers or diamond rings </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">More than candy and valentines </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">More than feelings and starry eyes </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">When you say LOVE, you're saying SACRIFICE</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">You are WILLING TO LAY DOWN YOUR LIFE</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">WALK AWAY from your selfish pride </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">TURN AWAY from the tempting side</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">When you say LOVE" </span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000;">❦</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">Recently one of my friends jokingly said: "love is over-rated." I told her it was <i>romance</i> that was "over-rated." Love (in the true sense of the word) could never be over-rated because it is boundless! Romance is a feeling. Feelings come and go. Love remains.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">1 John 4:10 (New Living Translation)</span></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">"</span></i></b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">This is real love—not that we loved God, </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">but that he loved us and sent his Son </span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #134f5c;">as a sacrifice to take away our sins."</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #444444;">There you have it! Fini. Period. Take that to the bank and cash it! That's love.</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666;">(Note: These pictures were taken off the internet. I cannot claim them as my own)</span></blockquote>
Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-67640504109159242052013-02-12T06:24:00.000-08:002013-02-26T08:53:53.601-08:00My Heart Is Filled...<br />
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My heart is FILLED with thankfulness<br />
To Him who bore MY PAIN;<br />
Who plumbed the depths of MY DISGRACE <br />
And gave me LIFE again;<br />
Who CRUSHED my CURSE of sinfulness<br />
And CLOTHED me in His LIGHT<br />
And wrote His law of RIGHTEOUSNESS<br />
With POW'R upon my heart.<br />
<br />
My heart is filled with THANKFULNESS<br />
To Him who WALKS beside;<br />
Who floods my WEAKNESSES with STRENGTH<br />
And causes FEARS to FLY;<br />
Whose ev'ry promise is ENOUGH<br />
For EV'RY step I take,<br />
Sustaining me with ARMS OF LOVE<br />
And crowning me with GRACE.<br />
<br />
My HEART is filled with thankfulness<br />
To HIM WHO REIGNS above,<br />
Whose wisdom is my PERFECT PEACE,<br />
Whose ev'ry thought is LOVE.<br />
For EV'RY DAY I have on earth<br />
Is GIVEN by the King;<br />
So I will GIVE my life, my ALL,<br />
To LOVE AND FOLLOW Him.<br />
<br />
"My Heart Is Filled with Thankfulness"<br />
Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend<br />
Copyright © 2003 Thankyou Music<br />
<br />
<br />
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; <span class="text Phil-4-7" id="en-NKJV-29450">and the PEACE of God, which SURPASSES ALL understanding, will GUARD YOUR HEARTS AND MINDS through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-28898364831184465092013-01-27T19:26:00.000-08:002013-01-27T19:26:06.649-08:00An Unusual Art Medium and A Freeing Reality<br />
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(Subtitle: Stacking fire wood, making God your life coach, and sticking with your first love.)</div>
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So based on the title of this post you're probably thinking "what???" and your worried I'm going to lose you before we even begin. Don't worry that's as close to being philosophical as I'm going to get.</div>
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Due to several of my siblings being sick, I got to help with the OUTSIDE chores yesterday! This is always exciting as I am usually IN the house. On a farm, K.P. duty and keeping house are just as important as working in the garden, fields, and/or barn but it is nice to not be exclusively inside. I have decided to assign myself to at least one barn chore so I don't have to wait till everyone is sick to enjoy working outside!! </div>
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This is where the "art" comes in. As I was neatly stacking firewood by the back door, I noticed the beauty of the wood grain and how the circles of wood contrasted with the lines from the brick wall behind it. Some of you may think that's silly but hey what else do you think about when you're stacking wood? Plus it's art; I mean sometimes I think if you give it an artistic name (i.e. A Study In Circles and Right Angles) that's the only thing creative about it! So, enjoy the picture and then go take a walk or do something outside (even if it's cold). You might be surprised how much you enjoy it.</div>
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Now for the "freeing reality" part. Recently, through Bible study and teaching, the Lord has shown me that I am most free when I relinquish control of my life and place it in His hands. Talking with several friends, I was intrigued by the term "life coach." So I did a little google studying and came up with this definition from thefreedictionary.com: </div>
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<span style="font: 17.0px Helvetica;">"</span>a person whose job is to improve the quality of </div>
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his or her client's life, by offering advice on </div>
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professional and personal matters, such as </div>
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career, health, personal relationships, etc."</div>
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I have always heard how important it is to carefully chose those whom you allow to influence you and whose advice you seek. So I asked myself, "Who is my 'life coach'?" I have been blessed to have many godly advisors in my life but I came to the conclusion that the only one I want in the position of head advisor "<span style="font: 19.0px Arial;">who helps people with problems, decisions, and goal attainment in daily life" </span>is God. He is my heavenly Father, whose Son died for my sins in pursuit of a relationship with me and who sends His Holy Spirit to guide my steps. </div>
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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet</div>
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And a light unto my path.</div>
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Thy word is a lamp unto my feet</div>
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And a light unto my path.</div>
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When I feel afraid,</div>
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And think I've lost my way.</div>
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Still, You're there right beside me.</div>
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Nothing will I fear</div>
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As long as You are near;</div>
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Please be near me to the end.</div>
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I will not forget</div>
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Your love for me and yet,</div>
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My heart forever is wandering.</div>
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Jesus be my guide,</div>
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And hold me to Your side,</div>
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And I will love you to the end.</div>
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(song written by Amy Grant based on the truth found in Psalm 119:105)</div>
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Christ is and always will be my first love. He is teaching me to trust Him wholly. </div>
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With my:</div>
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Time = past, present, future, time management</div>
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Needs = job/income, where to live, health </div>
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Relationships = honoring parents, loving siblings, extending forgiveness, serving in humility</div>
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Talents = He gives abilities and the opportunities/wisdom to use them</div>
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Desires = He gives passions and goals coupled with patience and endurance</div>
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Wisdom = knowing when, how, what, where… </div>
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To tie it all together: with the Holy Spirit as my "life coach" and Jesus as my unfailing Love, I will serve my Creator God bringing attention to His beautiful world all around us.</div>
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Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-15652963796114520992013-01-22T07:03:00.004-08:002013-01-22T07:03:47.392-08:00Resolve, Remorse, Remember<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 13px;"><i>Now that we are several weeks into the new year I am finally starting on one of my resolutions: posting more blogs and not just writing them in my head! I actually wrote this on Jan. 11th but didn't post till now... we'll see how this resolution thing works out..... </i></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Today (Jan. 11th) marks a week that my sister, Serena, has been faithful to her</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
promise of not using the salt and pepper shakers. A friend visited our</div>
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family for a week over the holidays and was in the habit of asking for</div>
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the salt and pepper at meal times. Serena was so devastated when it</div>
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came time for our friend to leave that she declared she was "never</div>
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going to use the salt and pepper again!" So far the vow has been kept;</div>
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she has not been seasoning her food; well not with that particular set</div>
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anyway. :) Such a goof!</div>
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My youngest sisters: Abigail and Serena</div>
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I've been realizing how hard it is to think of them in any other way</div>
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than as the "little girls." Abby will be 13 (!) on Jan. 25th and</div>
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Serena will be 12 Aug. 29th. I remember very well being 12 and 13. I</div>
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><div style="text-align: center;">
was mother's big helper, taking care of the baby sisters, moving to VA</div>
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with my family and making new friends, and beginning to make the transition from</div>
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playing "Boxcar Children" in the storage trailer - with Meredith,</div>
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Bethany, and Tommy - to being a young lady. I wish I had done a better</div>
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job of making that transition... I started worrying too much about</div>
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"grooming" myself to be the best wife and mother that I neglected my</div>
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role of devoted, oldest sister/friend. They became my "practice</div>
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children." I told them what they should be doing and instructed them</div>
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on how to do it. They resented me for that; big surprise, right? My</div>
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parents told me I would regret it, and I do. It haunts me as my</div>
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biggest failure in life. I know that may sound overly dramatic but it</div>
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has repeatedly been the thing Satan brings up to make me feel</div>
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unworthy, unqualified, etc. And it is a constant struggle to overcome</div>
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the habits I allowed to form for so many years.</div>
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Perhaps this is the reason I have a heart for young ladies to know the</div>
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truth and freedom that comes from knowing the unconditional love of</div>
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God and to understand that it isn't the "hard" questions that are so</div>
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important (i.e. going to college? have a career? be a missionary? get</div>
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married? children? etc.); it's knowing Christ and who you are in Him.</div>
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Seeing others through His eyes and serving with His love. Knowing His</div>
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voice and following His call. Trusting.</div>
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"Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;</div>
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Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus, that is all.</div>
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Trusting as the moments fly,</div>
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Trusting as the days go by;</div>
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Trusting Him whate’er befall,</div>
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Trusting Jesus, that is all.</div>
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Brightly does His Spirit shine Into this poor heart of mine;</div>
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While He leads I cannot fall; Trusting Jesus, that is all.</div>
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Singing if my way is clear, Praying if the path be drear;</div>
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If in danger for Him call; Trusting Jesus, that is all.</div>
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Trusting Him while life shall last, Trusting Him till earth be past;</div>
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Till within the jasper wall, Trusting Jesus, that is all."</div>
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If I could only keep that in my head! Child-like faith.... He will love and take care of me. </div>
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My job? Keep His love flowing to those around me.</div>
</span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-67953902595780103682012-05-27T13:29:00.000-07:002012-05-27T13:29:34.943-07:00"Beyond Acceptance" Movie<span style="color: black;">Greetings! This is Stacey Bradshaw here. My good friend Michelle has graciously agreed to let me do a guest post on her blog so I can tell all of you about a wonderful film called "Beyond Acceptance."
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<span style="color: black;">I am a filmmaker and have worked on a number of feature films in the past few years since I graduated from college. As you can imagine, I have met a lot of really interesting people from all over the country. While working on an historical feature film in 2010, I met two brothers named Andrew and Philip Bolzman. They had just finished making their own feature film up in Michigan. A few months ago, I joined a campaign to help promote their film, and that is why I am posting here today!
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<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;">"Beyond Acceptance" is a faith-based film with a powerful story about adoption and the importance of unconditional love. Here is the synopsis and the trailer from their website:
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<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: black;">When Evans, a ten-year-old unwanted child, enters his home, Aaron's life is permanently transformed. Believing they have much to offer, Aaron and his wife, Stacy, chose to use their family and stable home as a platform to reach out to children in need through foster care. However, this undertaking was not as simple as they had anticipated. Evans is their first placement. Abandoned as an infant and tossed from home to home, he is a boy with no hope of ever being wanted. Aaron and Stacy often find themselves wondering about the outcome of their ambitious undertaking. The coping behaviors Evans has developed as a result of his past make him extremely challenging. Tantrums, mysterious disappearances, food fights, and impenetrable silence become a new part of their everyday life. Aaron is shaken by his lack of control. Stacy is crushed by the rejection of her affection. Their daughter, Jennie, is resentful of the chaos now ruling her life. As each new obstacle surrounds their family, they are dragged continually closer to the breaking point. Their future is fraught with questions. Can they continue? Will Evans ever understand? Will they be able to entrust themselves wholeheartedly to the hands of God? Is it possible to love the unlovable. . . is he really beyond acceptance?</span>
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I encourage you to visit the website to learn more about the film, the creative team who made it, and to find out how you can purchase a copy of the DVD. Follow this link: <a href="http://www.beyondacceptance.com/">http://www.beyondacceptance.com</a>.</div>
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Thank you for reading, and I hope everyone is having a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend!</div>
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~ Stacey Bradshaw</div>
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My blog: <a href="http://anoldfashionedheart.blogspot.com/">http://anoldfashionedheart.blogspot.com</a></div>
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My website: <a href="http://staceybradshaw.wordpress.com/">http://staceybradshaw.wordpress.com</a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5258739103145323414.post-88225302575801205992012-02-16T21:01:00.000-08:002012-02-16T21:01:40.310-08:0024 going on......I decided that my official, first post on this blog would be on my birthday so I made a list of things that I saw as "gifts" throughout the day.
24 gifts on my 24th birthday
1) I woke up this morning and
2) went to a job I love
3) Heard my current-favorite song on my way to work ("Alive" by Natalie Grant)
4) My grandmother left a heart-warming message on my cell phone
5) Was surprised by a visit from my mom and sisters at work; they brought me
6) lots of lovely roses (!)
7) Texts and calls from friends
8) Encouraging notes, birthday blessings
9) Fabulous Facebook phrases from family and friends :-)
10) Good memories of the birthday tea party we had last Sunday
11) RAIN! (okay that's the farm girl in me looking forward to spring planting)
12) Gorgeous sunset
13) Coming home; being greeted by the animals
14) 4 little children running to meet me as I walk through the door yelling "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELL!!!! " and wrapping around my legs
15) Reminded who I am: a princess - daughter of the King of kings; loved and sought after by Him
16) Steak dinner (home-raised)
17) Homemade cherry pie and vanilla ice cream
18) Blew out all twenty-four candles in one breath
19) Handmade decorations (sister Bethany)
20) Lots of laughter around the dinner table
21) Loving gifts
22) A beautiful strap for my guitar
23) Visit from a friend
24) Jam session (harmony to end the day)Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09462830847432677308noreply@blogger.com3