tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38393220677133753662024-03-17T20:01:51.493-07:00The Prodigal Daughterhisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-24330297370022018212023-12-20T09:12:00.000-08:002023-12-20T09:14:49.798-08:00prologue.<div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span>She readied herself for impact. Annie had been impatiently awaiting this moment for what felt like an eternity. Positioned in a forward lunge, arms poised, hands in fists at her sides, she began the first countdown of the summer. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span><b>“THREE!”</b> She balanced on the balls of her dainty bare feet, giddy with uninhibited anticipation.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span><b>“TWO!”</b> She turned her head sideways and cast a mischievous grin at her mother, who swayed lazily next to her grandmother thirty feet away in the creaking bench swing that hung below the two-story deck.<br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span><b>“ONE!” </b><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span>Annie ran, full throttle, down the grassy hillside, her golden sun-kissed hair whipping in a wild frenzy in her wake. She stopped just short of the edge, as if paused in slow motion, and hurled herself with reckless abandon into the sparkling cerulean water below her. Beams of summer evening light reflecting off of the pool, which cast grand shadows of the trees just beyond the fence line, were disturbed by the small, mighty impact of her body into the water. As Annie surfaced with a splash, her carefree laughter punctuated the evening din of crickets, lawnmowers, and water sprinklers.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span>Annie awoke with a start. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.8; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; text-indent: 36pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span> </span><span> </span></span></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-c42641f5-7fff-0860-aa7c-a5ff44bc1d3d"><div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-2757711411172012602023-08-03T07:07:00.006-07:002023-12-20T08:35:52.094-08:00a letter<div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrM_B7s4HLKyJx9ajAr3A4RbhNMi0hPvATpQiPvJSlrsovVambfRdInuRca8HSlpHExMtZpMSRiPdQfr-ag-JNCmh-dYCjLvzuyDM5K8OxbAq3oPC3_DWursy9nsYRrOPq8PN4upY7DraFf5eEVn2YGm-zJh9gGn1lvuz3wAikYtPlc0oWIr0OwB8tjeE/s2100/Copy%20of%20IMG_6238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1574" data-original-width="2100" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDrM_B7s4HLKyJx9ajAr3A4RbhNMi0hPvATpQiPvJSlrsovVambfRdInuRca8HSlpHExMtZpMSRiPdQfr-ag-JNCmh-dYCjLvzuyDM5K8OxbAq3oPC3_DWursy9nsYRrOPq8PN4upY7DraFf5eEVn2YGm-zJh9gGn1lvuz3wAikYtPlc0oWIr0OwB8tjeE/w502-h376/Copy%20of%20IMG_6238.jpg" width="502" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">To Whom it May Concern:</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-efd4667a-7fff-0e3d-e934-a68ca74a71f6"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">You are a peach.</span></span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">No need to compare yourself to others. A sunset and glistening snow are both beautiful, but distinctly and vastly different. They are both brilliant in their own way. Some people will be far better than you in many areas. You are certainly not going to excel in everything you attempt. Focus on where God has blessed you, and release your weaknesses into His hands. Not every talent or strength you have will be easily quantifiable or seen by others, either; they are not put into place for our glory. It is all f</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">or </span><i style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">His </i><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space-collapse: preserve;">glory. </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You have to trust that God is using you whether you recognize it or not, if only you are obedient. </span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-efd4667a-7fff-0e3d-e934-a68ca74a71f6"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">No need to worry about how others will let you down. They absolutely will. We are human and we are flawed. We are self-seeking. We often have a limited view, and thus, do not consider every consequence. If people were the ones meant to fulfill us, we would all be in hopeless trouble. God alone is meant to be our source of fulfillment and satisfaction. Searching for it anywhere else is fruitless. When people fail us, God walks beside us, providing the peace we need if only we ask it of Him.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">No need to worry about what others think of you or how they gossip about you. It’s not your business anyway. You are going to get under some people’s skin. You are not going to get along with everyone. Not everyone is going to love, value, understand, or appreciate you, and that’s okay. You are a beloved child of God, and though you are far from perfect, He created you for a specific and holy purpose. No one else is called to serve how you will be called to serve. You are called to obedience in unique ways. You are not a mistake, and you were not made to be anyone else but you. God gave you the talents and strengths He did for a reason, as well as your weaknesses - it is often through those where He will use you the most and show you His power.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">You are far from insignificant, even when you don't feel your worth. When you are doubting your value, look up. Remember that God made the sunrise, sunsets, the fields of daisies, the oceans, the mountains, the soothing rain, the night stars, </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space-collapse: preserve;">the towering pines,</span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> and the vast canyons, and he felt that this Earth could be made better by what you have to offer, too.</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space-collapse: preserve;">Jen</span></div></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></div><span id="docs-internal-guid-efd4667a-7fff-0e3d-e934-a68ca74a71f6"><br /><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 1.38; margin: 0pt 36pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-78130008135577306052023-07-24T04:33:00.002-07:002023-12-20T08:37:10.692-08:00365 days.<p><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">It’s been 365 days since I watched you take your last breath. 366 days since you last hugged my neck and said goodbye. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">You would think it gets easier, and in some ways, it does. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">But moments still hit where fresh grief takes me under like a wave. </span><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The weight of grief, some days, feels like more than I can bear. The weight of the memories of your decline and suffering overwhelms me sometimes.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I recently found this picture, and I think it sums it up quite well.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi871t70g6vOipXFfGSCHBmbNWlfk22zIMsmQk6CBtj1epm3r0PSQ_q5eEsQbcZ2uYlFZG0DEsfM8fpJhWrG3ayASevB3q1PYoz24KVvkMfreLwGCkhrKRq3KZAxgVn4VsQ3PTbZKl1ayRNW2U8ROzbMi0ETOi3r5jwc2mmGBYEctY190IPuN88E2TBRILw/s750/unnamed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi871t70g6vOipXFfGSCHBmbNWlfk22zIMsmQk6CBtj1epm3r0PSQ_q5eEsQbcZ2uYlFZG0DEsfM8fpJhWrG3ayASevB3q1PYoz24KVvkMfreLwGCkhrKRq3KZAxgVn4VsQ3PTbZKl1ayRNW2U8ROzbMi0ETOi3r5jwc2mmGBYEctY190IPuN88E2TBRILw/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I would like to say I handle it gracefully by now, and I do have days of remembering fondly and smiling. But some days I’m <u>so</u> angry. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space-collapse: preserve;">I hate the phrase “It isn’t fair”...yet it isn’t. You should’ve had more time. There was still so much spirit and passion left in you. You were just a grown-up kid.</span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ffb8f775-7fff-6cd3-0b0c-0e7214d81406"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was watching “Last Dance” the other day with Jon about Michael Jordan and his life. He talked about coming out of retirement in the 90's and playing basketball again after the death of his father. He said that he felt "naked" without his father there. That’s a perfect analogy. With that void there, you feel exposed, vulnerable, unprotected. The world as you know it has changed forever and there’s no returning to the safe space of your parent’s love. I’m very blessed to still have my mom in my life, and for that I’m exceedingly grateful. But a part of me is missing for good and that hole will never be filled.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">On normal days, I have to be okay. I have to push through and show up. But on July 24th, that day is mine. Mine to miss you. Mine to remember. Mine to cry. I know you wouldn't want that for me, or for Kim. But one of the things you <i>didn't </i>teach me was how to go through life without my dad.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I trust you're walking streets of gold, heckling and laughing, pain- and sorrow-free. That has to be enough. </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: "EB Garamond", serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><br /></span></div></span>hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-42334184707269315262022-11-29T11:42:00.141-08:002022-11-30T06:47:18.989-08:00remembering.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNxH8tLmvymT0B5AS8Gv6zH6rIL5OPyURMlku_gVf2AA9FUsh8qHY4SAeE_apP0_fTn5CcGPDgy1iVfwe4mXpJk08-LToxxHPo_ike9tEgnEyx-sZ6rysTBO0TaNz9B8wxnPQC60IekWoULkjnkxFXgG2JhJX8ioqCH8vBlpIXWr3hnrZ8zi7iXRaQA/s846/IMG_4287.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyNxH8tLmvymT0B5AS8Gv6zH6rIL5OPyURMlku_gVf2AA9FUsh8qHY4SAeE_apP0_fTn5CcGPDgy1iVfwe4mXpJk08-LToxxHPo_ike9tEgnEyx-sZ6rysTBO0TaNz9B8wxnPQC60IekWoULkjnkxFXgG2JhJX8ioqCH8vBlpIXWr3hnrZ8zi7iXRaQA/w266-h400/IMG_4287.JPG" width="266" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I've tried many times to adequately write the words that have been on my heart, but I always came up so very short.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">How do you nip, tuck, and bundle grief into a tidy little blog post? You can't.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's been over four months since I sat beside my dad and watched him take his last breath.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Four months since he wrapped his arms around my neck from his hospital bed, kissed me on the cheek, and said "I love you."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It has become easier to look back fondly and not be overcome with tears.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It has become marginally easier to use past tense when talking about him.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">It has become much easier to celebrate him rather than simply wallow in grief.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">Then again, there are still the moments that blindside you and quite literally take your breath away.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I want to tell you everything about him. His upbringing, his favorites, his philosophies, and his pet peeves. His childhood. The way he was as a father and the ways in which I could make him crazy. How he loved, how he fought. But I couldn’t possibly summarize his life to do it a semblance of justice, so I won’t. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will say this: he was rebellion, he was sensitivity, he was mercy, he was humor. He was intelligence, and temper, and warmth. He had a gleam in his eye and an infectious grin. He didn’t always toe the line, and he liked to flirt with trouble in his earlier years. But as a fellow churchgoer leaned in and whispered to him in his last days, “You are the reason my sons were saved,” he had also proven to be great encouragement and love. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9GeSKRRv8YZvGV4qGVI17rlrNIw7rritfxCvfqLRP0gbFusr3FEJy53O0N5NxCGzm5_gPLWlLHtK_BGdK9lEI7HTHykM_Tkzhme_ZrMQN0-gxTIPQVNgM12wv3MVIZ7kx2gAcElpENSUXSMPCyUsF_Vs7eNlcfuUmeo6T_016c_hLOEjH2gRfJEpMA/s1169/IMG_0854.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="1169" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9GeSKRRv8YZvGV4qGVI17rlrNIw7rritfxCvfqLRP0gbFusr3FEJy53O0N5NxCGzm5_gPLWlLHtK_BGdK9lEI7HTHykM_Tkzhme_ZrMQN0-gxTIPQVNgM12wv3MVIZ7kx2gAcElpENSUXSMPCyUsF_Vs7eNlcfuUmeo6T_016c_hLOEjH2gRfJEpMA/s320/IMG_0854.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3780" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp765NHNr087SSDcW_8idBaGoQ3HJJ6vykKGUjuUY7F5LvlEEVWcme3EhIFZiVkjlCUHR29lB_vQ_GY3_sqsKL6reR7kEOVlSP6n-zHcWSsOUMyC9TZ7Hb-K-pSvZKqYIGvfPAGkJqwzynOHigxqnFig37N9e4hs7KCIGMbSTsI-jUd-tVjqhnyzuvmw/s320/E2E21B2A-62F0-4806-AD23-09F9AB90152C.JPG" width="256" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While I can't physically wrap my arms around him or hear him say, "I love you, Jen", these memories are balm for a tender, downcast heart.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll always remember the way he faithfully stirred his soon-to-be fudge at Christmastime while mom and I decorated the tree. I can still smell it as if it were yesterday.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll always remember the way he gently encouraged me to knock on the neighbor's door when I ran into his truck while learning to ride my bike.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll always remember the way his workshop smelled of sawdust and fresh lumber.</span></div><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;"></span></font></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); text-size-adjust: 100%;"><font color="#000000" face="georgia" size="3"></font></span></font></p><p></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia;">I'll always remember the view from atop his shoulders, where he would hoist me to walk home after dark or to have a better vantage point.</span></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">I'll always feel his arm, linked with mine, as he walked me toward my future husband. </span></font></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I'll always remember the way he clung to his faith as he fought the monster named cancer.</span></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); display: inline; font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;"></span></font></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">I'll always see his wave and smile he gave me as I went home to shower and gather my things once he had been settled into hospice. It was the last time I saw my dad awake.</span></font></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">The void his absence has left is vast. While as Christians we rejoice upon the welcoming of those we love into God’s heavenly kingdom, on the hard days, selfishness wins over the triumph.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">I simply want to talk to my dad again.</span></p><p><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; display: inline; font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">The wound of loss is no longer raw, but there will be scar tissue for a lifetime. Some days will be filled with comfort upon remembrance, while others will be consumed by grief and the shadow it casts over all that is good.</span></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">The anticipation of Christmas coming near fills me with both hope and dread.</span></font></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">The thought of visiting family with the overwhelming tension of his absence is enough to make my stomach churn.</span></font></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">My first Christmas without his bear hug to welcome me. </span></font></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">My first Christmas without him asking for homemade sugar cookies as his sole present. </span></font></p><p><font color="#000000" face="sans-serif" size="3"><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.3); -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: georgia; text-size-adjust: 100%;">My first Christmas that will be tinged with sadness and longing.</span></font></p><p><span style="font-family: georgia;">And while his seat in the living room and at the table will be empty this Christmas, he left behind a lifetime of warmth, love, passion, and humor, that makes him so worth missing.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiKRj5GnSaHOM3KFB2122N3Dlhl1mZI6drUs7rxyV1Wmp7ac4oKCkvzbDIQBk1S7mcPPjZ34yb1ifrUMOMx9bbZWpTWXil2BxhecqtsjF-CaD5_SgKLZBR6pU28AEadernnZXdVncWv08WzQUdmXFlFFaPUacVElPqykRWyIVg3wmNls-4lqXvQrVcA/s3170/IMG_4137.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3170" data-original-width="2378" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXiKRj5GnSaHOM3KFB2122N3Dlhl1mZI6drUs7rxyV1Wmp7ac4oKCkvzbDIQBk1S7mcPPjZ34yb1ifrUMOMx9bbZWpTWXil2BxhecqtsjF-CaD5_SgKLZBR6pU28AEadernnZXdVncWv08WzQUdmXFlFFaPUacVElPqykRWyIVg3wmNls-4lqXvQrVcA/s320/IMG_4137.heic" width="240" /></a></div><p><br /></p>hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-85666919807659302892022-03-09T06:31:00.000-08:002022-03-09T06:31:56.550-08:00if you give him an inch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJStmT8cAksfl3iJbUVd70qJ93-0ly18OVcr2FULKHWmrSbvFXIBBPAvUbdSGMLlpsSUJqnV1ufzPl-4urMOtrswdHTUJHjqM_gptVMlar86e6haL97WB4Y1cLzsg7I2H_nXgNAhyBmHRJgutQSXLt0PsBUtzKRjCZ-25fxanIpW1srbXaZWpdrZw7g=s1500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMJStmT8cAksfl3iJbUVd70qJ93-0ly18OVcr2FULKHWmrSbvFXIBBPAvUbdSGMLlpsSUJqnV1ufzPl-4urMOtrswdHTUJHjqM_gptVMlar86e6haL97WB4Y1cLzsg7I2H_nXgNAhyBmHRJgutQSXLt0PsBUtzKRjCZ-25fxanIpW1srbXaZWpdrZw7g=w266-h400" width="266" /></a></div><p>If you give the enemy an inch, he's going to seize a mile.</p><p>If you allow him onto your mental playground, he's going to be the schoolyard bully.</p><p>If you allow him to dance with your insecurities and fears, he's going to seduce them at the end of the night. But he won't be gone by morning.</p><p>Allowing Satan to move in and unpack with his thoughts and ideas contrary to God's truth gives him complete control over your mind. </p><p>Entertaining that thing you fear happening.</p><p>That sin you can't distance yourself from enough.</p><p>That brokenness that feels like it will never heal.</p><p>That insecurity that makes you believe you aren't enough.</p><p>When we let him in, Satan wins.</p><p>His control breeds doubt and grows a wider chasm between us and God. It implies that these threats to our peace are bigger than God's power, provision, and redemption.</p><p>Sometimes our thoughts can be so invasive and predatory that shifting them feels insurmountable. This is where the word of God can be a weapon no enemy can defeat. Scripture serves as the perfect mantra to thwart the enemy and his efforts to control you. </p><p>If you have no more strength than this, repeat 2 Timothy 1:7 ad nauseam - "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind." Or Isaiah 41:10 - "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." But if the only word you can muster is "Jesus," he will hear you and sit beside you in your distress. Allow yourself to be baffled by the power of the holy spirit, God's word, and his calming presence.</p><div style="text-align: center;">Philippians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, <br />through prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <br />And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, <br />will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."</div><p>We cannot control everything that happens to and around us. We simply can't. We can't make mountains move with our worry, and our obsessing can't prevent that thing you're concerned about from coming to fruition. What we CAN control is what thoughts we allow to form about it and how we move forward. </p><p>Stand up to the playground bully. </p><p>Don't give him a single millimeter.</p><p>And don't let him sway and seduce you to think as he does.</p><p>When we let God's truth reign in our minds and don't give Satan's lies room to breathe, good wins.</p><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: center;">John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; <br />I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, </div><div style="text-align: center;">whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, </div><div style="text-align: center;">if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />2 Corinthians 10:5 - "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up </div><div style="text-align: center;">against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />Isaiah 26:3 - "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you."<br /><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-91799528812040296102020-05-17T10:46:00.001-07:002020-05-17T13:04:43.703-07:00offended<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ahNImWYsdNN7fI3iacw3-dMWJGYLA2lOBZJDF7r5f3XZrs3ofRh2sPoql0yQeuAjFuxWQ1D2XF6ILlBDVjOSfsznBqM8113Ha9_ayrYSg37Vh4gLxXGGEkADCKebq_U8bhXdflNvFow7/s1600/11+x+8.5+in+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1237" data-original-width="1600" height="489" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ahNImWYsdNN7fI3iacw3-dMWJGYLA2lOBZJDF7r5f3XZrs3ofRh2sPoql0yQeuAjFuxWQ1D2XF6ILlBDVjOSfsznBqM8113Ha9_ayrYSg37Vh4gLxXGGEkADCKebq_U8bhXdflNvFow7/s640/11+x+8.5+in+%25282%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Offended.<br />
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A word that my husband has vehemently banned from our household.<br />
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People seize opportunities to become offended at the drop of a hat.<br />
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Mainstream media latches onto a public figure's words and the crowd goes wild.<br />
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Rifts are formed for decades following a ruthless argument between friends or family.<br />
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Most catastrophic of all is the widespread belief that Christians are some of the most judgmental, most easily offended people.<br />
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And sadly, for some, this is true.<br />
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But this is not God's intention for us. As Christians, we have two biblical obligations in this arena.<br />
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The first is to ensure that our speech is thoughtful, free from provocation and insult.<br />
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"Pleasant words are a honeycomb, </div>
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sweet to the soul and healing the bones." - Proverbs 15:24</div>
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"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt..." - Colossians 4:6</div>
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"A man who lacks judgment derides his neighbor, </div>
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but a man of understanding holds his tongue." - Proverbs 11:12</div>
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The second, and equally important, responsibility we have is to forgive one another. We forgive, because he forgave us. C.S. Lewis once said, "I think that if God forgives us we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than him." The same applies to forgiving others. Seventy times seven (Matthew 18:21-2). Period.<br />
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"Be completely humble and gentle; </div>
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be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2</div>
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"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. </div>
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Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13</div>
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"A person's wisdom yields patience; </div>
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it is to one's glory to overlook an offense." - Proverbs 19:11</div>
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That isn't to say that we should allow those we love to sin. Conversely, we are called to lovingly point each other in a Godly direction.</div>
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"Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, </div>
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you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently." - Galatians 6:1</div>
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"If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. </div>
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If they listen to you, you have won them over." - Matthew 18:15</div>
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So, while we are called to make sure we are taking care with the words we speak, we are also implored to be, essentially, "unoffendable."</div>
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Our ultimate example carried his cross to Calvary with nary a word to his adversaries. And with Christ's power in us, we can take note and rise to his standard of behavior.</div>
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Pause before speaking when someone throws a well-constructed insult or slur.</div>
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Hold your tongue when a family member casts the bait.</div>
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They may just be stressed. Or tired. Or hungry. We can all certainly relate.</div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-7161960915660769042020-05-12T20:43:00.000-07:002020-05-12T20:43:00.582-07:00when the answer is no<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcLxI-6htkzQZLrg_WLSNJmrUi0PjgAHdTw1hyphenhyphenKA_fBkyWTFNZSNNpBQJybh8TIifif9hk5XYInw2U7oG0UKVK7NmrIccOZZSbrl7d0TKKXa3EoNagaZsd2-d8AWosdJ0fccB-CuJT65m/s1600/10+x+8+in.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcLxI-6htkzQZLrg_WLSNJmrUi0PjgAHdTw1hyphenhyphenKA_fBkyWTFNZSNNpBQJybh8TIifif9hk5XYInw2U7oG0UKVK7NmrIccOZZSbrl7d0TKKXa3EoNagaZsd2-d8AWosdJ0fccB-CuJT65m/s400/10+x+8+in.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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When one season of waiting for deliverance rolls into another without relief.</div>
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When, even though you believed the best, the diagnosis is dismal.</div>
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When you've been rejected for something - or by someone - again.</div>
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Heartache on this earth is real. It's raw, with jagged edges that cut. It's often ugly and wildly unpredictable. It's not tied up with a neat little bow as in a work of fiction.</div>
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And sometimes, it's the last story we'll be a part of on this side of eternity.</div>
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Sometimes God's answer to our prayers is, simply, <i>no.</i></div>
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Many of us demand explanations. <i>Why, Lord?</i></div>
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Instead of asking <i>why, </i>try asking him <i>what can I learn?</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrkqwXsPPemqEuPzh7tZO_LqroFPHeeEHaP9VFWHDtEDs8sxBRIudh2shajogmj3FURVCNSMzq8u38ydsupVLMvT8ADnoti-LHPtMYVyb5BmYFZYPuyttHmD4M3KysledR645oE8IN6rM/s1600/8+x+4+in.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrkqwXsPPemqEuPzh7tZO_LqroFPHeeEHaP9VFWHDtEDs8sxBRIudh2shajogmj3FURVCNSMzq8u38ydsupVLMvT8ADnoti-LHPtMYVyb5BmYFZYPuyttHmD4M3KysledR645oE8IN6rM/s400/8+x+4+in.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Sometimes God doesn't change our situation because he's more concerned with the condition of our heart than with our circumstances. If it's going to shape us to be more like Jesus, you can be assured he'll likely allow it into your life.</div>
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Sometimes he needs us to completely abandon any semblance of control to which we're clinging.</div>
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And sometimes, he simply needs us to know that this earth is not our home. </div>
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We yearn to be fulfilled by the things of this world, while it just wasn't designed to be so. </div>
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He is the answer. The <i>only </i>answer.</div>
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Don't throw in the towel yet. Continue to lean into him. </div>
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If the only answer you're getting is <i>no, </i>it's for a good reason. Perhaps it's simply, <i>not yet.</i></div>
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<i>"</i>Therefore we do not lose heart. Though inwardly we are wasting away, </div>
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yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." - 2 Corinthians 4:16</div>
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"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, </div>
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for my power is made perfect in weakness." - 2 Corinthians 12:9</div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-91277169714616757542020-03-29T12:01:00.003-07:002020-03-29T12:21:23.144-07:00tightrope<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I am WILDLY afraid of heights.<br />
<br />
"Get me down off the second-to-top rung of this ladder STAT" -type scared of heights.<br />
<br />
So when I ponder the things that cause me the most fear and anxiety, that's definitely near the top of my list.<br />
<br />
My husband and I took a day trip to Seattle in August of 2017 and naturally felt compelled to participate in touristy things. Thus, we ventured to the Space Needle and waited in line to go to the top.<br />
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<br />
If you know anything about the Space Needle's construction, (or skyscrapers in general), you probably know that it was built to be able to sway slightly with the wind for stability. (I don't understand the physics of this, but I trust that the architects who do, know what they're doing).<br />
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You may also conjecture, then, that as we made the painfully slow climb to the top in a swaying elevator, I clung to my husband for dear life, unable to look out the window to the sights below us. When we reached the top, I oh-so-gingerly stepped out and clung to the innermost walls of its summit so as not to plunge to my death. Eventually, reason took over, and surmising that stepping out onto the observation deck would not be my downfall, I did so with great trepidation. I knew it was perhaps the opportunity of a lifetime.<br />
<br />
As current events rage around us, panic and fear have been at the forefront of many of our minds.<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Will we have enough supplies to last? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>What will happen to my job? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Will we stay healthy? </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>How will we pay our bills?</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Imagine you're walking on a verrrrry high tightrope. (I watched <i>The Greatest Showman </i>the other night, which may or may not have been partially responsible for this metaphor.) You're not walking it alone, though. The Lord is ahead of you, facing in your direction, with your hands clasped in his so that he can guide you to safety. Any glance downward can cost you your balance; it's best not to look to the right or left for the same reason. Therefore, you must keep your eyes on the Lord, walking the rope one step at a time to ensure safe travel to the other side.<br />
<br />
This is the reality of our existence. It's easy to let fear overrun our thoughts during such an uncertain time as this. We take our eyes off of our God, focusing on the difficulties around us, and we begin to lose footing.<br />
<br />
That distraction to the right of us, which is financial worry? Fixating on it will cause us to wobble.<br />
<br />
The uncertain diagnosis to the left of us - sure to cause panic.<br />
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The noise of worldly evils below us will most certainly lead to distraction.<br />
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When we fix our eyes, though, on the Lord, guiding us with gentleness and patience toward the finish line, our breath slows, our hearts cease to race, and we walk with steadier steps.<br />
<br />
We know that we aren't in it alone, and we don't have to be in control. We only have to place our trust in the one who is. Your trust in him will help lead you to the other side.<br />
<br />
Fix your eyes on the Lord - on your prayer life, on his word, on his promises, and on his faithfulness. Refuse to look in any other direction but his.<br />
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He knows the way, and he will not let you fall.<br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-37183902870834706392020-02-27T17:31:00.000-08:002020-02-27T17:37:51.171-08:00Seeds <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I am NOT a natural evangelist.<br />
<br />
I can testify on social media with the fiercest of them, but when it comes to sharing the gospel in person, you will see me visibly shaking in my boots.<br />
<br />
Yesterday, I had the opportunity to tell someone about the ashes on my forehead.<br />
<br />
As I walked the aisles of the grocery store for essentials after Ash Wednesday mass, I was approached by a male employee who had seen several people with the ash cross on their foreheads and didn't know what it meant.<br />
<br />
So, I mustered up what courage I had and proceeded to tell him about the humble and penitential nature of the ashes, and the season of Lent that precedes Easter.<br />
<br />
I then went on my way, contemplating if I could have said anything differently or additionally. Once I rounded the corner of the next aisle, I heard him casually talking to his coworkers about it.<br />
<br />
While I'm fairly certain that had I expanded and tried to evangelize further it would've fallen on spiritually deaf ears, my hope is that a seed was planted.<br />
<br />
He isn't likely to be converted by our meager little exchange, but if it spurs his curiosity, ignites a small spark, or gets his wheels turning, then I've done what we've been called to do.<br />
<br />
Every opportunity we seize to teach or share the love of Christ with others has the potential to be the stuff of miracles in the hands of the Father. We can't force others to embrace faith, but we can always, always, ALWAYS plant the seed.<br />
<br />
God can take the most humble of mustard seeds and turn into something abundantly and exceedingly more than we could ask or imagine. (Ephesians 3:20-21)<br />
<br />
So I will move forward and pray for that man. Pray that my words would bear fruit. Pray that his curiosity and willingness to ask a simple question would lead to a lifetime of passionate pursuit of Christ.<br />
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<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
"Keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe." - Ephesians 1:17-19</div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-48294890627406659262019-03-14T21:03:00.001-07:002019-03-14T21:03:05.203-07:00stones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTKysi4wIi5eOGMyQ01btLT1G1bopYr1YXFdTQEvzkaN4IdvJfZnWFsREUDv-08_31QAX7J5-PwOUNYVP1NfVgU29NEq30lY-mXpvGp1QceFAFfXJKGoFEnc_v6hHqjX9bLCQzgYC7lR-/s1600/Psalm+103.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTKysi4wIi5eOGMyQ01btLT1G1bopYr1YXFdTQEvzkaN4IdvJfZnWFsREUDv-08_31QAX7J5-PwOUNYVP1NfVgU29NEq30lY-mXpvGp1QceFAFfXJKGoFEnc_v6hHqjX9bLCQzgYC7lR-/s640/Psalm+103.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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I walked into my bible study today, frustrated and slightly embittered. Little mishaps had gotten to <span style="font-family: inherit;">me, and my attitude definitely <i>did not</i> belong in church. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">After we opened with prayer and worship music, the first weekly speaker went through her dissection of John 7. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then came John 8.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">John 8:1-11 reads:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span class="versenum mid-paragraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit;"><span class="versenum mid-paragraph" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">1 </span>but Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text John-8-2" id="en-NIV-26384" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them.</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26384B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26384B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-8-3" id="en-NIV-26385" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group</i></span> <span class="text John-8-4" id="en-NIV-26386" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.</i></span> <span class="text John-8-5" id="en-NIV-26387" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26387C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26387C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Now what do you say?”</i></span> <span class="text John-8-6" id="en-NIV-26388" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>They were using this question as a trap,</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26388D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26388D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">in order to have a basis for accusing him.</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26388E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26388E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text John-8-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger.</i></span><span class="text John-8-7" id="en-NIV-26389" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26389F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26389F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">at her.”</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26389G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26389G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text John-8-8" id="en-NIV-26390" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="text John-8-9" id="en-NIV-26391" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.</i></span><span class="text John-8-10" id="en-NIV-26392" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-8-11" id="en-NIV-26393" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>“No one, sir,” she said.</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="text John-8-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Then neither do I condemn you,”</i><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-26393H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-26393H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> <i style="box-sizing: border-box;">Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”</i></span></span></div>
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<span class="text John-8-11" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></i></span></span></div>
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When the speaker discussing John 8 came up, she shared this video with us. It involves a would-be dialogue between Jesus and the adulteress. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you <i>hate</i> your sin, this video is for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you <i>hate</i> what your sin did to Jesus, this is for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you <i>hate</i> who you used to be, this is for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you believe in Jesus and his death and resurrection, this is for you.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">If you cling to hope because of Jesus, this is for you.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you believe you're immune to sin and that by general standards, you're doing alright, we might need to talk. But this is for you, too.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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The truth is, so many of us carry our sin around with us daily. We serve it like a prison sentence. Or worse, we're too afraid of the ramifications to confess it. Yes, we ought to <i>hate </i>our sin. Despise it. LOATHE IT. But to stuff our sin and shame into a backpack for us to shoulder is to say that Jesus' sacrifice wasn't enough. That it was all in vain. That it doesn't hold enough power to clear your name. If I'm knocking on your door at all, I hate to tell you, but you have <i>sorely </i>underestimated the God that we serve.</div>
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Now, to be honest, the video I'm about to share with you may not affect you the way it did me. Had I been alone at home, an ugly, <i>ugly</i> cry would have erupted. As it was, I merely had to wipe away a couple of tears. You've been warned - if you're a crier, grab a tissue.</div>
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hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-67991891091295984002019-02-10T18:01:00.004-08:002019-02-10T18:12:36.251-08:00home<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMDoszcFXrB4Z2LA93GBKwjSdDYUbxDnFLcNjcFinL0llOwUZPtp40jSyVzHTrfjri8qZysv2UpiQ5IJijFMrE9ac41ZEvQhMdY7_qV1YwVUO4YP1IKKFSKzuvrj9Z8odfHPIwmbAhpMd/s1600/Colossians+3+23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMDoszcFXrB4Z2LA93GBKwjSdDYUbxDnFLcNjcFinL0llOwUZPtp40jSyVzHTrfjri8qZysv2UpiQ5IJijFMrE9ac41ZEvQhMdY7_qV1YwVUO4YP1IKKFSKzuvrj9Z8odfHPIwmbAhpMd/s640/Colossians+3+23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Like the warmth of the sun after a particularly bitter winter.</div>
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Like the morning's first warm sip of coffee from your favorite mug.</div>
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Like your love's embrace after a lengthy absence.<br />
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That's how good it feels to be back.<br />
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For the longest time, I was uninspired to write, so I didn't.<br />
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But I realized that when I sit down to actually do it, the ideas usually come. <br />
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It's the sitting down to the unknown that's the problem.<br />
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For the longest time now, I've been at a fork in the road. <br />
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Which talent do I use to serve others?<br />
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Should I write the blog?<br />
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And because my background is in interior design, I've always wondered if I should go down THAT road.<br />
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And then there's graphic design. While I'm not trained professionally in it, it's something that's incredibly fulfilling to me.<br />
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So what's a stay-at-home mom to do?<br />
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I finally realized that it doesn't have to be an all-or-nothing deal.<br />
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So I'm taking a new direction.<br />
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While most of my posts will be to point to Jesus, I want to share with you the other aspects of life that "spark joy."<br />
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Enter a lifestyle blog.<br />
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If even all my writing is in vain, it's an outlet I have found I'm a fool to neglect.<br />
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It's good to be back.<br />
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hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-74849248370801590532018-08-13T07:28:00.001-07:002018-08-13T07:28:49.882-07:00reckless abandon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc9qRY7SfK-lTl9J-agcDCE_EB6Ci_2Ccsj7FeqVqJ1fBNPv_ZZqiDj1HvNjCMXLhHxquJiyyP2B_7PjHWd4fQOgyMUJ6bdoKlopkguF7o9kAeWkE5lQGaPNnromHKHso8pUtB2dJFO4j/s1600/james+4+10+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcc9qRY7SfK-lTl9J-agcDCE_EB6Ci_2Ccsj7FeqVqJ1fBNPv_ZZqiDj1HvNjCMXLhHxquJiyyP2B_7PjHWd4fQOgyMUJ6bdoKlopkguF7o9kAeWkE5lQGaPNnromHKHso8pUtB2dJFO4j/s640/james+4+10+-+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Remember the trust exercise that was inevitable at camp during childhood? You'd turn your back to your partner, put your arms across your chest, close your eyes, and fall backward, trusting that your partner's arms would be there to catch you. Interestingly, even the troublemakers in the group would follow through and support their partner's weight. </div>
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Most unfortunately, adulthood isn't so simple.</div>
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There are situations outside of our control. There are people around us whose behavior we cannot change. Some trials in our lives will feel, and even be, insurmountable. We have a limited ability to control and manipulate what goes on around us.</div>
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The first of the 12 Steps of Recovery reads: "We admitted we are <i>powerless</i> over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable."</div>
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Getting right to the crux of it. </div>
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Powerlessness. We, as humans, are relatively powerless. </div>
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When we confess to the Lord that we, indeed, are powerless, that's when he rolls up his sleeves and the real work begins.<br />
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Humbling ourselves before the Lord allows him to not only work in our circumstances, but allows him to work on our hearts in the process. The Lord is far more concerned with the condition of our hearts than with our circumstances. He knows that if we are not amenable to being shaped and molded, no real growth and change will come. He allows things into our lives to ensure that we are wholly dependent upon him. When we are humbled enough to accept that we can't go it alone, he's right there with us, ensuring we can stand up and face whatever lies ahead or whatever past monster lurks behind us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOJsVDw4hjsZ0HFLs4jWzTCapuSViVkSt1jh__6gm0jC18OcVjr6teUBCCsZN5Z8vr9kocJo3xRqTteC8o9h3YXJ0yko-Palmwg-_js8_-snMaxPOhJ3bxkI4xt4PJ_ZfGJ3G9zl28Tga/s1600/1+peter+5+7+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimOJsVDw4hjsZ0HFLs4jWzTCapuSViVkSt1jh__6gm0jC18OcVjr6teUBCCsZN5Z8vr9kocJo3xRqTteC8o9h3YXJ0yko-Palmwg-_js8_-snMaxPOhJ3bxkI4xt4PJ_ZfGJ3G9zl28Tga/s400/1+peter+5+7+-+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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When I picture what surrender to God looks like, I picture someone at the edge of a vast cliff, overlooking rough waters. Without any concern for what lies below, they spread their arms wide, close their eyes, and allow themselves to free fall. They trust that, upon landing, they will be safe and secure.<br />
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Surrender each worry, each fear, each past hurt, to the waters below. Lighten your load until it's nothing but you, standing at the edge of the rock.<br />
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Give in, open your arms, and trust that the Lord is waiting to catch you.<br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-52203433466240605142018-04-24T21:38:00.002-07:002018-04-24T21:38:57.118-07:00judasJesus knew what was coming. <br />
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He knew of the cup he'd have to drink. <br />
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He knew his betrayer well. He called him "friend." <br />
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He walked with Judas. He dined with Judas. He went about business as usual in the company of Judas.<br />
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How could anyone but Jesus behave in such a way? How did he not harbor bitterness and resentment toward Judas in his heart?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eJrBqYRXi3trOkuXBt2x-rAq9YiYTJZ_IaiS2zlQBUSo9rcgOdIhC-yBmP57fn5XkY3987if0TxHREUyV-AcIVChyphenhyphena5bLnAAfjVMfX_gPNXEUvf7pvLj2CO624pNRlbaU778OnTX5n07/s1600/colossians+3+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0eJrBqYRXi3trOkuXBt2x-rAq9YiYTJZ_IaiS2zlQBUSo9rcgOdIhC-yBmP57fn5XkY3987if0TxHREUyV-AcIVChyphenhyphena5bLnAAfjVMfX_gPNXEUvf7pvLj2CO624pNRlbaU778OnTX5n07/s400/colossians+3+13.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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How do we forgive the unforgivable? How do we release the rage or hurt that the betrayal has caused us?</div>
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It's simple, really. Simple, but not easy.</div>
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We forgive because he calls us to do so.<br />
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Luke 17:3-4 says, "So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying, 'I repent,' you must forgive them."<br />
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Yikes. It's difficult enough for us to forgive that one offense that happened over a year ago, but seven times in one day?! Ain't nobody got time for that.<br />
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That's exactly what he wants us to do, though. If we can't reflect the love and mercy and compassion of Christ to others by releasing an offense, how will we ever lead people to him? If our faith looks just as vengeful and harbors resentment as the secular world does, what hope do we have in bringing others to Christ? The mercy and love we extend is what separates us from those of the world, and what will eventually draw others to know and pursue him.<br />
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So if he expects us to do it, how do we go about it?<br />
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My first line of defense is to pray.<br />
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<i>Lord, I don't have the power in me right now to forgive.</i></div>
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<i>Humble me to see where I need to adjust my expectations, </i></div>
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<i>or where I could be at fault.</i></div>
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<i>Fill me with your peace and help me </i><i>to release </i><i>the offense.</i></div>
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<i>Fill me with the strength to forgive.</i></div>
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To be honest, sometimes that's all it takes for me. He softens my heart and helps me to see things from a fresh perspective. This is not always the case. </div>
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When my hardness of heart prevents me from hearing his voice or recognizing his prompting, I fix my eyes on him. He is bigger than anything we will ever face, "and we know that in all things, God works for those who love him, who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28) There is always purpose to be found in the pain. We may not enjoy it, and we may writhe in discomfort or even agony, but trusting in this helps us to keep in perspective the bigger picture. His plans > our plans.</div>
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It may not be immediate, and it may certainly not be easy, but leaning into him allows us to put one foot in front of the other in order to face the days, weeks, months, and possibly years ahead.</div>
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When you find it difficult to forgive an offense, look to the one who set the precedent. Draw your strength from Jesus and ask him to help you carry your cross.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpXkpSNT5tnvwLu-ls5h1K80UdqcEwN_jMzannDhAOfCLhN6_Lkiyr0RgX9MQDc-ntu4X7GhnDN6Bjn9vps_TkZ1a8niaUtX_vhOoZCawLiRZ4cQuUIROBozah3_RZm8dntaPmTt2mbMy/s1600/matthew+11+28-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFpXkpSNT5tnvwLu-ls5h1K80UdqcEwN_jMzannDhAOfCLhN6_Lkiyr0RgX9MQDc-ntu4X7GhnDN6Bjn9vps_TkZ1a8niaUtX_vhOoZCawLiRZ4cQuUIROBozah3_RZm8dntaPmTt2mbMy/s400/matthew+11+28-30.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, </div>
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along with every form of malice. </div>
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Be kind and compassionate to one another, </div>
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forgiving each other, just as Christ God forgave you." </div>
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- Ephesians 4:31-32</div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-87830057108150566692018-02-12T19:14:00.001-08:002018-04-23T17:46:35.439-07:00body armor<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The enemy is breathing down our necks.<br />
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He's in the passenger seat when someone cuts you off, leading you to rattle off a slew of curse words.<br />
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He's in the midst of two friends exchanging gossip.<br />
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He's in bed with the person who decides sleeping in and having free time are more valuable than getting to church over the weekend.<br />
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He's beside the person looking at seductive content on the computer screen.<br />
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He's on the arm of the person caught up in an emotional affair.<br />
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He's even nearby when you choose to reach for the remote instead of your bible...again.<br />
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We, privy to this knowledge or not, are in the midst of constant battle.<br />
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We are being attacked from all sides.<br />
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He has studied us. He knows our weaknesses. He has mapped out our strategies. He has a rock solid game plan to defeat us.<br />
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But 1 Corinthians 10:13 says, "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted,<i> he will also provide a way out</i> so that you can endure it." (emphasis mine) God is our commander-in-chief, and his methods for fighting the enemy are clearly laid out in his word. Paul wrote in his letter to the people of Ephesis on this very topic:<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. </span><span style="text-align: center;">For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, </span><span style="text-align: center;">against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. </span><span style="text-align: center;">Stand firm then, with the</span><i style="text-align: center;"> belt of truth</i><span style="text-align: center;"> buckled around your waist, with the </span><i style="text-align: center;">breastplate of righteousness</i><span style="text-align: center;"> in place, and with your feet fitted with the </span><i style="text-align: center;">readiness</i><span style="text-align: center;"> that comes from the <i>gospel of peace</i>. In addition to all this, take up the </span><i style="text-align: center;">shield of faith</i><span style="text-align: center;">, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the </span><i style="text-align: center;">helmet of salvation</i><span style="text-align: center;"> and the </span><span style="text-align: center;"><i>sword of the spirit</i></span><span style="text-align: center;">, which is the <i>word of God</i>." Ephesians 6:11-17 (emphasis mine)</span></div>
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We find a wealth of resources in Paul's letter about how the Lord equips us to fight the enemy. There are seven pieces of armor that the Lord says are indispensable to us.<br />
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We must wear:</div>
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1. A belt of <i>truth</i> - to fight against Satan's lies and deceptions.<br />
2. A breastplate of <i>righteousness</i> - to live in holiness and to give us a way out from the temptations we face.<br />
3. Feet fitted with <i>readiness</i> - readiness to stand up for the gospel and to stand on guard to defend the way we live.<br />
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"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect..." - 1 Peter 3:15<br />
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4. Readiness that comes from the<i> gospel of peace - </i>we will not be overwhelmed with fear or anxious thoughts.</div>
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5. A shield of <i>faith</i> - trusting that the Lord will provide; that you will be delivered from the hands of the enemy.<br />
6. A helmet of <i>salvation</i> - Jesus has already won the war; we already have the victory in Christ and evil will not prevail. It's a reminder that we have taken off our old self and put on the new. We're not who we were yesterday and we will not be so easily consumed.<br />
7. The sword of the spirit, the <i>word of God</i> -<i> </i>This is a knife in the heart of the enemy. With immersion in scripture, we gain understanding, wisdom, and discernment. We ultimately empower ourselves to fight on the front lines, the Lord beside us, with invigorating strength and confidence.<br />
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So when the enemy invades your camp, prepare yourself.<br />
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Put on the full armor of God - truth, righteousness, readiness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the word of God.<br />
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Then, "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong." - 1 Corinthians 16:13.<br />
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The Lord will deliver the enemy into your hands, and you will have the victory.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPW0sn2moTFh2vfTbi7nwoJBOwWUvNnrr6NjlMix67n4xqRmqzOofc0f-ywJlXRhW0o5fpD7HeMoSZEoeYG6CHcWTqgETR-s7GZQ-ZE0Ma3IK9bbIGP9KjJ4emuOVZWl7GC5SWnx7ld9_/s1600/yellow+cross.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJPW0sn2moTFh2vfTbi7nwoJBOwWUvNnrr6NjlMix67n4xqRmqzOofc0f-ywJlXRhW0o5fpD7HeMoSZEoeYG6CHcWTqgETR-s7GZQ-ZE0Ma3IK9bbIGP9KjJ4emuOVZWl7GC5SWnx7ld9_/s400/yellow+cross.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-89276768632126088952018-02-07T09:08:00.002-08:002018-04-23T17:46:49.483-07:00the case for Christ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the fall right after I turned 20, I began to question.</div>
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I had just started a History of Architecture II class in my design program, and we were discussing ancient civilizations, their gods, and the monuments they built to honor them. I began thinking, <i>What makes our God real? How do we know he's the true God if there are so many other belief systems in the world?</i><br />
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I began to question my faith for the first time. I questioned the existence of God; the validity of Jesus and the gospel. I was also overwhelmed by the permanence of death; the thought of eternity.<br />
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I began having panic attacks.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXiybTpZJs93PEQtERG8fxFWzYDXO9ZDjVNh-2EF0ELN5n0Bz7YEOyNFYcixk3TtiEt8suiFJTo9EZvysgGIsrHXVSimz0dRhyphenhyphenDLyS8qDmsV7o3KOs-IqpohSFqyFRlctnMRQ5FAGC0W/s1600/isaiah+54+10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1307" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvXiybTpZJs93PEQtERG8fxFWzYDXO9ZDjVNh-2EF0ELN5n0Bz7YEOyNFYcixk3TtiEt8suiFJTo9EZvysgGIsrHXVSimz0dRhyphenhyphenDLyS8qDmsV7o3KOs-IqpohSFqyFRlctnMRQ5FAGC0W/s320/isaiah+54+10.jpg" width="261" /></a>This lasted for a couple of months, day in and day out; no respite. I had to try to navigate the tangled mess of what I thought I believed, what I had learned since birth, what the world tells us, and what I feared about eternity. Every time I was bombarded with fear and panic, I tried to combat it with thoughts of, "<i>You cannot control it. There is nothing you can do about it."</i> This helped to an extent, and would start to calm the storm when nothing else had.<br />
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I then began to pray. Desperately. <i>Calm my anxious thoughts. Still my heart. Grant me peace.</i> And GUESS WHAT--<br />
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Peace, he granted. Never before have I felt the holy spirit so powerfully as I did when I cried out for solace. A wave of calm would wash over me, and I could begin to sleep. I could go about my daily activities with larger gaps between the bouts of fear. I was soon introduced to the book "<i>The Case for Christ"</i> by Lee Strobel. This was life-changing. The intricacies of the gospel, its prophecies, and the strict adherence to their claims by the disciples, even into martyrdom, sealed my belief in our omniscient, omnipresent God and ceased the turmoil within me.<br />
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It's completely natural to question the existence of God or a theistic belief system. A couple of weeks ago, our 10 year old daughter asked the very questions I never thought to ask until the age of 20. My initial reaction was that of a bit of fear - I want to instill in our kids a love of and submission to God and was afraid of what her questioning might mean. After the initial shock wore off, I began my response.<br />
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<li>I told her that in some of my darkest moments, when I was completely broken, hurting, or fearful, God would answer my cries for help with his peace, a peace that transcends any human understanding (Philippians 4:6-7). </li>
<li>I shared with her parts of what I had read in <i>The Case for Christ. </i>Not ONE of Jesus' disciples rescinded his testimony, even to the extent of imprisonment, severe persecution, and death. Why wouldn't they, unless they had truly witnessed and believed all that they professed to seeing? </li>
<li>I also shared with her a couple of other supernatural experiences that our family members have experienced, with no logical explanation.</li>
<li>I also felt compelled to say this: "No one can make you believe anything. You can choose not to believe it. But Jesus has been more real to me than anything else in my life, and I know it in my heart to be true."</li>
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She had tears in her eyes as I finished my defense, and I felt at peace with how I had responded. I can't force our kids to love Jesus the way I do, nag them into submission, or manipulate them into leading a Godly life.</div>
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But I can live it. </div>
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Day in and day out, every single hour. I can lead by an example of love. Of service and compassion. Of complete submission to the gospel of Jesus Christ. I can attempt, with all my heart, to live life with a gentle, humble spirit, being obedient to God.</div>
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I don't have all the facts. I don't have a degree in theology, and I can't always back what I believe with statistics or science. I have my testimony, though, and the power and spirit of God backing me, which can do immeasurably more than I can ever imagine (Ephesians 3:20).</div>
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I can pray for their hearts. Pray for the holy spirit to dwell in them. And pray for them to be a light to the gospel for others. </div>
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<i>Lord, let your light shine in me. </i></div>
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<i>Let others see you in me and be drawn to you and your presence, </i><i>for your glory and not mine. </i></div>
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<i>Help me to be a reflection of your love, mercy, and compassion.</i></div>
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<i>Help me to set a Godly example for my family.</i></div>
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<i>Set their hearts after you and give them a thirst and a hunger for you and for righteousness.</i></div>
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<i>In Jesus' precious name I pray, </i></div>
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<i>amen.</i></div>
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-49171346228283451932018-01-22T18:45:00.001-08:002018-04-23T17:47:01.202-07:00health food"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." - Galatians 5:22-23<br />
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We've all been schooled in abundance about proper nutrition. As soon as we begin to apply healthier eating habits to our own lives, we can feel our bodies changing. They function differently; we often feel lighter, more energized, and generally more positive because of our healthy choices. What a perfect metaphor for our relationship with God. When we grow in communion with him and invite the spirit into our lives, we can feel change creeping into our hearts and minds. </div>
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We begin to think differently. We start to speak differently. What was once okay coming out of our mouths suddenly doesn't feel right. We begin to see the world through a different lens, and this is a good thing. Pride and self-service runs so rampant in our society, but God calls us to be everything that the people of the world <i>are not. </i></div>
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Humble. </div>
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Tender.</div>
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Submissive.</div>
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Gentle.</div>
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Self-controlled.</div>
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Pure.</div>
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Second to others.</div>
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We can't make these changes on our own. As humans, we let circumstances dictate our moods. We try to take justice into our own hands. We pass up opportunities to serve others when it inconveniences us. Our frustrations mount and anger takes over. We make sure to get the last word in during an argument when we should be holding our tongue. But as we grow in communion with the Lord and our perspectives shift, we can begin to employ these fruits with the help of the holy spirit.</div>
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Feed your body healthy food - things that will nourish and fortify. But don't forget to feed your soul - the holy spirit and the word of God will satisfy and fill a void that no chocolate bar or cup of coffee can.</div>
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Let the holy spirit work in you, and humble yourself to feel the transformative power of a renewed mind in Christ Jesus.<br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-68035956276769502752018-01-16T09:23:00.003-08:002018-04-23T17:47:15.538-07:00God's voice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"The boy Samuel ministered before the Lord under Eli. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">In those days the word of the Lord was rare; there were not many visions. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">One night Eli, whose eyes were becoming so weak that he could barely see, was lying down in his usual place. The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the house of the Lord, where the ark of God was. Then the Lord called Samuel.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Samuel answered, "Here I am." And he ran to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." </span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">But Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down." So he went and lay down.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Again the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Here I am; you called me."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">"My son," Eli said, "I did not call; go back and lie down."</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!" And Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Here I am; you called me."</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, 'Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'" </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">So Samuel went and lay down in his place.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!"</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;">Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening."</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">If you're a mother, you will most certainly relate to this. If you were ever the child of a mother or father, you will also find this scenario familiar. How often are our children playing in another room and we call to them repeatedly, only to hear crickets on the other end? We have to call for them several times, with a booming voice, for our presence to even register on their radar. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Such is it, often, when God calls us. Our ears are not attuned to his calling, and we miss out on hearing his voice. We walk around claiming that God is silent, and some go as far as to say that God has neglected or forgotten about them. Yet, when we draw near to God through scripture and prayer and ask to hear his voice, he is most often faithful in his communication with us. We just have to turn the dial to the right station to get reception.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">We, as Christians, have to pray for discernment. God uses many avenues of communication to reach us. He might use scripture, prayer, or those around us to relay his will to us. There may be circumstances when, unbeknownst to the other person, they have the exact words you needed to hear in response to a prayer. When we pray for the ears and the wisdom to recognize which medium he uses to speak to us, it becomes much clearer.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">Ask God to reveal to you the ways in which he communicates with you, and you'll soon learn to open your mind and heart to hearing his voice. You'll be listening much more intently when you know how to listen. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">We may never be so successful in reaching our children lost in play. However, we can be assured that, as children of our Father, if we listen with the right ears, we will eventually hear his voice. It may not be on our time, or what we want to hear, but we will hear the will of God from the voice of God.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #666666; font-family: inherit; text-align: justify;">"My son, if your receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God." - Proverbs 2:1-5</span></div>
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hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-24641306829818808822018-01-12T10:39:00.000-08:002018-04-23T17:47:29.262-07:00spiritual milk<br />
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"Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation." - 1 Peter 2:2<br />
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"Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path." - Psalm 119:105<br />
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"If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." - James 1:5<br />
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If you are too busy to spend time in God's word each day, you're far busier than he ever intended you to be.<br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-12597529376034336402018-01-09T14:17:00.001-08:002018-04-23T17:47:52.680-07:00wind and waves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Matthew 8:23-27</div>
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"Then he got into his boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!" He replied, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, "What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him!"</div>
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During times in my life when I am overwhelmed with worry, anxiety, or fear, my first instinct is to turn to prayer. First, I have to evaluate whether the thing I fear is something over which I have any control. If not, I know I must immediately turn it over to the Lord. If it's something I have the power to change, I ask for wisdom, discernment, and peace. Often, the things we fear most never come to fruition. When they do, we rarely have complete control over the situation. </div>
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The serenity prayer is a wonderful resource when you can't seem to come up with the words on your own:</div>
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"God, grant me the serenity to accept </div>
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the things I cannot change, </div>
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the courage to change the things I can, </div>
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and the wisdom to know the difference." </div>
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- Reinhold Niebuhr</div>
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While you rarely have the ability to control the situation, you have an immeasurable power within you when you lay your troubles at the foot of the cross. Saint Paul wrote to the people of Philippi while in prison - "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this <i>through him who gives me strength</i>." (Philippians 4:12-13 - emphasis mine.) He knew the source of his strength, and turned to the Lord for endurance and provision. Paul knew that to let his circumstances dictate how he felt would be his demise. He trained his mind to be self-controlled, and found peace in the Lord. </div>
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What we think in our minds is what will be. We have to overcome this by disciplining ourselves and filtering what thoughts we allow to take up residence. Paul also said that we are to "take captive every thought and make it obedient to Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:5). Take captive your thoughts, or they will hold you captive. </div>
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I am reading a wonderful book right now by Max Lucado, titled <i>Anxious for Nothing</i>, which addresses this very subject. If you find yourself grasping for truth during uncertain or fearful times, I highly recommend reading it. There is another wonderful resource I recommend reading, but I'm pretty sure you already know about that one... :)</div>
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2 Timothy 1:7</div>
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"For the spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline."</div>
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Matthew 6:25-34</div>
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"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? </div>
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"And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you - you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own."</div>
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hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-58937232889716676662018-01-01T18:53:00.001-08:002018-04-23T17:48:16.152-07:00humble pie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was a little girl, my mom would paint my nails from time to time. She would take my little hand in hers and tell me to relax it. I didn't understand the concept in the beginning, so she would lightly flop my hand up and down to get me to loosen up and go limp. My hand needed to be malleable in hers so that she could move it the way she needed.<br />
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As I sat in church yesterday morning, it dawned on me that this is a perfect metaphor for our relationship with the Lord. My husband and I had just had a small spat, and I was indignant in the car in the tense silence on the way to church.<br />
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I prayed, "Lord, humble me and help me to release my selfish pride." But Satan was onto me, and countered with,</div>
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"But he snapped at you! He's so self-righteous. He was in the wrong, too. Change his heart."</div>
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And I kept coming back with, "I know I need to release my anger and bitterness, Lord - change my heart."</div>
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And you know what?<br />
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The homily our priest spoke COULD NOT HAVE BEEN MORE PERFECT<i>.</i> He discussed how we often let our moods and external circumstances color our interactions with family<i>. </i>HA! The holy spirit gave a hard blow, and I immediately thought back to when my mom would attempt to get me to relax in her hands. Sheepishly, I praised the Lord for changing my heart and making me realize that when I was asking to be humbled, I was wallowing in my own righteous anger.<br />
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You cannot attempt to justify your sinfulness in prayer to God. IT DOES NOT WORK. You can't change someone else's actions or mind, but when you come to the Lord <i>humbly</i>, he will work in you. We can only be responsible for our own actions, thoughts, and behavior. We have to surrender completely and relax, giving the problem to him, so that we can get out of his way for him to do his work. In order for him to work in us and in our lives, we must be completely malleable in his hands. This means:<br />
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We cannot try to explain away our anger from yesterday.<br />
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We cannot say, "I'm sorry, but..."<br />
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We cannot ask for forgiveness while seething in anger about something else.<br />
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Obviously, as humans, we struggle with letting go completely and giving it to God. I believe we need to first examine our own part in the matter, while simultaneously asking for a change of heart. Recognize your need for God's mercy, and allow yourself to be malleable putty in his hands. Only then will his grace abound and he can begin to work for our good in accordance with his will.<br />
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Relax your hand in his, and let the father do his job.<br />
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"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love." - Ephesians 4:2<br />
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"But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."" - James 4:6<br />
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"For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." - Luke 14:11<br />
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"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14<br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-77702674527390944322017-12-21T20:17:00.000-08:002018-04-23T17:48:29.646-07:00a discerning woman<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am someone who generally struggles very much with the Old Testament, for many reasons. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One, I've always found it drab and full of impertinent information (this is no longer the case). The genealogies, geography, and battles of the Old Testament threatened to put me to sleep on more than one occasion.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Two, it has always been extremely intimidating to me to contrast the God of wrath and punishment with Jesus, who saves and redeems.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">However, within the past couple of months, I have dedicated myself to the study provided within my bible, which travels through the most influential Old and New Testament stories. MAN OH MAN, was I ignorant! The treasures to be had within the Old Testament are boundless, if only one will read scripture with an open and humble heart. Most recently, I've been wildly affected by the story of Abigail, who, in my humble opinion, is a very underrated participant in the Old Testament. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Abigail was married to a man named Nabal, a sheep shearer and curmudgeon by nature. King David's men approached Nabal under his orders, asking for Nabal's kindness in the sharing of food. He turned them away haughtily. When Abigail heard of this, she quietly ran off to King David with a bounty, asking for his forgiveness and attempting to save the misfortune that would certainly be theirs if King David and his men came back for vengeance. She was successful in receiving his mercy and went back home, delivering the news to Nabal the next day. At this, Nabal's heart failed him and scripture says the Lord struck him dead ten days later. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Though Abigail was wise and took action, she knew this was not her battle to fight. She didn't protest to Nabal, or rise up in anger in fear of retaliation. She discreetly and humbly did what she knew was right and went to make amends to David. God then dealt with Nabal according to his sin and pride.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There is a word I have been hearing and reading in abundance lately, and that is <i>discernment.</i> Abigail used good judgment and <i>discernment</i> in going to David for forgiveness. In order to do such a thing, one must be in direct communication with the Lord. We have to know his will and his word before we can be able to correctly discern the direction in which we're to go. How do we become privy to such communication? </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Prayer: we cannot know God's will and purpose </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">if we aren't opening ourselves up to prayer.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">-Scripture: his word clearly lays out so many answers to </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">life's questions </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">about how to interact with and treat others: </span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Turn the other cheek.<i> </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">A gentle answer turns away wrath. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Lord will fight for you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be humble, gentle, and kind. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "open sans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Be disciplined and self-controlled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Get on your knees. Open up in prayer and invite the Lord into your battle. He already knows all about it anyway. Be humble and know your part, if any, in it. Give it to him completely and pray for his instruction and for discernment. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes we have to sit down and get out of God's way so that he can fight our battles. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Sometimes we have to stand and fight. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter how we're undergoing battle, though, one thing remains - we never have to fight alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">"Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." James 4:7</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-size: 16px;">"The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still." Exodus 14:14</span></span><br />
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<br />hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-90467259840066208082017-08-13T07:55:00.000-07:002018-04-23T17:48:45.715-07:00kicking and screaming<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any blushing mom who has ushered a screaming toddler out of a store knows of what I'm about to speak. It's often about a battle of wills - the toddler, exercising their newfound ability to make decisions and test independence, protests being told to do something (or that they can't have something), and a dramatic scene takes place. The child leaves with mom, kicking and screaming, insisting to have their way. <br />
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I envision that a lukewarm Christian's walk is often like this. They go to church and hear an inspirational sermon, determined to better walk the straight and narrow path. They do their best to pray, and they put some money into the offering plate on Sunday. They know right from wrong, as it has been ingrained in many of us since childhood. They might buy a few cans for the food drive, and donate a box of clothing to a charity. Do not misunderstand me - these things are all good things. But it's not enough. The inspiration will often fade, the spirit will get weak, and people slip back into old ways and sinful habits.<br />
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Sometimes, we are like a toddler in the midst of his tantrum - unwilling to lay down pride to surrender to the one in charge. We often come to the Lord, yet inside our hearts are reluctant to give up selfish ways. The Lord summons us, but often we're kicking and screaming. We aren't ready to submit, to surrender, to humbly accept defeat and powerlessness. <br />
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To achieve true closeness and relationship with the Lord, though, much more is required. In the gospel of John, when John the Baptist is questioned about Jesus, John states, "He must become greater, I must become less." Such is it in our walk with Jesus. WE CANNOT COMPLETELY SUBMIT TO JESUS UNTIL WE BECOME LESS.<i> </i>Jesus says in Matthew 18: 3, "Truly I say to you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." That is to say, we are to be completely, utterly, wholly dependent upon him for provision, guidance, and survival.<br />
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What does complete surrender look like?<br />
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It looks like unconditional love. <br />
It looks like forgiveness (maybe seventy times seven times).<br />
Picking up your bible regularly. <br />
Being able to lovingly confront someone else's sin.<br />
It looks like giving your time on the Sabbath to the local soup kitchen instead of kicking back and watching football. <br />
It looks like tithing, even when you don't know where the money will come from to pay your other bills.<br />
It's biting your tongue instead of engaging in gossip. Or, perhaps standing up for the person and possibly enduring ridicule or judgment. <br />
It's teaching your children to pray and sticking with it, even if at the end of the day you can't put two sentences together.<br />
It's withholding criticism of character in an argument.<br />
It looks like submitting sinful thoughts to the Lord and denying them. <br />
It looks like self-control.<br />
It's a purity of heart and mind.<br />
It looks like submission to God's will, even if it scares the pants off of you.<br />
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Colossians 3:5-10 states, "Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But no you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with these practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."<br />
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As humans, we are sinful by nature. It is IMPERATIVE that we come to the Lord in prayer to surrender these things to him. He is faithful and will hear us when we ask for transformation. "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but <i>be transformed by the renewing of your mind.</i> Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing, and perfect will." - Romans 12:2 (emphasis added)<br />
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So, as in the case of the exhausted toddler, we learn that we will not win this battle. The Lord is in charge, and we must completely bend to his will and surrender to him in order to achieve peace and transformation.hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-90756430190833809612017-08-03T18:50:00.003-07:002018-04-23T17:48:57.568-07:00the last cookie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There is this little bible verse that you may have heard of on my heart today that I'd like to dissect - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Cue the eye rolls - this verse has likely been used at almost every wedding EVER. We are completely desensitized to it because of its frequent use, but there is a reason clergy and soon-to-be-newlyweds turn to it time and time again.<br />
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It reads: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."</div>
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The kind of love that is represented by Jesus in the bible is <i>agape -</i> the Greek word to paraphrase "selfless love." It's the same variety He showed us at the cross. Though Jesus had done no wrong, He walked the road to Calvary for us, having been beaten, taunted, and tortured, so that we might experience mercy and life with the Father. Matthew 16:24-5 states, "Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." I am no theologian, so I personally cannot be certain if Jesus was using this literally (as in martyrdom) or in a more figurative way, but nevertheless, I feel we are to apply it to our lives today. Jesus calls us to love each other selflessly, without condition. We are to put aside our selfish, worldly ways and desires to live a life that is dedicated to mirroring the love of Christ. Paul wrote to the people in Corinth, advising them to love in exactly this way. Broken down, this is what the verse does (and does not) mean:</div>
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"Love is patient" - it's allowing someone time to heal from past hurts or abuse; it's trying to understand someone else's perspective; it is slow to anger and abounding in grace </div>
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"love is kind" - it doesn't harass, condemn, insult, or condescend; it is empathetic and compassionate</div>
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"It does not envy" - it isn't jealous; it doesn't want what someone else has</div>
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"it does not boast" - it's not gloating, bragging, or saying "I told you so"</div>
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"it is not proud" - it is humble; it's not viewing yourself as better than another; it's admitting when you're wrong; it's taking responsibility for your actions</div>
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"It does not dishonor others" - it's not pointing fingers, placing blame; it's not smearing someone's name; it doesn't humiliate or degrade</div>
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"it is not self-seeking" - it's working for the benefit of another; it's working toward common ground and compromise</div>
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"it is not easily angered" - it's not rushing to reprimand or scold</div>
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"it keeps no record of wrongs" - it forgives completely; it erases an offense, once and for all; it's not bringing up past wrongs in current arguments; it's not bitter or resentful</div>
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"Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth" - love does not lure those around us to sin, but seeks righteousness; it's wanting others to feel the joy that you do in Christ</div>
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"It always protects" - it's caring for the hearts and interests of others; it's taking care with someone's emotions</div>
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"always trusts" - it's having faith in someone; it's believing they have your best interest at heart</div>
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"always hopes" - it's always believing the best and glass-is-half-full</div>
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"always perseveres" - love will <i>always</i> win over hate and evil.</div>
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It's easy for us to read this passage and gloss over the true meaning, because we've heard it countless times. When you really stop to consider all that it implies and represents, it's really quite profound, in my humble opinion. When you pause to consider your own actions and whether or not they qualify as "loving," what do you see? </div>
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Love is giving with reckless abandon; expecting nothing in return. Love is humbly admitting that you were wrong. Love is sometimes biting your tongue. Love is waking early with the kids so that your mate can sleep in. Love is giving someone else the last cookie. Love is letting someone else go before you in line. Love is stopping to buy the homeless man a drink and a sandwich. Love is sharing the gospel with others, so that they too may find joy in Christ. </div>
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hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3839322067713375366.post-54744317716427426862017-08-01T18:00:00.000-07:002018-04-23T17:49:07.914-07:00still<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Psalm 46:10 - "<i>Be still</i>, and know that I am God."<br />
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Exodus 14:14 - "The Lord will fight for you; you need only to <i>be still</i>."<br />
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I have four children, ages 9, 7, 5, and 4. The word "still" is essential to my vocabulary. "Sit still!," I tell them in church. "Lie still!," as I wrestle them into bed at night. "Sit still at the dinner table!" "Sit still!," while the barber gives a haircut. We love our children, but as parents, we know there are times when your children have to learn to wait. Patiently. To be still. To rest. To cease activity. It's not to control them. It's because as parents, we know what's best for them. If they sit still in church, they're more likely to hear the word of God (or you are, at least). If they lie still in bed, they'll have an easier transition into a restful night. If he sits still in the barber's chair, he's a lot less likely to have a giant nick on his scalp. It's for their benefit and the greater good of the family. <i>Be still. </i>Time and time again, the Lord tells us through scripture to be still. As our omniscient, omnipresent Father, He knows what's best for us. <br />
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Stop. Cease. Let go. Be calm.<br />
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He's constantly reminding us just who is in control. When the Lord says <i>be still</i> in scripture, it's in the midst of battle; at the brink of defeat. Life may be a little less primitive in our first-world country than it was in the middle east of the bible, but these scriptures are certainly still applicable today. In the midst of a divorce? <i>Be still. </i>Undergoing chemotherapy? <i>Be still. </i>Have you lost the person you loved most in this world? <i>Be still.</i> God instructs us frequently to sit back and trust that He has everything under control. It won't always be easy. In fact, in some cases it will be the hardest thing we ever do - to trust the Lord and wait on him. But it will <i>always</i> be worth it.<br />
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As we read God's word and soak it up, we grow closer to Him and are more able to quiet ourselves and listen for His voice and instruction. It's in the quiet and the meditation over scripture where He often comes to us, comforting and guiding us. James 4:8 says, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."<br />
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Romans 8:28 says, "For we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." Now, that isn't to say everything will be gravy for us if we follow Him. Life will definitely not always be gravy. But we are to trust Him with the good...and the awful. The blessings, and the major upheavals of life. When Job's life falls into shambles and his wife instructs him to "Curse God and die!," "He replies, You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" (Job 2:10). If the Lord provides for us and blesses us, should we not also trust that our troubles have a far greater purpose than is within our understanding? People are flawed. People make terrible mistakes, awful judgment calls. I'd much rather entrust my life to a sovereign Lord than to my own flawed, sinful thinking. So <i>"be still, </i>and know that He is God." <br />
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So listen for His instruction. Immerse yourself in His word. Pray. Let the Lord do His work.hisprodigaldaughterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12478501051744531462noreply@blogger.com0