tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57196831366311711612024-02-07T00:02:00.853-05:00More than just musicMusic is a huge part of my life, but there's much more to me than just music. This blog will just be expressions from my heart ... what God is doing & speaking in my life, things about my family & kids, and anything else going on ...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger12125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-40052663816670017382013-10-25T10:51:00.001-04:002013-10-25T16:31:41.583-04:00Staying clear of the lurking evil …<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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I’ve said it before … I want to be on the offense against
the enemy and powers of darkness, rather than just playing defense. The scripture in Ephesians 6 rings over and
over in my spirit:</div>
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Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand
firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against
flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen
world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in
the heavenly places. Ephesians 6:11-12
NLT<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have this written on my bathroom mirror so it’s
the first thing I see when I get up in the mornings (yes, it’s long … but so
good!).<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was driving home from growth group the other
evening, I was reflecting on all God did in our group that night. It was a wonderful time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yet as I drove through the darkness, I couldn’t
quite put my finger on it … the uneasiness in my spirit. Of course, I try to be extra cautious,
especially this time of year, as I drive back roads in the dark. Now that I live in the country, I see a lot
more deer. I try to be aware and drive
carefully through.<br />
<br /></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCnuPsBWHqkTG6uj_2-inB4GjXXyaq_gfZAqoQBtS5hDZf1FMUXEpGKDW3kmObIRM6_mVL8hYWUb1obztbkyhgP7U-XIjmohtct5XRlB_6eVp2HUxWnyUpLLLEA4Zc4gGHMYSAOGiWcQ/s1600/BeFunky_Image.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoCnuPsBWHqkTG6uj_2-inB4GjXXyaq_gfZAqoQBtS5hDZf1FMUXEpGKDW3kmObIRM6_mVL8hYWUb1obztbkyhgP7U-XIjmohtct5XRlB_6eVp2HUxWnyUpLLLEA4Zc4gGHMYSAOGiWcQ/s320/BeFunky_Image.jpg.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Yet, there was more to my uneasiness than just that
…</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When that happens, I just pray. Pray for safety, covering, and for the Holy
Spirit to go before me and guard me … physically and spiritually. I was also praying to the Lord: “God, show
me. Speak to me in this.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Suddenly, I saw an armadillo venture out into the
road, stopping just short of my tire’s pathway.
Those are such creepy creatures to me.
And it was a bit startling as I was already a bit uneasy. I was glad I didn’t hit it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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About a mile further and almost home, I saw the back
of a large deer grazing along the side of the road. I immediately slowed down, looking all around,
hoping not to encounter its friends in the road. Thankfully, I saw no more deer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I heard God’s voice in my spirit. “See, you need me in everything. I know what’s ahead of you and behind
you. There is much that goes on in the
darkness around you. You cannot always
see it or feel it, but it doesn’t stop.
The enemy is on the prowl. Listen
to me. You need my Light to illuminate
your path. And always be alert.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ephesians 6 immediately came to my mind. There is a real darkness and a real enemy
that operates in darkness. It has
dominion over this world. Whether we are
aware of the enemy or not, it is still at work around us. The Lord was showing me … to remind me of my
need for Him, to be clear and sharp, to walk in the Light, and to always have
on my armor.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Therefore,
put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in
the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm … Pray
in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent
in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
Ephesians 6:13-18<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The very next morning as I was having my Bible time,
God led me to Proverbs 4. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
The
way of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, which shines ever
brighter until the full light of day. But the way of the wicked is like total
darkness. They have no idea what they are stumbling over. Proverbs 4:18-19<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Did
you catch that last verse?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
But
the way of the wicked is like <i>total darkness</i>.
They have no idea what they are stumbling over!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They
have no idea because they are walking in darkness. Without the Light of Jesus Christ through His
Holy Spirit in their lives, they have no illumination to see the path or
anything for that matter! They may or
may not collide right into the large creature in their way that could harm them and destroy their lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Let
your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful
thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left;
keep your foot from evil. Proverbs 4:25-26<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The only way to keep our feet from evil is to walk
in the Light of Christ and seek to gain His wisdom in all things. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
Get
wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do
not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over
you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have,
get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she
will honor you. Proverbs 4:5-8<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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I want to follow His ways and gain His wisdom in all
things! Even if it means that I’m considered “weird” to the world … <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God has called us to be holy (which means ‘set
apart’), as He is holy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
But
just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written:
“Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And
more about the enemy and those under evil authority … God warns us in Proverbs 4:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of
evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way. For
they cannot rest until they do evil; they are robbed of sleep till they make
someone stumble. Proverbs 4:14-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
See friends, if we are followers of Christ, our
lives are going to look different. He
wants our feet to stay clear of the path of the wicked. He wants me to be different, in a loving, yet
truthful way. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So how do I stay on the offense against the enemy? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Walk closely with the Father in His Light. Read His Word daily and listen to Him as He speaks through His Word and to my spirit through prayer. Put on His armor!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God, help me remember EVERYDAY to wake up and put on
Your armor. Help me to be ever mindful
of the spiritual realm around me, even though I cannot see it. Help me cling to You and Your wisdom as I
live. Lord, help me not stray from the
convictions you have put in me, and help me be bold and unashamed as I live out
my worship to You in all I do. And Lord, help me as I guide my children in Your Way. Let them see You in me. In Jesus’
name! Amen.<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-36930898336065183932013-09-26T10:08:00.003-04:002013-09-26T10:34:21.069-04:00Done with doubting!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hi friends! It's a cloudy morning outside here, but oh how the "Son" is shining in my soul today! :) </div>
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<br /></div>
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In the reading plan today, the assignment is 1 Kings 3-4. As<span style="color: #343434;"> I read 1 Kings 3, I am intrigued at the conversation between
Solomon and God. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434;">Why am I so intrigued? </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434;">Well, the Bible is God’s living word.</span><span style="color: #343434;"> </span><span style="color: #343434;">2 Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is
useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”</span><span style="color: #343434;"> </span><span style="color: #343434;">God breathed His Divine breath and life into
this book for us to know Him more!</span><span style="color: #343434;">
</span><span style="color: #343434;">Doesn’t that get you excited?!</span><span style="color: #343434;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #343434;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #343434;">Anytime I can get a glimpse of the “greats” in the bible talking with
God, I get giddy inside.</span><span style="color: #343434;"> </span><span style="color: #343434;">We can learn
SO much about our Lord and about how to talk to Him by “listening in” on
conversations between Him and His servants in the Bible.</span><span style="color: #343434;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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This entire chapter is extraordinary to me. The exchange between Solomon and God is
beautiful. Let’s hone in on 1 Kings 3:5,
7-9:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a
dream at night; and God said, "Ask what <i>you wish</i> Me to give
you." … Now, O Lord my God, You have made Your servant king in place of my
father David, yet I am but a little child; I do not know how to go out or come
in. Your servant is in the midst of Your people which You have chosen, a great
people who are too many to be numbered or counted. So give Your servant an
understanding heart to judge Your people to discern between good and evil. For
who is able to judge this great people of Yours?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">God appears to Solomon in a dream … I wish I could have these
kinds of dreams every night! I love hearing from the Lord in an intimate, vivid
way. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">And look at what God says! “Ask
what you wish Me to give you.” This
seems too good to be true, huh? If only we had God’s attention and favor like
Solomon … right? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">But you know what?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">We do!! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">John 14:14: “You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will
do it.” To me, this verse directly
correlates with Psalms 37:4: “Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give
you the desires of your heart.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If we delight in the Lord, in being in His presence, and in
pleasing Him, He will make our desires His desires for us! He changes and molds our hearts to be for Him
and His glory! And when we come before
the Lord, asking boldly in the name of Jesus according to His purpose, God will
honor our prayers and answer us. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If we are truly seeking the Lord, He will hear our prayers and
give us a heart like His. He will give
us the desires of our hearts. And when
we ask anything in His name, He will do it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">I don’t know about you, but this gets me fired up!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Now look back at 1 Kings 3.
We can learn so much from Solomon’s response to God. He comes in humility saying he’s a little
child. </span>"The statement is actually Solomon's poetic way of expressing his
inadequacies as he faced the awesome tasks of leadership." (Dilday) He wasn’t actually a child. He just saw himself as under qualified for
the great task at hand. He knows he can
only do it with God giving Him the strength and power to accomplish
success. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And what does
Solomon ask for next? He asks God for an “understanding heart.” He desires wisdom and discernment as he leads
God’s people. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And how does God
respond in verses 11 & 12? God grants Solomon his request. And not only does He promise to give Him
wisdom and discernment … He is so pleased with Solomon’s heart that He also
promises to give him riches and honor, more than any other king in his days. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, how often
do we live in confusion or doubt, unsure of God’s will for us? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If we’re being
honest, it’s probably more often than we’d like to admit.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If only we had
godly wisdom and discernment in our lives, right? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How do we do the
right thing when dealing with our spouse? Our children? Our friends? Our
coworkers? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, let’s take
Solomon’s cue! I don’t want to spend one more second in doubt or confusion! I
want to come boldly before the throne of God and ask Him to give me
wisdom. This is something I pray
everyday as a mother of four children and devoted wife. I cannot do any of this with success unless
I’m seeking God’s will. His wisdom is
perfect. And I want that in my life! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All we have to do
is ask Him for it! And if we’re in His Word and in His presence in prayer and
worship continually, He is going to be pleased with us. And He will answer our prayer!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God, give me Your
wisdom today. Help me have discernment
in all things, whether big or small, today.
God, I desire to please You and lift high Your Name! Please hear my
prayer this day and grant it, Lord, according to Your perfect will. In Jesus’ name! Amen! <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-64247051494933836442013-09-04T05:00:00.000-04:002013-09-04T05:00:03.764-04:00Rotten fruit ... I've still been reading through the reading plan that my church, Eastridge, provides (and that SHINE Girls participate in). I'm so enjoying the Old Testament. Having read through 1 Samuel a couple months ago, I was thrilled to continue with the story of David in 2 Samuel!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
reading 2 Samuel 11 about David and his sin with Bathsheba and then in the following
chapters through chapter 19, I started thinking about the snowball affect of
David's sin. In chapter 12 we see Nathan
tell him what the Lord said: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="color: #1d1d1d; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"From
this time on, your family will live by the sword because you have despised me
by taking Uriah’s wife to be your own. 'This is what the Lord says: Because of
what you have done, I will cause your own household to rebel against you. I will give your wives to another man before
your very eyes, and he will go to bed with them in public view. You did it secretly, but I will make this
happen to you openly in the sight of all Israel.'” (2 Samuel 12:10-12
NLT) </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And so we see the
'fruit' of David's sin begin to fall. It unravels: he lost his son born out of
his sin with Bathsheba. Then later, David's son, Amnon, rapes his sister, Tamar
(David's daughter). Sin! Another son of David, Absalom, avenges his
sister and kills his brother, Amnon. Sin!
Absalom, after fleeing Jerusalem for
fear of King David's reaction to his murdering Amnon, returns only to become full
of pride, ultimately conspiring to overturn his father's throne for himself! Sin! All
of the events trace back to David's sin, and they are the fulfillment of
Nathan's prophecy from the Lord. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I'm not even
through the whole book yet, but the Holy Spirit has been reminding me that sin
breeds sin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As the wife and
mother of my family, I need to take my calling and responsibility seriously
every minute of every day. I need to be in constant communication with the Lord
in prayer and in the Word. My appetite for
Him needs to win out over my flesh. And
I need to continually be filled with His Spirit so that I am led by Him and don't
fall into the temptations of sin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why is this so
critical? Because my choices and my sins don't just affect me. They poison my life and impact all those
around me. I don't want to be a reason for sin in my family, my church, or my
realm of influence. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord, today, by the
same power that raised Christ from the dead … the power of Your Spirit in me, help
me overcome the temptation to sin! May my life bring glory to You and magnify
Your name. I desire to daily put on Your
Armor! Help me not just play defense against the enemy, trying to overcome sin.
God, I want to be on the offense! I want
my children and others around me see Your Light! I desire for others to enter
Your kingdom because of my testimony. I
will daily make this choice, Lord. Help me, Holy Spirit! In the powerful name of Jesus! Amen. <o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-41968720869817798872013-07-15T12:32:00.000-04:002013-07-16T07:50:33.935-04:00Through Thick & Thin<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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“Don’t be
afraid,” Jonathan reassured him. “My father will never find you! You are going
to be the king of Israel, and I will be next to you, as my father, Saul, is
well aware.” So the two of them renewed their solemn pact before the Lord. Then
Jonathan returned home, while David stayed at Horesh. (1 Samuel 23:17, 18 NLT)<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So solid
and strong. It strikes me as I ponder friendship. Men have such a bond,
especially the ones from the Lord. James has friends that have been with him
since elementary school whom he is still close with now. These are
lifelong friendships that God brought together. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Why as
women do we have a difficult time keeping friends or being good friends to the
ones we have? Perhaps it's the very thing we discussed in my growth group I'm a member of this past week ...
judging from the appearance rather than the heart ... being petty and not
acting in true love towards one another. Maybe hormones play a role. Maybe
emotions take over. Maybe it's a combination of factors. Nevertheless, when you
consider all that I just mentioned, one common denominator comes into play ...
flesh. It seems that we as women like to use our hormones and emotions as an
excuse to act however we please. I
believe God is calling us to love at all times and not allow the enemy’s
temptation to use excuses to overcome us.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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for
if you are living according to the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit
you are putting to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are being led by the Spirit of
God, these are the sons [and daughters] of God.
– Romans 8:13-14<o:p></o:p></div>
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As
believers in and of Christ, are we to die to sin and flesh daily? Yes. Are we
to be holy as God is holy (1 Peter 1:16)? Yes. And most importantly, are we to
love others as Christ loves us (John 13:34)? Yes!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I want to
be loyal and faithful to all the women God has put in my life. I want to love
each of them with a sisterly love and lift them up in prayer. And I want to
treat the God-bonds (those who I know the Spirit has forged together) like
David and Jonathan did: a solemn pact before the Lord even to death. He
is calling us to LOVE. Love covers a
multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). Love forgives. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Let me
leave you with what the bible says about love:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not
brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own,
is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice
in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all
things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails … - 1 Corinthians 13:4-8<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">God, help me to love
this way.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">Help me to embrace the women
you’ve put in my life.</span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;">And help me to
treat all my friendships the way Jonathan and David did. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Cambria;">***Side Note: As I've said before, if you don't follow ShineGirlsShine.com already, you should! Jill and the girls have so blessed me in the short time that I've been a part. :) And since we're all studying the same scripture at the same time, Jill's post today is very similar to what God spoke to me about the same passage. It's so exciting to me how God's Word is alive and speaking to us! Check it out too: </span><a href="http://www.shinegirlsshine.com/2013/07/monday-shine_15.html">http://www.shinegirlsshine.com/2013/07/monday-shine_15.html</a></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-56247971531532748172013-07-09T16:08:00.000-04:002013-07-09T22:02:30.541-04:00Lesson Learned<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
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Don’t you just love how God speaks to you through a
combination of His word and your children? Sometimes it takes a while for me to
get it … but when I do … Man! It pierces me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I’m sure you can imagine, or for those who have several
children already, you know full well the challenges of disciplining children. Not to mention, three boys under the age of 8
and a sweet, yet walking and exploring, 14-month-old baby girl. We definitely have days where the children
are especially well-behaved. But most
days, they test and push to see how much they can get away with (particularly with all the rain we’ve had this summer which equates to being cooped up). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James and I have tried many different plans of discipline
(charts, strike system, etc.), all while praying for the Lord to show us His
plan. What will work for our family? And
I know you are familiar with how difficult parenting can be, no matter how many
kids you have! It’s a tough job! No joke! But it’s also the most precious gift
from God. A privilege. A reward.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, while hanging out with some dear friends, we
started discussing what the bible says about discipline. This family is so special to us. They are godly and wise. And they have some children who are older
than ours, so we glean from them. In
talking that evening, we all agreed that first-time obedience is what children
need to accomplish. The motto at our sons’
previous Christian school is: “Obey – right away, all the way, everyday, in a
cheerful way!” And I love it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When James and I debriefed after such a good talk with our
friends, we decided to try things a little different. Our children have never been crazy bad, per
say. But we so desire to achieve
complete obedience with them now so that later on in life, when there’s a lot
on the line, they will be trained in obedience.
This is huge to us! So we explained to our children that we expect them
to obey us, and that going forward, we are doing things differently. No more warnings. No more threats. We give the direction and expect their direct
obedience in respect. Anything less than
a simple yes ma'am or no ma’am (or sir) along with obedience (such as talking back, whining,
asking WHY, disregarding what we say, or dare I say – telling us NO) is
direct disobedience, and we will no longer tolerate it. Zero tolerance in the form of immediate
discipline. Yeah, spelling all that out
seems a little harsh, but once they ‘get it,’ oh my goodness, things are
grand! We have seen a huge difference,
especially in our spunky and active three-year-old! (I could go into the whole
spill about why children need boundaries, why they need to learn direct
obedience early in life, and so on and so forth.
But that’s another post for another day.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I was drying my
hair, I was praying about the scripture I read this morning in 1 Samuel 15 that
so ministered to me. I’ve been chewing
on it and thinking about it, trying to let it sink in to my spirit and
mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
But Samuel replied, “What is more
pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to
his voice? Listen! Obedience is better
than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]-->-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]-->1 Samuel 15:22 NLT<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saul didn’t directly and completely obey God. He did what he thought would be okay, instead
of exactly what God commanded.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sure. Sacrifices and
offerings seemed good. God has asked for
those before. But God gave specific
instructions for this specific time, and he expected direct and complete
obedience.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So back to praying while drying my hair … as clear as day,
God said to me in my spirit, “Christa, do you directly obey me? You have been
enforcing this with your children at home.
But are you also obeying me the first-time I ask and completely?” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wow! Talk about His words being sharp! He cut to the core
with that one. There are several things
I’ve been thinking and praying about that require God-sized answers. I need to hear from Him before I do anything. And I feel like He is causing me to evaluate
my own obedience to Him from the past, present, and what He expects of me in
the future, no matter how difficult or daunting the task may be. He expects full obedience and submission! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friends, as you seek the Lord, His word <i>will</i> change you. It requires
action. And when He speaks, He expects
us to listen and obey. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
God, today I desire to completely and directly obey you
right away. Show me all the ways that I
have been disobedient. I repent for my
disobedience, Lord. Make me right with
you, Father, so our fellowship is unobstructed.
And help me to walk forward with you leading me that I may be a
faithful, obedient follower. I love you,
Lord! Amen!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-81484712629092592932013-06-11T11:16:00.000-04:002013-06-11T11:16:16.089-04:00Snake & Angels
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I had the privilege of being a guest blogger on the <a href="http://shinegirlsshine.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">SHINE girls blog</span></a> (I LOVE this ministry ... if you don't follow this blog, you should!) this morning. Here is the post:</div>
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Have you ever spent time meditating on how many times God
has protected you? And I’m not talking about the times that we can’t
particularly pinpoint. I’m sure those
happen thousands of times daily, and we don’t even know it. I’m talking about times where you experienced
His hand covering you …<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think about it often.
And I think it’s good for us to reflect on His goodness and how He
protects and loves us. It draws us closer
to Him. It causes us to have a heart of
gratitude to our Heavenly Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
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So you wonder what I’m talking about? Well, there is a
spiritual battle going on that we are not always permitted to see. So many times, we get caught up in our daily
activities and busy lives. It’s often
too easy to forget that there is a spiritual war going on. Satan and his demons come to kill, steal and
destroy. (John 10:10) Evil lurks and has dominion over the earth. Yet God’s goodness overcomes! And our God has
assigned angels over us to encamp about us and combat the enemy (Psalm 91:11). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the
shadow of the Almighty. I will say to
the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!" … For
you have made the Lord, my refuge, <i>even</i> the Most High, your dwelling
place. No evil will befall you, nor will any plague come near your tent. For He
will give His angels charge concerning you, to guard you in all your ways. They
will bear you up in their hands, that you do not strike your foot against a
stone. – Psalm 91:1, 2, 9-12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m so glad to serve a God who protects us against the
enemy. While He does allow us to suffer
and go through very difficult times, even some to death, if our faith and trust
is in Him, He ultimately rescues us from the snares of death and from the
defeat of the enemy. For if our faith
and trust is in Christ Jesus, His blood shed on the cross covers us and makes a
way. Even though our flesh may die,
Christ’s sacrifice lets us be with God for all eternity! Praise the Lord! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UWplRDNJEFcFhyphenhyphenF29eb86FQMLucv0RHGahi7afmjgfckNyvv8VDXQw1H0zUcoPeQQPvCrsNnV78JiotFGlvMdew4OSP57GorAOjcQQUHvyzJscbug4XIq7eGSw2FCo065wPtoUYZqOI/s1600/03+sweet+couple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-UWplRDNJEFcFhyphenhyphenF29eb86FQMLucv0RHGahi7afmjgfckNyvv8VDXQw1H0zUcoPeQQPvCrsNnV78JiotFGlvMdew4OSP57GorAOjcQQUHvyzJscbug4XIq7eGSw2FCo065wPtoUYZqOI/s320/03+sweet+couple.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My husband, James, and me</td></tr>
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As long as we’re on this side of heaven though, we do live
in a fallen world where the enemy is on the prowl. There have been countless times in my life
where I was able to clearly see God’s hand covering me. And that’s what got this post started. I can sit and remember many times over my
lifetime so far.<br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few years ago when Noah, my first-born, was about two, we
were swimming in my parents’ pool with my brother and his wife. James, my husband, was playing with Noah
while I was standing in the shallow end talking to everybody. We were all laughing and having a good
time. James and my brother were playing
with Noah and splashing. And I remember
they had been jumping off the diving board.
So the water in the pool was active and wavy. In the midst of all the fun and commotion, I
felt something brush over my left arm. I
glanced down to what looked like my wet hair at first, but a closer look
revealed a brown copperhead snake slithering across my arm!! Yes! A snake was
ON me! (If you know me, you know that snakes and spiders creep me out! I am
that girl who is UH-FRAID of slithery, creepy creatures.) Oh my goodness! It
gives me the creeps just thinking about it! Needless to say, you can probably
imagine my horror. I was out of that
pool fast. James said it looked like I
walked on the water. And I was worried
about everyone else, especially my little boy!! It took me several minutes to calm
down. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Well, I think it’s awful that a venomous snake was on
me. But how much more awful could it
have been had the snake bitten me or one of the other people in the pool? I
believe God’s angels were with us. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVzCIR8kr-H_S0Ci1THAeJ3Lhi3ShGAbGkitNxJGdwdpumxWWCYZ856l0lzIlWod-kgMPunzrlOw2GXljccMWgeJNZ7b1a_uME1bcjNLLLUMujgfuPJ1ZM1J0_G4tT1t5NGPBcxwTfKE/s1600/01+sweet+kids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJVzCIR8kr-H_S0Ci1THAeJ3Lhi3ShGAbGkitNxJGdwdpumxWWCYZ856l0lzIlWod-kgMPunzrlOw2GXljccMWgeJNZ7b1a_uME1bcjNLLLUMujgfuPJ1ZM1J0_G4tT1t5NGPBcxwTfKE/s320/01+sweet+kids.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My four children</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been walking down
stairs or downhill on a dangerous trek where injury would be inevitable,
feeling myself about to trip and fall, and somehow I regain my footing without
falling. I remember that happening often
on campus at UGA going to and from classes.
And now that my kids’ bedrooms are upstairs, it happens even more going
down the stairs. And it may seem silly,
but I thank the Lord in the moment.
Whether under my breath or out loud, I thank the Lord that He kept my
feet from slipping.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Or what about the times when you’re in your car heading
somewhere and you are almost sideswiped by another vehicle? And you can see before your eyes, as if in
slow motion, how the hand of God or a line of angels was right with you keeping
you from harm. Those are moments that
almost take my breath away. And when I
consider the magnitude of what just took place, I’m shaken with the reality
that my God is surely right with me!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIigDr0DeK-XIuxgeRK6LU1N3v3_8G9r2H8Euip8D5yWfEGf6XTvfpykIavSybhDqSN70_WcwDepbmgSzM5xPnUTsF3cCTvhxwOvVz2rEjwolo-u4v9ADl7OL82LR_IkQhWj7ZxcTb2cc/s1600/02+sweet+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIigDr0DeK-XIuxgeRK6LU1N3v3_8G9r2H8Euip8D5yWfEGf6XTvfpykIavSybhDqSN70_WcwDepbmgSzM5xPnUTsF3cCTvhxwOvVz2rEjwolo-u4v9ADl7OL82LR_IkQhWj7ZxcTb2cc/s320/02+sweet+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet family of six</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Those are just a couple examples right off the top of my
head. There are so many other instances
of which I can think that God has intervened on my behalf. Some big.
Some seemingly smaller. And
that’s just in my own life. I can
reflect on stories from family and friends who have been guarded and protected
in so many situations. </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Read over
and ponder the following verses for a moment:<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those
who live according to the flesh have their <b><span style="color: #aa1e28;">minds</span></b>
set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit
have their <b><span style="color: #aa1e28;">minds</span></b> set on what the
Spirit desires. Rom 8:5<o:p></o:p></div>
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And
the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts
and your <b><span style="color: #aa1e28;">minds</span></b> in Christ Jesus. Phil
4:7<o:p></o:p></div>
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Set
your <b><span style="color: #aa1e28;">minds</span></b> on things above, not on
earthly things. Col 3:2<o:p></o:p></div>
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See a
pattern? It’s easy for our minds to be set on flesh or earthly things. We live in this world with all of its
enticements and temptations. But if we
have trusted in Jesus as our Savior, He has brought us to life in Him. Our spirits are new. And He tells us to set our minds on Him and
what the Spirit desires. God gives us
the power through Him to accomplish this.
It’s possible with Him!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I fully
believe God wants us to be aware and not forget about the spiritual battle
that’s going on around us. I challenge
you to carve out some time to just sit in God’s presence and let Him reveal the
many ways He has protected you, whether big or small. And write it down so that you can come back
to it. In reflecting on His goodness and
His power in your own life, I think it will help you remember all day long to
thank Him. And it will keep our minds sharp. It will keep us from getting foggy
and focused on ourselves and from doing things out of our own strength. I want to live and operate in God’s power! I
want to always remember that there’s a real enemy out to steal my joy and
destroy others. There’s a war for the
souls of the lost. God, activate my
faith. Help me see with my spiritual
eyes. Help me to always trust you and
believe your word. Lord, help me keep my
mind on you and your ways so that I’m not distracted by all the things in this
world vying for my attention and a real enemy that seeks to turn me away from
You. And God, help me to always give
thanks for the many ways that You rescue and protect me in this life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmQ1bQCWasvFnTIHSOp-CFxyNrwMHlXPeAux6uiW1-GqMF6bRQXPTiTja0ocwzJcxu6DkDqdAC7l7y7DmnsKGOAAdfqfLbMJXrx4yKwrp7P2kORxAJUOoowtgp2Y68Jy4JOfMVMugwZw/s1600/04+sweet+family+laughing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmQ1bQCWasvFnTIHSOp-CFxyNrwMHlXPeAux6uiW1-GqMF6bRQXPTiTja0ocwzJcxu6DkDqdAC7l7y7DmnsKGOAAdfqfLbMJXrx4yKwrp7P2kORxAJUOoowtgp2Y68Jy4JOfMVMugwZw/s320/04+sweet+family+laughing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Candid shot<br /><br />Photo Credit: Joy Neville Photography</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-75447569219742095852013-05-06T08:42:00.001-04:002013-05-06T08:45:08.590-04:00Long time, no post! Hi guys! Wow! It's been so long since I've posted! I'm so sorry I went so long without blogging. In March, my family and I moved to a new house, and it took over a month before we had internet service again! Crazy, huh? And after the holidays leading up to March, we were in preparation and moving mode. I have still been journaling, but I just couldn't seem to find a moment to sit down and post online. It feels so good to get back at it! I hope and pray you are all well and still growing in your walk with Christ. <br />
<br />
A lot has happened in my life lately. We did move. We love our new house. It's definitely more spacious for our family of six. A few people have commented that we probably just don't know what to do with all the space ... but we're figuring it out pretty quickly. :) With three boys and an almost walking baby girl, the extra space is surely a blessing! It's also nice that my husband has a bonafide office now. As he works from home often and is getting a new business launched, he is very thankful for a mostly quiet room where he can set up shop.<br />
<br />
My sweet baby girl had her one year old birthday this past weekend! She's growing too fast! It's bittersweet. I enjoy seeing her grow and witnessing her personality take shape. She's so beautiful, inside and out, already! But it also makes me a little sad that she's outgrowing all of her baby clothes and growing out of the baby stages. I know every mom has similar thoughts watching their babies turn into toddlers. <br />
<br />
So those are just a couple of the events that have taken place in my personal life over the past few months. Don't you love how firm and secure our heavenly Father is? No matter what circumstances take place in our lives, He is always the same. Yesterday, today and forever! He is constant. That is such a comforting thought. We can always come to the Father, amid our sometimes hectic lives, and find peace and rest because He's always there and always the same. <br />
<br />
As I was reading the Word this morning, I always pull up my YouVersion bible app on my phone for reference of different translations. I enjoy reading the daily verse that pops up. Today, it was a verse from Colossians. I usually go to the entire chapter to read the context. Well, some verses from that chapter got me excited today ...<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory. (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT)</span></span></span></blockquote>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; border-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div>
Good stuff, huh? Really, the whole chapter is awesome. I just didn't want to paste the whole thing to this post. God is reminding me today how i<span style="font-family: inherit;">t's so easy to become engulfed and distracted with the things of this world. There's much noise around us. That noise tries to get in our heads, much like a nagging song that you hear in the morning and cannot seem to get out of your head. It stays with you all day long. Any quiet moment, and you find yourself humming the tune. And it gets on your nerves every time! So you wish you had never heard the song at all. </span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The world in which we live is a lot like that song. When we listen and think about the things of the world, fear, doubt, worry, anger, insecurity, and many other sorts of evil temptations seep into our minds and then our spirits. I believe that's why we are reminded in Colossians to "think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth." We are now living in Christ, not our flesh. He wants to be victorious in our daily lives. He IS victorious! I want to give Him the reigns to my life daily so that He's victorious through me. I believe we must choose this day whom we will serve! I pray that I whole-heartedly serve my Savior today. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Lord, by the power of your Holy Spirit, I set aside the thoughts of this world. I lay it all at your feet. Let my life be hidden in You. I desire to be pleasing to you and to be effective in your kingdom today. Lord, help me to think on good things, heavenly things. Guard my heart against evil. Receive ALL glory today, Father. In Jesus' name, Amen!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
That's my prayer for you as well! I hope you have a victorious day in Christ! Like my good friend, Katie, says: "Go with God"!</div>
</span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-38923534386405515072012-12-18T23:23:00.001-05:002012-12-18T23:23:49.442-05:00Myth or Message? Special post!!Hi all! So it's been a couple weeks since I've posted. This is definitely a busy time of the year for us all ... Christmas is less than a week away!! And just yesterday, my hubby wrote an awesome article that I just have to post! It's very applicable to this time of the year. And on this topic, I couldn't have said it any better! So ladies and gentlemen, I give you ... an article from James Rooks.<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Myth or Message? </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">by James Rooks - </span><span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13pt;">December 17, 2012</span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">This was the title theme of a church camp that I attended after
my 9th grade year of high school with the Oxford Baptist Youth Group. The
camp, called Centrifuge, was in Panama City Beach, FL. A big part of the
week was invested into helping us as youth to discern what was a myth and what
was the real message. In a society of mixed messages and motives,
sometimes it’s hard to tell, right? Twenty-two years later, the song and theme
from that week of camp have resurfaced into my thoughts as we approach the
Christmas season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">I've now been married for 9 1/2 years and have 4 children ages
7, 5, 3, and 7 months. As parents of
four young ones, my wife and I face the challenge of what to do with Santa
Claus, Elf on the Shelf, and presents, while trying to instill into our kids
the true meaning of Christmas. There's
definitely a push to keep Christmas 'fun' for the kids with the make believe
stuff, but I do find it a struggle to carry on a game. On one hand, the kids will one day find out
that it was just a story. And on the other hand, how do I help them see
that the story of God, Creator of the Universe, sending a Savior to come rescue
us so that we can be with Him in Heaven forever is real? How do I know
they're not just waiting for me to pull the rug out from under them on this one
too? Some might find it offensive or uncool to mess with Santa, but as a
Christian parent, it's something to think about. I know we want to keep it "fun,"
but what’s more fun than knowing that Christmas is a time when we get to
celebrate the arrival of our Redeemer? If you have even a little grasp of
what you've been saved from and the hope of what we are now headed for,
remembering and celebrating Jesus' birth is exciting. I'm not trying to
get on a campaign for parents to quit Santa; I’m just offering a challenge to
get you into the thought process from that perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">So back to the myth and message thought … on the myth side:
let's talk about Santa, Elf on the Shelf, and all the gifts. We've got Santa,
who spends all year preparing gifts for all the good little boys and girls.
He knows if you've been bad or good. He's got a running list and
checks it twice (maybe more). Somehow on Christmas Eve, he is able to
sneak into everyone's houses, deliver the gifts, and make it back to the North
Pole by morning. Santa seems to be outside of time, he'd <i>have </i>to be in order to make that many
stops in one night. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Secondly, we've got the Elf on the Shelf. This is new to
me. I think it’s a couple of years old …
I'm not sure. But after reading the book and seeing the Christmas movie
about the Elf, I've found out that this Elf watches the kids and reports back
to Santa every night while the kids are asleep. The kids can't touch the
Elf. And for fun, parents get to pose the Elf in different funny scenes,
take pictures (and post them on Facebook). Some of the photos I’ve seen have
been pretty funny and creative. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Lastly, we have the gifts.
Everybody loves getting good gifts. Every year we hope to out do ourselves
from the year before. Toy catalogs and commercials are designed to leave
your kids with three words: "I WANT THAT!" It’s fun to give the gifts, and it’s fun to
get the gifts. Even as adults, we still look forward to being surprised
somehow on Christmas morning. The problem with gifts, most of the time,
is that they never measure up to our hopes and dreams. Within weeks or even days, our kids are
looking forward to an upcoming birthday for the next fix. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">I lay all this out there to begin to make a point. Where
does all this come from? Santa, Elf on the Shelf, etc. … I know in large
part it’s commercialism. I mean, who'd have thought you could sell a kids
book and felt/plastic doll for $30? Yes.
We gave the Elf on the Shelf a try.
It was short lived though, which I may explain some other time. It’s
my opinion that the desire for there to be an all seeing/knowing father figure
(like Santa), an elf watching over you, and getting stuff to make us happy isn't
just born out of consumerism. I think it’s
something deeper. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that “He has made
everything beautiful in its time. <b>He has also set eternity in the hearts of
men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. (NIV)”
</b>Did you catch that? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Where does the idea of someone watching us, knowing us, and knowing
our deeds come from? Do we know anybody like that? But wait,
there's more. “You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my
thoughts from afar … before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O
LORD. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to
attain." Psalm 139:2, 4, & 6 (NIV) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">We're not talking Santa here.
We are talking about God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Check out this passage about angels in Matthew 18:10: “see
that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that <b><i>their
angels</i></b> in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven” (NIV –
emphasis mine). This is Jesus talking to the disciples concerning
children who had gathered at Jesus' feet. Jesus says "their angels,”
which is used in a possessive manner, indicating that the angels are assigned
to individual children, and their job is to report back to the Father.
Interesting, huh?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">Lastly, in regards to gifts, there are many scripture references
for this, but I want to focus on just a couple. We know that God gave the
best gift in the history of all eternity when, in the dark of night while many
were asleep, in a small town, He gave us Jesus.
"If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to
those who ask him" Mat 7:11 (NIV). We know that God gives many
gifts, but none are better than the gift of His only Son. And unlike Santa, who gives gifts based on good
and bad behavior, we know that Jesus is a free gift that none of us deserve.
Ephesians 2:8 (NIV) tells us, "For it is by grace you have been
saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God." The awesome part about the gift of salvation
through faith in Jesus is it never goes away, and it is all-satisfying.
Jesus says in John 4:14 (NIV), "but whoever drinks the water I give
him will never thirst. Indeed, the water
I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal
life." <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” 2 Cor 9:15 (NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: Arial; font-size: 13.0pt;">My
hope in writing this is not to convince parents to go wake their kids up and
tell them that Santa is make belief or anything like that. I do believe
it is our duty to help our kids grow in knowledge of the Lord, and part of that
is being able to understand the difference between a myth and a Message.
The good news for us as a family has been that in the midst of talks
about Santa and elves, we have had some great talks with our boys. We
haven't tried to shy away from it, but we’ve been able to go to scripture and
explain things like Matthew 18 and how God has angels assigned to each one of
them … and yes! It’s real! With this message, I don't have to worry
about them out-growing the fun of belief and wonder. It is something we can grow in together.
As a Christian dad, I'm still learning every day, probably more now than
ever, that I need the Lord and His Word. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-78116342380907405972012-11-21T14:33:00.003-05:002012-11-21T20:10:46.740-05:00Tis the season to be thankful<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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So the month of November is a popular time to state what all
we’re thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for good reason
… it’s nearing year end, and it’s the month of the holiday food extravaganza:
Thanksgiving! What better time to reflect on what has made us thankful
throughout the year, right!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On the social media sites, folks are telling what they’re
thankful for each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could’ve done
that too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe I should have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Instead, I just decided to write a blog entry
to collect my thoughts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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On one of my previous blog posts, I finished the entry with
this statement:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: #262626; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Relationships are far more valuable than any thing I’ll
ever possess. I cherish all of those God has put in my life. We
can’t take our ‘things’ with us when we leave this earth, but those spiritual
connections will live on through eternity! I’m a richly blessed girl, and I
give all the glory to the Lord. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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This is my heart! Relationships, especially those I call
“God bonds,” are what I’m most thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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First of all, I’m forever thankful for my heavenly Father
and His unfailing love for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made a
way for me to be with Him forever by sending His one and only son, Jesus
Christ, to come into the world as a man and die a cruel and humiliating death,
taking on my sins and the sins of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He who knew no sin became sin so I might have eternal life with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for Jesus and all He has done for
me! He has saved me and rescued me from eternal separation from God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful for the intimate relationship I
have with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m thankful that He sent
His Holy Spirit to live in me and guide me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Without Him, I would be dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>With Him, I’m alive! And I’m a daughter of the Most High!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s amazing is that we’re all unworthy of God’s love, yet
He loves us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If being with Him was all I
had, it would be more than enough! Yet He has blessed me above and beyond! Every
year, I reflect on all my earthly blessings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And every year, I find myself starting with my relationships, more
specifically, my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given me
an incredible family! And this year, we have A LOT to be thankful for.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Where to begin?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To
express the enormous gratitude to the Lord, it is fitting to explain the depth
of it all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last year, both my
grandfather (Pawpaw) and my Aunt Pam (his oldest daughter) were diagnosed with cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pawpaw had cancer of the ureter, and my Aunt
Pam had colon cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They both had
major surgeries to remove the cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Aunt Pam’s treatment involved not only the extensive surgery, but she
also had to have radiation and chemotherapy treatments for eight months following
her recovery of the surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along the
way, she rejoiced in victories, as she didn’t lose her hair during chemo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the surgery went very well, considering
all of the possibilities facing her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>During the months of treatment, she had her good days and her bad
days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The latter involved many of the
common side effects of the radiation and chemo.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There were many dark moments, days when she couldn’t see how she’d go on
… I cannot imagine the desperation and pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But through all of it, she drew near to her Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had faith that her healing was a
reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And she endured all of the pain
and sickness with His strength pulling her through. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise the Lord! She is cancer free today! For
that, I am so thankful! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And Pawpaw … his surgery was very risky due to his age and
other health conditions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In surgery, the
doctors were able to get all of the cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And he didn’t have to have other treatments like Aunt Pam.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sounds good, right?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, some of the risks became reality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were at least four times during the
touch and go days following his surgery that we almost lost him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four different times amidst fervent prayer,
we were bracing for the worst.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And every
time, God spared his life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still pray
for him every day, as his recovery is still ongoing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet God has brought him so far! Last year, he
spent Thanksgiving in a rehabilitation facility. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all went to visit and took him a plate of
food.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I cannot fully describe how
amazing it will be to see Pawpaw back in his seat at Thanksgiving this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so good! And I’m so thankful.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During all of the scary and sad news going on, all of the
uncertainty with my family, God brought a glimmer of hope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember walking down the hospital hallway
with Mom and Mawmaw soon after Pawpaw’s surgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We weren’t sure if he would make it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was in ICU in a very critical state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we walked, I waited for Mom to finish her
thought.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I then asked them what they
would be doing during the first couple of weeks in May.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They looked confused (as if they had any
forethought into the next few hours, much less the next year!!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said, “well, I’m going to be having a baby
in May!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were still a little
confused, but excited.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just so many
emotions bundled up inside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, last Christmas, we found out we were having a girl!
That was exciting news for everybody, seeing as I already had three boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pawpaw was still recovering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aunt Pam was still enduring treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I called to tell them, Mawmaw just broke
out in laughter! Oh how she was excited! I remember hearing Pawpaw over the
phone say “Hallelujah!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Aunt Pam,
she said that was the best news she had heard all year!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Orion Grace’s arrival into the world is another huge
blessing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The fact that she’s alive and
with us is a miracle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I went to the
hospital that day in May because I was in labor, I was expecting an easy and
smooth labor and delivery like I had with the boys.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My midwife broke my water to get labor
progressing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Little did any of us know
the whirlwind of events that would take place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had an abnormally large amount of fluid that caused the umbilical cord
to rush past her body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was nothing
they could do except get me to the OR for an emergency C-section.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They had to put me completely out because I
hadn’t had any medicine yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was
no time for an epidural.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>James couldn’t
be in there with me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was traumatizing
to say the least.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They broke my water at
2:47, and she was born at 2:54! Fast huh?! And my midwife told me afterward
that she could tell my water was bulging before she broke it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It would have most certainly broken later in
the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if it had happened while I
was at home without the care of a medical team, I would have lost my precious
daughter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Praise the Lord! He’s in
control! He ordered my steps that day (and everyday).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He allowed my baby girl to be born healthy!
I would have chosen an uneventful birth (like with my boys), but I don’t get to
choose! And that’s okay! God knows what’s best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And she was definitely worth it!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Those are just some of the biggies for which I’m thankful!
God shows His power and His glory! I am overflowing with gratitude to Him! Yet,
there’s always more! He has blessed me in countless other ways throughout the
year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can look back through my prayer
journal and see all the ways He has come through and steadily upheld me and my
dear family, all of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I
thank Him for it all, I always come back to ultimately being thankful for Him
and for eternity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Eternity with Him and
relationships He’s given and some yet to give that will last through eternity. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are reading this, I want you to know that I am also
thankful for you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you know
how much God dearly loves you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray
that His love would penetrate in you and fill you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that you know and experience an
intimate relationship with Christ Jesus that changes you every day from the inside
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abundant blessings to you and Happy
Thanksgiving!!!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-24134675965234355022012-11-09T12:06:00.000-05:002012-11-09T12:48:44.154-05:00Goodness!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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This is the day that the Lord has made.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us rejoice and be glad in it! God is so
good! Today, I’m reminded of His goodness and His love for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s refreshing to know that I can find
refuge in the shadow of His wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No
matter what this life brings, I rest in His arms! His grace is sufficient for
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How often do you praise Him for ALL He is? I’ve found that
coming to Him and offering praises and thanksgiving to Him is the best way to
start my prayers and my day! Whether my heart is overflowing with happiness or
downcast with discouragement, giving praise to my King and proclaiming His
goodness and ALL He is gets the joy flowing! Friends, He is everything we need!
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve gotten into a routine when taking my kids to
school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s something I’ve done every
day since my oldest first started preschool.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the way to school, as we get to the last 5 minutes of the ride, I
turn off the radio.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all say together
Psalm 118:24, “this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in
it.” And we usually say this prayer from Psalm 90:14, “satisfy us in the
morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our
days.” I love how His word reminds us that God is in control of the day and
that because of His love, we have joy and gladness! So after proclaiming these
verses, I pray for the kids and for their day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It has become such a part of our routine that if I get carried away
singing worship music in the truck on the way and forget to turn it off at the
certain point in our ride, they will remind me that we need to pray now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That melts my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, just this year when taking my three year old to
preschool, after we finish praying I’ve started singing a sweet song that I
know he likes to sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s the simple
chorus … I’m sure you’ve heard it, “God is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s so good to me.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ty loves it so much that some mornings he’ll
start singing it on his own and tell me to sing with him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We’ll finish it, and he tells me to sing it
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We just keep singing it over and
over until we’re at school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Just a
simple tune proclaims a deep truth: God is so good to us!! He IS good! He is
good all the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our
circumstances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our
struggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our sicknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our finances.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our persecutions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our weaknesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our condition.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter our worries or fears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter WHAT! Our God is good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Another song proclaiming His goodness:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
You are good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are holy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You are worthy of all praise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mighty God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Wonderful
Counselor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed be Your Sovereign
Name.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see Your Glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We rest in Your splendor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most High Renown. (lyrics from my song, “<a href="http://soundcloud.com/christa-rooks/most-high-renown" target="_blank">Most High Renown</a>”)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And because of God's goodness, I am going to trust Him no matter what. No matter what the cultural, social or political landscape
may be, I choose to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own
understanding (Prov. 3:5).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have such a
sweet peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know He is in complete
control.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know how incredibly blessed I
am to be a child of the Most High! And I am genuinely FIRED UP! I am excited to
see what He has in store for the future.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Knowing that I’m His, I can just rest in His arms (like I’ve already
said) and hang on for the ride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
prayer is that He’ll prepare us for what’s in store.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May He prepare our hearts for His ministry
and may we walk in full obedience as HE leads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Be blessed and encouraged this day as you reflect on His goodness and
His unfailing love for each of us!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-7186172506318366942012-10-31T08:31:00.001-04:002012-10-31T08:31:36.861-04:00How do I walk?
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For the past few days, God has been speaking to me through
Galatians 5.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve read over it and just
let it simmer in my spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a
passage full of deep truths about walking by the Spirit instead of the flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not going to attempt to break down each
verse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Rather, I’ll discuss what the passage has spoken to me, in light of my
daily application of the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So a little overview … In Galatians 5, Paul is speaking to
believers (those who have trusted in Christ as their Savior and Lord).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He explains that we have received freedom in
Christ.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The yoke of slavery to sin has
been broken through Christ’s shed blood on the cross.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ washed our sins away through the
sacrifice of himself and has given us the Holy Spirit who lives in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Spirit empowers us to live holy lives,
set apart for Him. But we still live in this world in a fleshly body.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the chunk of scripture that has really
been speaking to me:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">16</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the
desire of the flesh. </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">17</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may
not do the things that you please. </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">18</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not
under the Law. </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">19</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality,
impurity, sensuality, </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">20</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of
anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">21</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things
like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those
who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">22</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">But the fruit of
the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">23</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">gentleness,
self-control; against such things there is no law. </span><b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">24</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">Now those who
belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #535353; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">25</span></b><span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by
the Spirit. (Gal. 5:16-25, NASB)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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That Word preaches! God is so good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has given His expectations for us, but He
has also given us exactly what we need to accomplish them! His Spirit guides
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh, how I desire to walk in His
Spirit! I pray that my life displays the fruit of the Spirit! <o:p></o:p></div>
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As a wife and mom at home with my babies most of the time, I
am given ample opportunity to act and make choices from my flesh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I assume you can relate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days are better than others as far as
the kids’ behavior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But daily
surrendering my day to Him is essential.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If I get up and going and into my daily routine without getting into the
Word and praying early on, I pay for it later! And sometimes not so later! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I’m the lifeline for my five month old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s just say, I’m her “dairy queen.” She
lets me know when she needs me, and I can never be too far away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it never fails, I just get settled
nursing her when another one of my children needs something or starts being
mischievous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ll give you an example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I sit down to nurse baby girl when my three
year old says he has to go use the bathroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He usually does just fine by himself until he’s done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then I hear, “Momma, I’m done! Come wipe
me!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if the other two boys are home,
that can very well be accompanied by wrestling and loud rough housing going on,
and I have to referee and make them stop! I’m just one person being pulled in
many different directions!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’m the
only one there at the time to do the job! Some days, just the thought of all
I’ve got ahead of me is enough to bring a stress knot on my back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But this is when I’m acting with my own
strength. Or lack of! When I do things in my flesh, I always fall short.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m much more prone to be negative, to yell
at my kids, to turn into a stressed, crying, emotional mess, to be short or
snap at my husband … you know how it goes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When you feel you’re at the end of your rope, it’s much easier to
break.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, flesh equals fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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But walking in the Spirit equals victory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has already won.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And He gives us everything we need to
overcome “the deeds of the flesh” and exude “<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">the fruit of the Spirit [which] is love, joy,
peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That sure does sound better to me! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">So I know that if I “walk by the Spirit, [I} will not carry out
the desire of the flesh.” But how do I walk by the Spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Galatians tells me “if we live by the Spirit,
let us also walk by the Spirit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
Christ has set me free (which He has), then I have His Spirit living in me! I
just have to choose to walk in Him, rather than live according to my fleshly
desires or in some cases, tendencies (like the tendency to raise my voice when
I’m up to here *<span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">hand above my head* in
stress).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I’ve found some practical
ways that help me walk in Him daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The first is prayer! We underestimate
the power of prayer far too often!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I was just talking the other day with my friend, Katie (who is also one who encouraged me to start this blog -- she also has a great <a href="http://katiesgeorgialife.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a>), about how prayer really makes a difference. She shared how He has been answering her prayers, big and small, and making her prayer life stronger. Friends, </span>He
wants for us to cry out to Him, thanking Him for His love and goodness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to relinquish our control and
recognize that without His power in our life, we will fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to express our needs and longings
to Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tell our best friends and spouses
what we’re going through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And y’all, he’s
the best friend we’re ever going to have!! Think about that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If that doesn’t get you fired up, I don’t
know what will! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Just this week, I’ve spent a
considerable amount of time praying for my children throughout the day as I
think of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just this one act of
obedience has helped me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t
necessarily mean the kids act better (although it can, just not in my case yet).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it does mean that I no longer get
impatient and stressed when dealing with them! The prayer changes <i>me</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It aligns my heart and perspective with the
Father’s! Prayer makes all the difference in the world! It is walking in the
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, prayer helps me to see
things outside of the box, like I’m looking in on the situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s like I can see myself in the moment on
the verge of a choice to do it His way or my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when I’ve prayed, my heart is softened to
His way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #343434; mso-bidi-font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Another huge way I’m able to walk in
the Spirit is reading the bible at least a few minutes each morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The encouragement and LIFE that I gain from
reading His words to me are irreplaceable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You’d be surprised at how just being obedient in reading His word, He
will pinpoint your situation or struggles that you’re going through at that
moment and offer His way, His encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s supernatural and amazing the way He works!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Friends, I pray that as you read through Galatians 5 and all
of the living Word of God, that He speaks to you in a fresh way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Be encouraged and challenged to walk in His
Spirit every day!<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5719683136631171161.post-76649339918554773382012-10-24T13:56:00.002-04:002012-10-24T13:56:48.904-04:00My first-ever blog entry <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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Hi y’all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband
encouraged me to write a blog (as I feel inspired) to keep people informed
about things going on in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
not all about the music! Of course you hear a lot from me about my love for
music and worship ministry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Christ has
given me a passion for Him that I express through worship in song.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But He is involved in my daily life and
speaking to me in lots of ways, not just music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This blog is a way to express and share in addition to the music.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This first entry is an introduction of sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll quickly see that besides Christ, my
family means the world to me! It seems fitting to introduce you to them and let
you in on their stories, since you’ll hear me talk about them often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s meet my husband and my four children
(three boys and one girl). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband’s name is James, and he and I have been together
for 15 years and married for 9 of those years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I married my best friend and love of my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s crazy how fast the time flies! He's truly a
treasure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a godly man who loves
the Lord first and most and then loves me with all of his heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know he would do anything for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have a very neat and special story of how
we met and fell in love that I may get around to sharing at some point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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About my kids: <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have a five-month-old baby girl, who is the crown jewel of
our little family of six! I have a whole story behind finding out she was a
girl! I won’t give all those details now, but you can imagine that after three
boys, we were delighted to hear that she was in fact a ‘she!’ She’s a perfect
little princess, full of glowing smiles and expressions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can already tell she’s going to be one of
my best friends because she loves my attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s not good enough to be holding her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She wants to be turned toward me, looking at my face and being talked
to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She already puts her little hands
around my neck and pulls me in to her so she can give me big kisses and squeals
in excitement when she’s near me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Oh,
I’m in love!! Knowing this is my last baby, I’m trying to really soak in every
moment of every precious stage with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And my three year old!! He is a bundle of wild energy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has a sweet, tender heart and a certain
zeal for life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s strong, fearless,
and oh so curious!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More on the fearless
part … we call him our little monkey because he’s always climbing and jumping
off of whatever he can find.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The thrill
of adventure is apparent! He’s the one who we have to constantly say, “don’t
run! Walk, buddy.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He also asks lots of
questions all day long and touches everything in sight!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has fun and enjoys every minute.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But his curiosity and energy definitely get
him into trouble at times!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My seven year old is very bright, smart, witty, bold and a
definite leader.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and my three year
old share a lot of the same characteristics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was also a very curious toddler, full of energy and life! He’s very
outgoing and social, never meeting a stranger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He enjoys reciting scripture for people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At four years old, he was already on stage in front of the church saying
his favorite bible passages from memory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He says he wants to be a messenger of God when he grows up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We tell him he already is! <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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And my five year old … he is a character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a more calm and laid back baby, but in
keeping up with his older brother, he has definitely come out of his shell and
amped up the energy level! He adores all of his siblings, especially his big brother and wants to be like him. He
loves to sing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He says he wants to be a
messenger of God that sings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This makes
my heart smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves animals and
nature, especially bugs! He has a compassionate heart, full of love and care
for those special to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s always
asking about people’s knowledge of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He’ll say, “Momma, does that lady know about God? Does she know Jesus?”
And he gets a little agitated if a song isn’t about or for God! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I’m also very close to my other family members.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You’ll hear (or read) about them too along
the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They’re so woven into my life
and heartstrings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Relationships are far more valuable than any thing I’ll ever
possess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cherish all of those God has
put in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can’t take our
‘things’ with us when we leave this earth, but those spiritual connections will
live on through eternity! I’m a richly blessed girl, and I give all the glory
to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<!--EndFragment-->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0