tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73534302617489955232024-02-19T07:57:18.058-05:00a bird in the Father's Hand
musings from my nestAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-73024553911308387672014-09-04T15:18:00.000-04:002014-09-04T15:18:35.251-04:00On Patience and Josiah {my novel, not my son}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Dear Reader,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes I have these moments ... </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I know you have them too.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm driving back from the school for the millionth time this week (it seems), just saying a silly little prayer because I don't know what to say but I know Who to ask, and it was merely a "I need something today, Jesus. Feeling a little off, a little empty, a little foggy." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The song starts on the radio - just a few plucky strings and I turn it way up. Way up. The sound of the universe resonates in the heart like thumping base and weaving harmony. Tears pour down the cheeks and the only thought in the vacated mind is - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's it. Just what the longing soul needs to breathe. </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I know it's just a song - a few letters un-jumbled to form lyrics and simply a note through vocal cords mixed with a couple strumming chords, but - </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh. My. Heart. Have you heard this? Have you let it get in you, opened your hands to it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/fGF-MGGLpB0?rel=0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God of Mercy, sweet Love of mine</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I have surrendered to Your design</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">May this offering stretch across the sky</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">These Hallelujahs be multiplied</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">[Go ahead. Play it again. Turn it way up and sing it <i>really loud.</i>]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So - sometimes God answers with an immediate gift like that, right in the very moment I'm already praying it ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And sometimes He takes His sweet time. That's one cup sassy and one cup genuine too, because His timing is always sweet; it's always good. Good for me, that is. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Waiting tries the character trait of patience like fire tries the silver, and who said life is without burns? They were wrong.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm mature enough to recognize the impatience now, when it comes. It comes like quick bursts of snappy words and my eyes rolling before I can stop them and a loud tone I wish I could reel back into my voice box. And I'm old enough to recognize when God's trying to get through to me about things like <i>patience</i>. Like when I read about it in my Spurgeon devotional and also in my son's homework planner (?!) and also in between the lines of old journals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Wait. Be still. Hold on. Don't rush. Live in the <i>now.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>Breathe.</b></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday I was looking through old journals (don't you just love doing that?) as I was unpacking. I came across a few pages from <i>over six years ago</i> and immediately recognized it as a conception of sorts. It was an epiphany about the character of a biblical figure named King Josiah, and the beginning of a journey with God that would take me on a grueling path of researching, writing, re-writing, sharing, reading, editing, and pouring out my heart in a historical fiction. It will be published soon. In His sweet timing, that is. *wink* Because not all prayers are answered in an instant. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here's an excerpt from that journal entry, and stay tuned because soon I'll be posting a few excerpts of the manuscript, soon. Just for you, Sweet Reader.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Kings 23</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">King Josiah personally saw to it that the nation of Judah was cleansed of all idolatry and disobedience against God. He traveled the nation for however long it would take to purify the land with the help of his administration and priests. He could have said, "God and do it" to the army, but his passion for the nation and against idolatry was so deeply <u>personal</u> that he had to see the destruction of each statue, temple, and pole with his own eyes. He wanted to set flame to the wood wit his own hands. To personally see to it that Judah was truly rid of its idolatry and sacrilege against his God. I can just picture him saying, "No nation I rule shall ever contain a single blasphemous stone or pillar against my LORD. No. Not on my watch."</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And it took years, camping on the hillside when he could have been enjoying royal feasts, kingly quarters, and the most beautiful women. Like many of his fathers had done before him. Yet with the wisdom of but 20 years he followed his zeal for God up every single high hill and under every tall tree to seek out and destroy that which angered God and made Him burn with jealousy.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Would that we had that passion for God's holiness! What would our nation look like? What would our neighborhoods look like? What would our hearts look like? No, we can't set fire to every adult bookstore and Mosque. By God's grace of the cross He has chosen a different covenant for us.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">However, we <u>can</u> set fire to the false gods in our hearts. We should tear down every altar in our life which does not give sole glory to Jesus. We can have the zeal of Josiah and personally see to it that our hearts and lives are conformed to the purpose of serving Him alone. Not the idol of self, not the altar of materialism, not the asherah pole of lust, not the incense altar of pride. We may not be rulers of a nation, but God has made us people of influence. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus - reform me, conform me, cleanse me, refine me with Your fire. Help me to take every thought captive to You. May I personally and daily tear down my idols which I honor more than I honor You. Show me how to be the leader Josiah was, not permitting a single stone to stand if it did not stand for You. I want to be more like You every day. I want to see progress in my life toward holiness, movement toward You and Your goodness. Light a fire in my heart for honoring You and never let it die.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I may not be king or queen or president, but You have made me a person of influence in my workplace, my home, my friendships, and my church. Help me, LORD. Stir up your fire in me. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Amen</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That was it. Just what a longing soul needed to breathe. One breath at a time. An idea became a concept, which became a story, which became characters and plot and words and pages and ... Just you wait!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Excitedly patient,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Robyn</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">#comingsoon #ConsumingFire</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-34438348449380318472014-08-24T15:29:00.001-04:002014-08-24T15:29:26.709-04:00He Doesn't Leave Me {Sabbath Bread}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Some Red Letters for your Sabbath today.</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-27" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">They didn’t know he was speaking about his Father.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-8-28" id="en-CEB-26398" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">So Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“<span style="color: red;">When the Human One is lifted up, then you will know that I Am. Then you will know that I do nothing on my own, but I say just what the Father has taught me.</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span class="text John-8-29" id="en-CEB-26399" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"><span style="color: red;"> </span></span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: red;">He who sent me is with me. <b>He doesn’t leave me</b> by myself, because I always do what makes him happy.</span>”</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text John-8-30" id="en-CEB-26400" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">While Jesus was saying these things, many people came to believe in him. -John 8:27-30 (CEB)</span></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/l59FzejhBYY" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh Lord,we choose to trust Your unfailing, divine, everlasting love more than our fears. Thank You for never leaving us alone, though at times it does feel lonely here. Now. In this. You speak truth, Jesus, truth from the Father on human lips that once kissed Your mother and once kissed Judas too. Because You became a person we could see and hear, we now know who the Father is, and the truth of salvation by Your grace. Make me more like you, Jesus - I want to do what makes the Father happy too. Thank You for being with me, Spirit, and for carrying me when I'm weak. Thank You for making me strong to say what You have taught me. I choose to lift You high in my life, and dedicate my attention to learning how to do that even better. May You be honored today. And every day. Until That Day when You come back to rescue us. So let it be. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rgFhTnPA3Hu03m0MCZTX28e5RA63mve8OWhzZjbl1jx_AiozODRqQw5AKBTY4iJqNUr4FNZdJMvAHkwaqFUn1kJHIdaq4kQOtJJpMad-kbXJ8raspN9xbKSwSS5psP7yy8O_BF5h_u4/s1600/4435318320_093ef84c35_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rgFhTnPA3Hu03m0MCZTX28e5RA63mve8OWhzZjbl1jx_AiozODRqQw5AKBTY4iJqNUr4FNZdJMvAHkwaqFUn1kJHIdaq4kQOtJJpMad-kbXJ8raspN9xbKSwSS5psP7yy8O_BF5h_u4/s1600/4435318320_093ef84c35_b.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/40386452@N05/" target="_blank">Vishal Patel</a> via flickr creative commons</span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span id="goog_724755139"></span><span id="goog_724755140"></span><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-56407537650067355572014-08-22T19:00:00.001-04:002014-08-22T19:15:54.723-04:00Five Minute Friday {change}Good Afternoon, my Lovelies!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKOBxpwL16Lw923Z6CQ4RVZ4-r43TSXnfh1rcZ__I5Ai2Pi7E1PV5whOXje19-xVlFWWE8ttw8RKhxrF-jULNziHpdvb1aPBPoMQ9ANCe-rc5S1QStLhQk-PXuECek57k2GTiaxYYJWE/s1600/5847956172_f622359b4f_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKKOBxpwL16Lw923Z6CQ4RVZ4-r43TSXnfh1rcZ__I5Ai2Pi7E1PV5whOXje19-xVlFWWE8ttw8RKhxrF-jULNziHpdvb1aPBPoMQ9ANCe-rc5S1QStLhQk-PXuECek57k2GTiaxYYJWE/s1600/5847956172_f622359b4f_b.jpg" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
We made it together to the end of another work week, and now it's time for some writing before we start the week-end fun!<br />
<br />
If you're new to the #fmfparty, check out all of the <a href="http://katemotaung.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">details here</a> and get those fingers typing and linking up with Kate.<br />
<br />
This week's prompt is <b>CHANGE</b>. No editing. Just writing. Five minutes.<br />
<br />
GO<br />
<br />
People change, days change, routines change. Lives change.<br />
<br />
Soft baby skin becomes rough and wrinkled by years and tears and sunshine. My skin has changed in recent years, to my chagrin.<br />
<br />
Funny how the measure of change is always a source of my complaining. I'm sure He wonders if I'll ever be content. "I need something different - I'm so bored with this same old life!" has become, "Oh, please, just let me settle down for a minute. Too much change, too much adventure, too much unknown!"<br />
<br />
Really, Robyn? Get a grip.<br />
<br />
But grips don't come if I keep these hands clenched around a facade of control. Hands have to open, change must come, adaptation will happen.<br />
<br />
Change is the power verb in the <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhutx24DTgTgS4J4JllGoxB9vfywO3qyB4r5cLk5bVdwEQ3jmPkGABIPZMHURLDFxYeOFzqQHP4-gwdWM7vT_zX6JBTwne1190q7lhK6d1kPMGxl5bit5yYcwQ899qwHbl-TlELBHzwkgo/s1600/serenity+prayer.jpg" target="_blank">serenity prayer</a>, and I suppose I agree that some things can change and others cannot. I don't always get to decide.<br />
<br />
Which is fine, because I'm no good at being sovereign, anyway.<br />
<br />
<i>Change <b>me</b>, Lord as I crave or reject the change that ebbs and flows all around. Make me more like Your Son. That kind of change is what I'm really after. Whatever it takes, however long. You're worth it. You are Worthy. </i><br />
<br />
STOP<br />
<br />
Happy writing, Friends. And Happy Friday #fmfparty!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://katemotaung.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://katemotaung.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/Five-Minute-Friday-4.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
photo credit: Nigel Wedge via <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/sarniebill/" target="_blank">flickr Creative Commons</a></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-45041170204539848672014-08-17T10:34:00.003-04:002014-08-17T10:34:44.270-04:00When You Feel Hopelessness and Doom {Sabbath Bread}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM45wcPEGH_3PuIf1APKE00lK4X0LX8htJfQiL4miJzibqP9hYkJQAOsC8OHLnMR6q4GBb1Ho9x_AfgjtikxK3N-l2LzWEVE0FoXIz_V6PduBRvO3iWBcyV69LqF7byM29B-oKe28A6g/s1600/2244136211_0f375b15e1_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihM45wcPEGH_3PuIf1APKE00lK4X0LX8htJfQiL4miJzibqP9hYkJQAOsC8OHLnMR6q4GBb1Ho9x_AfgjtikxK3N-l2LzWEVE0FoXIz_V6PduBRvO3iWBcyV69LqF7byM29B-oKe28A6g/s1600/2244136211_0f375b15e1_b.jpg" height="489" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">"The Spirit of <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span>, the Master, is on me</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">because <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> anointed me.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">He sent me to preach good news to the poor,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">heal the heartbroken,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Announce freedom to all captives,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">pardon all prisoners.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;"><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">God</span> sent me to announce the year of his grace—</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a celebration of God’s destruction of our enemies—</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">and to comfort all who mourn,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">To care for the needs of all who mourn in Zion,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">give them bouquets of roses instead of ashes,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Messages of joy instead of news of doom,</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">a praising heart instead of a languid spirit." </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"> -Isaiah 61:1-3 (Msg)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Isa-61-1-Isa-61-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7pbxRz0AOho" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>O God, what can we say to this love that draws us to Your Son with irresistible magnetism? Nothing can separate us from this love that rescues us from our prison cells and darkest pits. When all hope is lost, You pursue us and announce Your love that brings joy and freedom. Deliver our hearts today - from every scheme and trap the devil deceives us into thinking we're stuck in hopelessly. Thank You for this restoration You offer me every day - You redeem me from the evil of this world, the attack of my enemy, the despair of my circumstances, and the sorrow of death and loss. We need your beauty to replace these ashes, Lord. Only Your love can restore our hope.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/terryfoote/" target="_blank">Terry Foote</a> via flickr creative commons</i></div>
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-67492349401505730142014-08-09T12:05:00.000-04:002014-08-09T12:15:02.543-04:00As Awful as Women Can Be to Each Other...<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've had <i>those</i> kinds of girlfriends, if you can call them that. The kind who compete and degrade out of the wells of insecurity. The kind who hug you only to find the soft spot in your back for their knife. The kind who laugh at you behind your back because mercy is harder than gossip. The kind who reach for you with greedy hands instead of giving ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God has asked me to love those kind of friends. I may or may not have failed. Several times.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And He has also given me in extravagance a different kind of woman. The kind of friend who covers my multitudes of faults with grace. The kind who looks into my heart and <i>really listens</i> to it. The kind who talks to my face and to my soul rather than behind my back. The kind who seeks to be generous with wisdom, compassion, and laughter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfHXz6JbUk4WRKTH5qqw_t1xuHji5r_Hp2FYv07tZEQwcGjYLsNyODAJEWUH9AUIOhILSW7VCD9KmCHqW3k_X2g8PQ8yhYRtR8PL0LuPZT5mfzLCV4RB2b1dr8N78GDtRyYB9xi-T2t4/s1600/13197806784_c9de0501b6_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJfHXz6JbUk4WRKTH5qqw_t1xuHji5r_Hp2FYv07tZEQwcGjYLsNyODAJEWUH9AUIOhILSW7VCD9KmCHqW3k_X2g8PQ8yhYRtR8PL0LuPZT5mfzLCV4RB2b1dr8N78GDtRyYB9xi-T2t4/s1600/13197806784_c9de0501b6_k.jpg" height="448" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Even in the Church, where we assume people will be nice to one another (after all, Jesus was nice, right?), kindness seems to be endangered among women. Water cooler office gossip has become altar-talk and "prayer requests," and what was it Jesus said about being set apart?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I suppose I'm here today in the nest to give a few hurting girls some hope. Because I know you've been stabbed too. Thrown for a loop and left shaking your head. You had someone cut you down with her words and insults, and sweep you under the rug like yesterday's dirt and you were left wondering if there were just a few good <i>wo</i>men among our gender at all. I suppose I'm here to say, "Yes, there are. So pick yourself up, dust off that shame, and try again." Because as awful as women can be to each other ... we can also be delightful. I should know - some of my life's best gifts have been in the form of girlfriends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Like *Shelly, who stood by me in honesty, loyalty, and truth when lies were slung like mud and I couldn't even find my own face. She calls and texts just to find out how I'm holding up and she cares. I mean she really <i>cares </i>about me and the condition of my fragile heart. She's been with me in hellholes and on foreign soil and she shines sunbeams of His glory from a stage. When I moved away she came to say good-bye with tears, even though her words were few.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And like *Liz, who has walked through hard lessons of insecurity with me, who has known me before I was this me, and who protects me with a fierceness I haven't known elsewhere. She listens to my heart and makes eye contact and soul contact and is trustworthy. She also offers her own flaws with trust, and honors me with honesty. We never hide doubt or shame from one another, and when we meet - it's safe there.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And like *Judy who poured out her stories like coffee at her table - warm and energizing and hopeful. I call her a mentor, but she really just loves me well, as an abundant verb and with generous time. If I need a rebuke she'll offer it gently, and her wisdom is a treasure beyond what any bank holds. Her encouragement is always spot-on and the pick-me-up I need when I can barely get out of bed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And like *Michelle, who prays for me - and I'm talking <i>real</i> intercession. She bound her heart to mine in prayer the first day she met me, and when we prayed together every morning she taught me what it means to pour out tears as offerings. She approached me with honor and humility, though she owns more years of experience and wisdom than I. She let me lead her, though she was quite capable of leading us both. She let me give her pedicures and loved my children like they were her own. Together we learned more about God than we would have alone, and isn't that what God's daughters were destined to do?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And like *Victoria, who is the twin sister I dreamed of when I was in second grade, but didn't meet until my late twenties. A day older than me, we hold more in common than sense would lend. And yet we never put one another in any kind of conformity box. She knows me well enough to read my face or my voice, and speaks comfort when I'm a broken heap. A cheerleader in Christ, she never gives up on me and has been the definition of faithfulness if ever faithfulness had skin. She wears her heart on her sleeve and occasionally puts a foot in her mouth, and that is what I love most. Her words and drawings delight my heart like treasure, and I could never thank God enough for the privilege of calling her my sister.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could go on and on - my high school friend who cries with me across an ocean, the treasure of a woman whom I mentored and loved fiercely, the newly rekindled friendship over coffee this week who offered validation, vulnerability, and wisdom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="text Prov-27-9" id="en-NLT-17155" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">"The heartfelt counsel of a friend</span><br />
<span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-27-9" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">is as sweet as perfume and incense." - Proverbs 27:9 (NLT)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course, I've made mistakes in foolish insecurity too, and I've hid my heart behind walls from women because I was afraid or proud. And I've paid the price. Women have issues and hormones and anxieties and we can be downright evil. We use our swords to fight each other when we ought to defend against our common enemies. We all build walls and fire arrows and pass judgement at times. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been awful too.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When that happens, Dear Heart - know this: We can also be wonderful. As wounded as you have been, you can be just as much healed. As shocked as you have been, you can also be delightfully surprised. As awful as those girls have been, God has wonderful sisters for you in store. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Let's not block off our tender places, jaded and shy and bitter. Let's be confident enough in who we are in Christ to offer friendship and receive it. Because we're worth it, and we need it, and our souls cry out for it. He made us to be wonderful, though we have experienced the awful.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That's just what the Redeemer does. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*names changed for privacy. you know who you are to me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Photo Credit: Jacob Splinks via flickr creative commons</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-5472658919122245542014-07-25T12:26:00.002-04:002014-07-25T12:26:36.497-04:00Five Characteristics of Excellent Followers<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I woke up ready to write this morning, so I jumped over to <a href="http://clicks.aweber.com/y/ct/?l=7iXLU&m=3d.kIy8mGurfUxu&b=zU.xgPLPrcqpDy8fHsxmdw" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo's</a> to see what her prompt was. You can jump over there too, and in light of her transition, I'd like to choose my own prompt today (woohoo), and we'll link up with <a href="http://katemotaung.com/finish-and-a-five-minute-friday-announcement/" target="_blank">Kate</a> soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This year, Jesus and I picked a word/theme for me to work on and learn, instead of making an insane number of resolutions back in January and feeling like a failure in February. I've done <a href="http://myoneword.org/" target="_blank">My One Word</a> now for almost three years and here's my conclusion: focus is the key to lasting change. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, this year's word is <i>Follow</i>, and wow, can I just say that God has so much to say to me about this one. I'm learning content I didn't know that I didn't know, and all because my soul is in tune to awareness of this theme. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'll briefly share my process of how I do MyOneWord, but it definitely varies, based on your personality, learning style, and personal development. If you've never tried it before, I encourage you to check it out and begin praying about a word for 2015, because sometimes it takes a while to hear what God is telling you. That's a whole other issue, an entirely different prompt and post. For now, here's my approach:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>pray about the word</i> God wants for my year and ask Him what He wants to teach me.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Once the word is chosen by Him and revealed to me, I <i>make a creative piece</i> to have on visual display, so I see it (pretty) every day.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I read the Bible, I <i>ask God to show me verses</i> that apply to the theme of the year, and I write them down (on pretty paper, of course) as I work on committing them to memory and applying them to my life.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCS4H9dqEvqh4ay9mQ0bRizuf6lAgg1UKi_UXiAE-kyIv_MEcDX_Bf57e9gAsJVewdewqcWDFB62HN4S_r0y6fv7Csn9717lp9jUv3VA88Vmi3gCqJbor5RtdYNShtEWtFT3-QLmxPGw/s1600/memorycards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCS4H9dqEvqh4ay9mQ0bRizuf6lAgg1UKi_UXiAE-kyIv_MEcDX_Bf57e9gAsJVewdewqcWDFB62HN4S_r0y6fv7Csn9717lp9jUv3VA88Vmi3gCqJbor5RtdYNShtEWtFT3-QLmxPGw/s1600/memorycards.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(that is the fat stack of <i>follow</i> verses I've collected so far, on top of my Spurgeon devotional and my Bible, pardon the blue duct tape *blush*)</span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>continue to ask God to change me</i>, making me into the sanctified woman He envisioned the day I was made. Without this surrender prayer, I honestly don't believe change would be possible for me. I'm just that stubborn.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>journal about what I'm learning</i>, taking notes as if from the Master Professor. Have I ever told you how much I loved being a student? Well, I absolutely <i>cherish </i>learning, especially from a fabulous teacher. And believe you me, He's a dynamo!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>talk to others</i> about what I'm learning and bounce ideas off of them. I especially ask my mentors and those close to me - the ones I trust with my soft places - if they see change in me, if they can tell how the Potter is working on this clay. And I let them say a hard word, even if it stings for a minute. I can't tell you how crucial this part is.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I <i>seal it with gratitude</i>. If I learn, apply, or practice any of the change God is bringing to me, I'll take note of it in my gratitude journal, and that not only brings thanks to the Source, but it helps me remember my progress.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So with that laid out, let's explore a bit about what God has to say about followers, shall we? I've learned that we have a chasm right now between our American culture which overemphasizes the value of leadership, and Jesus's counter-cultural approach which emphasizes following and serving well. Nowadays everyone wants to be a leader, everyone wants control, and everyone thinks the leader is the best. If you're not the leader, you're just not as important, right? Which is just a breeding ground for power grabs and control issues. And believe me - I'm the worst when it comes to control issues. The problem is that I want it. Control, that is - all the time and over everyone, especially myself. Unfortunately, I'm no good at being Sovereign.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiEIOskp_HHh3ell_p63L5fi4eSmBjKXmYb5oQCVXyBrK8LQv-H8aNcW4W5kE0gOYyFUOcdSjuetMvvmJ7rc8OMoWqPVRzVyx0CClTX_2MioIjSLUgonsc5JzGf86Sv_vZzp3omvQT2U/s1600/8635620819_f0d6ab0e41_k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpiEIOskp_HHh3ell_p63L5fi4eSmBjKXmYb5oQCVXyBrK8LQv-H8aNcW4W5kE0gOYyFUOcdSjuetMvvmJ7rc8OMoWqPVRzVyx0CClTX_2MioIjSLUgonsc5JzGf86Sv_vZzp3omvQT2U/s1600/8635620819_f0d6ab0e41_k.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Control is not God's plan for me. Check out these verses from my stack and you decide:</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Keep my decrees</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-3327A" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-3327A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> and follow them. I am the </span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps; line-height: 24px;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">, who makes you holy. - Leviticus 20:8</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="text Ps-31-3" id="en-NIV-14335" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">Since you are my rock and my fortress,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14335A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14335A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-31-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for the sake of your name<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-14335B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-14335B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> <i>lead and guide me</i>. - Psalm 31:3</span></span> </b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="text Ps-119-80" id="en-NIV-15979" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">May I wholeheartedly follow<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15979A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15979A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> your decrees,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-15979B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-15979B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span></span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-119-80" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">that I may not be put to shame. - Psalm 119:80</span></span></b></span></li>
<li><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="text Ps-119-80" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18239A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18239A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> behind you, saying, “This is the way;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-18239B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-18239B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> walk in it.” - Isaiah 30:21</b></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Ps-119-80" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="text Mark-8-34" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24535A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24535A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span></span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Mark-8-35" id="en-NIV-24536" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">For whoever wants to save their life</span><span style="line-height: 22px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 24px;">will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it." -Mark 8:34-35</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">Peter said to him, “We have left all we had to follow you!” </span><span class="text Luke-18-29" id="en-NIV-25718" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“Truly I tell you,”</span> Jesus said to them, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“no one who has left home or wife or brothers or sisters or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Luke-18-30" id="en-NIV-25719" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>will fail to receive many times as much in this age, and in the age to come<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-25719B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-25719B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span> eternal life.” -Luke 18:28-30</span></b></span></li>
<li><span class="text Luke-18-30" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>However, I consider my life worth nothing to me;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-27651A" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27651A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span> my only aim is to finish the race <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-27651B" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27651B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>and complete the task<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-27651C" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27651C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span> the Lord Jesus has given me<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-27651D" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-27651D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. -Acts 20:24</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've noticed that when the breakdown in a company or institution or organization happens, it's often not a lack in good leadership, though that's want we most often assume. It's often the breakdown in good follwership. And yes, I did just make a word up. Work with me here. Followers are extremely valuable, and I've noticed that tons of people are great leaders (or at least they think they are), but not very many people pride themselves in being an excellent servant, a high-quality support, and a great follower. And maybe, just maybe, that's what's wrong with us. With me. Maybe I'm looking to move up in this world when Jesus needs me to simply move forward behind Him.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From my observations, from what I've been learning from the Teacher and attempting to apply to my own heart and actions, though it's tough, here are what I believe are five characteristics of excellent followers:</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. <i>They choose their leaders well. </i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you're going to be able to follow well, you need to believe in your leader and the direction she/he is going. Choosing a leader ought not to be a hasty matter. Before swearing allegiance to anyone, including Jesus (He'll require that you pick up a cross, after all), observe them, listen to their vision, and figure out if where they're going is where you want to end up too.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. <i>They know their role.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every time I've observed division (okay, maybe not every time, but just about) I've noticed that it was a matter of the followers being confused about their role as followers. "Oh," I would say to myself, "That's the problem - he doesn't know that he's the follower, not the leader here." As clear as day I saw it, and yet to say it would be to exacerbate the very issue of ignorance. And every time I've observed an organization or business running smoothly, I've also noticed that the people following are secure in their role and identity as a follower. It's almost like they know who they are and they like it. It's beautiful, really.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. <i>They know how to confront their leader without slandering him or her. </i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">We can blindly follow Jesus without ever questioning Him or doubting His guidance, but He's really the only One we can do that with. And most people don't even do that - most of us DO question Him and doubt Him sometimes. My hands aren't always open. Sometimes I shake a fist at heaven, too - but I'll tell you this - <u>only when I'm alone with Him</u>. I believe it should be the same with the people who lead us. We should question them to their faces, not behind their backs. We need to confront their short-comings sometimes (and by sometimes I mean very rarely), but only in private, and not in front of others. This is classic Matthew 18 teaching, but we as Americans are not good at this in any way, shape, or form. Excellent followership will include the occasional disagreement with your leader, but it will never include gossip. And here's the definition of gossip, in case you were wondering (Strong's Hebrew and Greek): </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px;">talebearer, whisperer; </span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px;">prating, talking foolishly, babbling. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4. <i>They put forth excellent effort without the need to be seen.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px;">This is one of the most difficult for me, because I really do like to be noticed. I covet the attention of people and it gets me in trouble often. God is really dealing with this sin in me, because He doesn't want me to live a life that glorifies myself - He wants me to live my life to glorify Him. So why is that so hard? Well I believe it is a flesh vs. Spirit battle we all face and I believe Satan uses it every chance he gets because of how effective it is to distract us from worshiping God. But here's where following becomes counter-cultural once again.<b> "</b></span><b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">And whatever you do,</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29535AO" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29535AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29535AP" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29535AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)"></span></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><b> to God the Father through him." -Colossians 3:17</b>. Excellent followers work hard whether or not people are watching. They have a big picture in mind - a vision and purpose of the big things cooperation can accomplish. They aren't out for attention or accolades, which are fleeting; they're out for the good of the organization, institution, company, or family. If they get noticed, they appreciate the gratitude, but they don't feed off of it. If their hard work doesn't get noticed by others, they take comfort in knowing God sees, and they let that be enough. Yes, I need to get better at this, too.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">5.<i> Excellent followers positively influence their leaders.</i></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Playing second fiddle isn't usually a positive phrase, but I like it anyway. Unless we're talking about Jesus, all of our other leaders will need to be led as well. And just because we follow them, doesn't mean we don't have influence in their lives. When a servant earns the trust of his master, the master will eventually learn to listen to the wisdom of the servant also. This doesn't come instantly, and that can be problematic in our microwave culture, but it will happen: and if you are following well, don't be shocked if you gain more "power" than you once expected. Think of Aaron and Hur for Moses. They lifted his arms, and because of their support and encouragement (with God's power) God's people won that battle. Leaders need support and guidance too, and if you are an excellent follower, it will only be a matter of time before you find yourself in a position of far more leadership than your title denotes. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How about you? What characteristics do you observe in people who are good at followership? Please slip your thoughts in the comments box below. And in the spirit of Friday - Keep Writing! </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Photo credit: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/i8ipod/" target="_blank">Yuri Levchenko</a> via flickr creative commons</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-17125860447014814302014-07-21T16:45:00.001-04:002014-07-21T16:45:47.441-04:00Guerrilla Lovers {Book Review}It's been a little while since I did a book review here, but rest assured I haven't lost my love for books. Reading (especially pages, not screens) is still one of my favorite ways to spend my time. Today I'm reviewing a book I recently re-read, and I'm excited to share it with you, because you know if I read something twice, it's gotta be good!<br />
<br />
The first time I read it was with a mission team before we traveled to Haiti, and I recently saw it on my shelf as I was packing and once again wanted the challenge and encouragement I found the first time. The book is called <a href="http://vinceantonucci.com/books/guerrilla-lovers/" target="_blank"><i>Guerrilla Lovers </i>by Vince Antonucci </a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgQRqGMQFKS_oI_Totqg8uuoN_oUhd8RVKGkZxXFpTtINWNve5A6S1b2TQ7h1LMDBogDSMEBPgOsEMVWNUB5k1y2gmi5Uy6VKRhJyBDzTt0TOyjxAUKH3nFygv6N4jej0xziG-TbKOnY/s1600/guerrilla+lovers-slides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAgQRqGMQFKS_oI_Totqg8uuoN_oUhd8RVKGkZxXFpTtINWNve5A6S1b2TQ7h1LMDBogDSMEBPgOsEMVWNUB5k1y2gmi5Uy6VKRhJyBDzTt0TOyjxAUKH3nFygv6N4jej0xziG-TbKOnY/s1600/guerrilla+lovers-slides.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
The author's comic and witty style was one of my favorite aspects of this read, and I enjoyed his satire even better the second time around, which is really saying something. I found myself laughing out loud in public places while reading it, and then glancing up sheepishly to see if anyone had heard me. The premise of this nonfiction from a hip pastor/church planter is that followers of Christ can be part of a revolutionary movement to share our faith that is similar to guerrilla warfare in that we ambush people with love. He argues effectively with examples and personal testimonies these new and refreshing methods to infiltrate our world with love and use God's grace for generosity and hope among the hopeless in our communities. With thought-provoking personal and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, as well as online testimonies and interaction opportunities throughout, this is one book that could actually start the revolution we need.<br />
<br />
If you know me at all, you already know this is my kind of thing, so it probably won't surprise you that I liked this book and highly recommend it. What may surprise you is that I find it difficult to apply his concepts. Swimming against the current is never easy, though.<br />
<br />
To <i>write about</i> befriending intimidating people, giving away large sums of money for individuals in need, hosting a church service in your back yard for your unsaved friends, or wearing a cape every day to remind you to be someone's hero - well that's easy if you ask me. But to DO those things? That's massively complicated and downright hard. I admire Antonucci's courage to write about his efforts for a guerrilla revolution among the Church, but even more, I respect that he's there too - on the front lines and in the rear guard and infiltrating the enemy's tactics of evil with God's love. I'm pretty convinced that's what Jesus was talking about when He said, "Follow Me. I'll make you people-fishers."<br />
<br />
Here are a few of my favorite quotes from the book, and I hope you'll read it too. If you have read it or do in the future, I'd love for you to comment and let me know how it impacted you, too.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"What if we actually obeyed God? What if we took him seriously? What if we viewed our excess as God-given resources to meet people's needs and fund Jesus's revolution? What if we shared in a way that drew others into the revolution?"</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"... perhaps the first thing we need to do is restore people's humanity."</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"God's dream is of a people whose lives have been revolutionized by love. Jesus died that we might go out on mission to share his love with everyone. But instead we've become Christian consumers who keep our distance from the rest of the world by bunkering down in our churches, which are more like country clubs without pools, and <i>that's </i>tragic."</blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
"What if re redefined 'greatness' and believed it comes through serving? And what if we viewed church not as something that brings in people from the community for services but as people who go out into the community to serve?"</blockquote>
<br />
Happy reading, and happy guerrilla loving!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-84590229706661115732014-07-11T11:42:00.000-04:002014-07-11T11:42:25.426-04:00Belong {Five Minute Friday}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On Fridays we write together and I'm linking up today with <a href="http://crystalstine.me/about/" target="_blank">Crystal</a> on behalf of <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/" target="_blank">Lisa</a>, and so can you by clicking <a href="http://crystalstine.me/five-minute-friday-belong-3/" target="_blank">here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Our word prompt this week is <i><b>Belong.</b></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GO!</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Transition is a thief of belonging.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I stand (okay, I'm actually sitting right now, work with me) I don't have a permanent residence and although my family all have beds and a roof right now, I'm sure some might consider us homeless. All of our stuff is sardine-packed into the garage of a place we own but no longer inhabit. We finished a two-week painting project on another house we don't live in yesterday, and return to the home-away-from-home we have here at my in-laws'. We're always welcome here and I'm thankful, but the back of my mind reminds me again that as good as this feels, <i>it's only temporary. We're not settled yet.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOHhYOYiG5-sG4AhVu9G29gIFldepsNpvoVAuJw4uun3ABoYmdLSxgFwyY2h31-0nxDnzrobgM4PVZA-VVoTPK6CZrZseaBAh3pRivvlmf6Nxw0O0w6WXW_iL6U5OzLlUrrrXvhyphenhyphen7wL8/s1600/Krisontop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOHhYOYiG5-sG4AhVu9G29gIFldepsNpvoVAuJw4uun3ABoYmdLSxgFwyY2h31-0nxDnzrobgM4PVZA-VVoTPK6CZrZseaBAh3pRivvlmf6Nxw0O0w6WXW_iL6U5OzLlUrrrXvhyphenhyphen7wL8/s1600/Krisontop.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(that's my Guy there on the top of the roof; and that's my heart pounding, my soul praying he won't fall there behind the lens)</span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Looking ahead I know God will plant us again in a new garden, but seeds blowing in the wind must take captive fluttering anxieties every moment if they want to abide intact and have any grain worth pushing down into the soil. Transition breeds unrest, worry, and anxiety faster than rabbits. And I know that I don't want to worry but worry finds me out. I wasn't playing hide and seek with it. Seriously - leave me alone already.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When I wonder where I belong on this earth, there's an answer. I'll always have a place with this guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5yi7UlGkqPTkp0xtrC7lJQvUNsjy3zLpcDuZf3RUN3i2YDSxWbjjFCoYtuoc-aP6FORazaOK6YaPe7lNqdnMcB5r7Tyb6TvrtBG1LzlUSC83hAWut2UiejCDxbzsYqrs618hjfhH3c/s1600/Kris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmW5yi7UlGkqPTkp0xtrC7lJQvUNsjy3zLpcDuZf3RUN3i2YDSxWbjjFCoYtuoc-aP6FORazaOK6YaPe7lNqdnMcB5r7Tyb6TvrtBG1LzlUSC83hAWut2UiejCDxbzsYqrs618hjfhH3c/s1600/Kris.jpg" height="400" width="395" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">He's the gift I didn't know I needed, but Someone gave him to me 18 years ago, anyway, and it seems so strange that I've known him now longer that I haven't. Who knew that little ignorant girl would find all the belonging her flailing heart needed in him, and that for decades he would calm all of her flutters in the strength of his arms and the clarity of his eyes, the flash of his smile? Her Maker knew, knew how much she would need to belong to someone. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I still sign notes to him this way: fyg. Forever Your Girl. And when I don't belong anywhere I still belong to him. His love still amazes me. The way he still only has eyes for me. That's rare, you know. Even last night as I drifted off, I was struck by how he still looks at me. Still wants me. Still turns his eyes from other prettier things back to my eyes. Still offers me treasures like strength, time, kisses, devotion, words, balance, dreams, and hands.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I don't know where I'll be sleeping next month, or cooking or working or going to church - those kinds of things offer belonging. But I do know that whatever may come, my hand will be in his. And even though my citizenship is of a different Place, I will always belong with him.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="text Ps-17-5" id="en-ESV-14109" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; position: relative;">"My steps have <span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-14109A" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-14109A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>held fast to your paths;</span><br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-17-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">my feet have not slipped." -Psalm 17:5 (ESV)</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">STOP</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Your turn!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To write with a community and find belonging for your words, <a href="http://crystalstine.me/five-minute-friday-belong-3/" target="_blank">click here</a>. And keep writing!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-32583953113373144182014-07-06T20:05:00.002-04:002014-07-06T20:05:47.620-04:00Fear or Security - You Choose {Sabbath Bread}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yes, the sky really is this blue here. It's a "fluffy cloud day," as my friend Renae fondly refers to them. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS7DTGWcM9wks74FWoGxKijOKlCdvM0DZb2J4jJuHcvufp6YtyocHDXdnFepUmaVzppLgF0QDegyfWIPx6TLTKxeR4BJDbtaTGXpaJeE0XL3RmwjMg0hN8TRrhQPAWt7wwTfZFdGiJQE/s1600/2012+022.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeS7DTGWcM9wks74FWoGxKijOKlCdvM0DZb2J4jJuHcvufp6YtyocHDXdnFepUmaVzppLgF0QDegyfWIPx6TLTKxeR4BJDbtaTGXpaJeE0XL3RmwjMg0hN8TRrhQPAWt7wwTfZFdGiJQE/s1600/2012+022.jpg" height="640" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-32" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text John-8-32" id="en-NLT-26379" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. ... </span><span class="text John-8-34" id="en-NLT-26381" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave of sin.</span></span><span class="text John-8-35" id="en-NLT-26382" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">A slave is not a permanent member of the family, but a son is part of the family forever.</span></span><span class="text John-8-36" id="en-NLT-26383" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free." -John 8:32, 34-36 (NLT)</span></span></span></b></div>
<div class="first-line-none" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text John-8-36" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"... regardless of what may come our way, God's people are safe. Let the solid earth shake and let the skies be torn in row, yet even amid the destruction of the world, believers remain as secure as they are during their calmest times of rest. And if the Lord does not save His people <i>under </i>heaven, He will save them <i>in </i>heaven... Stand upon His promises, rest in His faithfulness, and you can defy even the darkest future, for nothing can harm you. Your only concern should be to exhibit to the world the blessedness of obeying the Voice of wisdom." -Spurgeon </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>"He will shield you with his wings! They will shelter you. His faithful promises are your armor." - Psalm 91:4 (TLB)</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Oh God, Your love amazes me again today and I'm humbled to repentance as I recall lists of fears where I should have stood on Your faithful promises as my armor. This fear that strangles, this worry that creeps - oh how I hate how my enemy infiltrates my mind with illusion and doubt. Jesus, You died to set me free from the sin of fear, the trap of fear, and the illusion of fear, and I have no business living in the prison cell for even another moment. If I do, it is not Your fault, but my choice. Perhaps my thinking is ignorant or deceived or foolish. Or perhaps mere forgetfulness is to blame. But no - not today. Today I remind my soul and preach to my heart of Your faithful track record. You have never failed me and You won't. Today I refuse fear and I deliberately choose to receive with open hands the freedom You have paid for so dearly to emancipate this mind from terror. Please reveal to me any illusions of fear the devil has pulled over my eyes and wake me up to Your peace and security. Thank You for this freedom. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HukOyUvQaeI?list=PLNe8xfwFV3wvGI14gRPXV_xbHkdMvCEDD" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-60704512511575082102014-07-03T10:57:00.001-04:002014-07-03T10:57:17.282-04:00It's the Little Things {Thankful on Thursday}<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If you've been with me for a while, you know the drill. We choose gratitude together every day and help each other see the gifts with eyes looking at the Giver. On Thursdays<strike> I</strike> we share a few of these gifts here. And if you're new here in the nest, I should tell you that choosing joy and a life of thanksgiving was a turning point for me when I was in a really bad way a few years ago. A friend gave me <a href="http://onethousandgifts.com/book-gallery" target="_blank">a book</a> that I now recommend to <i>everyone</i> I can about giving thanks and, well, you really just have to try it. </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsHkWXB-SF_zzo1cHsoTySurFnjzCksDIDN0d3elRSpv6mLxvRjsknhASqC8mHl5CEz82DXnX9MqW-7xlsqApBA074j9a2BQQuHLO3xcn_qnDaM7EgKK4rpkYGIJUifGYYaHLez7_jg/s1600/2012+085.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixAsHkWXB-SF_zzo1cHsoTySurFnjzCksDIDN0d3elRSpv6mLxvRjsknhASqC8mHl5CEz82DXnX9MqW-7xlsqApBA074j9a2BQQuHLO3xcn_qnDaM7EgKK4rpkYGIJUifGYYaHLez7_jg/s1600/2012+085.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One important thing to share with my new readers is that I count these gifts, like counting the ways He loves me. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I had recently spent three weeks of the summer away from my children (the longest yet) while they were living it up with the grandparents. There may or may not have been excessive ice cream and chocolate involved. I'll never know. But when K caught a glimpse of my gratitude journal among my book stack, she asked, "Have you gotten to 5,000 yet?" At first I had no clue what she was talking about. <i>Five thousand times I've agonized over this transition? Five thousand times I've wished God would just go ahead and hurry up already? Five thousand words I've shouted at Daddy because I'm tense and he's the closest thing I have to a scapegoat? Five thousand reasons I hate packing? </i>"Five thousand what, honey?" I finally ask.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Five thousand gifts, Mama." </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, that. "Let's see - nope, not quite. But almost."</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leave it to my tween to bring me down to earth. Back to sanity.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because gratitude is the door to joy and joy is the antidote to all this insanity surrounding me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, without further ado - a few gifts from my list. But, please - don't just read mine - add your own too in the comments below. Let's encourage one another's hearts as we point with hands full of gifts to the Giver who is so generous. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- generous love offering from T&C, neighbors who love with words and deeds</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- a delicious burger at a new restaurant, and fun birthday celebration with family</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- giving baby B her bottle, and sweet wrinkle-nose faces</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- news from afar, and the amazing way You sustain my heart afloat with hope</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- deep riches, promises, love found in Isaiah 43 - every delicious morsel of Your word</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- PL's sermon about bitterness, and his challenge to forgive rather than sit in a "hot-tub full of pus" [no lie - that was his analogy!]</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- getting to meet interesting people with astonishing testimonies at a church picnic</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- laughing with J about the "dirty rotten bird" who had the audacity to sing outside his window and wake him up</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- <b>"A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven." -John 3:27</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- long talks with old friends</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, thank You for all of this and so much more. Thank You for Your generosity, and for giving me everything I have, tangible and not. You love me far more than I deserve and if I could give it all back to honor You, I would. For now I have this - Thank You. Let it be enough.</span></i></div>
<div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">“Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.” </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #181818; line-height: 18px;">― </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/114041.Epicurus" style="background-color: white; color: #666600; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Epicurus</a></span></blockquote>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-69123006228925712072014-06-25T10:00:00.001-04:002014-06-25T10:06:12.014-04:00A Bit of a Ramble, If I May {Follow}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Missing these guys,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx-IS7wvcIzSTcUxABsPy7NdO1XGXyOKVaoofFlFMdqN4amiP4QgJsQz-4mfVwLe9uVeeD71d5ZyIfHpmsR0Q8017YsoyZ5YtdUFLEqsgLnC5FNS0TIRwi-Fvm6gox_tUroGuSYjfWZ0/s1600/2010+075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGx-IS7wvcIzSTcUxABsPy7NdO1XGXyOKVaoofFlFMdqN4amiP4QgJsQz-4mfVwLe9uVeeD71d5ZyIfHpmsR0Q8017YsoyZ5YtdUFLEqsgLnC5FNS0TIRwi-Fvm6gox_tUroGuSYjfWZ0/s1600/2010+075.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I pack boxes under duress, stress going right in with the dishes and books and baskets and lamps and the how-am-I-ever-gonna-get-that-in-a-box paintings. My guy hunches over heavy decisions and yes, *blush*, there may or may not have been some shouting this week. Transition brings out our differences like a hammer-knocked thumb and oh my, are we so very different ... Transition brings out hope too, though, and I have a fair portion of that lately also. Above all, this I learn - transition refines the follower in me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Following with excellence boils down to trust. Boiling cauldrons full of stressful choices large and small characterize transition, and all this bubbling, pounding becomes a repeating echo He asks again: "Will you trust Me?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I answer yes, I know what He'll say next.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Then follow Me."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Which boils down to humility. As much control as I'd wield if I could for my own facade of comfort, I would. But what then? I wouldn't be following, I'd be rebelling. And I'm left with one choice. Surrender. Again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because I'm no good at being sovereign, but I do know the One who is.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yesterday the verse leaped off thin pages and landed in my soul like an anchor.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“No chance at all,” Jesus said, “if you think you can <i>pull it off by yourself</i>. Every chance in the world if you <i>trust God to do it</i>.” - Luke 18:27 (Msg) [emphasis mine]</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfp7VA4cXi4kUZiVSr2SPr3AXgZtVSHgcYRrToCZb7rHQDFXajcZ1dSG7LOOtqQNQyB58Nl4Q_xvoWazxW1VlfbFeAwqBZpWpKOub2Cs0VQQv3wQUGv5xEIahjDyX7BrJ_2IlLcLh1Cs/s1600/2010+077.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQfp7VA4cXi4kUZiVSr2SPr3AXgZtVSHgcYRrToCZb7rHQDFXajcZ1dSG7LOOtqQNQyB58Nl4Q_xvoWazxW1VlfbFeAwqBZpWpKOub2Cs0VQQv3wQUGv5xEIahjDyX7BrJ_2IlLcLh1Cs/s1600/2010+077.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I'm loving these bold lines He draws with me. I haven't always - loved them, that is. Today I devour them like candy. <i>Try it on your own, fail every time; trust Me and follow Me, it's guaranteed. </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And what choice do I have? </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This humbling passage rolls through my recesses today:</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13px;">“Welcome, Prince,” said Aslan. “Do you feel yourself sufficient to take up the Kingship of Narnia?”</span>“I—I don’t think I do, Sir,” said Caspian. “I’m only a kid.”<br />“Good,” said Aslan. “If you had felt yourself sufficient, it would have been a proof that you were not. Therefore, under us and under the High King, you shall be King of Narnia..." - C.S. Lewis, <i>Prince Caspian</i></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I'm to follow Him, I must trust Him to do it - every part. I am merely the one cooperating, receiving, walking in the paths He paves with holy Feet. He's readying them for my gospel-shod soles too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Is following Jesus easy? Hardly. Is there any other way? Not for me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-23079882285025645492014-06-22T19:05:00.002-04:002014-06-22T19:05:48.425-04:00Everything You Have Promised {Sabbath Bread}<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/1010177_tcm9-64542.jpg?width=768&crop=(0,176,2604,1640)" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/1010177_tcm9-64542.jpg?width=768&crop=(0,176,2604,1640)" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Even though you are so high above,</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-6" style="position: relative;">you care for the lowly,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">
<span class="indent-1"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-6" style="position: relative;">and the proud cannot hide from you.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When I am surrounded by troubles</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
you keep me safe.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You oppose my angry enemies</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-7" style="position: relative;">and save me by your power.</span></div>
</span></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-138-8" id="en-GNT-17477" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">You will do everything you have promised;</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-8" style="position: relative;"><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>, your love is eternal.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1">
</span><span class="indent-1"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-138-8" style="position: relative;">Complete the work that you have begun."</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-138-8" style="position: relative;">-Psalm 138:6-8 (GNT)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-138-8" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</span></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pvi-0ngI6bI" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Oh God, today I am reminded once again of your Sovereign power and control over the circumstances of my life. I am so impatient sometimes, so demanding, so anxious for control. Surrounded by troubles and enemies and then ... Your peace flowing to overflowing, making every empty striving void full of the calm only You offer. And how could I ask for more. May this awakening of Your faithfulness and every kept promise make me alive like never before. Alive in You by Your grace. Let Your glory invade me until I wake up to Your peace. Finish this work you've started until I spill over with Your goodness. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-78734918103458371292014-06-21T11:57:00.000-04:002014-06-21T11:57:16.594-04:00The One Who Came Back {a little bird told me}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today - some paraphrasing.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2005/Leprosy/pictures/hand%202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://www.stanford.edu/group/parasites/ParaSites2005/Leprosy/pictures/hand%202.jpg" height="351" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+17%3A11-17&version=NLT" target="_blank">story</a> goes that a really righteous Dude healed ten guys infected with a skin-rotting disease and told them all to go get checked by the official so they could get back to their families and lives. And nine clean-skinned guys did just that. Then there was the one who came back. Dropped right down on his knees and said <i>Thanks</i>. Praised the Healer. Let the joy out - expressed, shared.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://danielleofri.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://danielleofri.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/hands.jpg" height="267" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And the righteous Dude? He asked about the others, knowing they were changed too. Life changed. As in - <i>radically restored. </i>Their response was to go and do what He commanded. But that's the thing with gratitude - He doesn't necessarily command it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But He does appreciate it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tell people sometimes - when they ask, and maybe when they don't. Tell them, "If you want to put a smile on God's face, tell Him <i>Thanks</i>." Not because He commands it or demands it (He could), but because He deserves it. Compels it. Woos it. He gives extravagant gifts of love, healing, restoration, joy - and why wouldn't we? Every. Single. Breath.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A feeble attempt today as I paraphrase <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+136&version=NLT" target="_blank">Psalm 136</a>, the gratitude Psalm if there ever was one.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You alone are worthy.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never stops giving.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for being my Sovereign One.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love just keeps on giving.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You are higher than any other.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never gives up.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for miracles.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love keeps going on and on.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for this amazing creation all around.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is still giving.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for oceans and hills.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never fails.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for space, and the sun that warms me, shows me Your love.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love doesn't stop.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for the nights, so lovely.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love doesn't quit.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for provision, even when it's cloaked in tragedy.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never changes.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for rescuing me from slavery and prison.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is endless.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for holding us all and making a Way to worship You in freedom.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never ceases.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for safe travel and for squelching our enemy's schemes.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is unending.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for leading us to the places You choose, to the best land.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is unfailing.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for overcoming the hurdles and barriers that stand in our way.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love endures forever and ever.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for displaying Your sovereign rule for all to see.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never fails me.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for defeating those proud slanderers who have no clue about us.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love doesn't end.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for giving us blessings we didn't have to work for, and for granting all we need </b></span></i><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>and more.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love goes on and on. </b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for never letting us out of Your sight for a second.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is ever-faithful.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for saving us from those with ill-intent, those would-be destroyers and </b></span></i><i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>tramplers.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love never ceases to amaze me.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You for generosity to us poor beggars.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your love is ever-giving and extravagant.</b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank You, God. All we have is from You. You alone deserve every ounce of credit.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your fountain of love never runs dry. </b></span></i></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If we stop and go back, let it be to say <i>Thanks.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">People ask me questions sometimes. Not that I claim expertise, but I do like to answer when I can. My own personal alms to give, though aren't we all poor in some way or other? If you have a question, I'd like to answer, Dear Reader. Some of the questions I've had recently include:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How do I know how to help in this world of corruption?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How can I memorize Scripture? I'm no good at it...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Am I crazy for thinking I love him?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">How am I supposed to be open and honest without airing <b>all </b>of my junk?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So,<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.899999618530273px; text-align: justify;"> how about you, Dear Soul - do you want to ask a question too? Here's the invitation I give here in my nest: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Have you ever wanted to ask a question about life, God, the Bible, relationships, people, church, or </span><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">anything?</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> (That last one is scary, but that's why I need the Holy Spirit to write through me.) Go ahead and ask me! Just slip your anonymous question into the comments section below, and sign it with a fun salutation like <i>Wishing I Could Fight </i>or <i>Hopelessly In Love With The Wrong One</i>. I'll do some research and write back to you next week here in the nest. My answers come from the Bible, revelation from God (as He generously gives - see James 1), and personal experience. And then, when it comes up in your conversations with others, you can always say, "Well, a little bird once told me ..." *wink*</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news-700/Bird-Nests-in-Ashtray.jpg?1343400616" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://i1-news.softpedia-static.com/images/news-700/Bird-Nests-in-Ashtray.jpg?1343400616" height="218" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Keep looking, reading, writing, and thanking. He is Worthy.</span></span><br />
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-33930174931751215382014-06-13T14:38:00.000-04:002014-06-13T14:38:13.786-04:00Five Minute Friday {Messenger}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Good afternoon, and happy Friday! I'm linking up with <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2014/06/five-minute-friday-messenger/" target="_blank">Lisa-Jo </a>today for Five Minute Friday - please join us as we write for 5 minutes together. For more information and to link up, <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" target="_blank">click here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" height="200" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today our topic is <b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Messenger</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">GO.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Does the message define the messenger? Sometimes, yes. Is that why we shoot the messenger?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've written my life's message, even spoken it to groups large and small. This message that burns and refines and focuses, even drives. Fire in my bones. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God's extravagant love compels reciprocation from His beloved. He shows us how in His Word.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Perhaps a message won't define this messenger, but it does at least paint my feet beautiful. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" id="en-NLT-18680" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">"How beautiful on the mountains</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;">are the feet of the messenger who brings good news,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">the good news of peace and salvation,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;">the news that the God of Israel reigns!"</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> -Isaiah 52:7 (NLT)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And who needs pedicures when the Gospel does that?</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Isa-52-7" style="position: relative;">Your message? You'll have to ask the Sender of messages for it, but when you do, He'll answer with gladness. And when </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">for Him</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">you bring it to the outcast, broken, poor, messy, tossed-aside, hopeless on the mountain of life ... such a praise you will bring to Him.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">A messenger of love.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">STOP.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;">Happy writing, Friends! Be it for five minutes, or more. And don't forget to encourage other Five-Minute-Friday writers too!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-83693297773685018422014-06-12T14:09:00.001-04:002014-06-12T14:09:48.436-04:00The Value of Faithful<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Massive monuments start as small stones. Lifetimes are built from moments, and organizations are a million common actions in the same direction. A teaspoon of faithfulness seasons a whole batch of character.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vJSOGZ6_M3CdRDmnTzOMc9lfo68MFY0AfwrPQI1dxj07eXQzA8hW0HuuRfRnlryM2oJiDS84MnRYWYQ7A0lREL27XrWyI6orPIBKHa6-JrudyCcdsdy61yvEiecqr2Q9HlGywBszc7Y/s1600/2012+082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vJSOGZ6_M3CdRDmnTzOMc9lfo68MFY0AfwrPQI1dxj07eXQzA8hW0HuuRfRnlryM2oJiDS84MnRYWYQ7A0lREL27XrWyI6orPIBKHa6-JrudyCcdsdy61yvEiecqr2Q9HlGywBszc7Y/s1600/2012+082.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">God refers to Himself as Faithful. It's an adjective the Almighty uses to describe His Divine Being to mortals.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="text Exod-34-6" id="en-NLT-2503"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> passed in front of Moses, calling out, </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'Yahweh! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">!</span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">The God of compassion and mercy! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am slow to anger </span></span><span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><span style="font-size: large;">and filled with unfailing love and <i>faithfulness</i>.' " </span>- Exodus 34:6 (NLT) [emphasis mine]</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">I'll never forget the question my mother asked me when I was old enough to choose God. "How do you know God is real?" I didn't know how to answer, so she helped me. "He does what He says. What He promises in the Bible - it comes true, both in history, and in your life." </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I don't know if she realized in that moment how her words would change me.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">His faithfulness proves His existence, even proves His love.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Can that be said of me, His <b>follower</b>? While I won't be perfect, and neither will you, Dear One, we <i>are </i>being conformed to His likeness. Our faithfulness will grow. More of what we promise will come to pass, the more we surrender to His power to change us. And this is what we follow, this is who we become - Faithful.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you committed to something in zeal without counting the cost?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you backed out on a commitment or a relationship God wanted you to see through?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you made excuses instead of making promises; instead of keeping them?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you gone right when the voice in your heart said to go left?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you said the words you swore you'd never say?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;">Have you left untended the dream you promised your heart you'd achieve?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span class="text Exod-34-6" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Believe me, I'm preaching this to my soul <strike>too</strike> first, Reader. Getting my plank out before I look for your splinter. I've failed at faithfulness more times than I care to count, but this: progress. I press on. I pursue His likeness. I cooperate with His molding. I desire to reflect Him. It starts small and builds, it grows. This snowball of faithfulness rolling toward avalanches. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What faithful steps can we take today that will emulate our Lord Jesus, and what bricks can we lay on the foundation of our lives that will speak to all, "I have done what I set out to do"?</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-9647134519557862932014-04-27T09:48:00.002-04:002014-04-27T09:48:31.294-04:00Sabbath Bread {Pearl}<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-13-45" id="en-TLB-20931" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj">“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a pearl merchant on the lookout for choice pearls.</span></span><span class="text Matt-13-46" id="en-TLB-20932" style="background-color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj">He discovered a real bargain—a pearl of great value—and sold everything he owned to purchase it!" - Matthew 13:45-46 (TLB)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-13-46" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Matt-13-46" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kbpM__03Ji0" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">[She isn't a Christian artist that I know of, but this song says it so well. How I feel today.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, You've given me so many gifts of loveliness, so many I could never count, though I do try. But I would let You take it all away if You needed to. But not You. I never want to let go of my grip on You. I'd sell it all for a moment in Your arms, and I'd let go of every treasure this world could offer because You are my true desire. To see Your face. To hold Your hand. Everything is worthless compared to that. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://img.wall4k.com/90processed/colourful%20birds%20hd%20wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://img.wall4k.com/90processed/colourful%20birds%20hd%20wallpaper.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Therefore, since you have such a Friend and He invites you to come, why not receive from Him daily? Never go without when you have a God to go to, and never fear or faint when God is there to help you. Go to your treasure and take whatever you need, for He has more than you could even want. <b>Learn the divine skill of allowing God to be all things to you.</b> He can supply everything you need, or better yet, He Himself can be all you need." - Charles Spurgeon [emphasis mine]</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-58932155525209113132014-04-15T09:38:00.000-04:002014-06-04T07:35:57.308-04:00What Happens When Humanity Turns<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's Tuesday, and I need to write about human trafficking, and we'll get there - but not before a short(ish) detour through my random musings this week.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's a quest to crucify self and pick up daily, even momently crosses when the objective is <i>follow. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Life and death take on new meanings. I'm living dead, letting His life invade my deadly places and murdering the parts of me that don't line up with Him. He's so very patient and gentle as He asks me again to die. To selfishness, impatience, rage, judgment, coveting, contempt. How can He handle this mess and still call it beautiful? I'm so in love with this King who kills me just to bring me back to abundant life. The life that gives and doesn't take <i>and likes it that way</i>. Life that looks like His mirror and reflects His heart. Cares for those He cares about. Because his invitation to follow was followed by a promise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"I will make you fishers of men."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And those fisher guys? Yeah, they were radically changed. Their greatest focus went from slimy fish and dirty money to grimy men and filthy women. Messy children and fussy babies. But Jesus loves each human life and His followers do too. And when our focus matches His - following will be easy. Well, in a compelling kind of way, at least.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, if He had tunnel vision it would have been on these:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Ps-146-7" id="en-NCV-16247" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: start;">"He does what is fair for <b>those who have been wronged</b>.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-146-7" style="position: relative;">He gives food to <b>the hungry</b>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Ps-146-7" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: start;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> sets <b>the prisoners</b> free.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Ps-146-8" id="en-NCV-16248" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> gives sight to <b>the blind</b>.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Ps-146-8" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: start;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> lifts up people <b>who are in trouble</b>.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-146-8" style="position: relative;">The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> loves those <b>who do right</b>.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Ps-146-9" id="en-NCV-16249" style="background-color: white; position: relative; text-align: start;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; font-weight: bold; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </span>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> protects <b>the foreigners</b>.</span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;">He defends the <b>orphans and widows</b>,</span></span><br style="background-color: white; text-align: start;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;">but he blocks the way of the wicked."</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Psalm 146:7-9 (NCV)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">(See also Deuteronomy 10:17-18 and Zechariah 7:10-11 and Job 31:16-19, among many others)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because this is what He requires of those who receive Him:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Mic-6-8" id="en-ESV-22657" style="position: relative;">"He has told you, O man, what is good;</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;">and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22657A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>what does the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> require of you</span></span><br /><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;">but to <b>do justice</b>, and to <b>love kindness</b>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;">and to <span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-22657B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span><b>walk humbly</b> with your God?"</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">-Micah 6:8 (ESV)</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And if we were to <i>do justice</i> today, it would be on behalf of these. The less-than-fortunate who are treated like throw-aways - these are the ones Jesus says we're fishing for. They're the sick ready for a doctor, the broken ready for His restoration, the dead seed ready to become new life, and His heart breaks for them. Get out your net, because I'm about ready to show you how, Friend. Not because I'm some better-than, but because I want to be one of those close at His heels, doing the following and becoming the follower. And why would I leave you out of that?</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"If God's character includes a zeal for justice that leads him to have the tenderest love and closest involvement with the socially weak, then what should God's people be like? They must be people who are likewise passionately concerned for the weak and vulnerable" - Timothy Keller in <i>Generous Justice: How God's Grace makes us Just</i></span></span></span></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, yeah - now we get to talk about the fight against human trafficking, and I don't have to explain again how this is the same thing as fighting for justice. One life enslaved by another is never just. A life willfully surrendered to The Loving Master is an entirely different matter. So, what will it take to get from this to that? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Pray. Intercede on behalf of the millions of enslaved children and adults on this dying planet and ask God to break your heart for them until you ...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. Do. Something. Make a change in your life, die to yourself so that another life may live for Him. Not to be sold. Give to an anti-trafficking organization. If you need some direction, try these guys. I have. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The Exodus Road</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">F.R.E.E. International</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">TraffickJam International</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Generate Hope Shelter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">W.A.R. International</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Destiny Rescue</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Volunteer at a shelter or safe house. Do a fundraiser in your church or community. Rally behind someone who is at risk for trafficking. Visit a Juvenile Detention Center or Youth Shelter. Foster-adopt a teenager at risk. Go on a mission to a place (you might not have to travel very far) where trafficking is common.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. Thank God. When He does something huge through you on behalf of the slave, give all of the glory to Him. Die to pride and self and fame. Give it <i>all </i>to Him. He's worthy and you're not. He gets the thanks. Every. Single. Time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So what happens when humanity turns from death to life, and then from life to death for Him? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love happens. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="text Ps-146-9" style="position: relative;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Mic-6-8" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-12389846521168171612014-04-13T10:21:00.001-04:002014-04-13T10:21:33.875-04:00Sabbath Bread {Content with Calvary}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"And when they had come to the place called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-Luke 23:33 (NKJV)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"I have learned how to be content with whatever I have."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">- Philippians 4:11 (NLT)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Often the bitter herbs of Gethsemane have taken away the bitterness of your life, the scourge of Gabbatha often has scourged away your worries, and the groans of Golgotha have produced unthinkably rich comfort for you. We would never have known the full height and depth of Christ's love if He had not died, nor would we have even been able to guess of the Father's deep affection if He had not given His Son to die." -Charles Spurgeon</span></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kbhmxsYRVrI" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lord, I have You. Your ransom of my soul is what You wanted to give me. I want to learn like Paul did, the secret of contentment, of joy - wanting nothing more than my Sovereign King gives me. Wanting what I have and letting it be enough. Calvary - Your brutal death and abundant bloodshed to pay for my forever with You - is enough. It covers not only my failures, but all I could ever desire.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-81988836692956011622014-04-10T09:50:00.004-04:002014-04-10T09:50:45.914-04:00How to Give Kids {and our own hearts} Answers When There are None <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Franklin Regional School District, the place where both of my Treasures attend classes and also where I work, made <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2014/04/09/justice/pennsylvania-school-stabbing/index.html?iid=article_sidebar" target="_blank">national news</a> yesterday - for all the wrong and evil reasons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We parents reel and look each other in the eyes as we pick up our children from lockdown, and it hurts and hurts and hurts. We're all asking the same question and coming up empty - <u>"How could this happen <i>here</i>?"</u> This empty, answer-less void stabs our souls over and over with only more questions unanswerable. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"How will I explain this to my ten-year-old?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"How do I send them back into the place of danger that never should have been called that?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"Why would any child or adolescent in the supposed-happy years of life turn against his classmates?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"How does this keep happening in our schools?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"What do we do with this fear? This terror? How do we declare war on children?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u><br /></u></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><u>"When will this ever end?"</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My Guy and I watch the news when we can, when the Treasures are normal-resilient playing outside on a sunny spring day, and going to bed, thankfully sleepy. We watch <a href="http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/breaking-several-hurt-multiple-stabbings-franklin-/nfWYh/" target="_blank">the footage</a> of the boy in cuffs and we both say it in shock at the same time - "Look at him - he's just a baby!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And it's there again - the void of unknown - the question we can't stop asking. <i>How could this happen?</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When four are critical, twenty-two are stabbed, two more hurt besides - and the weapons are steak knives in the hands of a child I'm sorry, but there will be no answering of that question today, and maybe not ever. Try as they might, experts and psychologists and crisis analysts won't come up with anything palatable, much less swallow-able.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And my friends and relatives keep asking me - <i>how are you explaining this to them? </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I suppose the answer is - I'm not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.news-world.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Beautiful-Birds-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.news-world.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Beautiful-Birds-1.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And while I may not have answers to those questions, that doesn't mean I'm without <b>any </b>answers. I still have Truth, and as we sit down at the dinner table after a day of reeling and tears, I bring it with me - the Word. Because when you don't know what to say, you say what He knows. And you give your Treasures <b><i>The Treasure</i></b> He graciously pours. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We tell them what we know. Evil, wrong, angry choices - it's all here on this fallen globe. We'll not escape it as long as these mortal lungs draw breath. Sometimes the best answers come from our own hearts, so instead of telling them, I ask them. <i>Why do you think people hurt others like this? </i>It's my boy who pipes up. "Anger makes people do stupid things." And who can argue? We look up some verses about anger and sin and evil. He's right. Anger is not sin, but it gives Evil a place for his foot in our hearts. (Eph. 4:27)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">More of what we know - people need love. And we have been given it. I ask again, hoping they will find the answer in the searching together. <i>How would God want us to respond here? </i>They both answer this time. "Care for them. Pray for them. Tell them about Jesus." One of my Treasures chimes in with this and I'm breathless. Struck. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">"We need to pray for that guy. It will be hard for people to forgive him."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Of course. It's the answer to everything unanswerable. We pray.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because when we look into the void and the dark pain, we can see <i>past </i>the cavern to the One who holds the Light. And He has the answers we seek, though we might not get them all right now. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Answers like F<i>orgiveness. Hope. Love. Restoration. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The developmentalist in me wants to answer the question in my title for you, Dear Reader. I want to tell you if your child is between the ages of x and y, you say z; if she is older than a or b, you say c. And m plus n will equal <i>all better. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But I can't. Grief has no formula and some questions can only be answered by more questions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So, I'll leave you with this.: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Love your Treasures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Squeeze them tight every day,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Not just the tragic ones.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Give them Truth,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Help them open their hands to It.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Don't pretend you know,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you don't.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Be there, present.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Look into eyes and listen,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Listen to the heart between the words.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And when the unanswerable hurts,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Bring them to the Healer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Lord, bring Your answers and Your healing here. Touch lives with hope like only You have. Show us how to love, how to forgive, how to step forward with courage. Pour out Your sovereign comfort as You show us who You are. Please heal these cuts to flesh and cuts to souls. Draw our hearts closer to Yours. Amen</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-37-5" id="en-NLT-14432" style="position: relative;">"Commit everything you do to the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>.</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-5" style="position: relative;">Trust him, and he will help you.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-6" id="en-NLT-14433" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"><br /></span>He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-6" style="position: relative;">and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.</span></span></b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="poetry top-1" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-37-7" id="en-NLT-14434" style="position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="display: block; left: -4.8em; position: absolute; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Be still in the presence of the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-7" style="position: relative;">and wait patiently for him to act.</span></span><br /><span class="text Ps-37-7" style="position: relative;">Don’t worry about evil people who prosper</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-37-7" style="position: relative;">or fret about their wicked schemes." - Psalm 37:5-7 (NLT)</span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-7" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1466037_10201303853190957_3233707302214588295_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-a-iad.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/1466037_10201303853190957_3233707302214588295_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="line">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-37-7" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-58110697846652796082014-04-06T09:32:00.000-04:002014-04-06T09:37:28.497-04:00Sabbath Bread {A Long Drink of Salvation}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://ufvcascade.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/133948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ufvcascade.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/133948.jpg" height="400" width="275" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">“If you’ll hold on to me for dear life,” says </span><span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span><span style="background-color: white;">,</span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="position: relative;">“I’ll get you out of any trouble.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;">
</span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">I’ll give you the best of care</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;">
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="position: relative;">if you’ll only get to know and trust me.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Call me and I’ll answer, be at your side in bad times;</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="position: relative;">I’ll rescue you, then throw you a party.</span></div>
</span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="background-color: white; position: relative;"><div style="text-align: center;">
I’ll give you a long life,</div>
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="position: relative;">give you a long drink of salvation!”</span></div>
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; position: relative;">-Psalm 91:14-16 (Msg)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-91-14-Ps-91-16" style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; position: relative;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hK80n34OQkA?list=PLNe8xfwFV3wvGI14gRPXV_xbHkdMvCEDD" width="560"></iframe></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Oh, Jesus - I know my part. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Hold onto You with desperate abandon,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">get to know and trust you while I'm here on this planet, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and call out to You when I get into trouble. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If I'll do those things, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You'll get me out of every mess, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">bring me into Your promise, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">and satisfy my thirst for more than this flesh can contain. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I am truly undeserving of a Love this abundant, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">yet I open my hands to as much of it as I can hold. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you Lord. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-81837518885023740002014-04-04T07:58:00.000-04:002014-04-04T07:58:00.180-04:00Live or die?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Deut-30-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Deut-30-19" id="en-NLT-5704" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b>“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!</b></span><span class="text Deut-30-20" id="en-NLT-5705" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span>You can make this choice by loving the <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. <i>This is the key to your life.</i>"</b> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Deut-30-20" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">-Deuteronomy 30:19-20a (NLT) </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<br />
The pastor's in the pulpit and his hands wave and dance with <a href="http://maog.org/audiosermons/" target="_blank">his words</a>. He tells us to die, and says he's giving up <i>himself </i>for lent; invites me to do the same. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Die to this flesh and its endless desires, lusts, prides. Increasing Jesus and decreasing me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Eastern_yellow_robin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Eastern_yellow_robin.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<br />
"This world tells you that you need to 'find yourself.' Well, I did find myself and you know what I found? Yuck!" Even as he says it, I can't believe it of him, but I <b>know </b>it's true of me. Yes, I've been on a search for me - the real me - and when I found her it was far from what I'd hoped. That woman, that me, she's <i>nothing</i> without her Rescuer. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
This life isn't about soul-searching as much as it's about God-searching. Seek Christ and you seek life. Find Him and you find it all. Forget to knock on His door, and emptiness will be the least of your worries. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
To lay down self and take up crosses - everything <u>worth doing</u> is difficult. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
A teacher at my workplace says it and I know it's true of following Christ too - "If this was easy, everyone would do it, right?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
The pastor goes on about carrying a cross and I'm breathless again with this one - "We're called to carry crosses, not guillotines." We can't crucify our flesh with one quick motion, like a guillotine. Crucifixion was a slow, public, humiliating, painful, lengthy death, that often took days to complete. And this Daily Cross is a process - a painful, long parting with flesh that has no destination short of heaven. Only then will we be glorified in perfection-life. Oh glorious hope!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Mark-8-34" id="en-NLT-24507" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;">Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, <span class="woj">“If any of you wants to be my <i>follower</i>, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and <i>follow Me</i>.</span></span><span class="text Mark-8-35" id="en-NLT-24508" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="woj">If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><b> </b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">-Mark 8:34-35 (NLT)</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Sometimes choosing life means deciding to die.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It's hard <i>eucharisteo </i>to be thankful for the privilege of suffering, of dying with Him, but I'm okay with trying hard things. I can be thankful, even for this, because I know obedience is worth it. He is worth it. I know I've failed before, and I'll probably hold on to too much of my<i>self</i> again - but it's in the <b>not giving up</b> where I think He's pleased with His kids. So will you pray this with me too, Dear One?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<i>Lord, please show me the parts of my life that need to be crucified today for Your glory and my good. Give me the strength and endurance required today to lay down my selfish desires and take up my cross for Your Kingdom. Please heal my heart even as I die a little every day, and revive me in Your presence with joy. Show me what You desire of me, and how to obey You more. Make my life a living sacrifice of love to You. You are worth it - worth the pain and every ounce of suffering. I need no other motivation than Your love. </i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;">Quotes from Pastor Lance Lecocq with permission</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-56179470853511464002014-03-30T09:52:00.001-04:002014-03-30T09:52:59.343-04:00Sabbath Bread {When the Trumpet Sounds in the Sky}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="poetry" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Rev-19-7" id="en-NCV-30903" style="position: relative;">"</span>Let us rejoice and be happy</span></div>
<div class="line">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Rev-19-7" style="position: relative;">and give God glory,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Rev-19-7" style="position: relative;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Rev-19-7" style="position: relative;">because the wedding of the Lamb has come,</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Rev-19-7" style="position: relative;">
</span><span class="indent-1"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Rev-19-7" style="position: relative;">and the Lamb’s bride has <b>made herself ready</b>.</span></div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="line" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Fine linen, bright and clean, was given to her to wear.”</span></div>
</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-1" style="background-color: white; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-8"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">(The fine linen means <b>the good things done by God’s holy people</b>.)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9" id="en-NCV-30905"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who have been invited to the wedding meal of the Lamb!” And the angel said, “These are the true words of God.”</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: start;">And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem,</span><span style="text-align: start;"> coming down out of heaven from God. It was <b>prepared like a bride dressed for her husband</b>.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-Revelation 19:7-9, 21:2 (NCV)</span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Rev-19-9"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"His righteousness, His blood, and everything He inherited from the Father He gives as the dowry to us who are known as His bride. So rejoice, dear believer, in your union with Him who 'was numbered with the transgressors,' and prove you are truly saved by living a life that makes it abundantly clear that you are 'numbered with' those who are a 'new creation' (2 Cor. 5:17) in Him." - Charles Spurgeon (Morning by Morning)</span></blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DtIiPXBv7fs" width="560"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Lord, this is our Glorious Hope. Help us live our lives worthy of having been saved. You are worthy.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-74190579560867832012014-03-19T09:57:00.000-04:002014-03-19T09:58:00.695-04:00Follow {with excellence)<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Leadership, leadership, leadership. It's all we hear sometimes, and all we talk about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Excellence in leadership is crucial to an organization, a government, a family, a church ... any institution, really. And I get it - leaders are important, and excellent leadership can carry us to success just as fast as poor leadership can destroy us. The Bible says a lot about leadership. We have so much to learn from the Leader of leaders, the King of kings. Yes. I get it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.bizactions.com/wp-content/uploads/Birds-of-a-Feather-Flock-Together.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bizactions.com/wp-content/uploads/Birds-of-a-Feather-Flock-Together.jpg" height="346" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">But what about followers? What is to be said about excellent follower-ship? As much as God teaches us about leadership, I'll argue that He has far more to say about following well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Because only a few of us are called to lead, but we are <b>all </b>called to follow. With excellence - we're to learn how to follow well, honor our leaders, walk in humility and support and help. Everyone wants to be a great leader but who <i>ever</i> would think of aspiring to be a fantastic follower? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I, for one, would like to start a movement of excellent followership. Someone once said, "Lord bring revival and start with me." If you know who said it first, let me know - I can't remember or find the person to credit. But I often think it a pray it. I do know it was Ghandi who said, "Be the change you want to see." Regardless of who the leaders were or are - I want to follow in those steps. The steps that walk in humble submission to Jesus and those He has appointed to lead me. My husband. My pastors. My mentors. My parents. My boss. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Something has been lost in our culture of rugged individualism and we the people. I think that loss saddens the heart of God. Submission has become a dirty word among us and we're in trouble because of it. I'm convinced that God has more instructions in His Word about following well than about leadership.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And I do get it. This doesn't come easy for me. I like power and control just as much as you do. Of all of the control freaks I'd be first in line. Submission and surrender seem like passive things, so why do they require me to work so hard to get them? I just think God has something to say to us about walking <i>behind </i>someone. Behind Someone.<i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So how, about it? You there, Reader. The wife who knows it's her role to honor her husband but can't quite figure out how. The employee who desires to submit to his boss but can't stop cutting him down behind his back. The church member who wants to respect his pastor but just keeps trying to get closer to him so he can get a hold of the power and make the decisions. The teenager who knows it's right to honor her mother and father but can't stop the back-talk. The Christ-follower in name but not in deed, who talks the talk in the day but can't seem to walk the walk in the darkness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What if we could deny our flesh and become the followers God has promised He'd make us if we'd just cooperate and surrender?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I've got a stack of verses beside me right now about following, and I'm deciding how many I can fit into this post. I'm half-way tempted to squeeze them all in, but I've been in your seat: ready for the punch line, the bottom line ... <i>the point. </i>So I'll get to it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“If any of you wants to serve me, then follow me. Then you’ll be where I am, ready to serve at a moment’s notice. The Father will honor and reward anyone who serves me." - John 12:26 (Msg)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #552200; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><i style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://biblehub.com/greek/190.htm" target="_blank">akoloutheó</a> </i>is the Greek work that means <i>accompany, attend, follow</i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I can either busy myself trying to make God follow my bidding, or I can follow Jesus, ready to serve Him. I may be a leader, but my first job, my first joy, is to follow. To switch the two is to falter and then fall. I don't want to be a fall-er, I want to be a follower. It's there I'll find the Father's reward. Which is all that's really worth reaching for, anyway.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="color: #101010; line-height: 40px; margin-bottom: 5px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One way to define spiritual life is getting so tired and fed up with yourself you go on to something better, which is following Jesus. - <a href="http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/e/eugene_h_peterson.html" style="color: #0000aa; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;">Eugene H. Peterson</a></span></div>
</blockquote>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What about you? What has God taught you recently about <i>following? </i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-84930628729509038342014-03-17T14:32:00.000-04:002014-03-17T14:32:27.801-04:00Book Review {Paid For: My Journey ...}<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">A few housekeeping issues:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1. Please forgive the sporadic posts and long intervals between - a season of transition for my family makes for inconsistent writing opportunities. Thank you for grace, Dear Reader.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2. This post and others about human trafficking/ sexual exploitation and abuse are not necessarily appropriate for children or youth. Though I believe in teaching the next generation about modern slavery issues, I don't particularly use that filter on all of my posts. I'll be writing more young-audience friendly posts in the near future. If you're under 18, please let a parent read this and give you the age-appropriate cliffnotes version. Thank you for understanding, Young Readers and Parents.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3. My heart is filled with hope as of late - Hope for eternity and good things to come here on earth, too. I pray that your heart will be filled with the same. In His presence is fullness of joy (see <b>Ps. 16:11</b>) May this be said of you, me, and everyone who claims Christ as Lord: </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>"And they have defeated him [Satan] by the blood of the Lamb</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Rev-12-11" style="position: relative;">and by their testimony.</span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="text Rev-12-11" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; position: relative;">And they did not <i>love their lives so much</i></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;" /><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-size: 0.42em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Rev-12-11" style="position: relative;"><b>that they were afraid to die." -Revelation 12:11 (NLT) </b>[emphasis mine]</span></span></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So without further ado, </span><div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Rev-12-11" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></span></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://rabble.ca/sites/rabble/files/imagecache/190x190-scale-cropped/node-images/screen_shot_2013-08-27_at_5.38.52_pm.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="http://rabble.ca/sites/rabble/files/imagecache/190x190-scale-cropped/node-images/screen_shot_2013-08-27_at_5.38.52_pm.png" height="400" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Today I'm reviewing the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Paid-For-Journey-Prostitution-Violence-ebook/dp/B00C7735X8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1395080249&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=paid+for+rachel+moran" target="_blank"><u>Paid For: My Journey Through Prostitution</u> by Rachel Moran</a>, an Irish woman who tells her story in a candid yet gripping memoir that will make a generation question the way we interpret femininity, sex, prostitution, and human trafficking. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Originally I heard about the book via an audio interview with the author, and knew it was a must-read for me because of my heart for the trafficked. You can catch that interview <a href="http://rabble.ca/podcasts/shows/feminist-current/2013/08/rachel-moran-on-her-book-paid-my-journey-through-prostitutio" target="_blank">here</a>. In addition, you can view an interview with the author regarding her views, the book, and her goals <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uahWt5NErIg" target="_blank">here</a>. Perhaps you'd like to come back to these links after you've read my brief (as possible) review below. In any case, I'm hoping that one of these three prompts will cause you to get and read this book because it is absolutely necessary knowledge for anyone who cares about fighting human trafficking, or anyone who cares about humanity for that matter. Okay, yes - that did sound melodramatic (I realize), but I honestly believe the knowledge offered here to the world is simply crucial.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That being said, I'll start with a couple of disclaimers. 1. This book includes a plethora of expletives, all of which will offend my normal readership. I was offended by what I read. But I'll admit, it adds to the truth of the work. Sometimes offense is necessary for those who desire change. Moran is nothing if not honest, and her verbiage must include the vulgar - for she takes us into the darkest of holes in order to shine the light on evil. 2. All of the pages in <u>Paid For</u> may not be helpful in the long-run if you are sensitive and want to keep your thoughts sexually pure. In essence, I would recommend this for women to read and subsequently explain the premise to your guy so you can leave the details out of his mind. Men need to get this, don't get me wrong, and nothing will change until they do. But we can help them to know it without having to <i>know </i>it, and I think you know what I mean. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Moran begins with her personal and tragic story of how she ended up becoming a prostitute, which was not, as it never is, a matter of choice. The element of <b>choosing</b> to sell oneself or allow another person to sell oneself is one of many myths of prostitution she dispels in the exploration of her own experience and that of others she knew. She writes in detail of brutality, fear, hopelessness, drug abuse, suicide attempts, family dysfunction, and self-identity in a way I found compelling and painful. I was astonished at her mastery over clear and profound exposition - this hero of survival who spent her years being exploited while others were learning. She put herself through college for journalism after she exited prostitution, a feat few have been able to do. Her forceful truth may leave you reeling, and it may anger some who rely on lies to keep doing what they do. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In addition to the honest memoir, this book is critical for its exegesis of current and proposed legislation on the matter of "sex for sale." A clear proponent of the <a href="http://www.equalitynow.org/sites/default/files/Nordic_Model_EN.pdf" target="_blank">Nordic Model</a>, Moran explains in depth the <i>Why's and How's </i>of criminalizing the purchase of sex around the world. Her unique perspective from the prostituted is painfully precious to all of us who look for answers to eradicate this ugly smudge on the face of every human alive today. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Until the world wakes up to the simple wrongfulness of what prostitution truly is, we're not going to get social change." - Rachel Moran (in the video interview cited above)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And a few quotes from the book that shook me:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"The summation of my experience of prostitution was simply this: <i>I lost myself." </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>"</i>If it were not entirely held buoyant by the sexual demands of men, brothels would have no viability and no purpose and no reason to open their doors - or to have any doors to begin with." </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"As a species, the urge to violate is strong within us. It is up to us to be stronger than it is."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Sexual self-governance is only possible for anyone where they are not influenced to make decisions regarding their sexuality based on circumstances beyond their control."</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Happy reading, Dear One! Next time I'll be reviewing something a little lighter, I promise!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7353430261748995523.post-88469707054220967472014-02-23T11:20:00.000-05:002014-02-23T11:20:04.347-05:00Sabbath Bread {believe His promises}<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-7"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.99hdwallpaper.com/birds/wallpapers/tropical-bird-wallpaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.99hdwallpaper.com/birds/wallpapers/tropical-bird-wallpaper.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-7"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-7"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-7" id="en-TLB-12447"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">All your waves and billows have gone over me, and floods of sorrow pour upon me like a thundering cataract.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-8" id="en-TLB-12448"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yet day by day the Lord also pours out his steadfast love upon me, and through the night I sing his songs and pray to God who gives me life.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-9" id="en-TLB-12449"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">“O God my Rock,” I cry, “why have You forsaken me? </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-9"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Why must I suffer these attacks from my enemies?” </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-10" id="en-TLB-12450"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Their taunts pierce me like a fatal wound; again and again they scoff, </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span class="text Ps-42-10">“Where is that God of yours?”</span><span class="text Ps-42-11" id="en-TLB-12451"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But, O my soul, don’t be discouraged. Don’t be upset. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Expect God to act! For I know that I shall again have plenty of reason to praise Him for all that He will do. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">He is my help! He is my God!</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">-Psalm 42:7-11 (TLB)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Ps-42-11"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MV63_Vmf-74?rel=0" width="420"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Be bold and believe, 'because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you"' Through this promise the Lord gives His people everything ... there is nothing you could want, nothing you could ask for, nothing you could need in all of time or eternity, nothing living or dying, nothing in this world or the next, and nothing now, nothing on resurrection morning, or nothing in heaven that is not contained in in this verse - '<b>Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.</b>' " (Deut. 31:6) - Charles Spurgeon </span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Oh God - You alone are the crux, the epitome. You are Everything we thirst for, Everything we need and want - always. Sometimes we think we need things like comfort or power or satisfaction or belongings or fame - but we are wrong. Sometimes we believe our forsaken feelings instead of believing Your promises not to <b>ever </b>forsake us. Forgive our sin of unbelief, Lord. We repent and choose to believe Your promises to satisfy our longings with Yourself. With Your Spirit. With Your Son. All we need is found in Your presence, and had we nothing save You - we would be satiated. You are just that wonderful. Let us put all else aside today as we pursue Your heart, and let Your glory fill every void in our lives today. There is none besides You, Jesus. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03888834386146980003noreply@blogger.com0