tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45946316751715521332024-03-12T20:31:38.478-04:00Favored One"May the favor of the LORD our God rest upon us..." Psalm 90:17Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-4934178133857608882012-11-13T23:46:00.004-05:002012-11-13T23:46:41.113-05:00Favored One Has Moved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Join us at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://favoredonewrites.com/">Favored One Writes</a></span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-35462399254683586852012-11-11T19:24:00.000-05:002012-11-11T19:27:39.829-05:00We're Moving<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You would think after twenty moves in my twenty-three years of marriage I would be quite confidant with the process.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Think again!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">No, seriously, that was to make me laugh and to make you aware that though I'm very capable of packing up entire households, transporting them from one side of the country or world, and setting up home wherever we've signed our name on the dotted lease line, this moving blog addresses is a whole new game.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And considering it has taken me two months since I started the move I guess I can confess the moving manual seemed to be written in a foreign language.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But I'm trying to apply the excitement I have every time we make a physical move and looking forward to the adventure of setting up in a brand new community.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just wanted to let you know.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So you would be patient if the curtains aren't all hung.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And the yard gets over-looked while I unpack boxes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And if I move the furniture around for a couple of months until everything looks just right.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I might have a friend or two stop by and help with decorating.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And I might go out and make a few purchases that will be just right for the new home. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But mostly I'm letting you know because ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't want to lose contact with you, Dear Favored One, just because I'm moving. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just wanted you to know my new address.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And let you know you are welcome there anytime.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm hoping to move the last of the boxes from this sweet space, my first home, in the next few days. I hope you'll come visit soon at <a href="http://favoredonewrites.com/">Favored One</a>.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest. </i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Isaiah 32:18</i></b></span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-83332259057866156352012-10-21T16:36:00.001-04:002012-10-21T16:52:54.177-04:00Mission Impossible<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Hi Favored One ... this is Ken,</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>My assignment </b>from <a href="http://sarahmae.com/2012/10/blog-hacking-ftw-sarahs-husband-is-here/">Jesse</a>, as I understand it, is to hack into Tobi’s account and write a post about the positive affect <a href="http://allume.com/">Allume</a> and her blogging community have had on her. I’ve watched her blog long enough to know that for me this is an assignment straight out of Mission Impossible! (cue the music...) </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I’ve chosen to accept this assignment; not because I’m looking for my opportunity to break into the blogging business, but because this is the best chance I’ll have to say thank you for the incredible gift this community has given my wife.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>If you read Favored One you know I’m an officer in the United States Air Force.</b> Tobi and I love our life, but we never stay in one place very long. The cumulative effect of this constant moving for Tobi has been loneliness. Not a passing loneliness, but a deep, abiding loneliness she feels at her core. Of course, the Air Force has left us in a few places long enough for us to make friends. Amazing, wonderful friends. Friends who are closer than our own family. Friends who share our love of Jesus Christ and, like us strive to make Him the center of their lives. These are the kind of friends you want to spend your life with ... then you receive orders for your next assignment. You have to learn to mourn those you leave behind when you make the military your life. Tobi and I have a beautiful marriage and we both know how wonderful it is to be married to your best friend, but she’s told me on more than one occasion, “Ken, I love you and you do a great job filling in as a girlfriend except...you’re not a girl!” I think blogging has helped fill the girlfriend void.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Suddenly, I’m aware Tobi and I haven’t talked about this and I’m not sure she would say blogging has helped fill the girlfriend void, but hey this is my post isn’t it? On with the mission!</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>In the beginning, I watched Tobi struggle over a post for hours. </b>Writing and rewriting as the words in her heart flowed out onto the page. Pleased with the results when she was done, but feeling guilty about the time she spent away from the family to complete it. Knowing she was called to this, but not knowing how to balance it with His other callings in her life ... wife, mother, homeschool teacher and blogger? I’ve also watched as the number of people following her blog grew. I read the comments and reminded her she was fulfilling her calling by touching the lives of others. Some days she provides a laugh and some encouragement and other days she’s sharing life’s pain and disappointment, but everything is shared through the joy of a Christ centered heart. She has moments when she knows blogging is what she wants to do and moments when she wants to quit! (Don’t worry Favored One followers I always encourage her to stay!)</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>I remember when she first read about the Allume conference and told me she wanted to attend.</b> I told her I thought it was a great idea and soon she was registered. She began jumping into the blogging challenges and she’s written some awesome blogs for Compassion children and even cranks out beautiful 5-minute messages that never fail to touch my heart. These Allume challenges are great, but the most positive thing I’ve seen happen to Tobi in the last six months is Mosaics for Him, the mastermind group she is part of. This group of ladies have truly filled a girlfriend void! They’re there everyday, they understand the highs and lows of blogging, they offer encouragement and they share rooms at the conference. I know my wife, I know her heart and I know how big it is. I love her heart and I’m so happy she’s found a place and a community. I hope this encourages every blogger who reads it, because what you’re doing is impacting someone’s life. I know because for my wife suddenly, friends don’t seem quite so far away and life doesn’t seem quite so lonely. Mission Complete! (this message will self-destruct in 5 seconds...)</span></span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-80139021204430578602012-10-19T13:47:00.001-04:002012-10-19T13:47:26.029-04:00Look<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Join us over at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2012/10/31-days-write-story-day-5-five-minute-friday-welcome/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;">Lisa Jo's House</a>?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">And if you want to share five minutes too, here are the rules:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em><br />3. <strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/middle-east-live/2012/oct/19/syria-brahimi-ceasefire-plan-damascus-live">photo credit</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I checked my phone this morning, caught the day's word, and put <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Look</span></i> on the shelf to be tackled after grammar and Algebra I, decimal multiplication, and President summaries. I thought about <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">Look</span> </i>as I made lunch and hurried to complete my tasks before I hit the road to see a cross-country friend for a mere few hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I opened my computer to write about art and paintings, creation and muses and the mystery of having a guide reveal what the creator saw.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And this is the image that opened first in my window. And I wept. For us. For them. For the messy, burned corners of humanity that paint with blood. For smoke that burns our eyes and blurs the created image of beauty. For the cacophony of noise that hurts to hear, especially over our own raised voices. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I wanted to spend five minutes writing about touring the National Art Museum and the wonder of seeing what the creator breathed into the canvas, all because I had a guide to reveal these things. How often do we stroll through the museum, priceless art hanging everywhere and miss the real life, framed for all to see.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And as I cry to God about all this ragged beauty around us, wondering what I can possibly do to restore these works of art, I am reminded as He leads me in discovery I am able to really see His word ~ alive, breathing, cupping the bloodied body of the broken close. You must <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">LOOK</i> </span>to see. It is in looking that the covenant is seen. <i style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000;">LOOKING</span></i> is the small seed He plants.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>STOP</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But don't. Don't stop. Look around and see His word is alive and this world is just an overlay to it. When Jesus speaks of God's Kingdom being like a mustard seed, or poppy seed, or pine nut, this Kingdom has been planted deep in you. Look and see the world and don't despair, instead sink roots deep and drink of His word. Grow tall enough that over your lifetime the very eagles ~ birds of prey ~ will find shelter in your arms. We must be more than bloodied, burned, and smoking edges.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>“God’s kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It is quite small as seeds go, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and eagles build nests in it.” </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> The Message 13:32</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgrrbqvYKAQ/UIGKfAvyr8I/AAAAAAAABO0/CUy4qir9Rok/s1600/Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bgrrbqvYKAQ/UIGKfAvyr8I/AAAAAAAABO0/CUy4qir9Rok/s640/Tree.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Praying.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For our world.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For our country.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For our leaders.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For our faith.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For the ability to <b style="font-style: italic;">LOOK</b> at another and see the beautiful work as the Creator does.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></strong></span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-34575380481672743932012-10-16T22:55:00.000-04:002012-10-16T22:55:33.299-04:00Changing My Clothes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqhCU9s30fk/UH4KCQwPD8I/AAAAAAAABNo/wUsLXenO1xY/s1600/P1030371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IqhCU9s30fk/UH4KCQwPD8I/AAAAAAAABNo/wUsLXenO1xY/s640/P1030371.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't know if you can see it,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">pacing all caged behind the corner of my eye,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">waiting for the right interchange between another person and me,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">or maybe the lack of any interchange at all,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that animal named <i style="font-weight: bold;">Fear</i> who rattles the cage door and threatens to escape to swallow me whole in one bite.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A deceiver walked with me on this path I've trod and told me a great lie,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">that there are good emotions and there are bad ones. The good ones are to be worn on the outside, like beautiful garments purchased with the affluence of joy. Our world really only likes to look on pretty.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The bad ones ~ anger, fear, jealousy, despair, contempt, and shame ~ these emotions are to be contained, stuffed down, hidden away, as though we really have the power to control our feelings. I have spent my life molding these emotions into one shape, one form that breathes <b style="font-style: italic;">fear </b>quietly just behind my eyes.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You are angry? We say it's not that you are angry, it's what you do with that anger.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You are fearful? We say <i style="font-weight: bold;">do more</i> to increase your faith, for trusting <i style="font-weight: bold;">more</i> will take away the fear, or at least reduce it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You are shamed? We say you don't need to be, for Christ removed your sin and made you clean. But never forget you are a sinner. Somewhere, someday, you'll find the balance between being present/future clean and present/future dirty.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't have a neat and tidy principle with a corresponding scripture to finish this with. The reality is I am learning to recognize the clothes of <i style="font-weight: bold;">fear</i> that I wear, worn close as undergarments against my skin. Hidden beneath the pretty feelings I wear for you to see. I think <i style="font-weight: bold;">fear</i> is the only bad emotion I've allowed myself to feel without the unmanageable <i style="font-weight: bold;">shame</i> that follows anything else bad.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm not trying to be introspective. Truthfully I'm tired of studying myself. I'm so tired I am willing to stop avoiding certain feelings in an attempt to not feel pain. Isn't that why we all avoid feelings? It is easier for men to feel anger than hurt. Easier for women to feel hurt than anger. I want to face off with anger instead of distorting it to fear. I want to resist running away when I feel I'm not enough. I want to sit in the ash heap with despair or contempt and know <i style="font-weight: bold;">my God </i>will sit with me in the dust.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Simply, I want to run to God instead of away from Him when He doesn't relieve my pain. To do this I'm going to have to be just as okay with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">anger, fear, jealousy, despair, contempt, and shame</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> as I am with joy, compassion, security, and hope. Emotions are the language of the soul. I'm willing to say I'm <i style="font-weight: bold;">afraid</i> because ultimately I know God offers more freedom than I have yet to grasp. I want to let Him retrain my ear, that I may hear pure harmonies. I want to sing through the dark, complex melodies of my life and lift high on the swell of emotion resolution brings to the score. All emotions hold the gift of leading us closer to the scandalous wonder of the Cross and the beautiful heart of God. In this, I will worship.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>My flesh and my heart may</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>fail,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but God is the strength of my</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>heart</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and my portion forever.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Psalm 73:26</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...<i>can recognizing fears be something to count as grace? Even when they aren't rational?...</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1717. my children will be absent from my life as they enter adulthood. Fear I will miss them so much. Fear miles will take away intimacy and how will I do life without the joy of their friendship?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1718. I won't do all the "right" things for Ben and Sam in homeschooling.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1719. I committed to "more" with God regarding writing and what if I fail?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1720. I can't even set up my new wordpress site and just what networking am I supposed to be doing?</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1721. So grateful that in all the ways I am recognizing fear, my relationship with my husband stands strong and secure.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1722. So grateful that You will always lead me through things because You want me free more than I want me free.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>1723. </i><b style="font-style: italic;">He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil 1:6</b> Yes, Lord, YOU will complete the work, not me.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-46509990234990438042012-10-12T08:21:00.004-04:002012-10-12T08:21:49.933-04:00Race<br />
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Join us over at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2012/10/31-days-write-story-day-5-five-minute-friday-welcome/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;">Lisa Jo's House</a>?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">She has a rockin' Five Minute Party every Friday!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" style="color: #336699; text-decoration: none;" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; border-width: initial; position: relative;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">And if you want to party too, here are the house rules:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em><br />3. <strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqsGhPnc22Y/UHgHqPMjYmI/AAAAAAAABMo/AyQ3ah0qRJo/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nqsGhPnc22Y/UHgHqPMjYmI/AAAAAAAABMo/AyQ3ah0qRJo/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">GO</span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></strong></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I am a musician.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I love long, lilting lines of melody</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">single notes held long and lifting into the space you breathe</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">as you inhale.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I love weaving colors and images through the round bodies and straight lines that cling the notes to the staff. I love the small rest periods between sound and the memory of music held in the ear in the quiet.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I don't love frenetic music, chaos running up and down the piano or notes that don't piece together well. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I'm simple that way.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">When I look at the calendar, measures <b>racing</b> each other to the end of the music, I have an accelerated meter and a temptation to play ahead of the metronome</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">a need to be mindful that I could be rushing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;">And I am reminded to be a musician means I will play a page of melody, sometimes count many measures before wind blows through my flute, and then need more concentration and endurance to <b>race</b> with others through fast, full passages. There is always music to make.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;"><b>STOP</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 25px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">Joining the <b>race</b> with you today, Favored One. Let's make beautiful music together this day.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-85036522658844285432012-10-11T21:20:00.000-04:002012-10-11T21:24:04.384-04:00Grace for a Chicken<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRnPreEnmME/UHS03FxH30I/AAAAAAAABJk/qvIdVrCNRpQ/s1600/P1000307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DRnPreEnmME/UHS03FxH30I/AAAAAAAABJk/qvIdVrCNRpQ/s640/P1000307.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>This is a chicken.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>This is me, holding a chicken.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(I laugh when I'm nervous.)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUGMW8kYvPk/UHcm8o2t8YI/AAAAAAAABKk/1jtcw2H0Xj4/s1600/P1020214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUGMW8kYvPk/UHcm8o2t8YI/AAAAAAAABKk/1jtcw2H0Xj4/s640/P1020214.jpg" width="582" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b>This is me, the chicken.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I confessed to my husband last week when I picked him up from the airport.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I confessed I was nothing but a big, old chicken.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I confessed and watched a smile play with the corners of his mouth. He took me in his arms, right in front of the terminal and the taxi stands, and whispered into my hair, "You tried really, really hard not to be."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My man, "the chicken whisperer."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This past September 7th I sabotaged myself. I celebrated my birthday with the best gift I could think of, and to guarantee I wouldn't chicken out I made it a <a href="http://favored-one.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-birthday-to-me.html">public celebration</a>. I had no idea how hard it would be to go through with!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have carried and delivered four beautiful babies. I remember with our last son, Ken driving me to the hospital at 4:00 AM, my heart contracted between the contractions as I realized I <b>really, really </b>knew what the next steps looked like before I would hold Sam. I know, the final stages of labor and less than an hour before he was born, the process of delivering my fourth child shouldn't have been such a "no duh!" moment. I have to confess I was dreading the pain of the process.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last year I had surgery. It was a well-informed decision with an outcome that has dramatically improved my life. The process leading up to surgery in a foreign country, the actual event and following hospital stay, and even the recovery period required a firm stance and a vision that saw through and to the other side. I dreaded the process but was resolute.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have had my hair cut three times in the last four weeks. Finding a good hair-dresser is one of the many challenges we face in the military. A hairdresser and a dentist, that's all we ask references for. And maybe a piano teacher. The first hairdresser destroyed three inches of my margin. The second hairdresser identified that, then cut another three inches off, leaving me with this...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Seriously. Looks like safety scissor work, right?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's just hair. I <b>really, really</b> get that. And if you read my birthday story you know the main reason I wanted to stop coloring my hair was to use the money elsewhere. Two haircuts down and I was having to sit in another chair and hope, hope, hope this person knew what she was doing. This whole idea of not recognizing the person in the mirror has filled me with dread, not as great as surgery or childbirth, but enough to invade my dreams and have me ask God to please let me feel pretty when it's all over. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So I cried in Jenny's chair three times last week, when she said I was special. When she said I had touched her with my desire to help as many <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm">children</a> as I could instead of coloring my hair. I cried again, when I told her I really didn't want to be salt and pepper at my daughter's wedding next summer. A perfect stranger extended grace with hugs, a gentle hand on my shoulder, and she smoothed all those ruffled feathers right back down. Jenny had me write on a card a special price to fit my budget instead of the regular fee. A</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">nd as I paid for the third hair cut in four weeks, she whispered she wanted to know how she could help the children like I do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Favored One, I am a chicken. I guess you might think I failed. At least for now. But as I think on <a href="http://favored-one.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-birthday-to-me.html">Prottashi</a>, her sweet face framed in brown, I know if my birthday wish this year had not been to participate in rescuing her from poverty through sacrificing my own hair color, I would not have searched for her. One life redeemed? As the story's desire has spread, who knows how many more will whisper, "how can I help the children?"</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>As the rain and the snow</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>come down from heaven,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and do not return to it</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>without watering the earth</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and making it bud and flourish,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>so that it yields seed for the sower</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>so is my word that goes out from </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>my mouth:</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It will not return to me empty,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>but will accomplish what I desire</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.</i></b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Isaiah 55:10-11</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Grace for a chicken. That's all I'm in need of. Grace for a chicken. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></span><br />
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-60890865969776194322012-10-09T21:37:00.000-04:002012-10-09T22:09:38.479-04:0010 Things My #Allume Roomie Should Know About Me<br />
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<li><a href="http://allume.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://allume.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/attendee-badge2.jpg" /> </a></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last February, as I entered month two of 2012 and a specific prayer for God to clarify my purpose for writing and the venue to do it in, I purchased a ticket to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://allume.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"><b>Allume</b></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">. My biggest fan, my husband, told me I couldn't think my way through or out of it and pushed "submit" on the computer before I could chicken out! Last February I was going to this conference all by myself and completely unknown.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In 16 days I will drive to PA and step into a room filled with friends I've met these last several months through blogging and social media. Who knew the community this space could bring? I'm so excited!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Some attendees are having fun writing posts dedicated to our Allume roomies and linking to Brooke at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.brookemcglothlin.com/2012/10/10-things-my-allume-roomie-needs-to-know-about-me/" style="text-decoration: none;">Surprised by Life</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">and Stacy at</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://www.29lincolnavenue.com/2012/10/10-things-my-allume-roomie-might-want-to-know-about-me/" style="font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: large;">29 Lincoln Avenue</span></a>. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Some of these posts are hilarious, so you owe yourself a short coffee break and a chuckle or two. Go check some out!</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I am thrilled to be rooming with the lovely <a href="http://mandymianecki.com/" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Mandy Mianecki from Hearts Undaunted</a>. I did my best to assure her in our phone chat that I was not only "safe" but fun too! You're right, Mandy, I'm not an ax murderer! Mandy writes freedom words with whimsy and love, so go visit in her space for a bit of refreshment.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Here you go, Mandy, some <i>right-back-atcha </i>information about what to expect in sharing a weekend away with me.</span></span><br />
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I <b>will</b> get out of the car when I pick you up at the airport. And that means I <b>will</b> be in close enough proximity to give you a <b>big 'ol hug</b>. I placed this at the top of the list so you would have an opportunity to prepare your introverted self for a small personal bubble boundary breach.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">That said, I have plenty of introverted previous roomies who will attest to high comfort levels with me. I'm "friend" enough to let you be quiet, and "mom" enough to not let you freak out and hide. (I also have a bad habit of cleaning up the table before you're finished eating, so if I touch your food plate feel free to slap my hand.)</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">I'm a terrible sleeper. The drip in the sink - yep, I'll hear it. I blame years of sleeping with humidifiers in northern tier States for my need for white noise. I'll bring the sound machine, but promise to revert to earplugs if the sound of a waterfall makes you wake up disoriented, wondering if you're in Pennsylvania or at Niagara Falls and thinking you had maybe one too many cups of coffee last night.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;"><i>...sigh...</i>I want a hug from <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Ann</span></a> </span><span class="Apple-style-span">as well. Her book really reached through to my lonely heart in Germany and helped put my hand back in God's more firmly. I'm not a stalker (hey, <span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.amylearns.com/" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;">Amy</a>, you're a self-professed one and I'm hoping to tag along behind you a few times!) I never have been interested in autographs, but a hug from someone who became a friend through black and white ink and paper would certainly be nice. I'm sure she'd like to know we're friends, right?</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">I don't really do small talk. I mean, I am very skilled at drawing people into conversation about themselves. I can keep words bouncing through the air like a good game of hot potato, laughter and all. But if you want to <b>hear</b> me, then it will be <b>real</b> when I speak. Don't worry, that doesn't mean heavy all the time. Just from the heart.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">I'm coming to this shin-dig with no expectations. Heck, I just now figured out my ticket covered all of the meal expenses and I don't have to budget for food. (Yippee!) My purpose is to build relationships and learn the more technical aspects of blogging and social networking.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">I'm hoping you'll want to do a lot of this weekend together. I mean, I'm brave and will find a seat anywhere, but it's always nicer to have a friend at your side.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">These last few years I've had opportunities to travel several different times for a few days away from my family. I always expect God to meet me in the quiet and unfamiliar. I will be making time for Him to be present in the weekend.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Yes, I went to Catholic school K-5th grade. Sister Mary Charles scared me. Sister Bernadette gave me milk for my nickel. Sister Alice was strict. And Sister Marion Celeste was hard of hearing and would turn off the air conditioning in the Texas heat so she could hear. She was my favorite. And I loved them all. They let this little Protestant girl love Jesus madly, pray fervently, and stamp a little foot in protest of not being allowed to receive communion. St. Mary's was a haven for me.</span></span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">Can we talk pizza? You would not have convinced me before my last two years in Germany I could be a pizza-lover. A quick perusal of my photo albums and I guess a confession is in order ~ I do love pizza. (The extra 5 pounds I brought home to America attests as well.) And our perfectly matched answer to the pizza topping question cinched the roomie deal. Now when are we going to find time to host that Allume pizza party? We have to give people plenty of time to purchase the required chocolate entry fee! See you soon Mandy!</span></span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">Thanks for joining the fun today, Favored One! If you've seen me in action, feel free to add to the list with a comment. Just don't scare Mandy too much! </span></div>
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<br />Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-42233262237428290612012-10-05T12:32:00.000-04:002012-10-05T12:32:52.273-04:00Welcome - Five Minute Friday<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever been part of a small group?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A place where you are safe and can begin to be known?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Saying "yes" can be a vulnerable word,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">scary in the waiting space between </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">wondering if you'll be <b><i>welcome</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and resting in that <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i>.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am starting a journey into a new community</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">of women writing unrestrained words,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">freely scrawled across the page in five minutes flat!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is my third visit to <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/">Lisa Jo's</a> doorway,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and I have to admit it would be less intimidating</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">if I had ridden with a friend.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know from the past that walking through doorways</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">may take courage, but the friendship and love</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">inside the house is too sweet to keep me standing on</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i> matt.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Join us over at <a href="http://lisajobaker.com/2012/10/31-days-write-story-day-5-five-minute-friday-welcome/">Lisa Jo's House</a>?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She has a rockin' Five Minute Party every Friday!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And if you want to party too, here are the house rules:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em><br />3. <strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">In case you didn't catch on, today we're writing about <i style="font-weight: bold;">Welcome</i>. And finally, I'm setting my timer!</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><i>GO:</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">It seems I've been searching for <b><i>welcome </i> </b>behind each door since I was a very little girl.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">From the doors of my school and the classrooms with nuns.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">Through the many, many denominations of churches I tried to find home in, a little girl dropped off curbside and retrieved after service, depending the <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i> there sometimes missed as I hid in the bathroom feeling un<b>welcome</b><i>. </i>I've wondered my worth, standing outside of circles looking for the invisible door in ~ how does a circle hold the frame of a door?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">I used to think something was really wrong with me, this intense desire to be seen and known. I now know it's just part of my wiring. I was actually created for circles, just ones without doors. Circles of friendship and celebration, encouragement and weeping, without doors but always with <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i> to those brave enough to wear freedom as their name tag.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">And now I seek to extend this radical hospitality to everyone I meet. For in circles that sustain life <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i> is for everyone, no matter their story.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><b><i>STOP</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;">Thanks for visiting today, Favored One. You are <i style="font-weight: bold;">welcome</i> to feel at home.</span></span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-48343058872502771762012-10-02T07:54:00.001-04:002012-10-03T08:57:57.437-04:00This Crazy-Necessary-Dangerous-Heart~Breaking Thing We Do<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Dear Military Wife,</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Hello, Sister.</i></b> I am so glad to call you friend, you who understands this wandering life of service. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Are you new to those rows of hanging ABU's and steel-toed boots standing at attention in your closet? Have you just said goodbye to Oklahoma, holding your Airman's hand tight as you wave goodbye to mama for the first time towards forever?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Or are your hands dry from packing paper and household cleaners, you who scrub down the walls of your heart every few years and struggle to find the perfect grouping of framed memories to keep those you love fully present wherever home is today?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today we name it, this <b><i>crazy-necessary-dangerous-heart~breaking </i></b>thing we do. We say it out-loud and destroy the power silence has to convince us we are alone. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ken and I are not home-owners. We never have been. We've been moving since 1989, and truthfully we've never known where we might want to settle when these Air Force days are over. Always, during the unpacking and setting up of home, my thoughts turn to how I would do all of "this" - moving furniture, hanging pictures, setting up electronics - without Ken. Then when the final picture is hung, I wonder how I would fill all of those holes without him? And fear lurks just over my shoulder, familiar in his new-home welcome visit. With Ken gone there are holes that will never be filled.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have learned through the years of moving to recognize fear and give him his proper place. He is only a motivator for making a new plan, then I show him the door and invite him to leave. I have moved enough times now that I usually don't open the door to his knocking. I can make a plan without him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You know your thoughts wander here too. Whether it's during PCS season, or while he's deployed. When your teaching certificate is tucked in a drawer and you sell lotion at the store, or your teenager said goodbye to the girl he loves two moves ago. <b><i>Where do I begin to live if I have to live without him?</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It's crazy</i></b> ~ we aren't wives with homes and communities, time in one place spreading the roots deep and wide. I know they have other things that cause fear to knock on their doors, but I wonder how often settled wives imagine the knock from men in blue and where, just where they will move when the 180 days of BHA is spent?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>It's necessary</i></b> ~ I want to plan what is best for our family with the man who has dreamed and worked it with me. He, who has devoted his life to our protection, welfare, and security, is the one whose strength I want to lean on if I can no longer lean into his arms.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><i>It's dangerous </i></b>~ fear wants a room of his own. Planning details of where to settle are as important as making a will, but plans fueled by fear will turn into walking nightmares. No matter how many times these conversations are had, the day will be weary and sad and your thoughts will slip away to "what if's". Don't let fear lay a heavy lead blanket around your shoulders, Favored Military Wife. Everything beyond the plan is just vain imaginings. God is <b style="font-style: italic;">able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine</b><b style="font-style: italic;"> </b></span><i>Eph. 3:20 </i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i> </i>Might I suggest you kick fear out now?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">It's heart-breaking</i> ~ I stood by my husband last week as he buried a co-worker. I have been his helper through many funerals and memorials, but never have I stood grave-side, heat radiating through his service dress as I braced my back against the wall of his chest, and watched the honor guard fold the flag above the casket of one of USA's men of honor. Never before have I braced against the crack of a 21-gun salute, my ears screaming at the insult those shots perpetrated against the reverent silence that moment demanded.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">But it was the general's bent knees to the ground, placing the three-sided symbol of One Nation Under God in her lap and whispering, oh such a long time of whispering gratitude and comfort to the <i style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Military Wife</i> that undid me. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Military Wife. Hello, Sister.</i> There now. It's out in the open. You are not alone. It is so good to make a plan. God and your husband know you are a creature who desires security. Have your talks and remember to laugh while you do, because your man is right there making them with you. Lock them up in your fire box, in the file directly behind the wills. And now push fear out the door, turn on the music, and dance with that man, combat boots and all.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Dear Favored One,</i> if this is not your world I know it is for someone you love. Remind her she's not alone. She's really good at going deep pretty fast - we don't have time to wade into friendship. It's usually a big jump off the high-dive. You will be surprised at what seeing her will mean to your friendship. And she'll be pretty good at listening to your named fears as well. None of us are alone. We need to remind each other of that. And then help each other kick fear to the curb.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. </i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>John 14:27</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Linking at these pages of Grace:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2012/10/advice-for-new-bride-and-titus-2sday.html"></a><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a> </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/2012/10/advice-for-new-bride-and-titus-2sday.html">Time Warp Wife</a>, <a href="http://www.findingheaventoday.com/2012/10/i-had-catchy-title-butand-soli-deo.html">Finding Heaven</a>, <a href="http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2012/10/sazi-team-is-off.html">A Pause On the Path</a></i></span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-13225739878716328012012-09-29T11:29:00.000-04:002012-09-29T11:29:48.831-04:00Where to Rest This Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">October has not dawned yet and I am weary from coloring in my calendar. There are so many bright colors, like family visits and a year-long anticipated gathering at <a href="http://allume.com/">Allume</a>. But I am just a girl, even more so as the years slip by, who needs margin in my life. And there is not much white space in October. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Where to find rest when there is little white space? My soul has been singing this melody through all my moments for about a week now. It is a lovely song to rest in. For your weekend and just for your colored-in or white spaces, Favored One, Bless the Lord.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Take this day's life into Your own keeping.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Control all my thoughts and feelings.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Direct all my energies.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Instruct my mind.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sustain my will.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Take my hands and</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">make them skillful to serve You.</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Take my feet and</span></i></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">make them swift to do Your bidding.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Take my eyes and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>keep them fixed upon Your everlasting beauty.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Take my mouth and</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>make it eloquent in testimony to Your love.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Make this day a day of obedience,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>a day of spiritual joy and peace.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Make this day's work</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>a little part of the work of the Kingdom</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>of my Lord Jesus Christ,</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>in whose name these my prayers are said.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Amen.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>John Baillie</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Blessings this weekend, Favored One. You are loved.</span></div>
<br />Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-17675094095212874642012-09-28T09:17:00.000-04:002012-09-28T09:25:54.118-04:00Grasp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsYlJyXmNIs/UGWenKFM65I/AAAAAAAABGQ/NygDt3KCvOE/s1600/P1070506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xsYlJyXmNIs/UGWenKFM65I/AAAAAAAABGQ/NygDt3KCvOE/s640/P1070506.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"and I pray that you being rooted and established in love,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>may have power,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>together with all the saints,</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">grasp</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">how wide</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and long </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and high</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and deep</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> is the love of Christ" </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Ephesians 3:17,18</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>GO</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm a cheater.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is my third attempt today to write from a place of freedom.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is my third Friday to attempt five minutes of freedom.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is the third day I have ended with nothing but white.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So this is the day I will grasp hold of His promises more tightly.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That His love is wide enough to catch me every time I fall.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That His love is long enough to draw me back from whatever corner I have fled to, whatever memory of who I fear I might be but am not.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That His love is high enough to lift me above my desire to protect myself, high enough to remind me I belong with Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That His love is deep enough to really know me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">That I do not go before God to hear Jesus' prosecuting justice, but His love plead for me.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't mind grasping while I climb as long as I cling to what I have been rooted and established in ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the love of Christ.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>STOP</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><a href="http://lisajobaker.com/five-minute-friday/" title="Five Minute Friday"><img alt="Five Minute Friday" src="http://lisajobaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/5minutefriday.jpg" style="border: none;" title="Five Minute Friday" /></a></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Beginning the practice of 5 minutes of freedom from trying to please you or anyone else! : ) Grateful to be joining the community at the gypsymama!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #555555; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 25px;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.<br />2. Link back here and invite others to join in.<strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em><br />3. <strong style="font-weight: bold;"><em>And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community.</em></strong>.</em></strong></span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-3478363649702617202012-09-25T16:48:00.000-04:002012-09-26T07:51:54.761-04:00Dear Sponsor Lady<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Dv7jzEOBw/UGIKgu5iieI/AAAAAAAABFo/kKCghxTw4Ko/s1600/GU4450137-Fullshot-200w.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I0Dv7jzEOBw/UGIKgu5iieI/AAAAAAAABFo/kKCghxTw4Ko/s400/GU4450137-Fullshot-200w.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/child-biography.htm?needKey=GU4450137">Will you help me?</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Dear Sponsor Lady,</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hi! I am friends with Willy and Cristhofer and they thought you might be able to help me. I was hoping one of your friends might want to be my friend too? I made sure that I looked as good as I could when they took my picture. Do you see how tall I stood? I even tried to clean up my shoes, which was hard because I wear them to carry firewood and water every day. Do you think I look the right way for someone to want me?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My papa and mama are still married and that makes me happy. One of my friends is worried because he thinks his<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">mom might leave their house.</span> He has three sisters and his grandpa, grandma, and his uncle and aunt live with them. It is a small house, just like mine, with concrete floors and brick walls, but that's a lot of people in there, and I guess mamas just have too much to do sometimes. My friend told me he heard her say she had had enough. He told me he asked you <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">to pray for his mom</span> and he said you really care about him, so I believe you prayed!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am happy my parents are together, but they do fight a lot. My mama stays home and I get to help her take care of my siblings when I'm not carrying firewood or water. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">It scares me when my parents fight. </span>I don't know if someday my mama will have too much to do, and had enough, and want to leave me. My papa works hard in a factory, but I hear them when they fight because it is so loud and scary. It is always about money. We don't ever have enough. My papa works hard, but sometimes there just isn't any work to do.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My friend Cristhofer likes to help his mom with the fire while she cooks. Me, too! I work very hard, so if you have a friend who might want to sponsor me I promise I will work hard in school. I don't think I am very smart. My papa says that sometimes, but I know he loves me. He says that when he comes home looking so sad that he is angry. But if I could go to school I know that I would work hard. Cristhofer says it is good to be together at the center. There are many boys who are together in our village that are not nice boys. The pastor at the center said they are <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">gangs, so violence has increased lately very much. He said it is because so many papas and mamas struggle to stay together that the older boys just form a gang because they have been forsaken.</span> I don't know what all of that really means, but Cristhofer told me <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">some classmates hurt his head. He also told me you prayed for him.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He has shown me the letters you send. You look like a very happy family. I love the pictures you sent him, and sometimes I pretend that you are my sponsor. I really can be as nice and good as Cristhofer. He said one of the staff members read your last one to him and you told him you pray for him to become friends with the other boys you sponsor. He said that you want him to walk with wise boys and take care of each other. He and Willy, and their friends Mario, Jorge, and Moises, want me to be in their group. He said it is not a gang, because those are mean boys, but kind of like we can be brothers for each other. Brothers look out for each other. So far we have played ball, hide and seek, and cars. They tell me they love you very much. Sponsor Lady, could you please help me find someone to love like this?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am happy that I have friends. Willy shared some stickers with me that you sent. He told me you sent an extra Christmas gift and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">he received a t-shirt, a pair of jeans, and his favorite part of the present were the toy cars, the grapes and the apples.</span> I love grapes. I only had them one time, but they were wonderful! We usually only have <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">maize, beans, bananas, chicken, bread, and rice.</span> Grapes are very special. I hope I have a sponsor before Christmas so that maybe this year I can have a special present. I have been waiting forever! Okay, not forever, but six months seems like forever when you are seven years old!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, dear Sponsor Lady, can you help me? I want to know that someone cares about me and that I can be special too. Do you think maybe if you can't find a sponsor for me, that you could write to me sometime? It would make me so happy to get a letter on mail day, like Willy and Cristhofer. And would you mind saying a prayer for me? I want to grow up big and strong and see my mama and papa happy. I would like to learn more about Jesus too. The pastor at the center said Jesus said, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them"</span> and that he loves me. Maybe Jesus will help me find a sponsor friend. That will make my heart very happy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thank you, Sponsor Lady. And may Jesus bless you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I say goodbye with lots of love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sincerely,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jairon Daniel Leiva Mendez</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3e3e3e;">(Dearest Favored One ~ as a final Compassion Blogger assignment I have written you a letter from the eyes of a child in poverty, hope-filled that someone will let him know how valuable he is. It was a preposterous assignment. Who am I to attempt to write through the lens of abject poverty? The best glimpses I could give </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">are written in red, the phrases cut from letters my sponsor children have sent me. </span>Jairon and our five Guatemala boys are not from the same center and don't know each other. I was simply asked to write a letter and I found a child who needs to be sponsored. Everything written about Jairon is fiction and pieced together from general knowledge of life for these families. As of last Friday, we were at 2,006 new sponsorships this month. We have one week left to give 1,102 more children the gift of being sponsored this month. Won't you consider sponsoring Jairon? <b>My promise to you is you will receive so much more from his sweet little heart than your $38 monthly sacrifice can cover.</b>)</span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">Favored One, this Sponsor Lady was asked to help Jairon find a friend he can love. Will you be that friend? Click on the <i><b>Will you help me?</b> </i>link under his picture above. If some blessed person has already adopted him, you will certainly find another child just as happy to get to be part of your life. Click away, Favored One.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 22px; line-height: 28px;">Please leave me a comment. I want to celebrate your joy with you! And if you have been touched, please share this with someone else.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i>Linking today with kind friends ~</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 28px;"><i><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></i></span></span><br />
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-3827262658347917922012-09-18T16:51:00.001-04:002012-09-18T16:55:12.616-04:00Pin It against Poverty?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<img src="http://lamesocial.com/_ping.php" width="0" height="0" /><a href=http://www.i-phonecasino.co.uk>iphone casino</a><embed src="http://pinterestbuttons.net/icons/pin/4.swf" flashvars="name=" quality="high" wmode="transparent" width="120" height="120" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always"></embed></object></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><a href="http://pinterest.com/about/">PINTEREST</a></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Hello Favored One!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Do you pin? If you don't know what I mean by that then take a moment and create a <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest account</a>. I'll wait. Seriously, go on and I'll see you in a minute. And, you're welcome. Pinterest is a lot of fun!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This week <a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/default.htm">Compassion International</a> is having a <a href="http://blog.compassion.com/my-sponsored-child-pinterest-contest/">My Sponsored Child Pinterest Contest</a>. It's as simple as creating a board for your sponsored child, pinning photos or letters, and anything else you want that is relevant to your sponsored child of Compassion. But for specific details I have one more link for you (phew!) Just click <a href="http://blog.compassion.com/my-sponsored-child-pinterest-contest/">here</a>!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The Pinterest contest is a fun, creative way for you to share your heart for children in poverty and bless little ones in need. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You'll find <a href="http://pinterest.com/tobibenton/">me</a> there. And you can meet my kids on my board. Leave me a comment so I can meet your kids as well! Pin away, Favored One!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.compassion.com/my-sponsored-child" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #003eb1; font-size: 12px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><img alt="pinterest contest" class="size-full wp-image-39354" height="640" src="http://www.compassionimages.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/my-sponsored-child-pinterest-contest-pinnable.jpeg" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; display: block; font-size: 12px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; margin-top: 5px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;" title="" width="336" /></a></span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-1880695241421377932012-09-18T10:25:00.006-04:002012-09-19T14:55:18.477-04:00Running in the Rain<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHl25wGQKzw/UFh2cXee0GI/AAAAAAAABE4/6u17EyQtn1Y/s1600/3032118752_335f3f6ca2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHl25wGQKzw/UFh2cXee0GI/AAAAAAAABE4/6u17EyQtn1Y/s640/3032118752_335f3f6ca2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lecates/3032118752/">photo credit</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you wake up to rain today?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you look through the windows, decide you simply couldn't lace up your shoes, pull tight your hood and run in the rain?</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDk5_LjWVME/UFh2b8rls7I/AAAAAAAABEw/dkn_b0URiBI/s1600/2501775595_b50843b601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tDk5_LjWVME/UFh2b8rls7I/AAAAAAAABEw/dkn_b0URiBI/s640/2501775595_b50843b601.jpg" width="474" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/megyarsh/2501775595/"> photo credit</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you have a difficult time forgetting yesterday's goal you only finished half-way?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you think today's goal could be completed if you simply didn't have one at all?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you remember the races you ran in years past, the miles you conquered, and wonder how you arrived in today unable to run a mile? Did you let what you could do at 20, 30, or 40, determine what you should do today?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Some days are just hard to muster what it takes to run in the rain. But we were all created to run. We all have a path filled with opportunity, adventure, and promise. Hope.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Might I encourage you, Favored One, from the diary pages of John Wesley?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday Morning, May 5.</b> Preached in St. Ann's. Was asked not to come back anymore.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday p.m., May 5.</b> Preached at St. John's. Deacons said "Get out and stay out."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday a.m., May 12.</b> Preached at St. Jude's. Can't go back there either.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday p.m., May 12.</b> Preached at St. George's. Kicked out again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday a.m., May 19.</b> Preached at St. somebody else's.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday p.m., May 19.</b> Preached on the street. Kicked off the street.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday a.m., May 26.</b> Preached in meadow, chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during the service.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday a.m., June 2,</b> afternoon service. Preached out at the edge of town, kicked off the highway.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday p.m., June 2,</b> afternoon service. Preached in a pasture, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>10,000 people came to hear me.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Laugh out-loud, Favored One, go ahead! Laugh with tears in your eyes about how tempted you are to carry defeat in your backpack because you aren't perfect. Laugh when you preach at St. somebody else's and are told you can't return. You have a race. You have a field of spectators. Don't be burdened by this. They might cheer when you race ahead. They might cheer when you fall and rise again. They will watch because they know there is a finish line for each one of us. Laugh out-loud when the bull is released to chase you from the field. Laugh, and RUN! </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Don't carry </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">who you used to be,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">wish you could be, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">believe you can never be,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> on your back. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Did you wake up to rain today?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know it is hard. But I'm for you! I'm such a small voice though. Who you need, as you reach for those shoes and tie up the laces, is the One who began and finished the race we're in. 10,000 and 10,000's came to hear, and their voices join mine. Run, Favored One, run!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra6pm5ywrpM/UFh2czfFHGI/AAAAAAAABFA/jiwHvTmqI1A/s1600/3437460040_86b16d8273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ra6pm5ywrpM/UFh2czfFHGI/AAAAAAAABFA/jiwHvTmqI1A/s640/3437460040_86b16d8273.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jasonnunez/3437460040/"> photo credit</a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Do you see what this means - all these pioneers who blazed the way, all these veterans cheering us on? It means we'd better get on with it. Strip down, start running - and never quit! No extra spiritual fat, no parasitic sins. Keep your eyes on Jesus, who both began and finished this race we're in. Study how he did it. Because he never lost sight of where he was headed - that exhilarating finish in and with God - he could put up with anything along the way: cross, shame, whatever. And now he's there, in the place of honor, right alongside God. When you find yourselves flagging in your faith, go over the story again, item by item, that long litany of hostility he plowed through. That will shoot adrenaline into your souls. Hebrews 12:1-3 The Message</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linking with these Spaces of Encouragement:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.shandaoakleyinspires.com/2012/09/letting-go-oyht-link-open.html">A Pause on the Path</a></span><br />
<a href="http://eileenknowles.com/">The Scenic Route</a><br />
<a href="http://www.time-warp-wife.blogspot.com/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ij6epohaF0o/T4OB2ZqKG_I/AAAAAAAADN0/g8S45WNKTb8/s1600/TuesdaysButton.jpg" /></a> <a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" height="130" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH.png" width="130" /></a><br />
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</aside><aside class="widget widget_text" id="text-6" style="clear: both; display: block; margin-bottom: 2.2em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></aside>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-10149283004035104392012-09-16T08:57:00.003-04:002012-09-16T13:40:42.987-04:00Free<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNPvkzOFHiQ/UFXBTOiy5vI/AAAAAAAABEI/SbMoLvgnPA8/s1600/2678304391_143069c67b-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNPvkzOFHiQ/UFXBTOiy5vI/AAAAAAAABEI/SbMoLvgnPA8/s640/2678304391_143069c67b-1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikebaird/2678304391/in/photostream/">photo credit</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dear Friend,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am so glad you came and stayed awhile. Laughter and tears are beautiful companions for those who are learning to be seen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What I speak to you, this is from a place of knowing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A healing heart who puts on reading glasses to see His word and takes off worldly glasses to see His children. I told you <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Good-Girl-Letting-Try-Hard/dp/0800719840">Emily</a> said children are great recorders but terrible interpreters. Don't all families of origin add links of pain to the chain?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dear friend, He wants to release you completely from your past.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He wants you free from torment. He wants you released to love completely. Not from brokenness or pain, but from His wholeness.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He wants peace for your soul ~ days when you never once think on the past but live in the present. His presence.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He wants you to put down the incapacitating fear you will wound your child. You will, and yourself in the process. You will fail as a mother. But He will never fail as a Father.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He wants you to fight against the diagnosis the enemy whispers in your ear. He wants you to stop listening to the enemy point out which body parts were shot off in the battle. Stop lying pinned to your bed with images of what you should be able to do but were robbed from. It is a lie, clothed in sorrow and compassion, that there is an image of wholeness we deserve from one another. Our whole image is seen only in Christ.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He wants you to know you are so much stronger than you have believed, not the desperate strength you have relied on to survive, but His strength untapped inside. He wants you to believe </span><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. </i>Romans 8:37<i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Little girls should be protected. Little girls should be delighted in. Little girls should be told how beautiful they are. Little girls should know they are enough. And mothers were little girls first. And link after link, the chain grows desperately long, and little voices cry out for rescue.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">He wants you to know </span><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. </i>Galatians 5:1</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. </i>Colossians 1:13</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We have been rescued and redeemed. He whispers we are protected, delighted in and beautiful. We are enough. And our redemption is forgiveness of sins. Not only ours, but those that branded our hearts and taught us we have only ourselves to trust. He wants us to know we are free. I know, because as I keep living into this freedom all I really see are the little girls. Some are still tiny. Others wear crowns of gray. And all I really want to do is wrap my arms around them, or cup their faces with my hands and look deep into their eyes and whisper, "All you <b><i>should have been</i></b> was a little girl. Protected, delighted in, and loved." Every mamma was a little girl, and rare are the beauties who had these words whispered into their hearts.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #181818; font-family: georgia, serif; line-height: 18px;"><i>“If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.” </i></span>― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2697.Henry_Wadsworth_Longfellow" style="color: #666600; text-decoration: none;">Henry Wadsworth Longfellow</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Dear Favored One, see the little girls. It is for freedom that Christ has set you free. And because of His love you have been redeemed, the forgiveness of sin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Love you, friend. So glad you shared my home and my heart. </span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-72372530957555440802012-09-12T17:12:00.000-04:002012-09-12T17:12:00.247-04:00About Figs<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">This is a re-tooled post from the archives, one of best lessons I am still learning.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When they had all had enough to eat, he said to the disciples,</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i> John 6:12</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had been reading in John, sitting on my deck under the broad, shady leaves of my fig tree when I realized I was sitting in a analogy - a visual, tactile, sticky-sweet smelling image of what Jesus meant by "let nothing be wasted." </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had just read the miracle of the feeding of the 5000, ending with the collection of left-over bread.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333233; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333233; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333233; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333233; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Mark 6:43 </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bread was a gift from God. In Hebrew, the word for bread, lechem, can also mean food in general. Lechem represents not only all food but God's sustenance as a whole. In a Jewish home it is required what falls to the floor be picked up and</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> left over bread never be discarded. Doing so shows ingratitude for God's gracious provision. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Understanding lechem broadens our understanding of Jesus as complete sustenance for all. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What does lechem have to do with a fig tree? </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Before the fruit of the fig tree ripened, sitting beneath those leaves was my favorite place to read, talk to loved ones on the phone, and laugh with the family over a meal followed by s'mores. But then the fruit ripened.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A fig tree bears no fruit for the first three years. With proper care and in the right region, a mature tree will produce figs 10 months out of the year. Our backyard</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> tree was definitely more than three years old. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sitting beneath a fig tree bearing fruit provides either a great experience in harvesting or a sad reminder of what waste brings. </span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">From the moment the figs ripened and started "plopping" onto my deck they reminded me of little baby birds pushed from the nest. In addition, as they ripened the skin of the figs split and a host of flies and bees feasted on the fruit through the cracks. These figs were full of flavor and nutritional benefit, but I had to do some serious mental gymnastics to pop one in my mouth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ken liked the figs. I would make an effort to pick some from the tree each day for him, but the rest? Well, the mess on the deck was such a nuisance I hosed the deck off daily with a power sprayer. Figs surfed the deck to the edge, then over to be hidden in the ground cover. The harvest out of sight and out of mind. Eventually there were so many bees I didn't climb into the tree to pluck the daily few for Ken. I was too afraid harvesting might get me stung.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Let nothing be wasted.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How often do I choose not to harvest the fruit of God's labor because I don't like the way it looks? </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In more relational terms - how often do I walk past a person because they remind me of someone else? </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Because they need me more than I am willing to give of myself? </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Because they smell? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The sweetness of figs begins to stink.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">An unharvested tree brings flies. Hundreds of them.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Bees will sting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I've learned some things from that fig tree, not from the satisfaction of a job well-done, but from the sadness of witnessing waste. </span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harvesting is hard work. With a tree that bears fruit ten months out of twelve, the job seems like it will never be finished. What truth, this job God offers will last a man a life-time. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Harvesting might mean getting stung a few times. We live to survive the stings of misunderstandings, unforgiveness, selfishness, false accusations - those we mete out and those we receive. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In the grand scheme of things, getting stung is a minor nuisance.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In God's economy there is no waste. Even the pieces are gathered, that nothing be wasted. </span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I must judge my attitudes and actions towards others, careful to offer words of encouragement, love, and hope.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These are the tools of the harvester who reaps the fruit of God's labor. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to this disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. Matthew 9:36-38</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">God's laborers are not volunteers showing up to do good works we think will help God.</span></span><br />
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We are chosen, authorized, and sent by God through Christ.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers..." </span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Favored One, may we be joyful harvesters</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">.</span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-6578185354259229882012-09-11T08:13:00.004-04:002012-09-11T11:43:33.085-04:00Just For Fun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Earlier this month my new friend <a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/">Jenni</a> nominated me for the Leibster Award. It was such a surprise and I'm so pleased she thought of me when sharing the love!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>What is the Liebster Award?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The German word Liebster (pronounced LEEB-ster) means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcoming. The Liebster Award is given to upcoming bloggers who have less than 200 followers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Rules for receiving this award:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Each person must post 11 things about themselves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. Then answer the questions the tagger sent for them, plus create 11 questions for the people they've tagged to answer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Notify the people you have tagged.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5. No tag backs.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Just for fun? 11 random facts about me, in no particular order:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1. I can tell when covers aren't square on the bed, even if it's just off by an inch. My husband is a patient man.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2. I have dog ears, which means I'm frequently heard saying "would you mind turning it down?" Again, the patient man. This has benefitted me in parenting though! ; )</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. One of my favorite things is scrambling eggs for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/casf.uso">Wounded Warriors</a>. I really miss cooking with my friends and serving our wounded military transitioning back from down-range for medical care.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4. I've taught flute lessons to college students and "There's a Dinosaur Knocking At My Door" to Kindergartners.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">5. I'm really playful, which is cleverly disguised behind all the contemplative words here at Favored One.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">6. I haven't finished my degree. We moved to Germany and I studied a semester or two here and there, depending where here was. I studied flute everywhere we lived though. I need a small loan to pay for transcript requests. 5 schools to date. Maybe someday I'll enter a season when it is right to return, not for music performance but for something like counseling. I no longer feel less-than because I don't have a degree.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">7. When I stood on the shore of the Sea of Galilee I could actually see Jesus standing knee deep in the water, splashing and laughing with his friends. This image of friendship so full of life is what I try to produce in my own life with others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">8. I can't help myself from touching the hair or the cheek of a child.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">9. I'm an extrovert. And I listen deep. A friend told me I was quite unnerving, like I could see right through to his inside. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">10. I've called myself a "closet Christian" many times...and always in the company of other Christians, not non-believers. I have many friends who know I love Jesus and want to be part of my life even though they don't follow Him. Odd that I often have more freedom to live out my love for Him in their company than within my own Church family.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">11. When it comes to politics I'd rather have a conversation with a European over an American any day. I like that they can disagree on positions, then wrap up the conversation and go have a beer. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And now, <a href="http://blog.jennimullinix.com/">Jenni's</a> questions to me:</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. What is your greatest fear?</b> Not pleasing people. I'm recovering from this, but most of my fear-born reactions are from this.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Describe yourself in three words.</b> Kind, Engaging, Passionate</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. What is your favorite passage of Scripture (verse or book)? </b><i>I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.</i> Galatians 2:20</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Name something that's on your bucket list.</b> Someday my husband and I will spend each day beside children and their families. The career we're waiting to begin upon his AF retirement.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Describe what a perfect day would look like to you.</b> A cup of good coffee as the sun rises; family and friends around the table for good food; talking about the things of life that really matter; a quiet walk through fields; laughter. Lots and lots of laughter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>6. What is your favorite color?</b> Mine is a palette, not color. Anything earthy and natural: deep reds, golds, blues...I wear a lot of black and gray with jewel tone accents.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>7. Share a brief testimony of how God is working in your life. </b><a href="http://favored-one.blogspot.com/2012/09/happy-birthday-to-me.html">Start here and move back through the posts!</a> It will save space and redundancy! : )</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>8. What is your favorite snack?</b> I'm found quite regularly with a small stash of nuts ~ walnuts are my favorite.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>9. If you could live anywhere, where would that be?</b> This will always be answered with a place where I'm surrounded with family and friends. After TX, GA, Germany, ND, WY, UT, and VA, I'd say that can be anywhere you look for it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>10. Name five things that make you smile. </b>My husband singing "Chantilly Lace" to me - gets me every time, my children and talking in British accents, human beings and how odd we are, surprises, worshiping God</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>11. Why do you write?</b> Because it consumes me. And it's my way of reaching out to touch you. Touch your hair and stroke your cheek.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>And the award goes to...</b>(in no particular order)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://abecominglife.blogspot.com/">A Becoming Life</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://liechtyletters.blogspot.com/">As Far As The East Is From The West</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://wordsfromthehomefront.com/">Words From The Homefront</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.taytalk.com/">God Talk</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.mmgill.com/">MMGill</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://sarahchilcote.wordpress.com/">Sarah Chilcote</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://ourwrightingpad.blogspot.com/">Our Wrighting Pad</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://cherubmamma.blogspot.com/">Cherub Mamma</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>My questions for you are the same:</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1. What is your greatest fear?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2. Describe yourself in three words.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. What is your favorite passage of Scripture?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4. Name something that's on your bucket list.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">5. Describe what a perfect day would look like for you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">6. What is your favorite color?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">7. Share a brief testimony of how God is working in your life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">8. What is your favorite snack?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">9. If you could live anywhere, where would that be?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">10. Name five things that make you smile.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">11. Why do you write?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I can't wait to learn more about you, Favored One!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Hip Homeschool Hop Button" height="130" src="http://www.hiphomeschoolmoms.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/HHH.png" width="130" /></a> </span></div>
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</span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-87059956020080025532012-09-10T21:54:00.001-04:002012-09-10T22:00:19.710-04:00Dear God<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Dear God,</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I guess it is no surprise to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>You</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, that I love children so much.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, the little girl practicing giving babies a bath in the sink, testing the water with my elbow, wrapping the towel just right over the dripping rubber body of Baby Tender Love.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, the second grader who took a baby doll wrapped in blankets into the restaurant with a little friend, both of us hoping the grown-ups would believe we were big enough to be responsible for holding real bundles of life.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, who never really settled on just the right thing to be when I grew up ~ for who can choose between flutist and teaching, therapist or pastor?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, who married before finishing college and asked my husband on our honeymoon if we could have Emily at the beginning of us. At the beginning of us could we begin the family we were to grow into?</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Somewhere along the way, with two in double-digits and two just past diapers, </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> realizing it was </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> who shaped my heart to love children ~ </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and that was either the greatest occupation, or no occupation at all but a calling.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>You, always growing me into the fullness of my dreams ~ </b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>wife and mom.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, who split my heart at the seams to increase my capacity to love. Split so wide, barely mended before stretched again, joy and ache spilling over.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Dear God,</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Each year, we Benton six lean against the kitchen counter, strips of paper marked with our names to decide the Christmas love-letter exchange, children hopeful to draw mom or dad's name ~ could we be this honored? We, those baby parents in whose hands </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> placed your heart four times? And those little ones, they laugh and ask why we don't throw our doors open wide so other children can live in this home.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, wife and mom all growing up,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and a home where love is practiced and practiced,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">played and cried,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sung, danced, and yelled at,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">then held close through each day, </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">never resting until circles are closed,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> always finding </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How many more children can this home hold? </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Dear God,</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, I'm not enough for even the four </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> gave me. Not nearly, ever, hardly, remotely enough. And then </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> asked their real parents, those whose feet are caught in the hardened concrete of poverty and despair, </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> asked they lay down pride and share their children with the wealthy woman who has always been able to feed and clothe her children.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Me</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">, this wealthy woman who walks clean concrete paths and puts pictures on her refrigerator to remember the outlines of their faces, the curve of their smile ~ I'm not nearly enough for what </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> have given me.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>My inheritance, Lord? </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Faces. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Faces of those I have become less for, that </span><b style="font-size: xx-large;">You</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> may increase in every way.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fill this wealthy woman's refrigerator with faces.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And continue growing faithfulness in me, that I will offer them more love letters.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b style="font-size: xx-large;">Dear God</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>I love You.</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Favored One, my Compassion International assignment today was to write to God. Might I encourage you to write a letter today as well? And while I'm at it, would you please consider sharing this post with others?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> Because who doesn't want more love letters in their lives?</span></span></span></i></span><br />
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 25px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gXfoBvdTPFE/Tvqb_nORFGI/AAAAAAAACpg/FW-NrERTgpc/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a></span></span></span></i></span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-45450138080587503242012-09-07T11:44:00.001-04:002012-09-10T14:30:59.952-04:00Happy Birthday to Me!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXnwvcypm4w/T2dHjrzaH8I/AAAAAAAAAig/mx19ddIYbwM/s1600/P1000369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gXnwvcypm4w/T2dHjrzaH8I/AAAAAAAAAig/mx19ddIYbwM/s640/P1000369.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't want a cake today. Or a fancy dinner out. I'm sitting at my desk with sunlight streaming across it, sipping the cup of coffee my husband made for me before heading out to work. I am more than content with celebrating my life today by simply looking at the blessings God has made from it.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For my 44th birthday I am gifting myself with a make-over. I am thrilled to see the final result, but I have to admit I'm also nervous about the process. You see, I have decided to remove the mask of brown hair dye and be beautiful the way God has designed me to be at just this age. I've been thinking about this for a long time now, probably two years or more. But recently, as my appointments have moved closer together on the calendar, I've been unable to stop myself from seeing the big pile of money stacking up on the annual table with each salon visit. And before you think I could just use a box ~ I can't. My hair requires a double-dosing of professional strength products and extra time under the heat lamp. I'm special that way! It's not that I think there's anything wrong with coloring my hair. No, it's not about right or wrong, righteousness or sin. I just can't help thinking how much <i style="font-weight: bold;">more</i> I want to do with that money than paint my head.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then there's the approach of the day when people will stop saying I'm too young to have four children. Too young to be the mother of a 22 year-old. That my daughter and I must be sisters. As I blush with embarrassment each time, and I try to respond with grace, I also wonder how these kind words from others are painting my identity and self-worth. I try not to, but I am afraid each compliment adds another layer to my pride. I mention my kids in conversation and then in the pause I wait for the inevitable. "You look <i style="font-weight: bold;">so</i> young!" Who will look out at me from the mirror the day all of that is stripped away? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just had my hair colored two days ago. I wish I hadn't. I'm going to <a href="http://allume.com/">Allume</a> the end of October, meeting lovely new friends for the first time in person, and now I'm wrestling with coloring one more time or going with hair that is grown out two inches. If I had made this decision just two days ago I would have had enough grow-out to cut my hair before this event. I'm dreading the cut. I wish I could just say "yes" God and wake up without any dye. Cutting off my hair will take courage. But it will also be symbolic of cutting away something that is not really my true identity. God is like that, cutting away things that keep us from seeing who we are in him. I'm leaning towards going with the grow-out. If my real hair is as platinum as I think it is (and my hairdressers have told me) then I can just see it as a crown? A beautiful, shiny crown?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I wrestled last night with this decision because I saw individual faces and had imaginary conversations about my new look. But this morning I unwrapped the birthday present God gave me for being brave enough to be me. As I studied my daily Psalm this is what He said through the writing of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Praying-Psalms-Daily-Prayers-Reflections/dp/006066567X/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347030270&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=praying+with+psalms+eugene+peterson+kindle">Eugene Peterson</a>.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>"Let them curse, but you will bless. Let my assailants be put to shame; may your servant be glad." Psalm 109:28</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I've always seen this as battle against enemies. But today I realized it's still the same battle against pride. Always pride. And Eugene spoke words against my fear and confirmed my battle stance is secure:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b style="font-size: x-large; font-style: italic;">Our lives are not determined by popular vote. </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I need to say that to myself again. </span><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Our lives are not determined by popular vote. "Hidden in Christ by God" (Colossians 3:3), we are beyond the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">fashions</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> and opinions of other people. If we are an "object of scorn" to many, we are recipients of "steadfast love" through Jesus Christ. The blessing of God is far more determinative for our lives than the curses of people."</span></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today I dedicated money for a very special birthday present to me. And guess what? It's still money spent on brown hair! Just not mine.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tprqwMIhBA/UEn1sZNb8cI/AAAAAAAABBw/u07bO39cZ2o/s1600/BD5201015-Portrait-200w.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5tprqwMIhBA/UEn1sZNb8cI/AAAAAAAABBw/u07bO39cZ2o/s640/BD5201015-Portrait-200w.jpeg" width="481" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Meet Prottashi Chakma. She and I share a birthday. She is seven years old today. Seven, the numerical symbol of <i style="font-weight: bold;">fullness, completion, and perfection.</i> My birthday wish is that together we will discover the fullness, completion, and perfection of Him. Happy Birthday, Prottashi!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Can I share a bit about my little girl?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prottashi lives with her father and her mother. She is responsible for carrying water and cleaning. Her father is sometimes employed as a farmer and her mother maintains the home. There are 3 children in the family.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As part of Compassion's ministry, Prottashi participates in Bible class. She is also in primary school where her performance is average. Singing and playing with dolls are her favorite activities.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please remember Prottashi in your prayers. Your love and support will help her to receive the assistance she needs to grow and develop.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I searched for Prottashi. I just asked for a girl in Asia, born on the same day as me. Two little girls popped up. But Prottashi has been waiting for over six months to be sponsored. She also lives in an area with higher risk for exploitation and abuse. She and I? Two little girls whose favorite activities are singing and playing with dolls, we are perfect for each other. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm returning to the real me. If I am courageous enough to do that, I'm absolutely bold enough to ask you to join me in caring for children in poverty. Favored One, would you pray about who is really beneath the masks you wear, hair dye or not, and see if there is a party invitation you are ready to receive? Come and celebrate pure joy with me! Love you, Friend!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.compassion.com/sponsor_a_child/sponsorship.htm"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Sponsor a Child Today!</span></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3f3f3f; font-size: 18px;"><b>Help save a child from a lifetime of desperate poverty and despair.</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Just $38 a month will change the future for your child, and your own life as well. Your child sponsorship makes possible a church-based program that provides:</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Food and clean water</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Medical care</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Educational opportunities</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>A Bible in his or her native language</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Life-skills training</b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Most important, your sponsored child will hear about Jesus Christ and be encouraged to develop a lifelong relationship with God.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">...counting grace today...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1617. a desire You gave me, to love people with more grace, live for myself less, and touch the lives of those who have so little</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1618. owning a computer with internet access, both of which can be so distracting but offer a voice and message to more people than I could in my own little world outside my door</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">1619. hope, that others will join me in child sponsorship this month and learn the lessons of holding abundance loosely in hand, enjoying it best when sharing it with those in need</span><br />
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Linking up today with ~<br />
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<center style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a><a href="http://www.piecesofamy.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dJeRn3_0mM8/T2trlsjoDuI/AAAAAAAAAkE/o1Vv8-sjjbM/s1600/JFFF+Button.jpg" /></a></center>
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<a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/search/label/friday%20favorite%20things"><img alt="friday favorite things | finding joy" hspace="none" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/fridayfavoritethings.png" vspace="none" /></a></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-53514125251988199502012-09-05T18:18:00.000-04:002012-09-07T12:10:34.365-04:00Did You Know We Have More Kids?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nothing says I've completely moved in to a new home like the decorated refrigerator. Since it is one of the few appliances that is used throughout the day I tend to put things on it that bring a smile to my face. How about you? Is your refrigerator clean and crisp, or plastered with life all over it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On one side I have photos of family and friends, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">which by-the-way, I need more recent shots and more photos of friends. (hint, hint) </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Shopping lists and upcoming wedding invitations, just reminders that life is so full.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1H2K0Y7EQMY/UEc8WsO90zI/AAAAAAAABAE/loZNcey1cKs/s1600/P1020172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1H2K0Y7EQMY/UEc8WsO90zI/AAAAAAAABAE/loZNcey1cKs/s640/P1020172.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On the other side I have our magnet collection,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> a little token of each place we've visited. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If only I had thought of this tradition 23 years and 17 moves ago! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I can only imagine the number of magnets I could fill this space with!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRGztatmx88/UEc8YV18WPI/AAAAAAAABAM/P_Krw4drXUY/s1600/P1020173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRGztatmx88/UEc8YV18WPI/AAAAAAAABAM/P_Krw4drXUY/s640/P1020173.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The front of my refrigerator?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is filled with faces I love and want my gaze to linger on long. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Names I whisper in my heart and out-loud, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">hoping my voice will carry across the miles </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">to rest on them with an "I love you."</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qveHwER-Gws/UEc8N9f34zI/AAAAAAAAA_k/PaKcuG1LcTA/s1600/P1020164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="540" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qveHwER-Gws/UEc8N9f34zI/AAAAAAAAA_k/PaKcuG1LcTA/s640/P1020164.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These are my kids and this is sacred space.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Who knew an electric storehouse,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">filled with the abundance of the harvest </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">could remind me throughout the day that so many are starving?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">These are my kids. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3euM5Ek_s8o/UEc8QklX97I/AAAAAAAAA_s/E9XDDZI7cog/s1600/P1020167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3euM5Ek_s8o/UEc8QklX97I/AAAAAAAAA_s/E9XDDZI7cog/s640/P1020167.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am blogging with <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion International</a> this month, partnering with them to help release children from poverty by raising awareness through Favored One.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today I want to share our kids' faces. Let you glimpse the mischief in their eyes or the shyness behind their smile. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow I will share their stories and remain in hope that my prayers add good chapters to th</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">eir lives.</span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWAGrExNz3k/UEc8jCBbVJI/AAAAAAAABA8/pN9aErY4l8g/s1600/P1020179.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gWAGrExNz3k/UEc8jCBbVJI/AAAAAAAABA8/pN9aErY4l8g/s640/P1020179.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Meet Marcel</i></b>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He lives in The Democratic Republic of Congo, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and I can't help but smile every time I look at the feet he will grow into.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGJYRX_jK2s/UEc8l-VJRKI/AAAAAAAABBE/aiInswhQDeo/s1600/P1020184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iGJYRX_jK2s/UEc8l-VJRKI/AAAAAAAABBE/aiInswhQDeo/s640/P1020184.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Meet Plamedi</i></b>. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> She draws pictures that could fit on a postage stamp. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It reminds me every time that she has learned better than I the lesson on savoring resources. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She lives in the DRC as well.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DNwSMKFVRE/UEc8aUJyK0I/AAAAAAAABAU/6_gLlM-kHXs/s1600/P1020174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0DNwSMKFVRE/UEc8aUJyK0I/AAAAAAAABAU/6_gLlM-kHXs/s640/P1020174.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meet Cristhofer. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He and the rest of our kids live in the same village in Guatemala. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our boys noticed quickly there were several boys to adopt</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> and we decided we needed them all in our family.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6-o_oqZRc4/UEc8cK_LzlI/AAAAAAAABAc/rmo7nL_9SFc/s1600/P1020175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j6-o_oqZRc4/UEc8cK_LzlI/AAAAAAAABAc/rmo7nL_9SFc/s640/P1020175.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meet Jorge.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Couldn't you just whisk him up and spin him around?</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpyWMfa0IiE/UEc8d5vuZQI/AAAAAAAABAk/qq8pmSEj3fw/s1600/P1020176.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpyWMfa0IiE/UEc8d5vuZQI/AAAAAAAABAk/qq8pmSEj3fw/s640/P1020176.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meet Willy.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He's not as shy as he looks, but he does think on big people things a lot. </span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bdHTWcudSk/UEc8fdct_yI/AAAAAAAABAs/vFo5uqmYjZQ/s1600/P1020177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1bdHTWcudSk/UEc8fdct_yI/AAAAAAAABAs/vFo5uqmYjZQ/s640/P1020177.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meet Moises.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He is quiet, or at least his photos say so. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We hope to get to know him in person some day soon, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">so I let you know if my guess was right.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZxU3AK4kS0/UEc8hHUZ4kI/AAAAAAAABA0/Jl8cxZdvhKE/s1600/P1020178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZxU3AK4kS0/UEc8hHUZ4kI/AAAAAAAABA0/Jl8cxZdvhKE/s640/P1020178.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">Meet Mario.</i> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I haven't heard it yet, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">but I just know this little man knows how to give a good belly laugh.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I've been careful to frame God's command beside their faces,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">in case I am tempted to forget the awesome responsibility I have been given.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q44l-euUiE/UEc8Uy_vhDI/AAAAAAAAA_8/o0w1xNxN9C4/s1600/P1020170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2q44l-euUiE/UEc8Uy_vhDI/AAAAAAAAA_8/o0w1xNxN9C4/s640/P1020170.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And beside His command I have placed my humbling stone,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">words roughly printed in my child's hand,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">the message he chose to send to his family abroad~</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_7E5sP7T6U/UEc8Szxh8RI/AAAAAAAAA_0/F-9DC2ooH8U/s1600/P1020169.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O_7E5sP7T6U/UEc8Szxh8RI/AAAAAAAAA_0/F-9DC2ooH8U/s640/P1020169.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Matthew 18:4</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A son of abject poverty, in a war-torn, Aids-devasted land ~ he prays for me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What an aroma that must be to the God on high,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">my name lifted up from Marcel's lips.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F34tA1Ys8lo/UEc8nT_G5bI/AAAAAAAABBM/h4iWAwVacPQ/s1600/P1020186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F34tA1Ys8lo/UEc8nT_G5bI/AAAAAAAABBM/h4iWAwVacPQ/s640/P1020186.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Today, as you think on just how good life is, might you pray about welcoming another child into your heart? </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">You can pray for him.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You can send him to school.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You can tell him he is beautiful.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yes, you can, Favored One. Just reach out and touch <a href="http://www.compassion.com/">Compassion</a>. You'll be so glad you did. And would you please consider sharing this post with others? Facebook it! Tweet it! Send it through email! Let's release more children from poverty together!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Linking with A Holy Experience today ~</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5b5b5b; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 21px; line-height: 24px;"><i><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></i></span></span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-28071568703292436632012-08-27T15:43:00.002-04:002012-08-27T16:43:36.429-04:00Looking for a New House<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I just quit again.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's okay, I'm not unhappy with myself this time. I have been thinking of moving from this quiet space soon. It has been a perfect home for me to discover a passion for sharing Him through written words. A space to become comfortable with computer keys, uploads, and help searches while crisp paper pages waited patiently on a shelf, a peek through the door at me and my loves. And who knew you would stay to read the entries? After all, most of the time I'm known as the one who makes you cry in unexpected places. Like bus stops when you knew better than to visit Favored One without a tissue. Hugs to you, dear friends, and many thanks for allowing my life to share yours for a moment.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have recently reclaimed the hard-bound pages that I love to scrawl wet ink across and in doing so have discovered I have outgrown this space. Or maybe it's just time for a fresh start. I have spent my entire adult life moving every two to three years and my blogger account, while the perfect start-up home, isn't where I see myself settling down for good. I don't want a new identity. Favored One is who I am. I think I just need more space. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I want larger rooms to welcome you in to, places to get to know new friends and celebrate old ones. And m</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">ore sitting environments, so you will linger in fellowship and share the touch of acceptance and love. </span><br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP9nMLjOP4M/UDuU8bEQLYI/AAAAAAAAA-c/e9VuZHaHgrY/s1600/Prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oP9nMLjOP4M/UDuU8bEQLYI/AAAAAAAAA-c/e9VuZHaHgrY/s640/Prayer.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/asiastories/6124774618/sizes/m/in/photostream/">photo credit</a></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">More mirrors on the walls, to see who you truly are, a Favored One of God. And a community to pull you back a bit from the reflection when you all see are blemishes. We need sisters who will point out beautiful features when ugly stares back at us.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXKKthBJAE0/UDuSNhEZFgI/AAAAAAAAA-M/VE0ChtBJ5XE/s1600/Mirro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karolgrafik/4354141985/sizes/m/in/photostream/" border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXKKthBJAE0/UDuSNhEZFgI/AAAAAAAAA-M/VE0ChtBJ5XE/s640/Mirro.jpg" title="" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/karolgrafik/4354141985/sizes/m/in/photostream/">photo credit</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Secret rooms, to practice the hard work of closing the door on distraction. To sit with Him in stillness, waiting to hear His voice in the quieting of our hearts.</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzadoFvbDJE/UDuTFXprqHI/AAAAAAAAA-U/VK0VPPM1zZM/s1600/Woman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZzadoFvbDJE/UDuTFXprqHI/AAAAAAAAA-U/VK0VPPM1zZM/s640/Woman.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cubagallery/4485388695/sizes/m/in/photostream/">photo credit</a></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think it's time for a new home. Finding the next place to unpack my treasures, hang my memories on the wall, and create a space of radical hospitality will take time. Again today I set about doing the simplest of things, making the name plate that will hang above the door. And who knew there would be another TobiBenton in this world to have already laid claim to that domain? And Favored One? Well that will always be the name of the house we share together. Our family who seeks to rest for more than <a href="http://ls.egen.net/MessageView.aspx?sid=170269856&cid=167774949&textonly=0">three seconds</a> on the art God creates in our lives by the favor of His hand. But FavoredOne is not for sale, and I am out of ideas right now for the first of steps towards moving this home.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Which suits me just fine right now. Having moved my home from one side of the world and back again a few times I know good preparation is what keeps lives running smoothly during transition. It protects against broken things and loss. And it makes unpacking on the other end less work. Someday soon I hope to send you my new address, Favored One, for you are always welcome here. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And why do I always have to write this way? Why can't I simply say:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I always feel just shy of over-my-head in this social-media blogging world.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I struggle valuing the time spent in learning to navigate it.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>If I devote the hours it takes, then I've elevated it above other things on my priority list and feel like I've run ahead of what God is asking me to do in this space.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>I'm glad you're still here anyway!</i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am in the "next" life stage. The weight of His favor poured out on me has been almost too much to stand beneath. And Jesus said,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to you life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit - but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock. Matt.7:24-25 The Message</b></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is not hard to understand great storms originating from hell's fury or the world's distractions. But to be swept away by the opening of heaven's floodgates? His favor can be <i><b>like a rain cloud in spring</b>. </i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't want homeowner improvements with the riches he has piled in my yard. I want foundation words worked into my life, a house built on the rock. This will take time as much as talent, so I need to remember to value the time it takes to create this space as much as I value the talent it takes to fill it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am grateful for the quiet space <a href="http://favored-one.blogspot.com/">Favored One</a> continues to provide in my life. I hope it remains a respite for you as well, even as I begin to pack up in preparation for a move.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you have a clever way to write Favored One for a domain name I would <i style="font-weight: bold;">love</i> to hear from you. I can't see favoredone without reading favore done. Maybe that actually works best, because I am seeking to see all my life as proof of favor done by Him. Let me hear from you, friends.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us - yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV</i></b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">...</i>still counting grace...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1606. Ben, returning to the computer and the story he's writing, after he forgot to save and lost two hours of work. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1607. Me, returning to this post, after having to stop for eye exams. I came back today.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1608. Healthy eyes, and confirmation that mine need the over-the-counter1.0+ to read better</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1609. Black-bean mango salsa and a game of Munchkin to follow dinner</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1610. The Secret Place and behind-closed-doors whispers with God</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1611. Returning to Kingstowne and the blessings of community to follow</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1612. The boys together in a new youth group experience</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1613. School is about to start and this year is exciting!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1614. A new scout troupe to visit tomorrow night</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1615. Friends in Mosaic to get to know better, questions to ask, and words of wisdom to receive</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1616. You can build a life on His words.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/multitudesonmondaysbutton2-1.jpg" /></a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.thebettermom.com/"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gXfoBvdTPFE/Tvqb_nORFGI/AAAAAAAACpg/FW-NrERTgpc/s1600/BetterMondaysLinkup.jpg" /></a></span></div>
Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-86378434246871509492012-08-24T11:01:00.002-04:002012-08-24T11:01:49.839-04:00Colored Pencils<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>(Why My Kids Think It's Okay to Color In Their Bibles)</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think my son is a little in shock that I managed to post in <a href="http://favored-one.blogspot.com/2012/08/join.html">five minutes</a> today. I have spent many, many hours this week at my desk, trying to get everything sorted and organized for our new year's launch in a week. Homeschooling annual lesson plans (a first, planning all in one sitting), scheduled writing, household administration, and crossed eyes by the end of the day ~ this is my kids picture of me this week.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The first image Sam has of me when he comes down the stairs (this one is an early riser) each morning is my back bent over the Word, pen and paper by my side. I thought I would share some fun today about coloring words, (<i>or Why My Kids Think It's Okay to Color in Their Bibles.)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I've always been a note taker. The margins of my Bible are filled with questions, answers, deeper research notes, scripture cross-references, dates ... it was a huge challenge to pack a slim-line Bible for the mission trip to Israel a few years ago. I felt like I was leaving one of my favorite family members behind from the journey. With such love for this Bible you might be surprised to learn I color in it?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Maybe it was <a href="http://www.northpoint.org/">Andy Stanley</a>. Probably it was Andy Stanley. I get a lot of good ideas from him. I've been using colored pencils in my Bible for a few years now. I thought with this day of random, fun Friday posting I would either encourage you to or give you the freedom to mark up those pages!</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhTa_0W7eg4/UDeIndED2NI/AAAAAAAAA9g/ivhcACqLx5w/s1600/P1020161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MhTa_0W7eg4/UDeIndED2NI/AAAAAAAAA9g/ivhcACqLx5w/s640/P1020161.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><b> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I use five colors.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">(Because I love to organize I needed to reign in my natural tendency to create category upon category and be satisfied with five or I would never remember what the colors meant!)</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">BLUE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - <b>GOD'S PROMISES</b>: blue, like life-giving water</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">YELLOW</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">- <b>GOD'S PRINCIPLES</b>: yellow, like light for the path</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">ORANGE</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - <b>GOD'S COMMANDS</b>: orange, like power from the sun that sustains life</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">RED</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - <b>FAITHFUL DISCIPLESHIP</b>: red, like blood shed in sacrifice</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">GREEN</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> - <b>ONLY GOD</b>: green, signs of the Creator to creation</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't color everything. Obviously if I did I would be the proud owner of the first-ever tie-dyed Bible. (I think?) I mark the words I struggle to remember. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Words</span> that release some chain from around my heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Words</span> that bind up my tongue so there are fewer lash marks on the backs of those I love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Words</span> that give me courage to run.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">Words</span> that wrap me in safe arms and soothe me to sleep.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">Words</span> that nudge me from behind, to close circles of restoration.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue;">Words</span> that fill my soul when nothing else can be swallowed down.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm happy to be a writer and that God let's me scribble in His book. I think anything I do to remember just how good is our God brings a smile to His face. I know I delight in Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Grab some pencils, Favored One, if you like to color. Capture some of His words for your own personal art, and gaze upon the beauty He has made just for you.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Happy Friday!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>...linking with Rachel at Finding Joy, gratitude to be included in the joy...</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://rachelmariemartin.blogspot.com/search/label/friday%20favorite%20things"><img alt="friday favorite things | finding joy" hspace="none" src="http://i617.photobucket.com/albums/tt255/ElvishAuthoress/fridayfavoritethings.png" vspace="none" /></a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">...and with Laura at Beholding Glory, gratitude to share His glory in the community...</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.BeholdingGlory.com/" target="_blank" title="Beholding Glory"><img alt="Beholding Glory" src="http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o304/laurakrokos/fff1.jpg" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
</span>Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-24017042179140453422012-08-22T11:39:00.001-04:002012-08-22T11:39:52.959-04:00What Do You See First in the Face of a Child?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is it possible to look without love on the face of a child?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">On these faces, born refugees in the Holy City of David?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Do you see their unworthiness?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Their failures?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Their filth?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is it possible to look on the face of a child and see <i>first</i> that which cannot be loved?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Please look on them again.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I can't.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I can't look on a child without wanting to touch their hair.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To rest my hand on their head or cup their smile in my palm.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">To look in their eyes, deep, that they might know <i><b>I see you</b>.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">For many years I have read <a href="http://utmost.org/">My Utmost For His Highest</a><i>,</i> by Oswald Chambers. He is one of my favorite spiritual guides. But today's devotional raises a theological viewpoint I wrestle with every August 22nd.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"The only conscious experience those who are baptized with the Holy Ghost ever have is a sense of absolute unworthiness."</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Throughout my life I have pushed back from this, that my conscious experience should be focused on my unworthiness. I am a creature bent towards self, trying to stand straight towards Him. Focusing my attention through the lens of unworthiness keeps me near-sighted when I'm desperate to look in the mirror and see Him.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am unworthy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I can spend the rest of my day solely listing my failures, my sin.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I can move behind the thin veil of what is seen, the visible sins, to the thoughts that give power to my failings.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I am unworthy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am a failure.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I am filthy.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But <i style="font-weight: bold;">I AM</i> says I am His child.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I cannot believe my Father looks on me and sees <i>first</i> that which cannot be loved.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>You are the children of the LORD your God...out of all the peoples on the face of the earth, the LORD has chosen you to be his treasured possession. Deut.14:1,2</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." When he had placed his hands on them, he went on from there. Matt. 19:14,15</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them. Mark 10:15,16</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! 1 John 3:1</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm not talking about the reality of sin. I have come to the end of myself time and time again and find relief in my utter helplessness. I am a sinner, but I share life with a Savior.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I don't use unworthiness as a tool for humility. I spend more time in my home assuring my children they live as learners, prone to mistakes and failures, but not defined by them. Unworthiness is a heavy weight to bind me to another. I don't want to be bound to as much as I want to abide with Him. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I walked with Him today. With my Father, my Jesus, and the Spirit. In my imaginings I left all my friends on the playground. Told them I'd be back after my walk and I intentionally laid aside all thoughts of people I need to talk to, bills I need to attend to, errands I need to run, and plans I need to make. The hand I placed in His was a child's, the simple reality ~ where You lead, I will follow. I know my Father smiled on me. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>"I cannot compliment you, dear sir, and I am persuaded, that you will expect from me, only the simplicity of the christian. This simplicity leads me to say, only what our Lord gives me. You need more of this simplicity. The frequent self-returns you make, dwelling so much on your unworthiness, although it may have the appearance of humility, is only a refined self-love. True simplicity regards God alone; it has its eye fixed upon him, and is not drawn towards self; and it is as pleased to say humble as great things.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>All our uneasy feelings and reflections, arise from self-love, whatever appearance of piety they may assume. The lack of simplicity inflicts many wounds. Go where we will, if we remain in ourselves, we shall carry everywhere our sins and our distresses. If we would live in peace, we must lose sight of self, and rest in the infinite and unchangeable God. These self-returns have a tendency to establish the soul more and more in itself, and hinder it from running into its great original. But it is to this, God is calling you. You withhold from God the only thing he desires - <b>the possession of your heart</b>. The time is short; wherefore spend it in the compass and surroundings of self? The single eye sees only God. You act as a person who being called before a king, instead of regarding the king and his benefits, is occupied only with his own dress and appearance. God wishes to disarrange you - to destroy self; and you wish to preserve what he would destroy. Be more afraid of self than of the evil one. It is the spirit of Satan to exalt self above God, and this spirit is fostered by these continual returns you make upon your own doings and misdoings, which leaves no place in your mind for the occupation of God." </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Forgetfulness of Self, Letters of Madam Guyon</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If I, in my unworthiness, failures and filth, can't help myself from looking on a child first with love, than how much greater is the love of God? She is beautiful, isn't she? And I am to Him. I know God will keep grinding away on this lens until I see Him clearly. Thank you, Favored One, for your ear. Now go find a mirror, as we pray for our sight.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">so that you may know him better</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">. I pray also </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> in order that you may </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~know the hope to which he called you,</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">~and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:17-19a</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i242.photobucket.com/albums/ff162/annvoskamp/subalbumone/walkwithhimwednesdays2-1.jpg" /></a></i></b></span></div>
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Tobihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13289771202918266956noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4594631675171552133.post-79868310609239617002012-08-21T13:06:00.000-04:002012-08-21T13:22:01.527-04:00A Few of My Favorite Things<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">There are still boxes to unpack and pictures to hang,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">but we feel like we are home. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Just for fun ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">would you like to see a few of my favorite things?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Every room in my house is filled with the presence of others.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My dad says he can visit any of his kids and feel right at home ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">we all have furniture from my parents.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">They have definitely taught us there is great joy in giving.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I love their testimony to this.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I love unpacking things given to us, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">things collected along the way, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">things that reminds us where we've been</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> and ultimately to whom our hearts belong.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Almost every item has a face and a story of relationship behind it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Though I am humbled to have these worldly treasures, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">their beauty would not disappear in fire or flood.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Though wood turns to ash and water rusts the iron,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">the treasure of life lived in community is stored in my heart.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My prayer for the beauty of my home is it be a place of respite,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">a sanctuary filled with peace,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">a banquet hall for feast and celebration,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and all who enter here will have stepped out</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">of this world's pace and pressure</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and receive the gentle favor of His love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">A few of my favorite things ~</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrbcKcX-is0/UDOqSmbm89I/AAAAAAAAA5I/EB1BgB1Ph7c/s1600/P1020132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hrbcKcX-is0/UDOqSmbm89I/AAAAAAAAA5I/EB1BgB1Ph7c/s640/P1020132.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Our study ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">sharing space with the living room.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">What a perfect place to remember living requires learning </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and we get to do this together.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">My husband laughed at me last night </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">as he helped hang the window scarves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">I love/live in scarves.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Of course I would put them on the windows. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">Atop the sheers hung on 52 windows,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">in the historic house in Wyoming,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"> all those years ago when my family was filled with littles,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">and I played house to the fullness of my heart.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLajaJin6fQ/UDOqszo_t5I/AAAAAAAAA64/7SsQST7gASE/s1600/P1020160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nLajaJin6fQ/UDOqszo_t5I/AAAAAAAAA64/7SsQST7gASE/s640/P1020160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My desk is in order.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">It is my nature to feel best with order and routine. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My perspective seems to change when things settle into a proper place.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm trying to be patient with myself regarding blogging. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I don't have natural rhythms and routines yet, but I'm getting there! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">This is where much of my life happens,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> so I'm grateful for the sunshine spreading across it.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDyWq5bZKpY/UDOqOnknNcI/AAAAAAAAA44/jKxBjwPjSWU/s1600/P1020130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dDyWq5bZKpY/UDOqOnknNcI/AAAAAAAAA44/jKxBjwPjSWU/s640/P1020130.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I love my owls.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">My daughter sent the first one,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">well, I guess because she <i>just had to!</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm grateful she and I each have one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Benjamin just found the little ones</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> and insisted we needed them. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Why?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Because we homeschool of course!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Owls, wisdom, teacher, students ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">you get it. I love that he does, too!</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BR2Pp7KgO8I/UDOqQgqGu0I/AAAAAAAAA5A/gDvfPVr6_jI/s1600/P1020131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BR2Pp7KgO8I/UDOqQgqGu0I/AAAAAAAAA5A/gDvfPVr6_jI/s640/P1020131.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Weakness.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I have a weakness for containers.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Because the study/office shares the living room,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I love these storage boxes I found at Target. They have dividers inside. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">(<i>I'm pretty much a sucker for circles and polka dots.)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Like my sock monkey coin holder?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Oh, Gayle. You were SO sweet to get me one.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> I'll never use it, except to hang it where I can see it </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and remember my first real friend in a foreign land.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPidiZXNSr8/UDOqqkcvldI/AAAAAAAAA6w/bukB-oi3IFc/s1600/P1020159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yPidiZXNSr8/UDOqqkcvldI/AAAAAAAAA6w/bukB-oi3IFc/s640/P1020159.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">This clock is the latest gift from my parents.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">It hung in the living room of my childhood home,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">sounding out time every 30 minutes.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">The <i>bim-bam</i> has eased us back into America.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Our village in Germany had a clock tower </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and two churches chiming the hours.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">There is nothing quite like bells ringing out through the valley,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">in the trees, with birds responding in song.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">We miss the resounding mark of time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">This clock is perfect, Mom and Dad.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Thank you.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq9_cAd57lw/UDOqUxgQliI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/afjv1WhTY3c/s1600/P1020137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Rq9_cAd57lw/UDOqUxgQliI/AAAAAAAAA5Q/afjv1WhTY3c/s640/P1020137.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Two hearts, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">one collected on a bridge of a medieval town,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">one collected amidst the flowers,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">with a friend by my side.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Three glass balls,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">purchased with little money </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">all those years ago.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Baby Airman and his wife,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">collecting treasures to remember</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">amazing journeys always have a beginning.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzY_wkx6Tqo/UDOqW66Mb4I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/j2U5g2OYKn8/s1600/P1020138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CzY_wkx6Tqo/UDOqW66Mb4I/AAAAAAAAA5Y/j2U5g2OYKn8/s640/P1020138.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">And a husband who helps me with my vision every time.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">We bought a Target curtain rod</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and he mounted it on the ceiling</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">so we could hang the treasures by ribbons.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Ribbons still carried around from Emily's little-girl days,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">when I would cut out dresses and bows </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and sewed tiny ribbon to the edges.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh_zhujOaeE/UDOqYhHaOLI/AAAAAAAAA5g/rozaH6N0flA/s1600/P1020140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xh_zhujOaeE/UDOqYhHaOLI/AAAAAAAAA5g/rozaH6N0flA/s640/P1020140.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Three clocks to remind of the time our loved ones live in. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Parents, siblings, friends,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and now two children share the same time ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">young adulthood.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY7xkChWeYA/UDOqale0PYI/AAAAAAAAA5o/nvkcTm2Jk9A/s1600/P1020143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY7xkChWeYA/UDOqale0PYI/AAAAAAAAA5o/nvkcTm2Jk9A/s640/P1020143.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>Billy Badass</i> is at home in our kitchen,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">though I'm not sure he loves being under glass.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">The boys and I found him in an art studio</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">on our trip through Asheville, NC.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Thanks, Aunt Ruth, for the recommendation</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">to explore the River Arts District.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">His creator discovered him beneath her</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">paint brush bristles as she painted her</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">way through cancer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I love his defiant posture and his name.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DSf0QF75SI/UDOqeNJ_ugI/AAAAAAAAA54/6TJwAVYg_4Q/s1600/P1020147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5DSf0QF75SI/UDOqeNJ_ugI/AAAAAAAAA54/6TJwAVYg_4Q/s640/P1020147.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">An old bell for a new tradition.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>(I'm such a romantic that way.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>I love tradition that moves through</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>a family line.)</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Calling family to the table.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GufJXTRSk5w/UDOqcte2API/AAAAAAAAA5w/dT0miYufrbs/s1600/P1020146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GufJXTRSk5w/UDOqcte2API/AAAAAAAAA5w/dT0miYufrbs/s640/P1020146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">And above our table,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">where we feast and fellowship,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">our reminder ~</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Jesus Christ is in the center of us all.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Thank you, DeeDee and girls,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">for wires and beads you twisted</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">together to share love.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">For the words on the wall,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">thank you Cyndi Lou.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>We shape our lives</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>not by what we carry with us,</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><b>but by what we leave behind.</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mOJ_UA6oIM/UDOqkDDg8GI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/mG2TU9BTFp4/s1600/P1020155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3mOJ_UA6oIM/UDOqkDDg8GI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/mG2TU9BTFp4/s640/P1020155.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Water colors of a home,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">with little ones, large fields,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and friendships that called through</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">back-door screens.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHgeRzwd6B0/UDOqlTjR7SI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Z40cV8G8now/s1600/P1020156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WHgeRzwd6B0/UDOqlTjR7SI/AAAAAAAAA6Y/Z40cV8G8now/s640/P1020156.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I <b>love</b> having a laundry room on the bedroom floor.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Any other words,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">not necessary.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk0tZOvAKLk/UDOqf1oYewI/AAAAAAAAA6A/tdXLuV2ivkE/s1600/P1020152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Jk0tZOvAKLk/UDOqf1oYewI/AAAAAAAAA6A/tdXLuV2ivkE/s640/P1020152.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>"Do you want this petrified wood?"</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Of course, Mom.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I will take it and use it in my bathroom,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">cover it in shells,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and make a quiet place to reflect.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhk96XGykks/UDOqie3PsII/AAAAAAAAA6I/eE2zAA3khHw/s1600/P1020153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jhk96XGykks/UDOqie3PsII/AAAAAAAAA6I/eE2zAA3khHw/s640/P1020153.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">And there are no drawers in the bathroom?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">No problem, says my man.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Two shelves from IKEA,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and a few World Market baskets.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Perfect!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MUnYuwZoc4/UDOqnq1woCI/AAAAAAAAA6g/l0iD6C48xmU/s1600/P1020157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4MUnYuwZoc4/UDOqnq1woCI/AAAAAAAAA6g/l0iD6C48xmU/s640/P1020157.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Finally.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Our prayer rug.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Scenes of Wyoming,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">the wind that never ceases</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">a reminder of The Spirit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">It was here that He claimed us fully.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Here He blew real breath in our spirits.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">And here we kneel in the morning,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">filling our lungs with His glory,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">exhaling His praise.</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E644rgw_vQQ/UDOqpKhuZkI/AAAAAAAAA6o/mIumMY91dbM/s1600/P1020158.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E644rgw_vQQ/UDOqpKhuZkI/AAAAAAAAA6o/mIumMY91dbM/s640/P1020158.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Here we kneel at night,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">a posture of thanksgiving,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">surrender to His protection,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">and once more to breathe in His peace</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">before we sleep.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>And I will give you rest.</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Matthew 11:28</i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I hope you have enjoyed a few of our favorite things, Favored One.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">We welcome you here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">I'm serious.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">We love the opportunity you give us to love well.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Hope to see you soon at our table.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">We need more faces and relationship stories in each room. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Of those, our store-house will never be too full.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Love to you, Favored One.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><a href="http://www.funkiplanet.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i961.photobucket.com/albums/ae91/funkiplanet/FrequentFlierClubButton125.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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