tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46918833265133863492024-03-14T09:14:21.099-07:00Life LessonsLearning at the feet of the MasterAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.comBlogger362125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-58683366152036299032013-02-05T00:01:00.000-08:002013-02-05T02:54:42.835-08:00A New Website<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTo6CqSmapEH9hXIhKksBQkBdZL58iIGKRAk_H_GWaLQElr1hdmpHKACX5aDjCXcypr9i0kGdYKTqL51ypfnm_F9Rg3Taey77r57HmyUiI7IdfTekZSNui7MZJrfQnScX9NzzgnmJcJg/s1600/965+x+231+Banner+Final+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKTo6CqSmapEH9hXIhKksBQkBdZL58iIGKRAk_H_GWaLQElr1hdmpHKACX5aDjCXcypr9i0kGdYKTqL51ypfnm_F9Rg3Taey77r57HmyUiI7IdfTekZSNui7MZJrfQnScX9NzzgnmJcJg/s320/965+x+231+Banner+Final+6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ve moved. Please visit me at <a href="http://www.mariaimorgan.com/">www.mariaimorgan.com</a> for my latest blog posts, <i>Life Lessons</i>
videos, and to sign up for a complimentary copy of my eBook, <i><a href="http://www.mariaimorgan.com/books-such/god-speaking/" target="_blank">God Speaking</a></i>.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">God bless!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Psalm
118:24 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in
it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-34242054644967144632013-01-29T04:47:00.002-08:002013-01-29T04:47:17.733-08:00I'm Moving & You're Invited to Visit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD7ND-HKDWhTw7s-IpyzkZzxD7rzF2sfCLJ_kWwXdlNSEuf7NW5xZPco4RUW9puRcGszuDe6iHPJUGXzGKsiCi4wTNVF5nX4VcBffU4XnbOU8TDwOtwYddo1g60mARSDZO0LqNHxl1r8/s1600/Invitation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAD7ND-HKDWhTw7s-IpyzkZzxD7rzF2sfCLJ_kWwXdlNSEuf7NW5xZPco4RUW9puRcGszuDe6iHPJUGXzGKsiCi4wTNVF5nX4VcBffU4XnbOU8TDwOtwYddo1g60mARSDZO0LqNHxl1r8/s400/Invitation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I remember staying up into the wee hours of the night attempting
to pack those last few boxes. It was the middle of summer and moving day was a
scorcher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We were only moving fifteen miles away, but it was a lot more work
than I had anticipated. That was over thirteen years ago.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>This week I’m in the final stages of moving to my new
cyberhome.</b> It’s just a hop, skip, and a jump across the blogosphere, but this
move has also required a lot of work. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When I began the process several months
ago, I really didn’t know what kind of design or layout I was after. I only
knew it was time to migrate from a blog to a full-fledged website.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In a small way I can relate to the patriarch, Abraham, who
was issued a challenge by God: “<i>Get thee out of thy country, and from thy
kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee</i>,”
(Genesis 12:1; KJV). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>What a tough assignment! </b>To leave everything you’re
familiar with and begin walking toward an unfamiliar destination. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blogging for over three years at the same address has caused me to become comfortable. For a while now, I've felt the need to step out of my comfort zone and take steps into the slightly scary, unfamiliar territory of a new domain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I have to be honest – the work has paled in comparison to
the excitement of welcoming you to my new address!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m tidying everything up this week, in anticipation of your
visit. I’ll be serving up new blog posts and plenty of nooks and crannies for
your exploration.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">You’re Invited</span></h4>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Who:</i> You<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>What: </i>A cyberhome warming party<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>When:</i> Tuesday, February 5th<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Where:</i> <a href="http://www.mariaimorgan.com/">www.mariaimorgan.com</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i>Why:</i> To introduce you to a new website where I'll be sharing the
truths of God’s Word to encourage you throughout life’s journey<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Won’t you join me? I look forward to seeing you on the 5<sup>th</sup>!
<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Is there an area of your life where you've gotten too comfortable? Is God challenging you to take a step toward the intimidating unknown? Will you respond in faith today?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, thank You for challenging me to step out in faith and trust You with the direction of my life. I know it won't always be easy, but I desire to grow. Help me to take the next step today. Thank You for the promise that You'll always be with me. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Join in the conversation!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-13939391167113320592013-01-24T06:22:00.001-08:002013-01-24T06:22:49.377-08:00At the Heart of it All<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yq6OlVG5OcSkJr37OHCe3uMiQeO7FCjFV5MMiG1JdBc9BMYZZyQ4Yq4CrtU5nR7ncuMcYm4RbAgPLQU4zMDFiuHNQycJcz2bxiZ1Ia1oY58l1ecxZ1A71uwudAznDlg83vimQjqBJiM/s1600/Bride+and+Groom.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-yq6OlVG5OcSkJr37OHCe3uMiQeO7FCjFV5MMiG1JdBc9BMYZZyQ4Yq4CrtU5nR7ncuMcYm4RbAgPLQU4zMDFiuHNQycJcz2bxiZ1Ia1oY58l1ecxZ1A71uwudAznDlg83vimQjqBJiM/s400/Bride+and+Groom.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The wedding was beautiful. The bride, dazzling in white. The
groom, radiant as he stood waiting for his bride. As vows were spoken and rings
were exchanged, I had no doubt the bride and groom were in love. In love with
each other and in love with the Lord. The Lord was praised for bringing the
couple together and He was an integral part of the wedding ceremony. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Two Become One</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">A wedding signifies the merging of two lives. Marriage was
instituted by God himself, and is a beautiful picture of Christ’s relationship
with the church. “<i>For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and
shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great
mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church</i>,” (Ephesians 5:31-32;
KJV). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So this translates to ‘happily ever after,’ right? Only when the Lord,
hard work, and determination are part of the equation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Every marriage faces challenges. Sometimes I selfishly want
things to be done my way – forgetting my better half. “Oneness in marriage does
not mean losing your personality in the personality of the other. Instead, it
means caring for your spouse as you care for yourself, learning to anticipate
the other person’s needs, helping the other person become all he or she can
be,” (Life Application Study Bible, p. 2078). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Wow! Now that’s a tall order. But
when God is at the heart of the relationship, we put ourselves in a position
where He can bless us, and our marriage works.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>A Love Story Worth Reading</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember Ruth and Boaz’s love story? Ruth was a young woman
from Moab who was profoundly influenced by her mother-in-law, Naomi. When
Ruth’s husband died and Naomi determined to return to Bethlehem-Judah, Ruth
willingly left her country, and embraced a new life, “<i>…for whither thou goest,
I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people,
and thy God my God</i>,” (Ruth 1:16b). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once back in Judah, Ruth was determined to
help Naomi. Gleaning in a nearby field gave her an opportunity to harvest food
for the two of them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enter the knight in shining armor. Okay, he didn’t<i> really</i>
wear armor, but check out his list of qualities and decide if he was a keeper:
above reproach, self-controlled, wise, respectable, hospitable, gentle, a godly
man, and a good manager of his own household – to name just a few. I’m pretty
sure he’s the kind of guy every mother dreams of for her daughter!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>God's Blessings</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In order to marry Ruth, Boaz had to fulfill some legal
obligations. He was willing to do everything that was necessary. These two
demonstrated a strong love for the Lord as individuals and continued to build
on their foundation as a couple. And God blessed! “<i>So Boaz took Ruth, and she
was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the Lord gave her conception, and
she bare a son</i>,” (Ruth 4:13). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That son turned out to be none other than Obed,
the grandfather of David! Ruth and Boaz were blessed for their obedience to the
Lord by being included in the lineage of Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we center our marriage on the Lord, we can be sure we
will be blessed as well. In fact, any relationship with Christ at its core is headed
in the right direction! “<i>The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he
will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he
will joy over thee with singing</i>,” (Zephaniah 3:17). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Evaluate your relationships. Is Christ at the center of each
of them? If not, what step will you take today to make Him the emphasis?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, Thank You for the relationships
You’ve blessed me with. Help me to build strong relationships where You are
honored and glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Tweetable: "</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">When God is at the heart of our relationship, we put ourselves in a position where He can bless us, and our marriage works." #LifeLessons</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">*A re-post from 9/2011</span></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-24787379589233957852013-01-22T05:19:00.000-08:002013-02-12T04:23:13.223-08:00Ready & Willing<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYplwHj51JP69H4MGt7ecZXgHnrlbEn8ufLZmMAOKmlbwF1A1pQ9n9JdWBv7rsU6M6mDCSpLxb5WLejWmKIf_CcbOvMWd7CxjY62Kb8pT-EDZdxMAKM593W4UccdNwwR2PxFl8IsoK_4/s1600/helping+hand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIYplwHj51JP69H4MGt7ecZXgHnrlbEn8ufLZmMAOKmlbwF1A1pQ9n9JdWBv7rsU6M6mDCSpLxb5WLejWmKIf_CcbOvMWd7CxjY62Kb8pT-EDZdxMAKM593W4UccdNwwR2PxFl8IsoK_4/s400/helping+hand.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>He did it again.</b>
Provided just the words of encouragement I needed to pick up and move ahead. My
husband's good at that. He helps me see things from a different perspective. He
provides the sounding board I so desperately need when I'm considering my options.
He talks me through discouragement, pointing out the endless possibilities. He
cheers me on when I feel like quitting. And guides me to the One who filled me
with a purpose in the first place - my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>I was never promised
life without difficulties.</b> Even when I'm convinced that I'm pursuing the
purposes God has called me to, challenges pop up along the path. Yet with each
challenge, God provides me with someone to come alongside and help put things
in perspective. Precious believers, living out the words of the apostle Paul,
"<i>Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ</i>,"
(Galatians 6:2; KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I'm reminded of the
mighty man of God, Moses. He had no small task leading the children of Israel
out of Egypt to the promised land.<b> Imagine being responsible for the well-being
of millions of people! </b>Along their journey, the Amalekites had come out to
fight with Israel in Rephidim. Moses' directions to his military leader,
Joshua, were clear, "<i>Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek:
tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine
hand</i>," (Exodus 17:9). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The next day dawned
with Joshua leading the army out to battle and Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbing
to the top of the hill - a great vantage point from which to view the fight.
Moses quickly noticed an amazing phenomenon, when he held up his hands, Israel
overcame the enemy, but when he put his hands down, the Amalekites began
beating the Israelites. A bit uncanny, but true! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Moses soon realized
he wouldn't be able to hold his arms up throughout the battle without help.</b>
Aaron and Hur to the rescue! They found a stone for Moses to sit on, and with
Aaron on one side and Hur on the other, they held up Moses hands for him. What
were the results? "<i>...and his hands were steady until the going down of
the sun. And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the
sword</i>," (Exodus 17:12b-13). Wow! Look at what was accomplished when these
friends came alongside Moses and offered their help! A great victory!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">King Solomon outlined
several blessings of godly companionship. "<i>Two are better than one;
because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one
will life up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he
hath not another to help him up. Again, if two lie together, then they have
heat: but how can one be warm alone? And if one prevail against him, two shall
withstand him; and a threefold cord is not quickly broken</i>," (Ecclesiastes
4:9-12).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When I'm rooted in
Christ and I come alongside a fellow believer, there's no limit to what God can
accomplish! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Is there someone the
Lord is directing you to help and support? Arm yourself with the Word of God
and prayer and be prepared to see God work!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly
Father, thank You for believers You've put in my life who provide encouragement
and support. Help me to be quick to come alongside others who are in need of
help. Allow me to point them to You and be careful to praise You for the
outcome. In Jesus' name, Amen.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Join in the conversation!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-23846486336104791132013-01-17T00:02:00.000-08:002013-01-17T00:02:00.310-08:00Stuffed Peppers & 4 Things They Taught Me About God<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvu981kOwqT92ahPVvbGxAs8URfhtfyRv6DJ5W2j67-O8rLnzFulfW87vWOm5f4MG8uD-BivBn1ZlZnGfizSOyxQk-Y9Id5S9tGCBnz3SM_jmgIHakRlJNqR8wiRHyh7-vwdsNuPdRr8/s1600/stuffed+pepper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPvu981kOwqT92ahPVvbGxAs8URfhtfyRv6DJ5W2j67-O8rLnzFulfW87vWOm5f4MG8uD-BivBn1ZlZnGfizSOyxQk-Y9Id5S9tGCBnz3SM_jmgIHakRlJNqR8wiRHyh7-vwdsNuPdRr8/s400/stuffed+pepper.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I meant to get dinner started earlier. </b>Stuffed green
peppers were on the menu, and I remembered the recipe was a bit involved – not difficult,
just time-consuming. I began the necessary prep work at 5 o’clock, guessing we’d
be able to eat within an hour and a half. I knew my husband and daughter were
hungry, but 6:30 wasn’t too late to be eating dinner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Once the peppers began to boil, I started working on
the filling. It didn’t take long to cook the sausage and onion, and add the
remaining ingredients. Maybe the recipe wouldn’t take as long as I had
initially thought. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Glancing back at the directions, I saw my mistake.
</b>Once the meat mixture came to a boil, it needed to simmer on low heat for an
hour. After the peppers were stuffed, they needed to bake in the oven for
another 30 minutes. Somebody had grossly underestimated the time needed to make
this dish – the 90 minutes that were called out on the recipe, only took
cooking time into account.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With my family asking if dinner was almost ready, I
made the executive decision to finish the peppers. Unfortunately, dinner wouldn’t
be served until after 7 o’clock. We were finally able to sit down and enjoy our
meal at 7:15.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">From start to finish, making the stuffed peppers was
a long process. I had to smile at the countless times I’d looked at the clock,
wondering how long it would take before our meal would be ready, and wishing it
would hurry up and be done.<b> I couldn’t help thinking, “I’m glad God isn’t like
that with me.”<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>As I’m on this journey called life, God doesn’t rush
the growth process. <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>*He knows I’m human:</b> “<i>For he knoweth our frame; he
remembereth that we are dust</i>,” (Psalm 103:14; KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>*He is very patient:</b> “<i>The Lord is merciful and
gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy</i>,” (Psalm 103:8). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>*He has a goal for me: </b>“<i>For whom he did foreknow, he
also did predestinate to be conformed to
the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren</i>,”
(Romans 8:29; italics mine).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>*He is always with me:</b> “<i>. . . for he hath said, I
will never leave thee, nor forsake thee</i>,” (Hebrews 13:5). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What a relief to know that God </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> shake His
head in disgust when I miss a lesson He has for me. Instead, in His patience
and mercy, He gives me more opportunities to learn that same lesson. He’s not
watching the clock and wishing I’d hurry up and grow. Instead, He remembers I’m
human, and reminds me that I can count on Him to be with me every step of the
way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Are you impatient? How will you respond to what God
showed you today?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, thank you for your
patience. I know I’m human and fail you in so many ways. Help me learn the
lesson you have for me today. Thank you for always being with me. In Jesus’
name, Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-42179040685954530542013-01-15T00:02:00.000-08:002013-01-22T05:17:58.758-08:00I Don't Work for the Circus<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAuFNtXxbg0hD35d2Qain5dBwJ237Nr7qninI7iAXEj3kUC76HhIz_A-pxi82lK5zYSDuUdpcQ9m8cto8pqYpFx9_DLdrMpN14WTY0hZ_7p7_fpoE7zi0dUDfQb0dNfyj_4EfQasedGU/s1600/Juggler.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyAuFNtXxbg0hD35d2Qain5dBwJ237Nr7qninI7iAXEj3kUC76HhIz_A-pxi82lK5zYSDuUdpcQ9m8cto8pqYpFx9_DLdrMpN14WTY0hZ_7p7_fpoE7zi0dUDfQb0dNfyj_4EfQasedGU/s400/Juggler.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Dependence.</b> Not a word I usually think of in
positive terms. The dictionary defines it as: "reliance on somebody or
something," (Encarta Dictionary). In a society that encourages me to "pull
myself up by my bootstraps," having to rely on anyone or anything other
than self isn't a very popular concept.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Obviously there is something to be said for
independence.</b> When a child reaches adulthood, it's natural for her to get a job,
find a place of her own, and pursue a life independent of mom and dad. That's a good thing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>But dependence can also be a good thing.</b> At every
stage of life, I've found it's important for me to be aware of my dependence on
God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>There are days when I've tried to run the show on my
own and have failed miserably.</b> I know what needs to be done, but I can't
accomplish it in my own strength. I end up frustrated and exhausted. And I
realize why I don't work for the circus -- I could never juggle all those balls at the same time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When life seems out of control, I can run back to
the One who controls it all and learn from His Word.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Remember the prophet Daniel? His life gives me a
good example of what it looks like to depend on God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Daniel was a young man when he was taken into captivity
by the Babylonians. When his captors offered him food from the king's table
which was forbidden by the law of God, Daniel didn't waste time letting them know
where his allegiance lay: "<i>But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would
not defile himself with the portion of the king's meat, nor with the wine which
he drank: therefore he requested of the prince of the eunuchs that he might not
defile himself,</i>" (Daniel 1:8; KJV).</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Talk about dependence! <b>Daniel trusted God with his
life.</b> He depended on God to give him favor with the king of Babylon. Notice the
result: "<i>And the king communed with them; and among them all was found
none like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah: therefore stood they before
the king,</i>" (Daniel 1:19). Daniel and his friends were elevated to
positions as counselors, or wise men, in the king's cabinet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>God's faithfulness proved to Daniel that he could
fully depend on his Creator.</b> Later, when the king flew into a rage and would
have killed all of his counselors, Daniel asked the king's captain for an
explanation. It seemed the king couldn't find anyone to interpret his disturbing
dream. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Daniel couldn't interpret dreams, but he knew God
could.</b> After praying for God's mercy, the meaning of the king's dream was revealed
to Daniel in a vision. When he stood before the king, Daniel was careful to
praise God and give Him credit for the dream's interpretation. Once again,
depending on God had saved Daniel's life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>The God Daniel served is the same God I serve.</b> God never
changes. Although I'm not a captive, or working for a foreign king, God gives
me just as many opportunities to depend on Him. Realizing I need His help is
important. When I depend on God to give me strength for the things that need to
be accomplished, He is more than able to exceed my expectations -- every time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Are you trying to live life in your own strength?
What step will you take to begin depending on God?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, thank You for showing me
that it's important to depend on You. Forgive me when I try to live life on my
own -- I don't accomplish much and I end up tired. Help me trust You with the
everyday details of living. I need Your strength. In Jesus' name, Amen. </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Join in the conversation!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-31435656676081633512013-01-10T00:02:00.000-08:002013-01-10T05:22:06.382-08:003 Things I Learned from a Medieval Torture Rack<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS_PiFRS638CVGgUu31SenghVPIjhHcCJ0Mw6Ju9bl14t6iKM2u7_8b8fmUiysNfomRhiJ1gpQ7C8OMa6szMzQMHQENeCXvY6P5hnON00WKk9uTyrGCRWCzwza9BCcM11SKhPRM04jzA/s1600/stretching+growth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigS_PiFRS638CVGgUu31SenghVPIjhHcCJ0Mw6Ju9bl14t6iKM2u7_8b8fmUiysNfomRhiJ1gpQ7C8OMa6szMzQMHQENeCXvY6P5hnON00WKk9uTyrGCRWCzwza9BCcM11SKhPRM04jzA/s320/stretching+growth.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>It looked like a medieval torture rack.</b> Okay, maybe my description was a bit dramatic. But the table and machine - complete with Velcro straps and cables - didn't strike me as inviting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">My husband Steve proved to be a good candidate for the ominous equipment. The decompression provided by the machine would separate the discs in his lower back that were causing him problems.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Although unsure of what caused the initial injury, Steve's back pain motivated him to look into treatment. Any alternative to surgery was being considered. Chiropractic seemed to be a logical choice</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"> Because of a busy work schedule, it was difficult to get Steve to commit to regular chiropractor appointments. But pain can be a pretty strong motivator. He realized he had to do something, and he was willing to give the decompression machine a chance.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Each session was monitored by the chiropractor. He would program the machine to apply a specific amount of pressure to Steve's lower back. With every appointment the pressure was gradually increased. Although Steve still experienced pain, it was a different kind of pain. Soreness had replaced the ache of bone rubbing against bone. The decompression was working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">The whole process reminded me of how God works.</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">Of course He doesn't use tables or machines, but He still stretches me.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>*I have to recognize my need for growth.</b> It's easy to fool myself into thinking I've arrived. But I'm only kidding myself. God's plan is to conform me to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). I've got a long way to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>*I have to show up for my appointments with the Lord.</b> Every day I have the opportunity to read His Word and talk to Him in prayer. If I'm not willing to be still and listen to what He has to say, I won't apply His principles to my life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>*I have to trust that He knows what He's doing.</b> He will do what's best for me. The process may be difficult and sometimes painful, but it WILL lead to growth. "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ," (Philippians 1:6; KJV).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;">I have a choice to make: will I allow the Lord to stretch me? I want to grow, so I know I need to spend time with the One who can help me. Today I choose to trust Him no matter what method He uses to stretch me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b>Are you willing to be stretched? What step will you take to ensure your growth?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, Thank You for the valuable lessons You taught me. Forgive me when I'm prideful and don't see a need for growth. Help me set aside time to develop my relationship with You. Help me trust You when You apply pressure that will help me stretch. In Jesus' name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-27088791668860082592013-01-08T00:02:00.000-08:002013-01-11T11:18:59.787-08:00Sick of Complaining<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-wN6AcuQR05wABmsHm52DVrfNTOA-n3v2A7VjGWj9sXHNnYAGvZUXm4tJy3CIOfUTMKe9jny6FO03SSGUVfLqjGVlDxASN_tgBPIldzi0cVkD7kiwppOwNS8jTgEC2bWGmL3MiDWsTM/s1600/sick+chick.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV-wN6AcuQR05wABmsHm52DVrfNTOA-n3v2A7VjGWj9sXHNnYAGvZUXm4tJy3CIOfUTMKe9jny6FO03SSGUVfLqjGVlDxASN_tgBPIldzi0cVkD7kiwppOwNS8jTgEC2bWGmL3MiDWsTM/s400/sick+chick.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to admit, the first days of the new year have
been a bit rough. Viruses and the respiratory flu have come to stay in spite of
the fact that they weren't invited. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I've noticed a familiar pattern when I feel less
than my best; something I'm not proud of -- I complain.</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Because good health is the norm, it's easy to
justify my complaints. But complaining is toxic.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Just like poison, complaining taints everything it
touches</b>. When I begin a conversation with a complaint, I set the tone for
others to add more of the same. Negativity creates a downward spiral that leads
to hopelessness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Consider the children of Israel. They had been set free
from the bondage of slavery. God had done the miraculous and released them from
their cruel taskmasters, the Egyptians. Instead of continuing to trust God to
provide for their physical needs, they chose to complain. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Listen to one
of their pity parties: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"<i>And the whole congregation of the children of
Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness: And the children of
Israel said unto them, Would to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the
land of Egypt, when we sat by the flesh pots, and when we did eat bread to the
full; for ye have brought us forth into this wilderness, to kill this whole assembly
with hunger</i>," (Exodus 16:2-3; KJV). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Really? Was the food in Egypt that good? Had they
forgotten the hard labor and beatings they had endured at the hand of the
Egyptians? Probably not. But when circumstances were far from ideal, complaining
was easier than exercising faith. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, this became a prevalent attitude. From their Exodus out of Egypt until
they stood poised to possess the Promised Land, the Israelites demonstrated a recurring
pattern of complaints that dotted the landscape over which they traveled.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Did this negative attitude have much of an impact on
them?</b> Definitely. It's no secret that they wandered in the wilderness for 40
years following a major bout of complaining. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After the twelve Israelites returned from spying out
the Promised Land, their negative report enticed the rest of the people to
voice their doubts: "<i>And all the children
of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation
said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God
we had died in this wilderness</i>," (Numbers 14:2). They were so discouraged
they were ready to elect a captain to lead them back to Egypt. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>I often shake my head in disgust at the lack of
faith displayed by this large group of people. </b>Hadn't they seen God work on
their behalf? Surely they would trust Him by now. Then I realize I act just
like them. God has done some pretty amazing things in my life, yet I fall back
into the rut of complaining when things don't go the way I expect them to. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>But I have a choice.</b> I can choose to trust God and
praise Him in spite of how I feel and regardless of my circumstances. I can
agree with God that complaining is sin, and pray the words of the Psalmist:
"<i>Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable
in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer</i>," (Psalm 19:14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today, I choose to praise the Lord and use words
that give hope. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Do you complain? What step will you take to
eliminate complaints from your conversations today?<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, thank You for the reminder
that complaining is sin. Help me remember the example of the Israelites when
I'm tempted to grumble. You've given me so many reasons to praise You. Help me
trust You every day and to praise You even when things are difficult. Thank You
for the hope You give me. In Jesus'
name, Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Join in the conversation!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-53507680401769889462013-01-03T00:02:00.000-08:002013-01-03T06:57:01.971-08:00Something the Cat Taught Me<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqRNKqNRPKqoklnXfgUOSnFQii1uTC6ej6bezcXUsB1OCuahV9_QUmX5k74GvH1LvzcAWoNFmB3Srjvu0jCbAg6KwF-Sel65bGeMuZoUTbr_EuRmnRVs8LGP-0LUY6efNgY4wHnu3NtY/s1600/open+door.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqRNKqNRPKqoklnXfgUOSnFQii1uTC6ej6bezcXUsB1OCuahV9_QUmX5k74GvH1LvzcAWoNFmB3Srjvu0jCbAg6KwF-Sel65bGeMuZoUTbr_EuRmnRVs8LGP-0LUY6efNgY4wHnu3NtY/s400/open+door.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>It’s true – lessons can be learned from life’s
irritations IF I’m willing to see the bigger picture. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I had the privilege of taking care of my neighbor’s pets
while they were visiting family. The three dogs, three cats and a guinea pig,
all under one roof, promised to keep me busy. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I didn’t realize the animals would
play a key role in teaching me an important lesson. </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Maybe it was the rain that made the animals
unpredictable, but the morning routine was anything but routine. From the time
I arrived, the pets would not cooperate. One of the dogs refused to go outside,
retreating farther into the house, regardless of my coaxing. Two of the cats
had entertained themselves with ornaments retrieved from a hutch I was certain
they were unable to reach. What was going on?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I continued to entice the uncooperative dog outside.
Maybe a treat would convince her to step over the threshold? I was pretty sure
she needed to empty her bladder after eight hours in the house. She refused to
budge. <b>That’s when it happened:</b> with the door wide open, one of the cats took
advantage of the opportunity. Quicker than I could shut the door, the cat
darted out into the yard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Fortunately the rain acted in my favor – the cat
didn’t run far before realizing the warm, dry house was far better than the
cold, wet out-of-doors. He let me pick him up, and even endured my scolding as
I deposited him back in the house. I carefully shut the door behind me,
scanning the kitchen to make sure all pets were accounted for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was stunned – there was a lesson here. </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Too often,
the wide-open door is a picture of my heart. <b>I fail to guard my heart and as a
result, all kinds of things get in that shouldn’t be there. </b> King Solomon, writing under the inspiration of
the Holy Ghost, put it this way: “<i>Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of
it are the issues of life</i>,” (Proverbs 4:23; KJV). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I may be doing a decent job of protecting my heart from
the things I think of as “big” sins (killing, stealing, adultery, etc.), but
while I’m focused on those things, other sins are able to slip by: pride,
lying, complaining, a bad attitude. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In God’s economy, sin is sin—there is no classification:
“big” sin or “small” sin.</span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Agreeing with God’s definition of sin and putting on
the armor He provides (Ephesians 6:11-17), are the right steps for me to take
in order to guard my heart. The devil is depicted as a roaring lion intent on
destroying me (1 Peter 5:8). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>But God is greater than my enemy.</b> When I humble
myself and rely on God’s strength to overcome the devil, share my doubts and
struggles with the Lord, and stay alert to the enemy’s schemes, my heart will
stay protected. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God adds a beautiful promise: “<i>But the God of all
grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye
have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you</i>,” (1
Peter 5:10). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b>Are you guarding the door to your heart? What step will you take today to protect yourself?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><i><b>Prayer: </b>Heavenly Father, thank You for using life’s
irritations to teach me important lessons. Forgive me for thinking I can guard
my heart on my own. Help me humble myself and look to You for the protection my
heart needs. Thank You for the promise that when I face trials with You, I am
made more complete. In Jesus’ name, Amen.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-7605744039813219252013-01-01T09:21:00.002-08:002013-01-07T13:04:07.953-08:00Things That Matter Most<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3lmDLpMZ4xgOd8PHD7mgTz0FlGz16yv04lWsMbaWD_BrqI9wA8EO03YkO6Z8gxgyrZH5Ew_4GSExcUAE-2TyytTUXvu4Eh8vAO7-uBJ-C_XuJSFZFL6iVGi2tTYrdvCDTIfxCEDaMbs/s1600/new+year.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG3lmDLpMZ4xgOd8PHD7mgTz0FlGz16yv04lWsMbaWD_BrqI9wA8EO03YkO6Z8gxgyrZH5Ew_4GSExcUAE-2TyytTUXvu4Eh8vAO7-uBJ-C_XuJSFZFL6iVGi2tTYrdvCDTIfxCEDaMbs/s400/new+year.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A new year has begun. Time to reflect on the past
year, has helped me identify the things I’ll continue in 2013, and
recognize the things I need to eliminate. Each new beginning offers an
opportunity to focus on what really matters:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Keeping Him first. <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a daily challenge for me. <strong>When I think about
who He is, I’m humbled.</strong> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“<em>For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised:
he also is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are
idols: but the Lord made the heavens</em>,” (1 Chronicles 16:25-26; KJV). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</h4>
<h4 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">He is the Creator. I am His creation.<o:p></o:p></span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My to-do list doesn’t end, and it’s easy to plunge
into the day with my plans in place. It’s when I take time to talk to God and
identify His will for the day that I’m able to accomplish the most. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">His Word reminds me: “<em>Trust in the Lord with all
thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways
acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths</em>,” (Proverbs 3:5-6).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Developing quality relationships and serving others.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>I have to admit, I’m selfish.</strong> I typically think of
my needs first. God’s Word points out a better way – I’m to put others ahead of
myself. In the book of Philippians Paul writes: “<em>Let nothing be done through
strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than
themselves</em>,” (2:3). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Taking the attitude of a servant goes a long way
toward pointing others to Christ. “<em>For, brethren, ye have been called unto
liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve
one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt
love thy neighbor as thyself</em>,” (Galatians 5:13-14). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<h3 class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Doing what He’s given me to do one step at a time.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>God has a plan for my life.</strong> It’s up to me to use the
abilities He’s given me, and rely on His strength to help me accomplish that
plan. He won’t force me to fulfill His plan, but He’s given me the incredible
opportunity to partner with Him in something that will bring Him glory. It’s
His hope that I’ll join Him to fulfill His will for my life: “<em>The eyes of your
understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his
calling . . .</em>” (Ephesians 1:18). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord shares a marvelous promise: “<em>Commit thy way
unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass</em>,” (Psalm 37:5).
And His presence goes with me: “<em>.</em> <em>. . I will never leave thee, nor forsake
thee</em>,” (Hebrews 13:5b)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><strong>What decisions have you made for 2013? Will you
focus on what really matters? Take steps today to put God first, serve others,
and fulfill the plan God has for your life.<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><em><strong>Prayer:</strong> Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of a
new year. Help me grow in grace and in the knowledge of you every day. I want
to put you first today and serve those you’ve brought into my life. Help me
fulfill the plan you have for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.<o:p></o:p></em></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
</div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Happy New Year!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-85378913115441345072012-12-25T06:20:00.000-08:002013-01-01T09:23:04.993-08:00The First Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39zX7ko_VR_aHAVvayjGIa-LaFi4x-weACWnoErn0-f6y_0sF8egx_5FA2QpLBP9NRXWDnslNeF3469mwRvafmnFlUV2zrIpMWo7R1p80eGNY9GtUam-D4Y4Geb2q4WI0CvQF0vygXdo/s1600/nativity2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj39zX7ko_VR_aHAVvayjGIa-LaFi4x-weACWnoErn0-f6y_0sF8egx_5FA2QpLBP9NRXWDnslNeF3469mwRvafmnFlUV2zrIpMWo7R1p80eGNY9GtUam-D4Y4Geb2q4WI0CvQF0vygXdo/s400/nativity2.JPG" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
<b>Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas as you celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!</b></h3>
<br />
Luke 2:1-20 (KJV)<br />
<br />
<i>And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David): To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<h3>
<i>And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. </i></h3>
<i><br /></i>
<i>And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Merry Christmas!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-91001825909512096282012-12-18T00:02:00.000-08:002012-12-25T06:17:50.498-08:00The Gift Inside<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3Z0X9aJgK0v4Db6dR_shCt76tdl-9pff37wcVMHDajjrILIwg8IA9WndAHpifx5fg547g4Xaiuo_e5cudSOWWI1N_MHbUz14Fy9ugR991RHcHCwlKwApmNSV0Si1crGudiSY_9Y5ZUA/s1600/Unwrapping+the+gift.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig3Z0X9aJgK0v4Db6dR_shCt76tdl-9pff37wcVMHDajjrILIwg8IA9WndAHpifx5fg547g4Xaiuo_e5cudSOWWI1N_MHbUz14Fy9ugR991RHcHCwlKwApmNSV0Si1crGudiSY_9Y5ZUA/s400/Unwrapping+the+gift.JPG" width="393" /></a></div>
<h3>
The house is decorated. The gifts have been purchased. The
baking is done. The only thing that remains is wrapping the presents. A quick
inventory of supplies, reveals a myriad of gift wrap and bags to choose from.
Colorful bows will add the finishing touch to each present.</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Christmas is only a few days away.</b> Our family will pass out
gifts, one at a time, and watch as the recipient opens each present. Candid
photos will record enthusiastic responses and surprised expressions for us to
enjoy throughout the year. As the wrapping paper is torn from each box, it's
the gift inside that will be treasured.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Travel back in time with me to a little town called
Bethlehem.</b> The marketplace is thronged with merchants selling their wares. The
sound of voices fills the air as salesmen strike deals with customers. Townspeople
stand in line, waiting to buy food and drink. Every inn is filled to capacity -
some weary travelers are turned away.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unbeknownst to the people of Bethlehem, a <u>precious gift</u> is
born that very night. "<i>And she brought forth her firstborn son, and
wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was
no room for them in the inn</i>," (Luke 2:7; KJV). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">This baby is God's gift to
mankind. </span></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Savior, who willingly left His throne in heaven, veiled Himself in
flesh to live a sinless life and shed His blood on the cross to pay our sin
debt. In the words of the apostle Paul: "<i>Thanks be unto God for his
unspeakable gift</i>," (2 Corinthians 9:15)!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gifts are supposed to be accepted and unwrapped by the
recipient.<b> The present that I leave unopened under my Christmas tree won't be
of any use to me. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The same is true regarding the gift of Jesus Christ. He was
sent for your benefit. He <i>"made himself of no reputation, and took upon
him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found
in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even
the death of the cross</i>," (Philippians 2:7-8). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>His desire is to give each
one of us eternal life:</b> "<i>For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of
God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord</i>," (Romans 6:23).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How can such an amazing gift be unwrapped?</b> He provides the
answer: "<i>For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting
life</i>," (John 3:16).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believe in Him. Believe that you are a sinner. Believe
that Jesus shed His blood and paid your sin debt on the cross of Calvary. Put
your faith in Him, and receive the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Have you left the most important gift unopened this season? Don't
wait till Christmas. You can receive this gift today. Believe on the Lord Jesus
Christ, and you will be saved. And you'll spend an eternity rejoicing in
heaven!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Prayer:</b> <i>Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son Jesus to be born as a babe in a manger all those years ago. I praise you that
Jesus willingly went to the cross, shedding His blood in payment for my sins.
Thank you for the gift of eternal life you give me when I believe in the
finished work of Jesus. To God be the glory! Amen.</i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-77534678391679911312012-12-11T04:32:00.000-08:002012-12-11T04:32:00.596-08:00A Price Worth Paying<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV88mZuz7J1czWM7NubwXqtkPISREXRvvfTwj7djE7SJ1v_vjQb8ivkCVB8BmzOtQoyyRgdgrKHDy6fxnyNT1s9vq4jujx28vHyqz7xG89A8c3rdRD3T4G1B1v4PzgLVchf1OOv2zM1T8/s1600/Christmas+tree+decorations.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5681211562708005938" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV88mZuz7J1czWM7NubwXqtkPISREXRvvfTwj7djE7SJ1v_vjQb8ivkCVB8BmzOtQoyyRgdgrKHDy6fxnyNT1s9vq4jujx28vHyqz7xG89A8c3rdRD3T4G1B1v4PzgLVchf1OOv2zM1T8/s320/Christmas+tree+decorations.JPG" style="display: block; height: 320px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>December. The month we celebrate the birth of Jesus.</b> As I decorated our Christmas tree and festive music played in the background, I couldn't help thinking about the time leading up to that first Christmas so many years ago...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>No doubt Mary was excited.</b> I imagine she was anticipating her marriage to Joseph, the talented carpenter. Wedding preparations were in full swing. No detail would be overlooked. The list of food for the celebration was thoroughly checked and re-checked. Although modest, accommodations for the guests were carefully thought through.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After a full day of chores and working on her wedding dress, Mary was more than ready for a good night of sleep. Little did she know this night would radically change the course of her life.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The being in her room could be none other than an angel.</b> Before she could react, he was speaking, "Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women," (Luke 1:28; KJV). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A bit frightened, Mary was troubled at his words, and wondered what he could possibly mean</b>. Before she was able to respond, the angel delivered his message, "Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus," (Luke 1:30-31).<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What? How could this be possible? Mary was a virgin. </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The angel gave her the answer, "The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God...For with God nothing shall be impossible," (Luke 1:35, 37).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Incredible! To be highly favored by God, and chosen to be the mother of the Messiah.</b> Mary's response was immediate, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word," (Luke 1:38).<br />
<br />
<h3>
No hesitation. </h3>
<br />
<h3>
Full obedience.</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I continued to hang the Christmas ornaments on my tree,<b><i> I couldn't help but think of the cost of obedience.</i></b> For Mary, her reputation would be ruined. She would be shunned by family, friends, and society for becoming pregnant outside of marriage. It was possible that she could be stoned. Even her fiancé, Joseph, may not believe her. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But Mary chose to believe God, and fully surrendered to His will for her. Although her life wasn't easy, Mary's obedience was rewarded by God. The Messiah was born Who would provide salvation for all mankind.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Obedience.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Being willing to submit to the Lord's authority. </b><br />
<br />
I had to ask myself if I am willing to pay the price of being obedient to my Savior, if it means running the risk of suffering. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tough question. But one that I can answer in the affirmative when I contemplate the outcome - hearing the words of my Heavenly Father, "...Well done, thou good and faithful servant," (Matthew 25:21a).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Are you willing to pay the price of obedience to Christ? What step will you take to be obedient today?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word. I love the examples of ordinary people, just like me, who chose to be obedient to You. Help me to choose to be obedient to You today. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>*The events leading up to the appearance of the angel are fictionalized. The quoted scriptures contain the factual account. For the entire story, read Luke 1:26-38.</i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-6634342600108531812012-12-06T08:11:00.000-08:002012-12-06T08:27:05.812-08:00Stay Tuned<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj62vLGoQLacKg-PYaCvJiD88YnQWXgxQOMcF7L3_Y-QRjYKzvQA_vKScmjrCcvmk_x1Rv1FI3XNtndzN_mmcMMG5lLt1G0foVBGqRz8oPeIKe1Ka1dHrOD0fastaLcu96ke9zMUnNNHk/s1600/nativity.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj62vLGoQLacKg-PYaCvJiD88YnQWXgxQOMcF7L3_Y-QRjYKzvQA_vKScmjrCcvmk_x1Rv1FI3XNtndzN_mmcMMG5lLt1G0foVBGqRz8oPeIKe1Ka1dHrOD0fastaLcu96ke9zMUnNNHk/s400/nativity.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>The month of December is always exciting:</b> decorating, baking, getting together with family and friends. Most importantly,<b><i> it's a dedicated time to reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.</i></b><br />
<br />
<h3>
I'll be taking a blogging break on Thursdays this month to enjoy the season and work on a few surprises to be unveiled in the New Year.</h3>
<br />
<h3>
<i>Please join me on Mondays for some special posts leading up to Christmas! </i></h3>
<br />
God Bless,<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.mariaimorgan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54490/44/00CBB4B23E34FAD84F371DAFBD835070.png" style="border: 0px currentColor !important;" /></a> </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-45058066888048502822012-12-04T00:02:00.000-08:002012-12-11T04:26:49.447-08:00Created for a Purpose<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI1VFvhDPCSwnPF5ZfO209uhHZESZYF7KTHcxnpaBenjC9OlD0GtQuj5FNvdYhll66JmzQMcouDcwJ9rHITpe5X22YRW7UxHe80d5JT8p-tG2HwDYtDwDbd2SDZwmDWaYrBHPv9jIANQ/s1600/00440296.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5551332843293701298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwI1VFvhDPCSwnPF5ZfO209uhHZESZYF7KTHcxnpaBenjC9OlD0GtQuj5FNvdYhll66JmzQMcouDcwJ9rHITpe5X22YRW7UxHe80d5JT8p-tG2HwDYtDwDbd2SDZwmDWaYrBHPv9jIANQ/s400/00440296.jpg" style="display: block; height: 400px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 273px;" /></a></div>
<b>The app is incredible.</b> Google SkyMap. I can point my phone up to the sky in any direction, and the application will tell me which stars I'm looking at.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Pretty mind boggling.</b> </h3>
<br />
In Google's own words,<i> "If there’s a specific constellation you’re looking for you can search through the application’s database, and SkyMap will help you find it in the sky, using an intuitive arrow system to tell you which direction to turn. When you get close, a circle will appear on the screen surrounding the stars that make up the constellation. It’s really a stargazer’s dream come true."</i></div>
<br />
<div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>This amazing technology has made me more aware of a marvelous Creator!</b> I'm convinced of the Psalmist's words, "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork," (Psalm 19:1; KJV).</div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Imagine how handy this tool would have been 2000 years ago.</b> I can picture the wise men holding up their smart phones, searching for the star that would lead them to the new-born King.<i> <b>But God's plan was infinitely better! </b></i><br />
<h3>
<br />An easily recognizable star, shining in the east, that would lead the men directly to the Savior.</h3>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>Their journey was long.</b> They came a considerable distance from the east to Jerusalem. Their excitement mounted as they made their way through the crowded streets to the palace. But no one knew anything about a baby.<br />
<br />
King Herod called the priests and scribes together to do a little research.<b> Where would this baby be born?</b><br />
<br />
<b></b>The scrolls contained an answer, "In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel," (Matthew 2:5-6).</div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>Cold chills must have gripped the King as he contemplated this potential menace to the kingdom.</b> He feigned kindness to his guests, telling them to find the baby and return to the palace, so he could go and worship the baby too. His unspoken plans played out in his mind. <b>When the wise men returned, he would send his troops to do away with this threat to his throne.</b></div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
The wise men continued their journey, destined for Bethlehem. They searched the sky.<b> Sure enough, there it was: the star that had led them faithfully thus far.</b> "...And lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy," (Matthew 2:9-10).<br />
<br />
<h3>
The star had been created for a purpose - to shine in such a way as to guide these men to the Savior. </h3>
It did its job: "And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh," (Matthew 2:11).</div>
<br />
<div>
<h3>
<b>See the connection? You were created for a purpose too.</b> </h3>
Just like the star of Bethlehem, each of us is given the opportunity to shine for Jesus, pointing others to Him. Don't let the hustle and bustle of the season dim your light. Instead, choose to be like that brightly shining star of long ago, leading others to the truth of a loving Savior who was born to reconcile sinful man with a holy God.</div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<strong>When your light is shining brightly, it won't take a neat app to find you, you'll be clearly visible. Doing your part to make your Heavenly Father known!<br /><br /><em>Prayer:</em></strong><em> Heavenly Father, thank You for the opportunity to shine for You. During this busy Christmas season, help me to be still and know You are God. I humble myself in worship of You. Help me to shine brightly, pointing others to You. In Jesus' name, Amen.</em><br />
<em><br /></em>
<em><br /></em>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<em>*A re-post from 12/2010</em><br />
<em><br /></em></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-11740957739658922662012-11-29T00:02:00.000-08:002013-02-04T12:25:45.652-08:00Interview: Author and Prayer-Warrior, Cherie Hill<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLEFj8WUyc92Z3T7NC4aYt5cs0_glmvGA1aU7_hggXRatgl_9qV9UCmQeOHygbdd7nFIKYCcqXIhQGH36O3CEFzmiw_R7lnjrOjBiArhQJ2LfRsfTM33n8oGXjUB21GiGANtHEQzEisM/s1600/Cherie+Hill+Bio+Pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGLEFj8WUyc92Z3T7NC4aYt5cs0_glmvGA1aU7_hggXRatgl_9qV9UCmQeOHygbdd7nFIKYCcqXIhQGH36O3CEFzmiw_R7lnjrOjBiArhQJ2LfRsfTM33n8oGXjUB21GiGANtHEQzEisM/s400/Cherie+Hill+Bio+Pic+1.jpg" width="325" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
I remember running across Cherie's blog a couple years ago. She was a kindred spirit. Her insightful articles about the truths of God's Word had me returning to her blog every time she posted. Her commitment to praying for me convinced me that she took her ministry seriously. Today I have the privilege of hosting author and prayer-warrior, <a href="http://www.cheriehillblog.blogspot.com/">Cherie Hill</a>! Join me in welcoming her!<br />
<b> </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: Welcome to Life
Lessons, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent">Cherie</a>! Tell us a bit about yourself:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Cherie:</i></b><i> Thank you for this
opportunity Maria! I love how Life Lessons connects us with others in the world
working to fulfill God’s purposes in their lives! It encourages me greatly! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>There’s an old me,
that lived by the flesh, longing for what only the world gives, and there’s the
“new” me that lives on Living Water alone, after meeting Jesus at the well. But
some things don’t change even through that encounter: I’m a homeschooling mom of two boys, wife,
and most importantly, devoted servant to the Lord. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>My favorite times are those
when I get one on one with God in the great outdoors, so I’m thrilled beyond
belief that our family is currently in the process of moving to Colorado! My
joy is helping others to hear God’ voice, through His Word, via my ministry
<a href="http://www.scripturenow.com/">ScriptureNow.com </a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: Congratulations on your upcoming move! How did you get started as a writer?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhPUiyb5j59zovvqFQWANlx-FpsSEPHFc8qRuBt5WosqQXtZYUTIvP0wKyEDWyFxVCK_o9xNshGVptgioJ6WhLuiUeNlXuFxblfudSzbAA7T1t56mOV_FqaXJBgDT_MBnlNRZe2udAQM/s1600/praying.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirhPUiyb5j59zovvqFQWANlx-FpsSEPHFc8qRuBt5WosqQXtZYUTIvP0wKyEDWyFxVCK_o9xNshGVptgioJ6WhLuiUeNlXuFxblfudSzbAA7T1t56mOV_FqaXJBgDT_MBnlNRZe2udAQM/s320/praying.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Cherie:</i></b><i> I can honestly say
that I’ve never aspired to be a writer. I’m having a hard time convincing
myself that I am one! LOL </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Truly, literally it started in the wee morning hours
as I sought the Lord in the depths of emptiness. I met Jesus at the well when
my life had been emptied and there was nothing left. It was there that He
offered me Living Water and I began to be filled with His Truth. I’d been
believing lies for far too long</i><i>―He
refreshed and renewed my soul and then asked me to step out in faith and begin
a ministry called “<a href="http://www.scripturenow.com/">ScriptureNow</a>.”</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>The purpose is simple: connect people around
the world with God’s Word. As prayer requests poured in, God’s Spirit began to
speak to me, and I began to write. I have truly known what it is like to
experience His heart flow in and out of my own. The joy is overwhelming.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: Wow -- now that's encouraging! How has your
relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your writing?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Cherie:</b> My relationship with
Jesus IS my writing. My writing comes from sitting daily at His feet. My books
are mostly revelations of my own inner walk of faith displayed in my books.
What I've found is that my own struggles with faith are no different than those
of others around the world. I've discovered that what God has spoken to my
heart has a dramatic impact on the hearts of others. As God has encouraged and
strengthened my heart, it is through my writings that I have been able to
encourage and strengthen others. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM37rUf_Uofsbn-xx1E6OUoCpWdH0_epTdvQr2DW9Flq4v8DUzEpWGI4N0FanGz9zHLw84IzaWYMO-tTvzL-CkYwEj2zJVfHT4OY9D2mIC-loeCVjM2H1SYpd6r5l8Kx9WbiJQGzpyUQ/s1600/empty+Cover+Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifM37rUf_Uofsbn-xx1E6OUoCpWdH0_epTdvQr2DW9Flq4v8DUzEpWGI4N0FanGz9zHLw84IzaWYMO-tTvzL-CkYwEj2zJVfHT4OY9D2mIC-loeCVjM2H1SYpd6r5l8Kx9WbiJQGzpyUQ/s320/empty+Cover+Final.jpg" width="207" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: Awesome! Give us a sneak peek into your upcoming release:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Cherie:</i></b><i> My latest release will
be published by Dec. 10<sup>th</sup> 2012. I am incredibly excited about this
book as its message is one that is powerful and can have a life transforming
effect on the reader. The title, “<b>empty.</b>”
says it all. I’m continually hearing, through my ministry, the cries of
emptiness within people around the world. They thirst, they’re dehydrated, life
has drained them dry, and they are desperate. The purpose of the book’s message
is to lead people to Living Water, the only thing that satisfies the soul. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: Sounds fantastic! And SO timely - what a wonderful gift to give this Christmas season: an introduction to the Savior.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>With the many demands
on your time, I understand you've started your own publishing services. What do
you offer?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Cherie: </b>This has been an
amazing turn in my journey of life. I never anticipated offering publishing
services until I began to have other Christian authors reaching out to me for
help. I have experienced great success through the Amazon.com CreateSpace and
Kindle Direct Publishing programs. I have learned “tricks of the trade,” and
have enabled other authors to catapult their books into BestSeller and Hot New
Releases lists on Amazon. I offer full paperback and ebook editing and
formatting as well as professional cover design and synopsis writing. It is a
great joy to help others to fulfill God’s purposes for their lives through
their writings! My publishing services website is:<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.writesourcepublishingservices.com/">http://www.WriteSourcePublishingServices.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRzCRaSvyJIm88I40n0qr6mNWDygFw_3YdTgU97HOwEU2MPFPFLY3zqSeGxv6a5wkhrD3k4xZsN-SMPSgo2HZy6KiqhjZ-cZFphkB639RY6f3LZQddL9itXwIfbIXI8WovW-ptFkO0zc/s1600/published+books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwRzCRaSvyJIm88I40n0qr6mNWDygFw_3YdTgU97HOwEU2MPFPFLY3zqSeGxv6a5wkhrD3k4xZsN-SMPSgo2HZy6KiqhjZ-cZFphkB639RY6f3LZQddL9itXwIfbIXI8WovW-ptFkO0zc/s320/published+books.JPG" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: You're a wealth of information Cherie! What advice would you
give a first-time author?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Cherie:</b> Before publishing,
talk to me. : ) The publishing industry has been turned upside down, and that
is a true benefit for authors. I have seen authors who were turned down
hundreds of times by traditional publishers, now able to make sizeable mortgage
payments through Amazon. Amazon provides
EVERYTHING you’ll need to give your writings maximum visibility. Of course,
that does not always mean there is a guarantee of sales. But it’s like walking
into a book store and seeing your book on a front table display</i><i>―it’s front and center. And Amazon’s
promotional tools allow you to take your book and make it HIGHLY visible to the
WORLD! <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>As the industry has
changed, I am also saddened by so many authors publishing through subsidy
publishers who are charging an unbelievable amount of money to publish;
providing a less than average product, and leaving the author with little to no
royalties. I have clients that have published with TOP subsidy publishers and
have been grossly disappointed. So, I’d encourage anyone who is thinking of
publishing to contact me . . . I consult on publishing for FREE!<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81G8GJDwwZjY2he-TAakycRo0eHROIX_jaXVXtVYnSLTvbr9eefrBXrRAmdDuOPUbg46c-met4bp6uYbWU9EIsj1YkpeiHF2aia72ydqi7g50aqG33hOmDvQAxoqglut-7O0bt9Dx8aw/s1600/Bible+letter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi81G8GJDwwZjY2he-TAakycRo0eHROIX_jaXVXtVYnSLTvbr9eefrBXrRAmdDuOPUbg46c-met4bp6uYbWU9EIsj1YkpeiHF2aia72ydqi7g50aqG33hOmDvQAxoqglut-7O0bt9Dx8aw/s200/Bible+letter.JPG" width="159" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: You can't beat a free publishing consultation! </b><b> What words of wisdom
would you like to leave with our readers?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Cherie: </b>Truthfully, if I could
speak anything into anyone’s life it would be this: Trust God’s Word and keep
walking in faith even through your doubt. Keep your eyes on Jesus and you’ll
find yourself walking on water.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4691883326513386349" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: So beautifully put! Reminds me of some words of wisdom penned by King Solomon: <i>"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths,"</i> (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). Thanks so much for joining us today, Cherie! I look forward to reading your new book and seeing how God continues to use the many ministries He's entrusted to you!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Connect with Cherie:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent">http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.cheriehillblog.blogspot.com/">www.cheriehillblog.blogspot.com</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.scripturenow.com/">www.scripturenow.com</a></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><a href="http://www.writesourcepublishingservices.com/">www.writesourcepublishingservices.com</a></b><br />
<br />
<br />
*Cherie Hill is the founder of <a href="http://scripturenow.com/">ScriptureNow.com</a>. She has a BA in Psychology and is trained in Biblical Counseling through the AACC.<br />
<br />
Cherie is an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cherie-Hill/e/B002BM00SC/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354046601&sr=8-2-ent">Amazon.com Bestselling Christian Living author</a>. She has been ranked #6 in Bestselling authors for Amazon in the Religion and Spirituality category and is consistently in the top 20. Her published works are: "Waiting on God," "Be Still: Let Jesus Calm Your Storms," "Beginning at the End: Finding God When Your World Falls Apart," "The Ways of God: Finding Purpose Through Your Pain," and "Hope Being Gone."<br />
<br />
Cherie writes the Christian Women's column, "FAITHLIFT" for <a href="http://cwahm.com/">CWAHM.com</a> and is a contributor for <a href="http://faithvillage.com/">FAITHVILLAGE.com</a>, as well as several other on-line Christian magazines.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-10353028371353663332012-11-26T07:34:00.000-08:002012-11-27T05:14:57.628-08:00An Interview with Alene Snodgrass - Author of Graffiti<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4W3SNxHqAv0FNiW8hCiijxk6X9TjTmcRGRbsG_nRjaV2mKYmlCl1Jzh2wnQBy4ZOan-UWJ05lhG69p3m-Ll8eoSGRHHjHPP8brz5a27EJkvzQBN3d9I0ytjn5AmWnC4aZDoutfm-FKI/s1600/Alene+Snodgrass+004+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB4W3SNxHqAv0FNiW8hCiijxk6X9TjTmcRGRbsG_nRjaV2mKYmlCl1Jzh2wnQBy4ZOan-UWJ05lhG69p3m-Ll8eoSGRHHjHPP8brz5a27EJkvzQBN3d9I0ytjn5AmWnC4aZDoutfm-FKI/s400/Alene+Snodgrass+004+-+Version+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For the past several weeks I've had the privilege of taking a writing course, <a href="http://tribewriters.com/">Tribe Writers</a>, taught by <a href="http://goinswriter.com/">Jeff Goins</a>. Not only have I learned a lot, but I've also been blessed to meet some fantastic people! Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to my new friend, <a href="http://alenesnodgrass.com/">Alene Snodgrass</a>. So grab your favorite beverage and enjoy reading about this amazing lady!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Welcome to Life Lessons, Alene! Tell us a bit about
yourself: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene: </b>I grew up in south Texas, married a military man, traveled
the world for 23 years, had three children, and then ended up back in south
Texas. I went from a country girl to a suburban girl. I love my camera. There
are days when I could live behind the lens just capturing life. There is
nothing like a photo that takes your breath away with a story.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> How did you get started as a writer?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene:</b> I began writing in 2007 at the prompting of friends. It was
a struggle for me, because all I could remember was cheating my way through
English in college and all those red F’s. But I took baby steps and followed
the dream that was being birthed within my soul.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> I'm glad you pursued your dream! How has your <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4691883326513386349" name="_GoBack"></a>relationship with Jesus
Christ impacted your writing?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene: </b>My writing has only came about because of the love I have
for Jesus. When the nudging became so strong to write and I knew in my own
weakness I couldn't, there were years that I put off writing. It wasn't until I
was convicted that delaying my obedience was being disobedient. I became
diligent in writing at that point and published my first study <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dirty+laundry+secrets+alene+snodgrass">Dirty LaundrySecrets</a></u>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_ipls1MX_bNHZiKW6VnPZvcZX9t0ovC-mxsqTJcwUlD05ZyEkiHjTC-iIp2VvdDOnqxhrzPTuY5aeKnS-GCGh61gPHFNnCSNcFl-q09ose6GHz49BkjxnBKuXgfWVEgqSNKPhdj4W_0/s1600/Book_graphic450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_ipls1MX_bNHZiKW6VnPZvcZX9t0ovC-mxsqTJcwUlD05ZyEkiHjTC-iIp2VvdDOnqxhrzPTuY5aeKnS-GCGh61gPHFNnCSNcFl-q09ose6GHz49BkjxnBKuXgfWVEgqSNKPhdj4W_0/s1600/Book_graphic450.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Give us a sneak peek into your eBook, <i>Graffiti: scribbles from
different sides of the street</i>:</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene: </b><u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=graffiti+alene+snodgrass">Graffiti</a></u> is dear to my heart. Three years ago I left my
nice, fancy church to begin serving at a church in the inner city. I had been
there for a few months when I met Rick, a homeless man. We became great friends
and we both loved to write. Our friendship grew as we began sharing writings
and the stories of our lives. I learned so much from Rick. The most important thing
being that it doesn't matter that we think we don’t have much in common with
those that are “different” and from “the other side of the street," we are more
alike than we know. It’s a beautiful story and one that is told in <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=graffiti+alene+snodgrass">Graffiti</a>.</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><i><br /></i></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> It's amazing what God teaches us when we follow Him in obedience! What do you hope readers glean from your book?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene:</b> I believe in this message so much. I think most of us living
in America live lives too comfortably. We get caught up in our daily routines
and schedules, while missing so many in need around us. It doesn't have to be
the homeless; it can be your neighbor across the street that needs a hand. This
book challenges us all to live in the moment, keep our eyes open to those we can help, and then step out of our comfort zones to help meet their needs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Challenging stuff! What steps can we take to step outside
our comfort zones?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene:</b> For each of us it will be different. I used to think I had to
be a missionary in a foreign land, but that is not what Christ actually
teaches. He says start in your own neighborhoods and streets - see those who you
can serve and then do so. Yes, the homeless need help. But so do our neighbors
across the street, children in our children’s classrooms, single moms, and
sometimes even the elderly or disabled in the grocery store. Needs are
everywhere. We have to slow ourselves down and peek out from behind our
comfortable zones to see.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> You're absolutely right, Alene! What words of wisdom would you like to leave with our
readers?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Alene:</b> Many I often visit with are looking for meaning and purpose
in their life. They are looking to gain significance through material things,
more money, and even a title at work. They seek and search for more and more. But
the odd thing about our purpose is that it will show up when we get our eyes
off ourselves and begin serving others. I know we've been taught to chase the
American dream for fulfillment, but really it is in helping others that our
true purpose is found. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Thanks for those words of truth! It's been a pleasure interviewing you and getting the message out about your new eBook, <i>Graffiti</i>! I look forward to hearing how God uses it to impact the lives of those who read it! God bless you!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Connect with Alene:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
alenesnodgrass@gmail.com</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.alenesnodgrass.com/">www.alenesnodgrass.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.graffitithebook.com/">www.graffitithebook.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_ipls1MX_bNHZiKW6VnPZvcZX9t0ovC-mxsqTJcwUlD05ZyEkiHjTC-iIp2VvdDOnqxhrzPTuY5aeKnS-GCGh61gPHFNnCSNcFl-q09ose6GHz49BkjxnBKuXgfWVEgqSNKPhdj4W_0/s1600/Book_graphic450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_ipls1MX_bNHZiKW6VnPZvcZX9t0ovC-mxsqTJcwUlD05ZyEkiHjTC-iIp2VvdDOnqxhrzPTuY5aeKnS-GCGh61gPHFNnCSNcFl-q09ose6GHz49BkjxnBKuXgfWVEgqSNKPhdj4W_0/s1600/Book_graphic450.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Great news!</b> November 26th - 30th, Alene is giving away over <b>$75.00 worth of resources FREE</b> to anyone who buys Graffiti. If you buy the book this week, she'll send you nine resources as a gift. Here's all you need to do:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.<b> Buy the book for $3.99 BEFORE November 30th.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2.<b> Email a copy of your receipt to graffitibookgifts@gmail.com</b> When you buy it, just forward the Amazon email receipt you get. Do not submit questions there. If you have a question, email alenesnodgrass@gmail.com.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. <b>Check your email and enjoy your resources!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
*<a href="http://alenesnodgrass.com/">Alene Snodgrass</a> is an energetic and motivational Christian speaker, Bible teacher, and author. Her relevant messages and Bible studies have created drastic changes in the lives of people, as well as helped many step out to serve the broken, abused, and downhearted in their communities. She is the author of <u><a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=dirty+laundry+secrets+alene+snodgrass">Dirty Laundry Secrets - a journey to meet the Launderer</a></u>, and<a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=i%27m+a+fixer-upper+alene+snodgrass"><u> I'm a Fixer-Upper - a day-by-day remodeling guide</u>. </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Alene has been published in numerous books, online publications and writes regularly for WHOA Magazine. She serves as the Bible Studies director at Bay Area Fellowship Westside Campus in Corpus Christi, Texas - a church that ministers in the inner city.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Are you ready to take a step outside your comfort zone? Come join in the discussion!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-670457068485636982012-11-22T06:57:00.000-08:002012-11-22T06:57:06.919-08:00Happy Thanksgiving & A Winner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3MLma31Z460tghkvULSvk8oNGPoiSoEsclDn2w6L4R120S0BWvd4gu9w01WXHtYWaTj0_LZ3bkAxoyWILfVwnSrIJgj9vCEeUIvXJCz78KdEGJtM9A6CCREW4RDGvCr7PFyF3Z5qIIE/s1600/Thanksgiving+2012.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3MLma31Z460tghkvULSvk8oNGPoiSoEsclDn2w6L4R120S0BWvd4gu9w01WXHtYWaTj0_LZ3bkAxoyWILfVwnSrIJgj9vCEeUIvXJCz78KdEGJtM9A6CCREW4RDGvCr7PFyF3Z5qIIE/s400/Thanksgiving+2012.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>It's a beautiful day to give thanks for all God's mercies!</b><br />
<br />
<i>O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks unto the God of gods: for his mercy endureth for ever. O give thanks to the Lord of lords: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him who alone doeth great wonders: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that by wisdom made the heavens: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that stretched out the earth above the waters: for his mercy endureth for ever. To him that made great lights: for his mercy endureth for ever: The sun to rule by day: for his mercy endureth for ever: The moon and stars to rule by night: for his mercy endureth for ever...O give thanks unto the God of heaven: for his mercy endureth for ever. </i>(Psalm 136:1-9,26; KJV)<br />
<br />
<b>Wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Congratulations to Patty, winner of the signed copy of Jody Hedlund's newest release, <i>Unending Devotion</i>!!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-45549187626655076492012-11-20T05:28:00.001-08:002012-12-03T19:07:09.076-08:00True Satisfaction<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp8YCeZEUKzYh3KTmmXYsB4XNS1dAaVyzKCEFYBgZlE2y49AWw4M11VbIDFG2TFLtZT13dkwyoYTSHIFRui8ijl_vs63KMffAGCuYv93W7uLATtjP434B3jty80zNhVpLMKUVQ3LQnao/s1600/Thanksgiving+turkey.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677538855278548162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJp8YCeZEUKzYh3KTmmXYsB4XNS1dAaVyzKCEFYBgZlE2y49AWw4M11VbIDFG2TFLtZT13dkwyoYTSHIFRui8ijl_vs63KMffAGCuYv93W7uLATtjP434B3jty80zNhVpLMKUVQ3LQnao/s320/Thanksgiving+turkey.JPG" style="cursor: pointer; display: block; height: 256px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><o:p></o:p></b><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Who can deny that food and holidays go together?</b> Thanksgiving is no exception. Spending time with dear family members can only be made sweeter by a table laden with food. My mouth is already watering in anticipation of all the delectable things that will make up the Thanksgiving Day feast.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I imagine myself loading my plate with all kinds of goodies </b>- pumpkin pie topped with real whipped cream, just a sliver of the pecan pie, and oh, I can't pass by the apple bread without having just a little. A dessert connoisseur's dream. <b>But in this dream of mine, something is missing.</b> Food that will truly nourish my body. If my plate is loaded solely with sweets, it'll only be a matter of time before my body craves what it really needs - proper nutrients. You know, the ones found in the turkey, green beans, squash, and cranberry relish, also on the table.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>When fueled with the appropriate balance of food, my body is able to function properly.</b> The problem: sometimes I fall prey to eating the things that <b>sound</b> good to me, rather than those that <b>are</b> good for me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Thanksgiving wouldn't be the same without taking time to reflect on the past year's blessings.</b> However, in a rush to finish cleaning the house, prepare the mid-day meal, and welcome family, I sometimes leave out what I really need - time spent with my Savior; praising Him for His goodness. Time allowing Him to orchestrate my days in such a way that balance is restored during a time that tends to get chaotic.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Consider the beautiful metaphor spoken by Jesus himself, "I am the the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst," (John 6:35).<b> Sweets cannot satisfy my body's hunger, neither can my soul be satisfied in living a life apart from Christ.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>As you get together with friends and family this year, and put the finishing touches on your Thanksgiving Day feast, remember to make plenty of room for what will truly satisfy - the Lord, Jesus Christ!</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are! Thank You for the blessings you pour out in my life. Help me to enjoy a time of worshiping and praising You this Thanksgiving - remembering that it IS all about You. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>A re-post from 11/2011</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-85492363430339174292012-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:002012-11-16T07:12:48.796-08:00Interview with Best-Selling Author, Jody Hedlund<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIK3KmrZJEQtvMhbx01mvflj71XSoRoV-NfOqU9UIkcwnZpHIdK4f69I7bX_qHo-WR4pDiw3xgg6qFZCDWxdYSyqgw2n9DbNKL-zkBcvNXOHk3INWIHV-L8sNQ2B12-BmFMQggy0AUWc/s1600/Author+Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAIK3KmrZJEQtvMhbx01mvflj71XSoRoV-NfOqU9UIkcwnZpHIdK4f69I7bX_qHo-WR4pDiw3xgg6qFZCDWxdYSyqgw2n9DbNKL-zkBcvNXOHk3INWIHV-L8sNQ2B12-BmFMQggy0AUWc/s400/Author+Picture.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b>
I remember stumbling upon <a href="http://www.jodyhedlund.com/">Jody Hedlund's</a> blog prior to her first book release. This amazingly talented lady is now the author of three historical romance novels -- with more on the way! It's my pleasure to introduce you to Jody and to share her most recent release, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unending-Devotion-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352859593&sr=8-1&keywords=unending+devotion">Unending Devotion</a></i>. <br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Hi Jody! So glad you could join us today. Tell us a bit about
yourself:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> I'm a chocolate-lover, coffee-guzzler,
avid reader, passionate writer, busy mom of five, and wife to my college
sweet-heart for over twenty years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Wow! Sounds like there's plenty to keep you busy. Give us a glimpse
into an ordinary day at your house:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> I'm not sure that we have any ordinary days in our crazy
house! Since I homeschool my children, our home is usually very busy and noisy.
I spend most of my day teaching my children. Then once we're done with our
school time, I try to squeeze in a little writing. As my children are getting
older and are involved in more extracurricular activities, I've also become a
taxi mom and an expert at juggling a busy schedule!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria: </i>From the sound of it, you've mastered your busy schedule.<i> </i>As an established
author, what is your favorite part of the writing process?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> As a writer, I love telling stories. I especially like the
feeling that comes as I near the end of the book when everything looks
hopeless, the characters are in big trouble, and somehow I’m able to wrap up
the book in a satisfying way. I call it the first-draft love affair! I fall
absolutely and madly in love with the story and think it’s the best thing I've ever written.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-yWrtEYAdvhIWgjgRVH4t71dSL0zrPiFH4VK_Tm2TLyvDApzIxmEGAt878raL8kEBsTx3bU8jU4xbOkNoZ_0JIjINt7T9nPFVs4jF7xfn-xDisXpbgYjzrnwjzL9TiBvRNRQwmu4aGI/s1600/Unending+Devotion+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM-yWrtEYAdvhIWgjgRVH4t71dSL0zrPiFH4VK_Tm2TLyvDApzIxmEGAt878raL8kEBsTx3bU8jU4xbOkNoZ_0JIjINt7T9nPFVs4jF7xfn-xDisXpbgYjzrnwjzL9TiBvRNRQwmu4aGI/s320/Unending+Devotion+Cover.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<b><i>Maria:</i> Let's talk about your
recent release, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unending-Devotion-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352859593&sr=8-1&keywords=unending+devotion">Unending Devotion</a></i>. Being a Michigan girl myself, I could
identify with the setting of this story. But I have to admit, I was unaware of
the devastating effects of the lumber industry. Share a brief summary of what
your research revealed:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Jody: </i></b>During my research for the book, I began reading biographies
about people who lived during the lumber era. And as I did, I ran across
stories of young women who didn't fit into the glamorized legends and songs
that we usually associate with the lumber era.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The stories of many of these women were much darker. They're
tales of women who were abused, exploited, and even enslaved.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unending-Devotion-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352859593&sr=8-1&keywords=unending+devotion"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unending-Devotion-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352859593&sr=8-1&keywords=unending+devotion">Unending Devotion</a></i>
is inspired by one of those women, Jennie King. She rode a train into central
Michigan in answer to a newspaper ad for a
job. She expected to work in a hotel. Instead she found herself enslaved in a
brothel. She fled, but was recaptured and beaten. The brave and desperate woman
escaped again, wearing only a nightgown, and this time gained help from a local
family. The brothel owner tried to get her back again. But the family helped
smuggle Jennie out of town and to a safe place.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria: </i>I know one of your
hopes in writing this book, was to heighten awareness of the issue of white
slavery (forced prostitution) during the lumber era. Unfortunately, this is
still a problem in our generation. Lily Young was willing to stem the tide of evil in her
day. How can we get involved in combating this type of slavery today?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b> <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLXOe_hjhtMJMcx9NBdW-NVSw-eO7JxEm-5QaZFHbcQ7ZD2HTbSWbImpvBM2OsLKy3G1McydZ0CRDBZAumr8NnAZwjd-d20E6u5P9JrRqfxeNntwXQIE6j04_chQ8Rxgvf7Oykl90h00/s1600/World+Vision+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLXOe_hjhtMJMcx9NBdW-NVSw-eO7JxEm-5QaZFHbcQ7ZD2HTbSWbImpvBM2OsLKy3G1McydZ0CRDBZAumr8NnAZwjd-d20E6u5P9JrRqfxeNntwXQIE6j04_chQ8Rxgvf7Oykl90h00/s1600/World+Vision+logo.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> I actually have several organizations listed on my website
that are helping to increase awareness of the problem and fight against it, and
I'm donating part of the proceeds from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Unending-Devotion-Jody-Hedlund/dp/0764208349/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1352859593&sr=8-1&keywords=unending+devotion">UnendingDevotion</a></i> to help stop trafficking. One of the organizations I have listed
is World Vision. They work directly with victims rescued from a life of trafficking.
They give hope to young girls by offering assistance like medical care,
nutritious food, non-formal education, vocational training, compassionate
counseling, and, where possible, reintegration into a loving family
environment. To learn more visit <a href="http://donate.worldvision.org/OA_HTML/xxwv2ibeCCtpItmDspRte.jsp?section=10370&item=186" target="_blank">World Vision’s website.</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria: </i>What a positive way to make a difference! I applaud your personal efforts to be part of the solution. I was drawn to both
of your main characters, Lily Young and Connell McCormick. How would they
describe themselves?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><b><i>Jody:</i></b> Because Lily was an
orphan growing up, she </span><span lang="EN-AU">would say she </span><span lang="EN-AU">has a heart for the
under-privileged. She's very caring and wants t</span><span lang="EN-AU">o save everyone and everything. </span><span lang="EN-AU">On the other hand, she often doesn't stop to
think before she acts. She's rather impetuous and rash which leads her to rush
headlong into trouble.<b><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--></b></span><span lang="EN-AU"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-AU">Connell's father is
a lumber baron who has made millions off lumbering. As manager of several of
his father's lumber camps, Connell has a sense of loyalty and duty to his
father's thriving business. He works hard and is determined to make his father
proud of his efforts.</span><span lang="EN-AU"> Amidst all of the </span><span lang="EN-AU">lawlessness
and evil that surrounds him in the lumber towns</span><span lang="EN-AU">, h</span><span lang="EN-AU">e
figures as long as he leads an upstanding life, that's all that matters.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t8rLf-xHgZno7H6jHg5xeIR-tPbeUtlgCFT8P_jBziBbWLZS-ns2p8_ef53BrmAnixQdlUZcBllHMl0MnJ7pZocBGXNKNCi9FjwOTm4w3iabTBSPn40HdqhxNZlptcSrXy40IaOsjqY/s1600/Logging+in+MI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t8rLf-xHgZno7H6jHg5xeIR-tPbeUtlgCFT8P_jBziBbWLZS-ns2p8_ef53BrmAnixQdlUZcBllHMl0MnJ7pZocBGXNKNCi9FjwOTm4w3iabTBSPn40HdqhxNZlptcSrXy40IaOsjqY/s320/Logging+in+MI.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Do you purposely
weave your own personality traits into your characters, or do you develop your
characters with traits you'd like to possess?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> While each of my characters are unique with no intention of
replicating myself or any one person I know, each book does bring out my
passion for helping the underprivileged. I usually have a heroine who is
fighting against social ills of some kind. And I always seem to have a minor
character struggling through timeless issues like poverty, exploitation, abuse,
etc. Since I have a masters in Social Work, I guess it's inevitable that I
would weave in characters struggling against social ills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> I can definitely see the parallel. I know you must have
another book in the works. Can you give us a sneak peek? <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Jody: </i>My next book (releasing in April 2013) is <i>A Noble Groom</i>. It's another Michigan book set among a rural immigrant faming community which is facing discrimination, drought, and then the Great Fire of 1881.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story starts with recently widowed Annalisa Werner having the feeling her husband was murdered but being unable to prove it. Alone with her young daughter, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He's been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn't commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he'll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa's farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manuel labor.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He's gentle, kind, and romantic-- unlike any of the men she's ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love -- but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.</div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Maria:</i> Fascinating plot! I can already tell I'll be adding your next title to my "To Be Read" list! What words of wisdom
would you like to share with our readers?<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i>Jody:</i></b> I recently ran across a pin over on Pinterest which said:
"Your dream doesn't have an expiration date. Take a deep breath and try
again." I think that's inspiring for all of us whether we're writers or
pursuing some other dream. We don't need to be in a hurry. We just need to keep
working and trying.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Maria:</i> I love that thought, Jody! Very encouraging. Thanks so much for stopping by today. And I look forward to reading many more of your books! God bless you~</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Great news! Jody has graciously agreed to give away a signed copy of her book, <i>Unending Devotion</i>.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>*Leave a comment to this post, include your email address in the following format: morgan(dot)maria(dot)i(at)gmail(dot)com. Entries without an email address are not eligible.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Receive an extra entry by becoming a follower, or by reminding me that you're already a follower.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Receive a bonus entry by posting about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook, and/or Twitter. Please be sure and let me know you did so in your comment.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*This is open to US residents only. My sincere apology to those followers outside the US.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>*Deadline to enter is midnight Eastern Standard Time, Tuesday, November 20th, 2012. Winner to be announced in Thursday's post. The winner will be notified via email.</i><br />
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jody Hedlund</b> is
an award-winning historical romance novelist and author of the best-selling
book, <i>The Preacher's Bride</i>. She received a bachelor’s degree from
Taylor University and a master’s from the University of Wisconsin, both in
Social Work. Currently she makes her home in Michigan with her husband and five
busy children. Publishers Weekly called her newest book <i>Unending Devotion</i>, " a meaty tale of life amid the
debauchery of the lumber camps of 1880s Michigan . . . exciting and
unpredictable to the very end."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiwT4sj3U22HeTMs2_6imXGvdIaQ-SHCIWf8K3aP0zZZdlhPU6Azok_o9F6bWdwoPRMhW1JnXymgptOJuSbNsZaqFOo-ylKkj0SiYoyHCO8g-er4N2s0-65KnD-tTNusIeVO5-ZOXTcU/s1600/Family+Picture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiwT4sj3U22HeTMs2_6imXGvdIaQ-SHCIWf8K3aP0zZZdlhPU6Azok_o9F6bWdwoPRMhW1JnXymgptOJuSbNsZaqFOo-ylKkj0SiYoyHCO8g-er4N2s0-65KnD-tTNusIeVO5-ZOXTcU/s400/Family+Picture.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jody would love to connect with you! Find her in one of these
places:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Website: <a href="http://jodyhedlund.com/" target="_blank">http://jodyhedlund.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Blog: <a href="http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/">http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jody.hedlund?ref=name#%21/AuthorJodyHedlund" target="_blank">Author Jody
Hedlund</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund" target="_blank">http://twitter.com/JodyHedlund</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/">http://pinterest.com/jodyhedlund/</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-75118867415201881442012-11-13T00:02:00.000-08:002012-11-20T05:26:48.874-08:00Brushing Out the Tangles<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL_6o5cBubaEV0dSWRsZW7clYMMYlgQugouXw9FgCjbX63TQmyg7zSpIiV0We3GM267_i79RMFjO39gRCbZBx0DhM3xqYhzmqojwpDnMGWRV8wSyRUEHAE5HllTAWO9ZJRgEsWYc_i98/s1600/grooming+tools.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSL_6o5cBubaEV0dSWRsZW7clYMMYlgQugouXw9FgCjbX63TQmyg7zSpIiV0We3GM267_i79RMFjO39gRCbZBx0DhM3xqYhzmqojwpDnMGWRV8wSyRUEHAE5HllTAWO9ZJRgEsWYc_i98/s400/grooming+tools.JPG" width="267" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Her soft snores punctuated the stillness.</b> At first, I
couldn't make sense of the sound. But a quick glance in the direction of the
living room confirmed my suspicions. My cat, Courtney, lay curled up on one of
the chairs, fast asleep, gray fur sticking up in all directions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Most cats enjoy being groomed.</b> Not Courtney. She's quick to
jump up on the couch to share some family time, and just as quick to jump down
if I try to get in a few strokes with her brush. Oddly enough, when I attempt
to hold her still and do a more thorough job, she actually purrs. Done
regularly, the frequent brushings keep the mats in her fur to a minimum, and I
can groom Courtney quickly. It seems that although she's not crazy about the
process, she feels better once she's brushed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Reminds me of the often painful refining process the Lord
applies in my life.</b> I long to be the type of vessel the Lord can use, yet I'm not quite as eager
to sign up for the furnace experiences that help me become that useful, highly
polished tool. Much like Courtney, I'm not keen on things that cause discomfort
or pain - although I recognize the value of the experiences once I'm on the
other side. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Case in point.</b> The flight where I was given the opportunity
to share Christ with a fellow passenger. I had a list of things to keep me busy
for quite some time. In fact, I was actually looking forward to the down time
to get some things done. But then the gentleman across from me started a
conversation. It would have been easy to give a brief answer and turn back to
my work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The truth was, I had prayed that very morning to be used as
a witness. Did I really mean what I said?</b> Or had it just been a routine prayer?
It wasn't comfortable to give up my free time, but I knew the Lord had
orchestrated the opportunity. As I spoke with the man, I could almost feel the
Lord scouring the selfishness from me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>God's Word is full of truths that, when applied, act as
cleansing agents.</b> Powerful purifiers that remove the things from my life that make me rough
around the edges. The Apostle Paul describes it accurately, "For the word
of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing
even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow,
and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart," (Hebrews
4:12; KJV). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>But one trip to the Master Refiner is not enough.</b> Just like
Courtney needs a daily brushing, I need daily refining. I know that the process
is difficult, but the end result will be a clear reflection of my Master.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Is the Lord refining you? How will you cooperate with Him in
this process today?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Prayer:</b> Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me enough to
scour the rough edges from me. Help me to 'hold still' and let You accomplish
Your work in my life. In Jesus' name, Amen.</i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>A re-post from 11/2011</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-32993659675556907912012-11-08T00:02:00.000-08:002012-11-08T00:02:00.484-08:00Interview with Writer & Editor Jennifer Slattery<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2y_S8qWRLOW7f0ub9nBRUI3279haPs9XXfSVyes5D7AVKI_ituZgyGjEJVvqLqos14QzNKH8zyhBPm_fjs4T_Dw6hhlpNKw2V9N9wiTIVDZPYT29hGvw8iXivQGobuEgFtbAO9vwgMs/s1600/Jennifer+Slattery+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB2y_S8qWRLOW7f0ub9nBRUI3279haPs9XXfSVyes5D7AVKI_ituZgyGjEJVvqLqos14QzNKH8zyhBPm_fjs4T_Dw6hhlpNKw2V9N9wiTIVDZPYT29hGvw8iXivQGobuEgFtbAO9vwgMs/s400/Jennifer+Slattery+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I had the privilege of meeting <a href="http://jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/">Jennifer Slattery</a> a couple years ago. We didn't have the opportunity to sit down and chat. No, we met via the internet. Jennifer was collaborating with some other great gals (<a href="http://www.jessicarpatch.com/">Jessica R. Patch</a>, <a href="http://www.joannesher.com/">Joanne Sher</a>, and <a href="http://www.pattywysong.com/">Patty Wysong</a>) to host a Facebook page/community that came to be known as <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065">Living by Grace</a>: a fantastic place to engage with readers while sharing insights from God's Word. I was honored to join them in that endeavor.<br />
<br />
Time flies. I figured it was high time to track down this multi-talented writer and editor and find out what she's up to these days. Join me in welcoming Jennifer!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Welcome to Life Lessons, Jennifer! Tell us a bit about yourself:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RyuLfghbDVxIU8jfYipjkl6KqrNBxCQnpmhO0TdkgAhd6GZZaC_HXcg4gim_3MLv41TxzH-mfS8GZHxArvh8W60IRwprvClAfGMDM6x95OdQywmKVgV0Tfcb7jFxAxNtRFRTJ1lhMUo/s1600/Jennifer+Slattery+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-RyuLfghbDVxIU8jfYipjkl6KqrNBxCQnpmhO0TdkgAhd6GZZaC_HXcg4gim_3MLv41TxzH-mfS8GZHxArvh8W60IRwprvClAfGMDM6x95OdQywmKVgV0Tfcb7jFxAxNtRFRTJ1lhMUo/s320/Jennifer+Slattery+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> I’ve been married to my best friend and a man I adore for
seventeen years, and we have a fifteen-year-old daughter. My favorite pastime
of late has been going on leisurely walks with either or both of them. I
especially love those times with our daughter as it allows me to catch glimpses
into her heart. I’ve enjoyed every stage of parenting, but this one might be my
favorite yet. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:</b> <b><i>Ah, family is SO important! Between managing your business (<a href="http://wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com/">Words That Keep</a>), and taking
care of your family, when do you find time to write? </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> I love to write. It’s how I process, and it invigorates me,
therefore, most of the time, it sort of just flows. (We always find time for
those things we love, don’t we?) But I don’t watch TV except maybe a few times
a month, so I think that helps. And I tend to break my day into chunks so that
I can make the most of each moment—writing when my daughter is at school and
the house is quiet, editing when she and my husband are watching TV. Cleaning
when I need a mental break.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> I totally understand. Kudos to you for trading TV time for editing time! How has your relationship with Jesus Christ impacted your
writing?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer: </b>Jesus is the reason I began writing in the first place. I
started writing for a church I belonged to 13 or so years ago—newsletters, curriculum,
dramas. Then one day I realized, “Hey, I like this!” So I started dabbling in
storytelling just for fun. Then, I felt God’s call. Or I should say, He
confirmed it, although I fought Him initially. It’s one thing to write for
fun—when you have time. It’s another to center your day around that—to embrace
it full force. And frankly, I wanted to do something that would earn a steady
paycheck. That wasn't so hard, so unpredictable. But He kept calling, and after
a period of rebellion, I surrendered.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b> </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> I'm glad you followed the Lord's call! What do you hope readers glean from your writing? </i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> God’s grace poured in and through our broken lives. I hope
those who don’t know Jesus will sense His deep, incomprehensible love for them.
I hope that those who do know Him will be drawn closer and into deeper
surrender. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizihAz0fNI-LKqdOk0Jyc26wtPFeFCCqeT7Mss2zMRZA8o-HkAiSxTwHVqFJ64naD-6w0UbXKefmpy7CC9iawJDoxPEKUZcqTvimOSpspjTGHQamRYxFYkFQv_uS-fp2ytTtgnsum34t0/s1600/books.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizihAz0fNI-LKqdOk0Jyc26wtPFeFCCqeT7Mss2zMRZA8o-HkAiSxTwHVqFJ64naD-6w0UbXKefmpy7CC9iawJDoxPEKUZcqTvimOSpspjTGHQamRYxFYkFQv_uS-fp2ytTtgnsum34t0/s320/books.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Excellent! Any books on the horizon?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> Great question! And one I hope to have an answer to soon. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> I have several projects
in various stages of review with different publishers, and I’m in the
critiquing/editing stage with another project and have a few ideas for
nonfiction books I’d like to dive into, when I can.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Fantastic! Please keep us posted! Let's talk about your business. What services do you offer?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> Mostly I do line-edits and big-picture reads called betas. I
love helping writers strengthen their stories by showing them places they can
eliminate unnecessary words/phrases, increase tension, improve
characterization, show their reader rather than telling them about a
situation/emotion/character, that sort of thing. I also provide marketing
coaching and have helped many with press releases. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Sounds like your business allows you to wear many hats. Share a lesson you've learned through <a href="http://wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com/">Words That Keep</a>:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> God manages the business for me. When my schedule allows and
finances require more work, suddenly clients begin contacting me again. I've learned to trust in His timing. Well, I’m learning to trust in His timing. I
have a tendency to barge ahead or veer right or left on occasion, but
thankfully, our ever-patient Savior always nudges me back on track. <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4691883326513386349" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Thanks for your transparency! Share a little-known fact about yourself:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> I once swam in a lake where authorities found a dead body. The month before I swam in it. And no, I didn't know at the time. Ugh!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> I have to echo you, "Ugh!" On a more pleasant note, what words of wisdom would you like to leave with our
readers?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jennifer:</b> Trust God in every stage—even the quiet or seemingly
non-productive stages. Grab hold of and cherish each moment. He has a loving
and faithful purpose in every one!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Awesome advice Jennifer! Thanks again for joining us today!</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt66PSZXLTfiKDlKlyqz6c4bZnmLBaSWX9tlqspe3f-vMd9s6xFT2SR69UUIK4McUF3SnhZ17PceO11hVueVBmB6LhmdhqWr2eVzLsy0W3qOwdo8ptSbUScnzdkr8SQhDEeCAPjyXVx80/s1600/Jennifer+Slattery+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt66PSZXLTfiKDlKlyqz6c4bZnmLBaSWX9tlqspe3f-vMd9s6xFT2SR69UUIK4McUF3SnhZ17PceO11hVueVBmB6LhmdhqWr2eVzLsy0W3qOwdo8ptSbUScnzdkr8SQhDEeCAPjyXVx80/s320/Jennifer+Slattery+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Connect with Jennifer:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com/">www.wordsthatkeep.wordpress.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com/">www.jenniferslatterylivesoutloud.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.twitter.com/jenslattery">www.twitter.com/Jenslattery</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-71552691924484476872012-11-06T00:02:00.000-08:002012-11-16T06:56:12.303-08:00Keep Asking!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPVW3MEu4dJAAWXmzW-7ppnUiMXVSh1zwSx5zxfOMKjBeVka0zfFxQOS-OKmHrlGS3oUZspLo7NSIldus4vxVvU8kKT1ZzZaQuBToImfx3MwxPm1bWwPKYzLqERti2fLUadIP6MwU260/s1600/persistent+prayer.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaPVW3MEu4dJAAWXmzW-7ppnUiMXVSh1zwSx5zxfOMKjBeVka0zfFxQOS-OKmHrlGS3oUZspLo7NSIldus4vxVvU8kKT1ZzZaQuBToImfx3MwxPm1bWwPKYzLqERti2fLUadIP6MwU260/s400/persistent+prayer.JPG" width="270" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A couple months went by without a response to my email.</b> That couldn't be good news. My pessimistic nature equated the lack of response with
a definite, ‘No!’ But a friend encouraged me to send another message in an
effort to follow-up. There was a possibility the first email hadn't arrived, wasn't there?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Acting on her advice, I held my breath as I pressed the send
button. <b>What did I have to lose?</b> Whether the answer was ‘Yes’ or ‘No,’ once I
had a response, I could move on. To my surprise, an email was waiting in my
inbox on Monday morning. My original message had never been received. I was
invited to re-submit my request with the assurance that it would be reviewed in
a timely manner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I was so glad I had listened to my friend’s counsel. </b>It IS
okay to ask more than once. Although I still have no idea what the response
will be to my email, without the second ‘ask’ I would have walked away from a
door I may be invited to walk through. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Sound familiar?</b> Throughout the Bible we’re invited to ask
our Heavenly Father for things: wisdom, mercy, our daily needs, forgiveness,
grace. It’s when I’m waiting for His answer that I sometimes forget to persist
in prayer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Jesus told the parable of a man whose friend came to visit
him.</b> Apparently the visitor didn't make it to his friend’s house until late at
night – and unfortunately, there was no bread in the house to offer his guest. Maybe he thought, “<i>Wait a minute, my neighbor always has delicious bread and plenty to spare.
Surely he’ll let me borrow some bread for my guest</i>.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The story continues to unfold. The man is standing outside
his neighbor’s house. <b>He knocks on the door despite the late hour. </b>He calls to
his neighbor – describing his need for bread. The neighbor’s response? “Trouble
me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise
and give thee,” (Luke 11:7; KJV). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can relate! Who likes to be disturbed in the middle of the
night, leave the comfort of a nice, warm bed and get a meal together for a
neighbor? <b>But the rest of the parable is eye-opening.</b> Jesus says, “Though he
will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his
importunity (<i>asking for something repeatedly and insistently</i>) he will rise and
give him as many as he needeth,” (Luke 11:8; words in italic mine). It seems the man didn't give up.
He continued to ask his neighbor for the food until he left with bread in hand.
<b>Persistence paid off. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>WOW! When I’m asking according to God’s will and waiting on
His timing, my prayer WILL be answered. </b>God’s Word is clear, “Ask, and it shall
be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:
For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him
that knocketh it shall be opened,” (Matthew 7:7-8; KJV). Today I plan on taking
God up on His offer. I will persist in prayer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What about you? Are you willing to step out in faith and ask
God for wisdom or peace? What step will you take to persist in prayer?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Prayer: </b>Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of
prayer. Forgive me for not praying more often – and for giving up when I don't get an immediate answer. Thank You for the parable that demonstrates the
importance of being persistent. Help me to be faithful to ask, seek, and knock,
knowing You WILL answer. In Jesus’ name, Amen.</i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-28408646215152744602012-11-01T00:02:00.000-07:002012-11-01T11:51:36.319-07:00Interview with Missionary Wife Mindy Bush<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaapFr5v9r9xKSpnN4Cnb-50pKkH9kPlIRxY8yKLRcK6Yt_L_U9T4d4SmP1ruOynDQ5U4J6MVXNuF_RiWIry9UpEwgloU8_RrdBwMEjOPkWw3z2H5g-C_AuYECcK8OabI-dkNHI26PL8/s1600/Bush+Mindy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGaapFr5v9r9xKSpnN4Cnb-50pKkH9kPlIRxY8yKLRcK6Yt_L_U9T4d4SmP1ruOynDQ5U4J6MVXNuF_RiWIry9UpEwgloU8_RrdBwMEjOPkWw3z2H5g-C_AuYECcK8OabI-dkNHI26PL8/s320/Bush+Mindy+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It all started in the church nursery. I was scheduled to work in the infant room with Mindy Bush, a busy mom I had not had the pleasure of meeting. In addition to cuddling adorable babies and changing a lot of diapers, we had the chance to get to know one another. Today I have the opportunity to give you a glimpse into the servant's heart of my new friend, Mindy Bush! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria: <i>Welcome to Life Lessons, Mindy! Tell us a bit about yourself:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> I was born on a pig farm in Indiana. I happened to be born with a “built-in best
friend," my twin sister, Jacky. As
little girls we talked about being missionaries one day, and pretty much did
everything in life together even having a double wedding and having our first
babies within two weeks of each other! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I met my husband, <a href="http://reachingall.com/">Jeff</a>, at college, and we were married two weeks after graduating. We began deputation pretty much on our
honeymoon, and 18 months later we arrived in Peru for language school with our
first daughter, Lydia, who was six weeks old at the time. Our two years of language and ministry
training with Bro. <a href="http://austingardner.net/">Austin Gardner</a> (who is now our pastor at <a href="http://visionbaptist.com/">Vision Baptist Church</a>)
laid the foundation for our future ministry in Argentina. In Peru, God blessed us with our second daughter, Adriana. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZQHieC3VoTGSYMkMgRjfuct_Z0SFL4lA-AE8jakFYIL-nmqJWfK78ql3U8liKzdpAc5QSbHlDBm-4Em9bRZXVi_lIQVy8PNxLN0zBEsHYqHKBimpfT_5Q4G4h9JK1V8jMkMr7RUScdU/s1600/Bush+Family+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZQHieC3VoTGSYMkMgRjfuct_Z0SFL4lA-AE8jakFYIL-nmqJWfK78ql3U8liKzdpAc5QSbHlDBm-4Em9bRZXVi_lIQVy8PNxLN0zBEsHYqHKBimpfT_5Q4G4h9JK1V8jMkMr7RUScdU/s320/Bush+Family+4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:</b><i style="font-weight: bold;"> Sounds a little like the stuff stories are made of! Love the part about you and your sister's double wedding! And having your first babies only two weeks apart...I know you and your husband served as missionaries in
Argentina, South America for several years. Describe your ministry there:</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> Wow! It’s hard to fit eight years into a short paragraph but I
will try. We arrived in Argentina in
January 2004, and lived in a hotel for three weeks while we looked for a
house. It was our desire to start a
ministry from zero and not be close to other missionaries so as not to hinder
their ministries. It was a little
formidable to figure out how to do everything, but jumping right into the
culture and just asking the people, helped us to learn more about them! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGBBLYgZrKKG9skBZDHb_CI7vZDnE4d0Q5s3AnV3hPkI_AD5cnxKJ10eojJpxLzgWOpMgpbzabMVjjednzLusZG0IGftWDdmQ84XA-zAix3iKkfeiASZRN7J5dXUZd50GHlNgdn6ojqs/s1600/Argentina3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhGBBLYgZrKKG9skBZDHb_CI7vZDnE4d0Q5s3AnV3hPkI_AD5cnxKJ10eojJpxLzgWOpMgpbzabMVjjednzLusZG0IGftWDdmQ84XA-zAix3iKkfeiASZRN7J5dXUZd50GHlNgdn6ojqs/s320/Argentina3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We found a house and then started looking for
a building to rent for the church. The
first church was started two months after we arrived. It felt like our ministry was on “high speed”
the entire eight years we were there. There
were always things going on and we kept very busy: Jeff, training leaders and me, being wife and
mom to three little ones (I found out I was expecting two months after arriving to
Argentina, so we had our third daughter, Johanna, before our oldest
turned three years old, so you can understand my “busyness”). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My ministry was mainly to my family, but I was also involved in discipling and teaching ladies, teaching piano, and English classes! Our ministry focus was on training leaders
and starting churches. Today there are four churches going strong for the Lord with leaders who studied in our Bible
institute, which is in it’s seventh year and currently has 32
students! We are excited that the
ministry continues even without us there and love hearing from the pastors
about how people are being saved and the churches are growing! That’s what it’s all about – seeing souls
come to the Savior and seeing those people win others to Him! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> I can see how those eight years flew by! It sounds like you made quite an impact in a short amount of time too. Tell us about your transition back to the states and what
your ministry looks like today:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy: </b>When we left Argentina for our furlough last year, we didn't know we would not be returning. We love
Argentina and were planning on dying there! But God started working in my husband’s heart when he went back to
Argentina on a visit during our furlough. He was both saddened but happy to
find that all the churches were doing exceptionally well….without him. It made him wonder if going back would just
hinder the work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As he prayed about the
next step that God would have us to take, he started asking counsel from many
Godly preachers. When Bro. Gardner
presented the need for a Director for <a href="http://visionbaptistmissions.com/">Vision Baptist Missions</a> (VBM), Jeff knew
right away that this was where God was leading us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxjMdGgCl_sbz3DI5SX8eNA8h8xfNA7JCJNbjzMpnrgtaK77ZhgK3hy1zNvykm32X_Hv2wWxmWvVKV8K0ZmiuLenwPmdj7oqkibREs7IvavCEFF1coD2lMdRWJBLPqAtZCsNYGqO4E70/s1600/vision-baptist-missions-brown-300x172.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxjMdGgCl_sbz3DI5SX8eNA8h8xfNA7JCJNbjzMpnrgtaK77ZhgK3hy1zNvykm32X_Hv2wWxmWvVKV8K0ZmiuLenwPmdj7oqkibREs7IvavCEFF1coD2lMdRWJBLPqAtZCsNYGqO4E70/s1600/vision-baptist-missions-brown-300x172.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My husband has always had a burden to see
more missionaries around the world and train young people to be missionaries so
this is where we are today. We have only
been in this position for about four months or so, but it is exciting to see how
God is calling out people for His service! We feel very privileged to help these young missionary families as they
prepare for the field, and we are praying for more young people to give their
lives to God on the mission field. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> It's wonderful to hear how God guided and directed you! Describe a typical day in the Bush household:</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> With five kids and a rather busy schedule, I’m not sure what a
“typical” day looks like yet. When we
are not on the road, visiting churches and presenting the VBM ministry, I love
just staying home with my kids! I
homeschool so our mornings are pretty much taken up with that. We are involved in the ministries of Vision
Baptist Church so when there is an activity going on there, that is where you
will find us! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgi3pion3Ri8XXid-ekK7PJCvmxtu_CB-zBwkro4jtp8jIthT7XDeCTBQR5C8oRXxoG7Hj31He7KJqdTB9Sh66MiuabKN7UmLym13tyhCh9dFnuaSNW4-0iJgiERfjpaqFhuquYCY_yY/s1600/Bush+Family+homeschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwgi3pion3Ri8XXid-ekK7PJCvmxtu_CB-zBwkro4jtp8jIthT7XDeCTBQR5C8oRXxoG7Hj31He7KJqdTB9Sh66MiuabKN7UmLym13tyhCh9dFnuaSNW4-0iJgiERfjpaqFhuquYCY_yY/s320/Bush+Family+homeschool.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> I can understand how homeschooling five kids would keep you VERY busy! Have your kids adjusted to American cuisine? What are their
favorite foods?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1vFbbxBvfKzHh0EZvJQOXmIpUPkhvzpsDDJw5IIrKp8YbLPgLJigZdmmMcCoNgNW3_jKvh5p0kGarFliopu_Br6eU83Kl7oPdI5W7coh2XxH-Ll5j31_J8nIsXvD0UD_MYhHqEblQgg/s1600/Bush+Family+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1vFbbxBvfKzHh0EZvJQOXmIpUPkhvzpsDDJw5IIrKp8YbLPgLJigZdmmMcCoNgNW3_jKvh5p0kGarFliopu_Br6eU83Kl7oPdI5W7coh2XxH-Ll5j31_J8nIsXvD0UD_MYhHqEblQgg/s320/Bush+Family+2.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> Well, not being able to get a lot of processed foods in
Argentina, my girls naturally didn't develop a taste for that kind of “cuisine”
so we are still working on getting them to like Macaroni & Cheese, Pizza Rolls,
and processed American cheese,etc.<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4691883326513386349" name="_GoBack"></a> Give them a ham and Swiss croissant, an <i>empanada</i> (meat pie) and fresh fruit and
they act like it’s Christmas! They ask me to make Argentine food at least once
a week. They will eat anything because
they have a strict mama, but if you ask them their favorite foods, they will
still say, “Milanesa de Pollo” which is Argentine. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:</b> <b><i>All this talk of food is making me hungry! What is the funniest thing that happened on the mission
field?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> Well, we have made many cultural and language mistakes but
probably the funniest one was when I was having really bad morning sickness, and my husband had to get the girls ready for school. Well, Adriana was in K4 and had to wear a smock over her clothes. Jeff just thought she wore the smock so he sent her off to school wearing <b>only</b> the smock. When she came back that afternoon, the teacher had sent a note home telling us she had to wear clothes under the smock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:</b><i><b> That's hilarious - I'm sure you must have been mortified! On a more serious note, what is the most important lesson God taught you when you
were in Argentina?</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> That He is enough! I
missed my family; I missed American traditions; I missed American food; but I
could deal with all those issues as long as He was with me! I had to learn that I couldn't lean on my
husband’s walk with God. I had to personally have my own daily spiritual walk
with Him or I would be headed fast down the road of depression and “pity
parties."</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Another important lesson that He taught me was that when you
are in His will and something doesn't go as we would have thought, that He is
in control! Every time our plans went
“off script” so to speak, the trials only led us in a closer relationship with
God. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The night a gun was held to my head
and we faced the real threat of being shot to death in our own home, we
honestly could not explain the peace in our hearts! Even our youngest daughter,
Alexa, who was about 14 months old at the time, sat quietly still during the
whole experience. I don’t believe that
God speaks in an audible voice, but I heard Him speak to me in my heart,
telling me that it was all going to be okay and that He had allowed it to
happen! That is what kept me from
panicking as the men ransacked our house, threatened to kill us and then
threatened to come back for our youngest baby and kidnap her if we called the
police. God’s grace was enough in that
moment of difficulty! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:</b> <i><b>What a terrifying experience! God certainly is the only One who can give us that peace that passes understanding.What goals do you have for the future?</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> My goals for the future are my present goals really – to be
the best helpmeet I can to my husband, to see all of our children accept the
Lord as Savior and serve Him with their lives!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3vkPcyjhrwW5jY7yhNk5TQ5uuz2NUYsn2jCWzrEPiF3EEyT4by3Wi-8c14jPDhw6LaJuFS4x0rwY7m2FYQtS9gfdiQiyeCjdexr3QzAFcqfdVsj-aJhmPwXHiVM0ZE6q7-wNhqYTzmw/s1600/Bush+Family+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn3vkPcyjhrwW5jY7yhNk5TQ5uuz2NUYsn2jCWzrEPiF3EEyT4by3Wi-8c14jPDhw6LaJuFS4x0rwY7m2FYQtS9gfdiQiyeCjdexr3QzAFcqfdVsj-aJhmPwXHiVM0ZE6q7-wNhqYTzmw/s400/Bush+Family+girls.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Beautiful! What words of wisdom would you like to share with our
readers?</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Mindy:</b> “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto
thine own understanding. In all thy ways, acknowledge Him and He shall direct
thy paths,” (Proverbs 3:5-6; KJV). If God calls you to
full-time service – Trust Him! If your
life is suddenly “off script” – Trust Him! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the end of my life, I’m sure I will wish that I would have just
trusted Him more! Worry and fear are
emotions from the devil. When we worry, we are not trusting. Faith cancels out
all Fear, but Fear cancels out all Faith!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Maria:<i> Thanks for those encouraging words Mindy! I appreciate your willingness to share what the Lord is doing in your life - God bless!</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9x4CbHJnVDt9P_ET9B61bdCmbhLkj6u0ojV-4CNPkmE5BT7SxcLaouqB4_dmefbE42nWdg_WAXoad1O2Mng2PULjOO6iqVLc5JIM8J29xwC5VvnCubstKtEhd3vzwj7QPqczSa14E14/s1600/Bush+Family+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS9x4CbHJnVDt9P_ET9B61bdCmbhLkj6u0ojV-4CNPkmE5BT7SxcLaouqB4_dmefbE42nWdg_WAXoad1O2Mng2PULjOO6iqVLc5JIM8J29xwC5VvnCubstKtEhd3vzwj7QPqczSa14E14/s400/Bush+Family+3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Stay up-to-date with Mindy and her husband Jeff's work at Vision Baptist Missions:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.visionbaptistmissions.com/">http://www.visionbaptistmissions.com</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.reachingall.com/">http://www.reachingall.com</a><br />
<a href="http://www.womenbehindthescenes.com/">http://www.womenbehindthescenes.com</a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4691883326513386349.post-87744337864397735942012-10-30T00:02:00.000-07:002012-11-05T12:55:17.149-08:00Sugar Overload<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFK3oVBRsFNmyWPyyBg0omxj9k1D4xfUGxueQqpqsQfE27nRvw21HqCfo0PKyUIgxy1ENznWYwbD9l2UCpyLw3nPmfsx6lODAYoQcJKZhul8PJvWgKPWLfLM4MV-jU-ydrla_UWU8326M/s1600/Chocolate+Explosion.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFK3oVBRsFNmyWPyyBg0omxj9k1D4xfUGxueQqpqsQfE27nRvw21HqCfo0PKyUIgxy1ENznWYwbD9l2UCpyLw3nPmfsx6lODAYoQcJKZhul8PJvWgKPWLfLM4MV-jU-ydrla_UWU8326M/s400/Chocolate+Explosion.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I gave in.</b> Friends were coming over for dinner, so I had the
perfect excuse to make dessert. And not just any dessert - but one boasting
three delectable kinds of chocolate. With my willpower on a swift decline, I
included a sugary-helping of dessert with both lunch and dinner. A little help
from my family ensured that the Chocolate Explosion was polished off over the
course of the weekend.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>By Sunday evening, I had to admit I had overdone it.</b> Not
only did my clothes feel a bit too tight, but the sugar had overwhelmed my
immune system. Sluggishness, a sore throat and head congestion greeted me Monday
morning. Ugh! If only I could rewind to Friday and go lighter on the dessert
throughout the weekend. Live and learn.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If I practiced some self-control where the Chocolate
Explosion was concerned, I may have avoided getting sick. I had bumped into an
undeniable truth: <b>self control is important in all areas of my life - even in
the small things. </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit, also known as
temperance (Galatians 5:22-23; KJV). <b>Yielding to the Spirit is the key to living
a life filled with this precious fruit.</b> Is it easy? No - it requires hard work.
My old sin nature is constantly at war with my new spiritual nature. That's why
the apostle Peter says to diligently pursue adding some things to my faith. Pursuing
something diligently means work is involved!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>What should I be striving to add to my faith?</b> "And
beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue
knowledge; And to knowledge temperance (self-control); and to temperance
patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and
to brotherly kindness charity," (2 Peter 1:5-7). Lots of great things I
need to add to my faith - one of which is temperance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Self-control doesn't come naturally.</b> It's something I have
to learn. The apostle Paul put it best when speaking with the Philippians,
"Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have<b> learned</b>, in whatsoever
state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know
how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full
and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things
through Christ which strengtheneth me," (Philippians 4:11-13).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>How was Paul able to exercise self-control and contentment
in these situations?</b> He submitted himself to the will of Christ and obeyed the
Lord in each circumstance. As a result he was able to demonstrate self-control
and he experienced contentment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With the holiday season right around the corner, the reality
is that I WILL be making desserts and attending festivities where sugary
goodies will be the highlight. My plan? Remember the example of the apostle
Paul - demonstrate self-control and learn to be content with a modest portion!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Do you struggle with self-control? What step will you take
to put this fruit of the Spirit into practice in your own life?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><b>Prayer: </b>Heavenly Father, thank You for the fruit of the
Spirit that includes self-control. Help me to realize the importance of
demonstrating self-control even in the small areas. Teach me to be content,
knowing that you are able to strengthen me in every situation. In Jesus' name,
Amen.</i></div>
<br />
<i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Living-by-Grace/208718449189065" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop9UmisroxNoW5vGyHHlY5WGViSTOg-gODmeCGLtomEYDYr_RPk85EIkLaqQemYvP1YAQVwIIqKVwXXcoWBwNRlHJSK2cyuRmw0RBH9f295gDvEELMBgHuRI5rQ9lRtiF4AAauWda/s400/Hostess+Button.jpg" width="200" /></a></i><br />
<i>*</i>I'm hosting over at <i>Living by Grace</i> today. Come join in the discussion!
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11475395753533265087noreply@blogger.com13