tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38591728632878541772024-03-21T13:39:45.895-05:00*seeking Peace in a stormVictoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-76465509021281284072013-08-12T09:03:00.000-05:002013-08-12T09:03:25.669-05:00I find myself hungry this morning. <br />
<br />
And thirsty. <br />
<br />
I feel parched.<br />
<br />
But it isn't a physical hunger or thirst.<br />
<br />
It is spiritual.<br />
<br />
I've been starving myself all summer I realize.<br />
<br />
Almost as if I have been running the opposite direction of My Portion...My Provision.<br />
<br />
My mouth is dry.<br />
<br />
Yes, I've read the Bible.<br />
<br />
Yes, I've attended Sunday church.<br />
<br />
Yes, I've knelt and prayed.<br />
<br />
But I have not been hunting...pursuing...chasing!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-10260351748508478272013-06-26T11:34:00.001-05:002013-06-26T11:34:44.074-05:00Joy vs HappinessConversations that occur at the lunch table at work are interesting most days. Recently the conversation took a little bit of a serious turn while discussing how much excess we Americans have in comparison to other countries. I couldn't tell you how we arrived at this subject, but many different opinions were expressed and discussed. <br />
<br />
And I gained knowledge and insight about a couple of my co-workers.<br />
<br />
Like I said, I don't know exactly how we got onto this subject, but when we dug into it, true hearts were revealed, and it broke my heart a little because these people are like my 2nd family, and some I consider friends. <br />
<br />
I do my best to live my life openly as a Christ follower. Ask anybody that I work with and they could testify to this. So when discussing the economy and being afraid of the government and what is happening and doing all the "I wish it would get better", "If we had a better leader", yada, yada, nonsense, I pretty much stand firm that: <br />
A) It is not going to get better in this lifetime, <br />
B) God holds my life-He knew when I would be born, He knows when I will die, and He knows everything that will happen in between, and <br />
C) I try to not focus on all of the bad and instead keep focused on what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtuous and praiseworthy. (Phil 4:8)<br />
<br />
So, back to the lunch table conversation: it came around to the subject of happiness. Someone had mentioned that although we don't "need" everything that we have, if we didn't have it, then we would simply not be happy anymore. <br />
<br />
This is just not true...if you are a True Christian...truly Saved and truly following Christ. <br />
I have seen people with anything and everything they ever thought they desired and they are still the most miserable people to be around; <br />
<br />
EVERYTHING is still just NOT ENOUGH to satisfy them. <br />
<br />
I've felt that way too. I would be lying if I didn't fess up to that right here and now. And I still throw a temper tantrum every now and again when I don't get what I want---which I slap a mask over so that I can make it look like something I need, and in turn justify all my complaining. Yeah...I've done that. I think we all have.<br />
<br />
On the opposite end of the spectrum, I look at those people that have the bare minimum and who seem "happy" with less. I've been there too. Back when my husband and I were first married and barely made enough to pay our bills each month. Those were the days when a trip to Wal-Mart and Taco Bell on pay day was a treat! But I look back there and think we were, in some ways, happier than we are now that we have much more. <br />
<br />
But it isn't about "happiness". It is about JOY. <br />
<br />
And our joy comes from Jesus. It comes from seeking His face and digging into His Word. <br />
True Joy is knowing HIM! Talking to HIM! Being in His presence!<br />
<br />
And when we know Him, we aren't worried with what we don't have or what the world is coming to. We know what the world will eventually come to...and that's HIM! <br />
<br />
So in this conversation, I openly expressed this knowledge-yes, it is my opinion-but I <u>know</u> it to be true. My resources you ask? <br />
<br />
Romans 15:13 "May the God of hope fill you with all<strong> joy</strong> and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."<br />
<br />
Job 33:26 "then that person can pray to God and find favor with Him, they will see God's face and shout for<strong> joy</strong>; he will restore them to full well-being."<br />
<br />
Psalm 5:11 "But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for <strong>joy</strong>. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may <strong>rejoice</strong> in you."<br />
<br />
Psalm 16:11 "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with<strong> joy</strong> in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand."<br />
<br />
Psalm 19:8 "The precepts of the LORD are right, giving <strong>joy</strong> to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes."<br />
<br />
Psalm 51:12 "Restore to me the <strong>joy</strong> of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."<br />
<br />
Oh my goodness there are hundreds of references...hundreds of scriptures to confirm that <br />
<strong><u>JOY COMES FROM THE LORD!</u></strong> <br />
<br />
But that is incomprehensible for the non-believer...and for those who claim to believe but don't , when this subject comes up, what they truly believe is revealed. I don't argue with them; I share my belief, I share the Truth and pray that God works through my testimony. I can't change them-only God can and if it is His will, then He will! <br />
<br />
And as uncomfortable as these conversations can be, I praise Him for the opportunity to share the Gospel and glorify Him! Afterall, that is why He keeps me here. There is Kingdom work for me here, not just business work. And I am FULL OF JOY to be used of God in this place.<br />
<br />
I'll take JOY in the LORD<br />
over happiness from the world<br />
any day of the week! <br />
<br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-87359759917907180112013-06-13T12:22:00.001-05:002013-06-13T12:22:09.744-05:00LYLAS<br />
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<br />
A few nights ago I received a text from one of my oldest friends-<br />
oldest as in years of our relationship, not her age, lol.<br />
<br />
She was asking prayers for her health and for healing and relief from the pain that she is enduring. It was late, so I didn't call her, but instead I stopped right there and text-prayed with her. <br />
<br />
Typing that it sounds a little weird-ish, but, I am here to tell you that it was strong. <br />
<br />
You see, her and I don't speak often, and we don't get a chance to see one another often either. We live roughly 510 miles apart; one of us in the heart of Arkansas and one of us in the panhandle of Texas. On top of being so far away, we both have two kiddos and husbands that have crazy busy work schedules and life has just taken over.<br />
<br />
But do you know what we know?<br />
<br />
Anytime, day or night, rain or shine, we are their for one another.<br />
<br />
In prayer constantly.<br />
In thought daily.<br />
In heart always.<br />
<br />
Lifetime friends.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for her friendship. Knowing deep down that if I called and said, "I need you", she would be there in a heartbeat. And always has been, since we were kids. Maybe she couldn't jump in her car and be at my house in a matter of minutes,<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>but she would be on her knees in no time, praying on my behalf.</strong></div>
<br />
That's powerful.<br />
<br />
That's a God-sent friendship.<br />
<br />
Isn't God so good and faithful to provide true and lasting relationships for us while we are here in this temporary life?<br />
To me, this is just another way that God has bestowed grace, mercy and love on us---and we don't even deserve it. <br />
<br />
I love knowing that Jesus is in the center of my relationship with my long-distance bestie.<br />
I am honored to be called on by her to pray for her and her family. <br />
Today I am praising God for this friendship and the many others that I have been graced with. <br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<strong>"Two are better than one,</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>because they have a good return for their labor:</strong></div>
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<strong>If either of them falls down,</strong></div>
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<strong>one can help the other up. </strong></div>
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<strong>But pity anyone who falls</strong></div>
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<strong>and has no one to help them up.</strong></div>
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<strong>Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.</strong></div>
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<strong>But how can one keep warm alone?</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Though one may be overpowered,</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>two can defend themselves.</strong></div>
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<strong>A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."</strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong>Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NIV</strong></div>
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-86751882620141697292013-06-03T11:54:00.002-05:002013-06-03T11:56:42.896-05:00Do Everything in Love (1 Cor 16:13-14)I have been trying to memorize two verses a month along with the Living Proof Ministries Siestas and I have been having some issues staying on track. I did this the last time around and was so blessed by it! <br />
<br />
The verses that I memorized in 2011 are still with me and really have saved me on many occasions when I was about to make a choice---like 1 Corinthians 10:13 when I deal with temptations, or Romans 12:21 when I have a bad thought about a situation or person. <br />
<br />
This year my memorization has not exactly gone as smoothly and I am having to work at it a little more---chalk it up to my busy schedule and a little rebellious nature if you want to, but for whatever reason, I have been struggling. <br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />
So the verse for the last two weeks in May and my first verse for June have come in the form of song! And I already have both memorized! <br />
<br />
I stumbled across <a href="http://www.seedsfamilyworship.net/" target="_blank">Seeds Family Worship</a> music about a year or so ago for my kids and once you hear a song 2 or 3 times, it is stuck! And that is great because the entire song is a verse or set of verses straight from the Word of God! And Isaiah 40:8 says "the Word of our God stands forever."! <br />
<br />
I highly recommend these albums for you and your family! I believe that scripture memorization is very important and that this is a tool that can help anyone, young and old!<br />
<br />
So my verse for the next two weeks is,<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">"Be on your guard; </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">stand firm in the faith; </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">be men of courage; </span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">be strong.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Do everything in love."</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV</span><br />
<br />
I need that reminder....<br />
To guard my heart. <br />
To stand firm in my faith<br />
To be courageous for the Lord<br />
To be strong, even when I feel weak<br />
And most of all,<br />
To do EVERYTHING I do in love because of the love of Christ!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-81331329272103557702013-05-22T10:44:00.000-05:002013-05-22T10:44:12.097-05:00Knock, Knock<br />
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<br />
I need to learn to pray again.<br />
<br />
Ok, so just typing that sentence kind of feels like a tiny burden has been lifted. <br />
Admitting that to the world makes it more real rather than like a little secret I've kept to myself.<br />
<br />
For a while now, I have just kept that one inside, behind a tiny black door in my heart, where only I knew about it...well, God and me.<br />
I am confident that my prayer life used to be in decent shape but these days, not so much. <br />
I send up some popcorn prayers when I hear of things happening around me, like my baby sister having tests run or the recent Oklahoma tornadoes. But I will sadly admit that getting on my knees or my face...wait...to be even more truthful, just waking up and starting the day with prayer and then ending the day with prayer, that doesn't happen like it should.<br />
<br />
I don't want to be on a strict prayer schedule. I don't want to make this about routine prayer or a checklist type thing. <br />
<br />
I need my prayer life to be my lifeline! <br />
I need to call on God the way I call my baby sister when I have a bad day. <br />
I need to grab God's ear when I get ticked at work and allow Him to talk me down instead of brooding to myself over it or even worse, venting to a coworker.<br />
I need to just tell Him how thankful I am for the air that I breathe...the heart that beats in my chest. <br />
<br />
I read a blog today about teaching your daughter to pray for her future husband now, while she is young and also that we, as parents, should be praying for our children's future spouses as well. I stopped dead and thought to myself, how can I do that when I don't even stop to pray half of the time over daily things!?<br />
<br />
This revelation scared me...seriously, just made the hair on my neck stand on end. <br />
<br />
Plus, if I am not praying, how can I teach my kids to pray? And if they don't have a prayer life, how will they have a relationship with Christ!?<br />
<br />
I am intentional about a lot of insignificant things...I think we all are. But my prayer life, which in all reality is the connection that I have to Christ, should be the most intentional thing that I do. Boy has this hit me hard, and I am so thankful!<br />
<br />
Prayer. Seems so easy---but it's not. It's not easy for me just to stop. But I need to. And I will. <br />
<br />
Face down, heart cut open wide, spilling tears, allowing myself to be naked and transparent. <br />
Change me God. Break the habit that I have of not relying fully on You for each breath that I breathe! <br />
<br />
God knocked on that little black door this morning. It's open. Wide. <br />
I'm going to learn to pray again...today is just day one of the rest of my life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
1 Corinthians 14:15 <br />
What am I to do? <br />
I will pray with my spirit, <br />
but I will pray with my mind also; <br />
I will sing praise with my spirit, <br />
but I will sing with my mind also.<br />
<br />
<br />
“You may as soon find a living man that does not breath, <br />
as a living Christian that does not pray.” <br />
~ Matthew Henry<br />
<br />
God brought me back to life. <br />
New Mercy. Once again. <br />
I didn't deserve that knock at the door in my heart. <br />
For His Glory alone did He do it. <br />
And He will be glorified by me and through me!<br />
<br />
Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-91449814937654450162013-05-10T10:02:00.000-05:002013-05-10T10:44:12.555-05:00Mom<br />
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<br />
Is it weird that all I want for Mother's Day this year is a bottle of perfume (only because I have been out for probably over a year) and I want an entire afternoon with my family, cleaning the garage? :)<br />
<br />
Sounds like a lot of fun doesn't it, lol!<br />
<br />
I have always loved Mother's Day, even when I wasn't a mom yet. As a child, I loved to create a personal gift for my mom. You know the kind, a clay handprint, a painting of the sun and a rainbow, a macaroni necklace. Fun and simple, but so meaningful. As I have gotten older, I realize it isn't so much about the gifts as it is about feeling like your children really love and appreciate you. My kids are so little that I don't think they understand that yet, so I find those creative little gifts they bring home from school, daycare and children's church to be some of my greatest treasures. But as an adult, and a mom, I know what Mother's day is truly meant to be.<br />
<br />
My mom recently moved in with us for a few different reasons and this transition has been interesting to say the least, and an adjustment for all of us. But it is definitely proving to be for the best. Now we haven't always been the best of friends and we still have our moments, but my mom sure does mean a lot to me and my family. We are so thankful to have her around and get to spend extra time showing her just how much we love her. <br />
<br />
I know that we should do this every day and not just one day a year---kind of like any holiday---yes, there is one day set aside to celebrate, but we should keep it on our hearts and minds daily.<br />
<br />
So this Mother's Day, I'm not sure what we are doing for lunch or if there will be any flowers or gifts given; but what I do know is that love will be poured out in abundance and each day thereafter. <br />
<br />
Thank you Mom for all that you have done and are doing. I know that there are days when you feel like life is just tearing you down, but I hope and pray that you will hold onto the fact that you are loved more than you know and that you mean a whole lot to us! <br />
We love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day. <br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This blog post is linked at </span><a href="http://www.missionalwomen.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">www.missionalwomen.com</span></a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-21137979635730612912013-05-08T10:28:00.000-05:002013-05-08T10:28:52.316-05:00Only Christ<br />
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"The unbridled beauty of a comeback lies first in God's grace; second, in the decision to accept that daily dose of grace; and third, in the gain of a clear perspective that keeps you steady in Jesus' palm."--Angela Naxworth, Womb Woven and Wonderfully Made <br />
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comeback--A return to formerly enjoyed status or The act of making up a deficit<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Free Dictionary by Farlex</span><br />
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I am taking back my ground; Returning to my former state of joyful hope in the Lord and His Salvation and Righteousness! Not just returning, but with a new awareness and renewed spirit!<br />
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He has freshly forgiven me today, saved me again and again with each breath that I breathe...each step that I take. <br />
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NEW MERCY!<br />
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mercy-- compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender: lenient or compassionate treatment<br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Merriam Webster Dictionary</span><br />
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When I speak that word, "mercy", something within me just bows down in worship and adoration. It is such a beautiful word-a beautiful picture of my loving Savior Jesus forgiving me, an awful offender; showing me the ultimate leniency and compassion. <br />
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I am a sinner. A rebellious, prodigal child. I have done my fair share of running in the opposite direction of the Lord...and each time, I've fallen down, skinned my knees, and been covered in the muck and mire. I wear ugly scars from my own disobedient, resistant and unruly nature; daily reminders of just how much I am in need of Mercy & Grace, and of just how much Jesus loves me, to take me back in, pick me up, wash me off, and redirect me in the way of Truth and Light. <br />
He is the only One that can and will do that for me. It's beautiful and amazing and I am so unworthy of that! Any way you look at it, I don't deserve such treatment! The only reason that I stand on two feet today is because He lifted me up from my knees when I could barely crawl. How can I not jump for joy and shout to the world of this saving grace? <br />
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We had a ladies retreat a couple of weeks ago and the theme was God's Beach House. We were there to be reminded that our peace and rest is in God alone; nothing in this world can give us what we truly need daily. No matter what we think will complete us or make us happier: a new car, a bigger house, a husband, a baby, a new job...it can't and it won't...it doesn't have that power! <br />
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But Jesus does! He has Resurrection Power, don't ya know! <br />
Didn't He raise Lazarus from the dead? (John 11:1-45)<br />
Didn't He heal the woman with the issue of blood with just the touch of the hem of his cloak? (Matt 9:20-22, Mark 5:25-34, Luke 8:43-47)<br />
Didn't He Himself, after being crucified on the cross, and being buried in the grave for 3 days, rise again, conquering death? (Matt 27:32-28:20, Mark 15:33-16:20, Luke 23:26-24:53)<br />
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ONLY CHRIST HAS THE POWER TO SAVE AND RENEW MY SOUL!<br />
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He has renewed me once again! He has refreshed my soul! I was like Lazarus-He raised me from the dead! I was like the woman with the issue of blood-He healed me with just one touch! <br />
And He is stripping away what I don't need, all the things that have gotten in the way of our relationship---so that I come to Him as my only source of Rest and Renewal. <br />
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Jesus, Living Water, Breath of Life...drawing me back when I stray...Thank You Father...<br />
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"Remember once again why we are making this journey. It isn't just for the milk and honey on this side fo the cross. It's for the Person who is calling us there. He is lovingly taking everything that has happened, creating something of great worth. In the void of our lives, Jesus does His best work, faithful to bring order out of chaos, beauty out of darkness. We may not be holding onto anything, except the very prize that is worth winning. Jesus."---Bonnie Gray, Faith Barista<br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-56246885710944222032012-11-20T15:38:00.000-06:002012-11-20T15:38:18.932-06:00Preparation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">"I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star. And the Spirit and the Bride say 'Come!' Let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take of the water of life freely....He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen" </span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c;">Revelation 22:17, 20-21 (NKJV)</span></i></b></div>
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I have been studying the Bride of Christ for quite some time now. I began studying it back in the summer in preparation of our annual Fall Women's Retreat that occurred November 2nd & 3rd. The subject matter is overwhelming to say the least and I was quite intrigued by it all.<br />
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At our retreat we covered a few different subjects, 1) the Parallels Between the Jewish Wedding Customs and the Bride of Christ, 2) Preparing for the Big Day, and 3) Love Song for a Savior, but only touched on them because let's face it, you cannot properly study everything there is to know about the Bride of Christ in 3 one hour sessions! But God revealed to us (Dianne and myself, the "wedding coordinators" lol) that our retreat was just the beginning. It was simply to wet our appetite to know and grow more in the knowledge of this subject, and He led us to facilitate our next Bible study---drum-roll please---on the Bride of Christ!</div>
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So last Tuesday night was the introduction to the study and the Tuesday after Thanksgiving we will begin digging deeper into learning more about our role as the bride. As I have begun to dive into the Word on this topic again, I am thirsting to know more about what is considered the "Time of Preparation"...our time here on earth, after our betrothal and before the coming again of our Bridegroom. </div>
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How do I prepare? What am I not doing now that I should be and what am I doing that I shouldn't?</div>
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Personally, I think the best way to describe the first step of preparation is Self-Examination. I am to be presented to Christ as pure and holy, without blemish...a radiant bride. Do I see myself this way? Not quite...which obviously means that I have work to do. I need to be preparing for when my Groom returns. And I don't know when He is returning to take me to the place He has prepared for me, so I cannot waste time. </div>
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We as the church, the bride of Christ, we cannot waste anymore time!<br />
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;">Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands</span><a href="" name="1" style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"></a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px;"> in everything. </span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><span class="versetext" id="eph5-25" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Husbands, love your wives,<a href="" name="1"></a> just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her</span><span class="versetext" id="eph5-26" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> to make her holy,<a href="" name="3"></a> cleansing<a href="" name="a"></a> her by the washing<a href="" name="4"></a> with water through the word, </span><span class="versetext" id="eph5-27" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">and to present her to himself<a href="" name="5"></a> as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.</span></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"><span class="versetext" style="background-color: white; display: inline; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Ephesians 5:24-27</span></span></i></b></div>
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I've always thought that if I do this, this and this, then I was doing good in terms of being a "Christian". But if I skipped one, even one day, or if I couldn't finish the study I was on or whatever, then I was failing.<br />
I'm learning now, in the last 3-4 years, that this is not so much the truth and I shouldn't be examining myself by earthly standards, but by the standards that God has given to His church.<br />
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There is no "check-list" so to speak...but there is a Book that gives instruction for this period of preparation.<br />
I will fall short. I am not perfect. But I have been covered by Grace and forgiven for my shortcomings and can now move past that to grow my relationship with God and grow my faith and obey His Word and follow His lead and long for His Will.<br />
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He is my Bridegroom.<br />
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The relationship between a husband and a wife is a picture of the relationship of Christ and His church. I seek my husband's approval on earth, I should seek for Christ's approval so much more. I turn to my husband in all decision making, as Christ's bride I can't make a single decision without consultation from Him. I look forward to growing more in my role and identity as a part of the Bride of Christ. As I am filled more and more with Christ, I see less and less of myself...I hear less and less of my voice...and I welcome the continuation of this decrease of self and increase of Jesus.<br />
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I want to be ready...I want to be presentable to my King when He rides in to get me.<br />
My prayer is for this study to increase our appetite, to light a passionate fire within us for our Bridegroom and to cause us to live a life worthy of the title "The Bride of Christ". </div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-45834965486532341082012-11-01T00:10:00.002-05:002012-11-01T00:11:01.426-05:00Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey Book Tour<br />
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Today I am featuring an excerpt from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marilynn.Dawson.Author?ref=hl">Marilynn Dawson's</a> book <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Bride-Christ-Personal-Journey/dp/0988118106">Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey</a></i>. This is the fourth week of the blog tour and so you will get a peak into Volume 4 of her 6 volume book. </div>
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You can visit the first 3 stops of the blog tour here:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Volume One: Excerpt- The Prince of Peace Rides In </span></div>
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<a href="http://tdtwr.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/let-the-tour-begin/" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: small;">http://tdtwr.wordpress.com/2012/10/11/let-the-tour-begin/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Volume Two: Excerpt- The Fire of God's Love</span></div>
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<a href="http://christianeveryday.com/index.php/becoming-the-bride-of-christ-blog-tour/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">http://christianeveryday.com/index.php/becoming-the-bride-of-christ-blog-tour/</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Volume Three: Excerpt – Psalm 27 </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://fromadaughter.blogspot.ca/2012/10/becoming-bride-of-christ-personal.html">http://fromadaughter.blogspot.ca/2012/10/becoming-bride-of-christ-personal.html</a></div>
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If you would like to download a free copy of Volume 4, follow the link at the end of this post.</div>
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And without further ado, enjoy this excerpt from Volume 4 of <i>Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey</i>!</div>
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Psalm 30<br />
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Psalm 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.<br />
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"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." How many times do we hear this portion of verse 5 quoted? So many times we hear it offered to people who are going through battles of various kinds. Has it become a cliche? Has it lost its meaning? Only those who have come out the other side in full experiential knowledge that God has been with them the entire way through, can attest that this is far more than empty repeated platitudes offered for lack of anything better to say! I am one of such people who have come through trials and seen God present throughout the journey. I can mark the day on my calendar when my most recent, lengthy personal storm, the second worst storm of my entire life to date, ended, and a new chapter in my faith walk began.<br />
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Some night seasons can seem to last for days, weeks, months in my case, with lights at the end of the tunnel turning into speeding trains bearing down on me one after the other. I can remember at one point thinking I saw three lights at the end of my tunnel, they turned out to all belong to the same debilitating train!!! Several months into that storm I honestly became fearful of becoming too optimistic over things that actually went right for a change! I'd become used to seemingly positive events taking unforeseen twists in the road and blindsiding me!<br />
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Five months after that storm began, it ended! . . . Swiftly and suddenly! . . . I spent the first few days wondering if it was just another lull in the storm and waited for the winds to resume their beating. But the storm was truly dead! God had brought it to such a swift and decided halt that I was left in complete and total amazement! I could not help but praise the Lord as the Psalmist does in this psalm.<br />
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I could hear God speaking to me throughout my storm, speaking through my worship pastor, my senior pastor, through lyrical messages aimed directly at this head and heart. I wasn't able to always digest everything God was saying to me, but I did my best to break it down and seek understanding regardless. I knew one thing was for sure. . . I HAD to be in my Lord's presence! He truly was my refuge, the strong tower that I ran to in a corporate way every chance I got! He met me there too, every single time.<br />
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Psalm 30:2-3 O LORD my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me. 3O LORD, thou hast brought up my soul from the grave: thou hast kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit.<br />
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I agree with the Psalmist in the verses above. I came out of that storm in full agreement with and actively engaging in verses 11 and 12:<br />
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Psalm 30:11-12 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.<br />
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There is nothing like abandonment in praise and worship the One who is able to save! To the One who goes with us through the dark times! To the One who meets our needs and heals our wounds! Those that know me do not wonder at my deep desire, excitement and enthusiasm to:<br />
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-be found in my Father's House,<br />
-to consider lyrical worship as not only a way to invite others into the Throne Room of God, but as a way to enter into intimacy with my Lord, and<br />
-to draw near to Him in gratitude and longing, thankfulness and wonder.<br />
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Truly what an awesome God we serve! I must echo the Psalmist as he exhorts the saints in verse 4:<br />
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Psalm 30:4 Sing unto the Lord, o ye saints of his, and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.</div>
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You can continue following this book tour of Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey on the next two blog stops! And if you would, share this post with your friends so that they can enjoy this read and dive deeper into their own relationship with the ultimate Bridegroom!<br />
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November 8th: Volume Five: Excerpt- Lifter of My Head<br />
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<a href="http://psalm119greaterthangold.net/">http://psalm119greaterthangold.net/</a><br />
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November 16th: Volume Six: Excerpt- Opening Story Segment<br />
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<a href="http://traveller-gal.blogspot.ca/" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #e81e1e; font-family: Georgia, Cambria, 'Palatino Linotype', serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 25px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://traveller-gal.blogspot.ca/</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Click the link below for your free PDF copy of <i>Volume 4: Psalm 30</i> between now and the next blog stop:November 8th</span></div>
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<a href="https://www.freecrm.com/form.cfm?id=6004&vc=KIANMLSEAO"><span style="font-size: x-small;">https://www.freecrm.com/form.cfm?id=6004&vc=KIANMLSEAO</span></a></div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-10042459819929526412012-10-10T10:37:00.003-05:002012-10-10T10:37:47.934-05:00Blog Tour for Author Marilynn Dawson<div>
This November 2 & 3 is our church's ladies ministry's 2nd annual fall retreat. Much prayer led us to the theme or topic of The Bride of Christ. We have a small congregation so the planning of this event is in the hands of two women: myself and my pastor's wife. So we began the planning and preparation for the retreat.</div>
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I began looking for different ideas on Pinterest and created a Pinterest board dedicated to the retreat and named it "Bride of Christ". This is a very intimidating and serious subject and so we have not been taking it lightly at all. Our retreat consists of 3 "Sessions" and we had already figured out what #1 would be and #2 would be taken care of by our guest speaker. We were kind of stumped as to what to do about session #3...so we just kept praying...</div>
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On September 22 I received an e-mail from a lady by the name of Marilynn Dawson. She just published a series called "Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey". Marilynn was searching on Google "Bride of Christ" and when she got to page 14, she found my Pinterest board which led her to my blog. </div>
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And then she asked me if I would like to guest post about an excerpt from her series as a part of her book's blog tour!</div>
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I don't know about anyone else, but I think that was all a God thing! I didn't even know if anyone read my blog, let alone would want me to guest blog about their book! </div>
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Okay, so the best part is that after she gave me the excerpt on October 4th, that I would be posting about, I shared it with Dianne (my pastor's wife) the next night and the Holy Spirit confirmed in both of us what the 3rd session of our retreat would be! We received even more confirmation through scripture as we continued our meeting that night. </div>
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The Holy Spirit leads in such amazing ways! </div>
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So, I would like to present the schedule for Marilynn Dawson's Book Blog Tour so that you can follow along! I am very excited and honored to be a part of this experience. </div>
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Over the next six weeks, we are going to be part of a blog tour by Author Marilynn Dawson, who has written the new series, "Becoming the Bride of Christ: A Personal Journey". There are six volumes in her series as well as a Leader's Guide. The first stop in her tour will be on October 11th:<br /><br />Volume One: Exert - The Prince of Peace Rides In<br />The Day The World Retreated <a href="http://tdtwr.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://tdtwr.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />Subsequent stops will be as follows, notice the bold entry where we will host an excerpt from one of the volumes in Marilynn's series:</div>
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<br />October 11th, Volume One: Excerpt - The Prince of Peace Rides In<br />Jim Armstrong: The Day The World Retreated <a href="http://tdtwr.wordpress.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://tdtwr.wordpress.com</a><br /><br />October 18th, Volume Two: Excerpt - The Fire of God's Love<br />Pamela Rose Williams Christianity Every Day <a href="http://www.christianeveryday.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.christianeveryday.<wbr></wbr>com</a></div>
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<br />October 25th, Volume Three: Excerpt - Psalm 27<br />Leslie Jenkins: From a Daughter <a href="http://fromadaughter.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://fromadaughter.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>ca</a><br /><br /><b>November 1st, Volume Four: Excerpt - Psalm 30<br />Victoria Milam: Seeking Peace in a Storm <a href="http://seekingpeaceinastorm.blogspot.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://seekingpeaceinastorm.<wbr></wbr>blogspot.com</a></b><br />November 8th, Volume Five: Excerpt - Lifter of my Head<br />Jeannie Pallett: Psalm119greaterthangold.net<br /><br />November 16th, Volume Six: Excerpt - Opening Story Segment<br />Michelle Nickels: Traveler Gal <a href="http://traveller-gal.blogspot.ca/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://traveller-gal.blogspot.<wbr></wbr>ca/</a></div>
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<br />Do you desire to go deeper in your relationship with God? Have you ever felt the sting of dreams dying? Have you ever felt as if God couldn't use you anymore? This series is for you! Be sure to catch all six stops in Marilynn's book tour! You can get more information from her official page on Facebook at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Marilynn.Dawson.Author?ref=hl" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>Marilynn.Dawson.Author?ref=hl</a> This series may be purchased from Amazon.com</div>
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There will also be a giveaway at each blog stop: a free PDF of that week's featured volume. Each volume will only be available between the post date and the next blog stop's post date. </div>
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The link will be the same each week, but the content will change: </div>
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<a href="https://www.freecrm.com/form.cfm?id=6004&vc=KIANMLSEAO" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.freecrm.com/form.<wbr></wbr>cfm?id=6004&vc=KIANMLSEAO</a></div>
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Enjoy the blog tour! I know I will! </div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-29222973849589651992012-09-20T12:06:00.000-05:002012-09-20T12:07:48.177-05:00whisper<br />
I have been so very tired lately. The busiest part of the year for me seems to be over, but I'm in such a mode of busy-ness (is that a word?), that even though things have slowed down a bit, I walk through my house after the kids have gone to bed and I look for things to do. I can't seem to sit still for long.<br />
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My husband is working in TX for 2 weeks and so it's just the kids and I right now. Yesterday, I left work at 4:30, stopped by the grocery store for some grapefruit, bread, apples, and flour, then picked the kids up by 5:15. When we pulled in the driveway, the "I'm hungry"'s began and so afternoon snacks were given. I decided that we were not going to church last night-it's a 20 minute drive one way and by the time we get home it is normally 8:30 or later and I still had to go clean the revenue office...blah...<br />
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So I cooked dinner and then went out back to sit on the deck for a few minutes of peace. I sat back in my chair outside and looked around. Everything was still. There was no wind, no movement.<br />
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But inside of my head were so many thoughts racing...Loud and Fast. Thoughts like "healthier meals", "exercise", "bills", "hair cuts", "bed-time", "laundry"...I felt overwhelmed.<br />
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and then I heard a whisper...<br />
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and it was almost audible, but I'm sure it was coming from inside me...<br />
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soft...but over-powering everything else...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">"Child, you don't have to be perfect. slow down. take a breath."</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"Be still, and know that I am God..."</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Psalm 46:10)</span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"...Peace, be still..." </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Mark 4:39)</span></i></div>
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the other thoughts disappeared completely...and I sat back.<br />
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I felt relief. My thudding heart slowed a little.<br />
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Like, that's all I needed to hear...that I don't have to...I'm allowed to breathe.<br />
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I went back in and cleaned up a bit, but then I just laid down beside my kids on the couch...they were watching cartoons and I ended up falling asleep...probably for only 15 minutes or so, but it was refreshing.<br />
We left right after, about 6:45, because like I said, I had to clean the revenue office.<br />
But it was smooth after that. The kids were in bed and asleep by 8:30 and I should have gone to bed too...but I stayed up late, not listening to my body telling me to sleep. (I think that is just a side effect to my husband being gone and me having to sleep alone; I stay up until I literally must go to bed before I pass out.)<br />
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>He <u>calm</u>ed the hurricanes and they <u>stop</u>ped </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>and the waves of the sea were <u>quiet</u>ed.</i></b></span></span></div>
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<b>Psalm 107:29</b></div>
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My prayer today is that I allow God to calm my fears and my worries...to stop my distractions and my negative thoughts...to quiet my heart and soul so that I can hear Him whisper to me. (I pray this for you also)<br />
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It is all too easy to be busy-physically, mentally, emotionally.<br />
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Stop and listen for the Comforter, Prince of Peace, the Holy Spirit.<br />
He longs to have our attention and be in conversation with us.<br />
And He alone deserves our time.<br />
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-18695423257499115982012-08-29T11:57:00.000-05:002012-08-29T11:57:38.341-05:00Grace for this Super Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been busy...and by 'busy' I don't mean a couple of things here and there, I mean, every single day, overloaded with to-do lists or meetings or appointments, blah blah blah!<br />
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And with my husband going off to work 9 hours from home for 2 weeks at a time, I'm learning that this Super-Mom business can be handled with more grace, both for myself and for my family (and others).<br />
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You see I am a 'DO-er', if that makes any sense to anyone. Normally, when I set out to do something, it gets finished. The task is completed and more often than not, it is done ahead of schedule! But not lately! Example #1: I started a Bible study prior to vacation in July. Started strong. I even stayed up to date while on vacation, which is a feat in and of itself! But then I got home...back to work (which had piled up while I was away), and reality and exhaustion set in (probably stemming from the longest 30 hours I have ever spent in a car, driving from California to home in Arkansas!). But I so dropped the ball on my Bible study. One day behind rolled into one week, which rolled into two weeks...and now, the Bible study ended a while back, and I still have not completed the study.<br />
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I was beating myself up over this for a little while. Mad at myself for letting my study partner down, who I am sure completed it on time with flying colors! But me, no, I bombed it! That was my attitude. I didn't give myself any grace. I didn't take into consideration that I take care of a family (my husband, my 6 year old daughter and my 2 year old son), I work 40+ hours a week in a very, very, very stressful work environment, my husband had been laid off for 2 months, I also work a second job cleaning the revenue office 2 nights a week, I am involved in our church, ladies Bible study, planning the fall retreat, teaching Children's Church one Sunday a month and on top of all of that, I have to keep my house clean and try to keep my sanity in tact!<br />
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I thought I was losing my mind. I was tormented by myself- "Why can't you get it together!?"..."No one can rely on you, that's why no one calls or comes over."..."And you wonder why you are so fat!"..."Worthless!"..."Everyone else has it all together, and you are losing it. What's wrong with you!?!"<br />
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Seriously...that is what I was doing to myself...sometimes worse than that.<br />
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I gave myself NO GRACE whatsoever! I used to think I was being Super-Mom and that's just the way it felt. But now, I am being taught that the way I was treating myself, well, there is nothing SUPER about any of it.<br />
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God showed me that. He is teaching me how to work through myself...and He told me not to worry about not finishing that Bible study. I will finish it eventually...and it will be when I need it the most. But for now, I have enough on my plate. He is teaching me patience. Being the only parent in the house for 2 weeks has its' advantages and disadvantages. I get all the kisses and hugs...but I also get the tantrums, back-talking, crying and the wet/dirty pull-ups. And through all of that, I am learning grace and patience.<br />
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I'm still SUPER busy. I still have to do that long list of things...except now that my husband is working again, I have to do them by myself some. And sometimes I have more than that, especially now with my daughter in 1st grade and gymnastics and wanting to do girl-scouts (and it is <a href="http://seekingpeaceinastorm.blogspot.com/2012/08/back-to-school-time.html">Rhea Lana's season</a>)!<br />
But God is teaching me that I don't have to be perfect and that when it gets tough, when I am stressed to my max, I have Him. He never leaves me. And through prayer and His Word, He will show me the path.<br />
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HIS GRACE IS SUFFICIENT FOR ME! </div>
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HIS POWER IS MADE PERFECT IN MY WEAKNESS! </div>
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2COR12:9-10</div>
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And He is providing everything for me. Good friends that call or stop by out of the blue just to make sure we are okay. Church family that care more than words can describe. Food when I wasn't sure we would have any. Money exactly when we needed it. Moments of laughter when we need a boost. Silence-because sometimes that is all that will quiet the chaos around us.</div>
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JESUS is my Perfect Provision. </div>
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Grace is what He is teaching me...every day...I am learning to no longer punish myself for where I fail or fall short. We all do...none of us measure up, which is kind of the point. We can't. We never will. </div>
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When we come to that realization, that no matter how hard we try, we are never going to be perfect, God will be glorified when we succeed...because the only way that we can accomplish anything, is by Him, by His power working through us, through our weaknesses and faults. I was brought to tears at my office when I had grace on one of my superiors, I kept my tongue and just let God lead my words, and the situation turned out to be so positive and productive. I stopped and could not believe that I had just shown such self-control and patience and gentleness and peace. I was seeing myself bear fruit that normally I wouldn't have. I saw that I couldn't have acted in such a way without Christ in me, working through me! It humbled me to joyful tears!</div>
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Super-Mom. Yeah, that's me. But only because I serve the Most Supreme High God and He chose me and made me this way...and you know what? I know a whole lot of other Super-Moms out there, some in the same situations, some in different...but we are all SUPER because of Jesus! </div>
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Give yourselves some grace ladies. </div>
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Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-19598741616128224232012-08-02T11:00:00.001-05:002012-08-02T13:30:14.086-05:00Back to School Time!It's that time of the year again!<br />
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This is such an exciting time to me and always has been. I remember as a child that I couldn't wait for school shopping- I love school supplies, new pens and paper, crayons, markers and notebooks. But when I was a kid I did not like shopping for school clothes. </div>
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I grew up in a family of 6; I was child #2 of 4, with an older sister and a younger sister and brother. My parents did not have a lot of money, so they mainly focused on making sure we had all of our school supplies and then two, maybe three new outfits and a new pair of shoes. And of course, the three sisters shared clothes when possible. I dreaded going into the department stores and watching my parents flinch at the check-out register, both because of the high total and the fact that such a high amount bought so little for 4 growing kids.</div>
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I remember one year in particular: 7th grade. You know that awkward age-nowadays we call them 'Tweens'. It was a very tight year financially for our family and we were blessed to even get to shop at all. But as a 12 year old girl going into Middle School wanting to impress her friends (and the boys) I wanted more and better than what I was allowed that year. I wanted the American Eagle and not the Wal-Mart. But Wal-Mart is what we could afford and Wal-Mart is what I got. (I'm not dissing Wal-Mart in any way; my family today shops there at least twice a month!)</div>
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Anyhow, a fellow classmate mocked me one day and pointed out, in front of everyone, where I bought my school clothes. </div>
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"Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart, it's our store! People shop there if they're poor!". </div>
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Yes. She sang this little diddy in the hallway one day after history class. I will never forget the embarrassment and the hurt that I felt. I know now that we are not defined by our outward appearance (1 Samuel 16:7), but in a child's mind, especially in that moment of pain and hurt, remembering that truth can be hard.</div>
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Our daughter Aspen is going into the First Grade this year! So this is our second "Back to School" shopping experience and as parents today, we are so very thankful to be a part of a company that can help parents (and their kids) in these situations. <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/">Rhea Lana's Consignment Sale</a> has been a huge part of my life for 5 years now and without it, especially this year, my husband and I would be flinching at the register just like my parents did.</div>
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If you are unfamiliar with this consignment event, it is for children's clothing, toys and equipment and it happens twice a year. Everything is in excellent condition, name-brand and is priced so low that I stock up for an entire 6 month season when I shop! </div>
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Not only do I shop the sale, but I also volunteer and consign, which earns me early shopping passes before the store opens to the public! It is such a fun event, even when volunteering to work a 5 hour shift because the people are a hoot and the work is so rewarding! It's almost like a girls' night out! These events are great opportunities to meet other moms who hold the same values as you and your family. Many of my friendships began at <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/cardinal/homecss.asp?init=irlwthrhwa">Rhea Lana's of Conway</a> and continue to grow there! </div>
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If you can't volunteer to work a shift or two, do not pass up on consigning your gently used items to earn some shopping money! At the end of the sale, you pick your check up along with any items that didn't sell or you didn't want to donate. At almost every sale that I have consigned, I made more money than I spent! That is a great feeling, to pretty much trade clothes and walk away with a little extra change in your pocket :) That reminds me, Rhea Lana's donates items that consignors don't want to take back home with them, to local charities at each event! So families that truly cannot afford to shop, are still provided with clothing and other items for their children. Just another example of how awesome this event is! </div>
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One last thing that I would like to mention is to quote from the <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/company-history.asp">Rhea Lana website</a> a couple of things that set this event a part from any other and keep me involved and coming back season after season: </div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Mission Statement: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">To serve with love and integrity, families everywhere with inviting, </span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>excellent and valuable children's consignment events."</b>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">"Rhea Lana's Priorities: </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Faith-God First. We are a company based firmly on Christian Principles. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Family-Family Second. Family is vital and it is the reason we work. </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Work-Work is Third. A career with RL, Inc. is an amazing job, </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">but only as other priorities are in order."</span></b></div>
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It is safe for me to say that we will be able to provide a fall wardrobe for our daughter (and our 2 year old son!) without breaking the bank and we will be spending our hard-earned money in a store that shares the same Christian values and views as we do. </div>
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As I mentioned before, this consignment event is a huge blessing to so many families nationwide!</div>
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Rhea Lana's Consignment Event has grown to over 16 states and is still growing! So check out their <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/index.asp">website</a> to find an upcoming sale near you and get involved! </div>
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<a href="http://www.rhealana.com/">http://www.rhealana.com/</a>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/RheaLanas">http://www.facebook.com/RheaLanas</a>
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<a href="http://twitter.com/RHEALANA">http://twitter.com/RHEALANA</a>
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<a href="http://www.rhealananetwork.com/">http://www.rhealananetwork.com/</a>
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<b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">HAPPY BACK-TO-SCHOOL SHOPPING TO YOU! </span></b></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-85311016984549275402012-03-21T12:00:00.002-05:002012-03-21T12:00:49.174-05:00Simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8pY4vrtUcHKXc94zBKmCXpwwpdkMUa5kRzsU9_-IN7iacrXu0tu_1O1bTXDSzrgYj-VSKU1jkZJgNehvw_YECYJxSLoG1ibM3x0H3WYnGAIviizXABUms6kZIqTGcsS9hgQOnCJMxnnW/s1600/simplicity.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8pY4vrtUcHKXc94zBKmCXpwwpdkMUa5kRzsU9_-IN7iacrXu0tu_1O1bTXDSzrgYj-VSKU1jkZJgNehvw_YECYJxSLoG1ibM3x0H3WYnGAIviizXABUms6kZIqTGcsS9hgQOnCJMxnnW/s320/simplicity.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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I need to SIMPLIFY!<br />
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I am beginning to see how much I complicate and muddy things up in my little life here on Earth.<br />
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For one, I try to control EVERYTHING! And for two, I try to be EVERYTHING!<br />
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I really just want to be SIMPLE...to live SIMPLE...<br />
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I got my first taste of simplicity when I made my own homemade laundry detergent! (Silly, I know)<br />
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Now I need SIMPLICITY to spill into other areas of my life.<br />
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I don't think simplicity always means to make easier...sometimes, simplicity takes a little work on the front end.<br />
Kind of like two things that my family is going to take a try at...<br />
I LOVE these two ideas...but I have <u><b>complicated them into failure</b></u> in the past...and the hubby, well, he does not like to embrace organization...he is the kind that flies by the seat of his pants...<br />
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BUDGET & MEAL PLAN<br />
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Being a full-time working mom and wife is tough...so in my mind, these two things are lifesavers...but when I get home, I am tired and just want to relax, so I have never taken the step to move forward into action instead of just planning. And like I said, I complicate the planning...like I have to have a fancy way to display my menus before I can actually begin planning. So then I never get around to making the fancy board, therefore never planning meals. Complicated into Failure<br />
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But now, we are kind of being forced into these options.<br />
My husband's job this month will be less hours than normal, which in turn means less money than normal.<br />
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We cannot afford to eat out every night like we have been. We cannot afford to buy groceries and never cook them, letting them expire before we consume them. We cannot afford to pay our water bill late. We cannot afford to go to Target or Wal-Mart or Hobby Lobby five time in a week "just because".<br />
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We are going to take a shot at living a little more SIMPLY than we have been living. And I pray with my whole being that it STICKS! I see big things in our future if we could just do a little hard work in the beginning so that the end will be sweeter and mean more.<br />
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Like my laundry detergent!<br />
Grating 3 bars of soap by hand was some hard, tedious work...but IT WAS WORTH IT! I have enough laundry detergent to last me about 6 months! No extra trips to the store because we ran out...no more paying $18 for 60 loads of laundry...We simplified a tiny area in our lives and it makes a big difference!<br />
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And I believe that this "simplification" (is that even a word?) will help us to rely more on God...to seek Him for our daily needs. I want to live in accordance to His Will for my life. And I do believe that this is part of His plan for my family...that when we become less focused on what we can attain here, and more focused on <b><u>SIMPLY LIVING FOR HIM</u></b>, He will reveal more and more of Himself to us and we will see glimpses of the Treasure of being in His company eternally!<br />
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So, if you have any tips for family budgets or meal planning, please share.<br />
I would love some advice and/or guidance on this foreign subject!<br />
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This is a whole new world for my family, and we are excited, nervous and ready to make this change!<br />
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Thanks for allowing me to blah, blah, blah for a little bit :)<br />
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-53266365857568288292012-02-24T10:11:00.001-06:002012-02-24T10:11:21.532-06:00From Now until Easter...<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vUybA2noii8gVK7mr_Jb5Jq_JzmRYu2M8-gZ7X3ypx7-WhOR7ilBGdZANyv5DASHj5ZxVm4ngzIjDST-rtQtzUbxlbi8j5Nj2KkArO04ChNcVkZEkzeuoLT9DhL8lPDaTBLdrmXqOzrj/s1600/lent-2-heartlarge.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9vUybA2noii8gVK7mr_Jb5Jq_JzmRYu2M8-gZ7X3ypx7-WhOR7ilBGdZANyv5DASHj5ZxVm4ngzIjDST-rtQtzUbxlbi8j5Nj2KkArO04ChNcVkZEkzeuoLT9DhL8lPDaTBLdrmXqOzrj/s200/lent-2-heartlarge.gif" width="155" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I have always heard the word "lent" and never thought much of it. I heard it was a time of fasting for Catholics, and honestly, that is about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Until today: I got the urge to Google "Lent" and even "Lent for Baptists" (because I grew up Baptist and my home church is Baptist).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I came across some very interesting information...very convicting...very stimulating...very challenging!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My first question was, what exactly is Lent?</span><br />
<a href="http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/lent.html"><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lent is a Christian Festival. In the past it was a long, strict religious fast when people gave up all rich food. Lent is the time when Christians prepare for the greatest of the Christian festivals known as Easter, by thinking of things they have done wrong. It was a time for spring-cleaning lives, as well as homes.</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I like that thought: SPRING-CLEANING LIVES </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lent began this year on February 22nd, which was Ash Wednesday and it will end on Easter, April 8th. Lent lasts 40 days, excluding Sundays. 40 days; like Jesus spent in the desert, fasting! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://www.ethicsdaily.com/12-ways-baptists-can-observe-lent-cms-15648">EthicsDaily</a> is where I was led to in regards to Baptists and Lent. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On this particular website the author of this post says lent for a Baptist can be <i>"the spiritual practice of intentionally dedicating a period of time for giving up something in their life as a form of Christian discipleship." </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">GIVING UP SOMETHING= A FORM OF CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He also goes on to say "<i>grace is best experienced when we <u>purposefully take away something</u>. It brings integrity to our witness, freedom to our service and identification with the less fortunate. We need a <u>spirituality of subtraction </u>challenging us to be less encumbered and burdened in our calling to follow Jesus.</i>"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I pray that this season of Lent is a blessing to many---that unbelievers will have a chance to see humility and integrity in Christians when they submit to whatever it is God is calling them to do in this season. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, that Christians would not just obey God during Lent, but that they would seek Him daily for His perfect will in their lives throughout the year. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am praying for myself in this season; that I would listen intently to whatever God calls me to do, or not to do. I want to be a faithful and obedient daughter of the King, who trusts Him fully. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Whatever He has in store for me to add to my life, or subtract from it, I want to willingly do as He commands. So thankful He has given me a thirst for knowledge, that I would seek out answers to questions so basic like, "what is lent?"...He works in such amazing ways through seemingly small things...</span><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Father, thank You for grace and mercy, abounding love and forgiveness...My life is for You, and I pray that whatever You ask of me, I will humble myself and submit to Your command and will. I love You too Jesus. </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-76345093977442627542012-02-17T11:28:00.004-06:002012-02-17T11:28:58.218-06:00a "LIST" kind of day<br />
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I like lists; something about bullet points or numbered lines that I enjoy. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like outlines, plans, planners, calendars, etc. In previous posts I think I have admitted to being somewhat of a control freak, and so lists and plans fall under that category. </div>
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Now, as much as I enjoy them and think they will help and look awesome, I have rarely ever stuck to one. </div>
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I long for order and organization, but can't seem to follow through or succeed in completing my lists/plans. </div>
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SO, today, I wanted to make a list of things that I need to begin-and not give up on or leave unfinished:</div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">1. </i><span style="font-size: large;">Let Go so that God can organize and control my life!</span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"> </i></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">2. </i>Make it a point to NOT hit snooze! </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">3. </i>Begin my morning with prayer, followed by a short work-out and quiet time. And end my day early in the evening, with prayer and the Word of God on my heart, mind and lips. </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">4. </i>Eat dinner at home, with my family, at the table at least 5 times per week! </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">5. </i>Seek God at the start of every week for His plan for my time management, meal planning and quiet time. </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">6.</i> Keep a list of prayer requests; pray for each person or circumstance daily and keep a journal to update progress/results,- <a href="http://www.desirespiritualgrowth.com/the-benefits-of-reflecting-on-answered-prayer/">THIS</a> post caught my attention on this subject. </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">7. </i>Pray with and for my family, as a family and individually, daily!</div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">8. </i>Be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. Practicing patience and self-control in every situation and seeking to reflect God in my actions, every second of every day. </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">9. </i>Make more of an effort to show my husband how much I love and respect him. </div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">10. </i>Spend more time with my friends; invite them over for dinner, stop by their houses unexpectedly, call just to see how they are doing. </div>
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These are all things that I feel the LORD is leading me to do. </div>
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I can't write much more than that. I am in awe of the list that He just gave to me. This was not at all what I sat down here to type; my list had things like "cut coupons" "1 hour of exercise, 5 days per week" "menu plan Sundays" "re-organize kitchen drawers"...and yet, I feel secure in knowing that this is exactly what I should be focusing on...and everything else, well, it will fall into it's proper place in its' proper time.</div>
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Check these out: </div>
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Micah 4:12</div>
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Proverbs 16: 1-4</div>
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Psalm 33:10-12</div>
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Proverbs 19:21</div>
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Jeremiah 29:11</div>
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Seek God's plan for your life...and if you are a tough, stubborn one like me, it is a day to day faith action...</div>
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He will bless those who seek Him and obey His commands! </div>
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<br /></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-31038010025673663612012-01-26T09:26:00.002-06:002012-01-26T09:26:31.659-06:00When I Sit at YOUR FeetGood morning all!<br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">Luke 10:38-42</span></h3>
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7;">New International Version (NIV)</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7;">At the Home of Martha and Mary</span></h5>
<b><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25402" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: text-top;">38</sup> As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25403" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: text-top;">39</sup> She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25404" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: text-top;">40</sup> But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”</span></b><b><span style="color: #674ea7;"> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25405" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: text-top;">41</sup> “Martha, Martha,”</span> the Lord answered, <span class="woj">“you are worried and upset about many things,</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25406" style="font-size: 0.65em; vertical-align: text-top;">42</sup> but few things are needed—or indeed only one.<sup class="footnote" style="font-size: 0.65em; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="[<a href="#fen-NIV-25406a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]">[<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+10%3A38-42&version=NIV#fen-NIV-25406a" style="text-decoration: none;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</sup> Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”</span></span></b><br />
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I did not get up when I should have this morning. My goal is to be up by 4:30 a.m. so that I have time to get a workout and quiet time in before my shower, hair/makeup routine and then get the kids up and ready and out the door by 6:45/7:00. So far, I have not been able to accomplish this.<br />
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Instead, I go to bed late, hit snooze when my alarm goes off at 4:30, again at 5, again at 5:30...until I am jumping out of bed closer to 6 (or later sometimes), rushing around and putting my morning all out of whack!<br />
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I am doing the <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/resources/hellomornings/">Hello Mornings Challenge</a> by <a href="http://inspiredtoaction.com/">Inspired to Action</a>; some of you may have heard about it and this is my 3rd go round. I check in daily with a group on Facebook and I so love to get to know them through their morning routine and I also find out that this daily struggle that I face, I am not the only one who has it.<br />
I pray for this group of ladies, that they would allow God to change their lives, from when they very first open their eyes in the morning...and I pray this for myself too.<br />
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Part of my problem is that I would like everything to be perfect before I lay my head down at night. So if there is laundry not done, toys out, dishes dirty, floors unswept, etc, I will stay up until super late attempting to finish these tasks. And by the way, most every night, I force myself to go to sleep, with probably over half of that not being finished.<br />
I am a full-time working mom, of a 5 1/2 year old and a 23 month old. I work from 8-4:30 with a 30 minute commute between work and home. My husband has a schedule that works like this: 2 weeks on & 2 weeks off, rotating his on weeks between working nights/days.<br />
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It is a difficult schedule to work around, and I get overwhelmed. I want so badly to have it all together. To be able to come home, already have meals planned for dinner, no rushing and craziness, and for my house to be clean and organized!<br />
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But that is the Martha in me, right :)<br />
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I can only do what I can do. I can't do 1000 things...He has called me to do what I can, and to do it all to His Glory! And when I strive to do too much, I fall short in all areas.<br />
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Today, I stand in His Presence knowing that if I glorify Him, if I live for Him, if I follow Him, nothing else matters. The craft projects I dream of doing don't matter. The spotless, sparkling home I long for does not matter. The money I dream of saving by extreme couponing does not matter. The cute clothes, the books I want to read, the people I want to please, the "things" that I want to do and see...they don't matter.<br />
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<b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: large;">But the time that I spend with My Father does.</span></b><br />
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And for that very reason, I must not dwell on these meaningless tasks...but instead, do what I can do, glorifying Him in all of it, and sitting at His feet, listening to every word He speaks, drinking it in and letting it soak the depths of my heart, mind and down to my feet.<br />
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-22634891210914563792012-01-24T14:17:00.000-06:002012-08-02T11:30:05.574-05:00RHEA LANA'S CONSIGNMENT TIME!!!I'm a mommy of 2 beautiful children: Aspen, my sweet and spicy 5 year old daughter and Hunter, my super cuddly and wild almost-2-year old son.<br />
These two keep me going day in and day out, so we pretty much do whatever it takes to give them the best that we can...and you all know how expensive "the best" can be.<br />
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About 4 years ago I was working in childcare, in the nursery, and one of my babies' mom began telling me of a children's consignment event that she participates in. I lived in Conway, AR at the time and my Aspen was only 2 years old. Lisa, mom of 2, Meagan and Mason (the baby boy in my class), filled me in on all of the details.<br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2 Times per year: Spring/Summer & Fall/Winter</span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Purchase, gently used children's clothes for great prices!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Consign your gently used children</span><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">'s clothes to make some extra money</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Volunteer to work during the event to earn early shopping passes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Help market the event to earn early shopping passes</span></li>
<li><span style="color: magenta; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sales in about 16 states and about 49 cities!</span></li>
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Lisa told me how awesome the sale was and how it had blessed her family by helping them to save money and stock up on a season's worth of clothes for her kids in one place at one time!<br />
So I jumped in! And I am so thankful!<br />
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That first sale, I consigned the minimum amount of clothes and volunteered for 2 shifts. And was able to shop early! I had so much fun working with the other volunteers and the ladies of Rhea Lana's and the shopping was so great! I don't remember how much I spent that first time, but I remember how fulfilling it felt to purchase good, quality clothing at great and affordable prices for my sweet girl!<br />
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And since that first time, I have consigned, volunteered, marketed, and shopped til I dropped at <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/cardinal/homecss.asp?init=irlwthrhwa">Rhea Lana's Consignment Events in Conway</a>!<br />
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This year is no different! I attended marketing day at their Conway office, grabbed a car magnet as part of marketing and signed up to work my shifts at the sale!<br />
I have begun pulling out all of Aspen and Hunter's spring/summer wardrobes from last year and going through their toys, books, movies, and games that they have outgrown.<br />
I will begin washing and cleaning up all of the items that are still in good, gently used condition and prepare them to be entered into Rhea Lana's easy-to-use consignor system. In this system I customize everything that the labels will say: the description of the item, the size and the price, with a minimum price of $3.<br />
I also get to choose if I would like this item to be sold at half-price the last two days of the sale, and if I would like to donate items if they are not sold when the sale closes.<br />
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I make all of these decisions, prepare my items by marking, hanging and packaging them properly and on the scheduled drop-off day, I take my items to the sale to be inspected and dropped off.<br />
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This sounds like a lot of work doesn't it? But I have so much fun doing it!<br />
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One thing that I enjoy about it the most, is that it is a trip down memory lane! Each outfit has a memory attached to it and this process is a great way to remind myself of special times that I have had with my kiddos. And by consigning at Rhea Lana's, we get to let go of the item (not the memory) and allow someone else to make their own memories, with their own children, without having to spend a fortune on a dress, pair of shoes, or the cutest set of pajamas you have ever seen!<br />
Plus, I am making room for more memory making clothes, shoes, toys, books, and games for my own kids!<br />
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Each step in the process is thoroughly explained and any tips and tricks are shared on Rhea Lana's website, including tutorial videos!<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/">http://www.rhealana.com/</a></span></b><br />
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Almost every sale that I have participated in, I have either made money or broken even, meaning I spent the same amount of money on new items as I did on the 70% profit of the items that that I sold.<br />
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I can't explain how excited I am when Rhea Lana's comes around! My friend Cara and I normally sign up to work on the same shifts so that we can work and shop together. The early shopping pass that we earn allows us to shop at 8 am before the sale opens to the public, and we get there about 6:30 in the morning! The last 2 or 3 sales, we have been among the first 3 people in line and the other ladies that are in line with us are the same ones as the sales before, so we have gained friendships as well!<br />
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Just a little more information and then I will stop jabbering! :-)<br />
In an average sale, now that I have two children,<br />
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<b><u><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">I probably save over $261 per child</span></u></b>!!!!!</div>
I will show you how I got that number: based on average prices at <a href="http://www.carters.com/carters">http://www.carters.com/carters</a> (a brand that I have preferred for my kids from birth-5 years) and my experiences at Rhea Lana's.<br />
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I try to have a list of things that we NEED before I shop.<br />
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<li>Example: 6 pair of shorts, 2 short sets, 10 shirts, 4 pajamas, 3 shoes</li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">The average price I would pay at Rhea Lana's will vary, but be close to the following:</span></b></li>
<ul>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">6-shorts $5 per pair = $30</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">2-short sets $5 per set = $10</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">10-shirts $3 per shirt = $30</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">4-pajamas $4 per set = $16</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">3-shoes $5 per pair = $15</span></b></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">For a Grand Total of <u><span style="font-size: large;">$101</span></u></span></b></li>
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<li><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">Keep in mind this price will vary because each consignor (and there are about 1,000) choose the prices for their items. A shirt with consignor 'A' may be $3 while the same shirt with consignor 'B' may be $5. And the older the child, I have learned the price may go up a bit.</span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></b></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>The average prices below are from the Carters website, linked above: (and I even cut them a break considering they offer online coupons and they have seasonal sales as well.)</b></span></li>
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<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>6-shorts $15 per pair = $90</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>2-short sets $30 per set = $60</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>10-shirts $10 per shirt = $100</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>4-pajamas $13 per set = $52</b></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>3-shoes $20 per pair = $60</b></span></li>
<li><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For a Grand Total of <u><span style="font-size: large;">$362</span></u></span></b></li>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;">Like I said, that is for ONE child and the savings is IMMENSE! </span></b></div>
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And if you are anything like me, you don't just stop at what is on your "list"...I go kind of crazy, because it is such a bargain!!! And don't forget that the last 2 days of a season's sale, anything that does not have a Red Dot on the tag is HALF-PRICE! This is a great time to go back to the sale, see what is left and grab a few more, even more affordable items! </div>
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I highly encourage you to check out Rhea Lana's website and check on a sale that is near you or any of your family. This is a great opportunity to recycle, so to speak. Clothes are expensive!!! Even for the tiny humans that we have been gifted to take care of on planet Earth! In the economy that we live in, it is hard to afford to buy brand new seasonal clothes for each child in our family, and Rhea Lana's helps to ease that burden, whether you choose to volunteer, consign and shop, or you just come to take advantage of the great shopping prices! There is something for every family!<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stop by at: <a href="http://www.rhealana.com/">www.rhealana.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Like on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/RheaLanas">http://www.facebook.com/RheaLanas</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Follow on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/rhealana">http://twitter.com/rhealana</a></span></div>
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-83834353849121555732012-01-18T12:10:00.001-06:002012-01-19T15:14:07.919-06:00SSMTC! Houston Bound!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Two days before I will be in Houston TX for the <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2012/01/siesta-scripture-memory-team-celebration-2012.html">Siesta Scripture Memory Team Celebration (aka SSMTC)!</a><br />
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I am SO EXCITED! </div>
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I will be accompanied by one of my best friends, Cara, and we will be road-tripping! We did this in December 2010 to a <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/2010/12/deeper-still-birmingham.html">Living Proof Live Conference in Birmingham,</a> and had a blast! </div>
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I'm sure this time will be just as much fun and I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us on this trip!</div>
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We plan to leave very early Friday morning and (hopefully) be in Houston to check in to our hotel by 3pm. The doors open at 6 pm, so we will enjoy about an hour at the hotel, getting ready, fixing our hair, etc. And then head to eat, and be back to the church around 5:15/5:30 to get in line!</div>
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On Saturday the conference is from 8-12 and afterwards, we are grabbing lunch and then going to check out the <a href="http://www.texasartasylum.com/">Texas Art Asylum</a> before hitting the road again to head home! </div>
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Whether it is lunch Saturday or dinner Friday, we plan to try <a href="http://www.pappasitos.com/home/">Pappasito's</a>! We both love Mexican food and when we went to Birmingham we made it a point to find a local restaurant and enjoy! It is kind of becoming a tradition for us on road-trips! </div>
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The drive up there will be filled with us quizzing each other on our memory verses! It will be a great 8 hours worth of practice! </div>
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Anyways, I know this post does not pertain to anything at all important to anyone else, but I just wanted to share my enthusiasm and just say how big of an impact memorizing scripture has had in my life.<br />
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I have begun to memorize scripture with my 5 year old daughter and it is such a blessing for me, and I know she so enjoys it too! And it will help equip her in the future for the many valleys that we as adults are very aware of; So please take time out of your life to sit in His Word and drink it up...keep it in your heart so that at any given moment, you will be prepared to spiritually battle with the enemy.<br />
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And most of all, He wrote it...He breathed it. As a blogger, when I know or see that people are reading what I post, it gives me a feeling like "wow, someone does care."...I can only imagine how awesome God feels when His children sit and encounter Him in His Word....when they glorify Him by obeying and hiding His Truths and Promises in our hearts, so that we can share Him with the world! Let's honor Him in this way! It is something that I believe everyone is equipped to do. Some of us can't give a lot of money, some can't go out and build homes for the weak and weary, some can't sing (beautifully) or speak great sermons: But we can all hide His Word, the Holy Bible, in our hearts and glorify Him just the same!</div>
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I love you, the one reading this, with the love that Christ has given to us all, and I pray that you are blessed and filled to the measure! Jesus loves you!</div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">may have power, together with all the saints, </span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.</span></i></b></span>
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<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><i><span style="background-color: white;">Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(If you don't mind praying for our travels this weekend and for the Holy Spirit to be glorified at this conference. Thanks)</span></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-16079041808938796502011-12-30T10:52:00.003-06:002011-12-30T10:52:52.662-06:00What is a RESOLUTION??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Resolution<br />
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Definition:<br />
From <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=what+is+a+resolution#hl=en&q=resolution&tbs=dfn:1&tbo=u&sa=X&ei=f9T9TomKHenh0QHXkLGlAg&ved=0CCcQkQ4&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=bc16b5ab8d851553&biw=1440&bih=787">Google</a><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">A firm decision to do or not to do something</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">A formal expression of opinion or intention agreed on by a legislative body, committee, or other formal meeting, typically after taking a vote</span> </li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The quality of being determined or resolute</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The passing of a discord into a concord during the course of changing harmony
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The disappearance of inflammation, or of any other symptom or condition
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The process of reducing or separating something into its components
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The replacing of a single force or other vector quantity by two or more jointly equivalent to it
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The conversion of something abstract into another form
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The substitution of two short syllables for one long one
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The smallest interval measurable by a scientific (esp. optical) instrument; the resolving power
</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">The degree of detail visible in a photographic or television image
</span></li>
</ol>
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<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I've never looked at the definition of the word 'Resolution' before now. </ul>
<ul style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; line-height: 15px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">I've said it, year after year, "This is my New Year's Resolution!", and year after year, I have dropped that thing like a hot potato, most years before the month of May had even arrived!</ul>
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This year of 2011, I had decided to lose weight, like so many of us do; And I made it until the month of August, when we moved and the elliptical sat in our new garage among boxes for a few months, and unpacking, decorating, purging our 'stuff' took precedence over counting calories, jogging and working out. </div>
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Between January and August, I had lost about 23 pounds, which was right at my halfway mark. </div>
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And now, I sit here, to openly admit, I have gained back at least, if not more than, 13 pounds of that...and my clothes barely fit again, and I feel miserable. </div>
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But guess what?</div>
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January 1, 2012 is upon us, and we have another year for a brand new resolution. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The <b><u>first definition</u></b> of RESOLUTION is one of my favorites. "A FIRM DECISION"</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul style="color: #222222; line-height: 15px;">
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Be on your guard; stand <b>firm</b> in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. 1 Corinthians 16:13</span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand </span><b style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">firm</b><span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">. Psalm 20:8</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a <b>firm </b>place to stand. Psalm 40:2</span></span></span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; line-height: normal; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand <b>firm</b>. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.1 Corinthians 15:58</span></span></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I am making a FAITH decision to stand FIRM against the power that Satan has led me to believe my weight and food have over me! The only power over me is that of Christ Jesus who died for my sins and has brought me into freedom through the power of His Righteous and Holy Blood! And I fall to my knees to that power! I am HIS servant and my body should glorify Him. I should not indulge myself to food and laziness! It is sin! </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Or </span><sup class="xref" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28470Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? </span><sup class="xref" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28470Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">You are not your own,</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"> </span><sup class="xref" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28471AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">for you were bought with a price. </span><sup class="xref" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-ESV-28471AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></sup><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b><u>second definition</u></b> I believe can be applied to group decisions: family, church, etc. Family resolutions are important; my family currently does not have one, but I am praying for my husband and I to discuss and pray on this issue and seek God's will for our family's direction and path, including our family issue with food and exercise. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b><u>third definition</u></b>, in my opinion, goes right along with number one! BEING DETERMINED. Not changing your mind, or falling off the wagon. Resolving to stick it out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I like <b><u>number four</u></b> too: The ACTION of solving a PROBLEM, dispute or contentious matter. My friends, I have a problem with my weight and food! I have a dispute with the fat cells in my body! I have a contentious matter with my taste buds! And I am taking action against them all in 2012! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I had to check on a few things for <b><u>number 5</u></b>: definition of the two words: Discord and Concord</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=definition+of+discord">Discord</a>: </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Disagreement between people. <a href="https://www.google.com/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=definition+of+discord#sclient=psy-ab&hl=en&source=hp&q=definition+of+concord&pbx=1&oq=definition+of+concord&aq=f&aqi=g4&aql=&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=7300l8420l0l8528l7l5l0l1l1l0l252l708l2.2.1l5l0&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=bc16b5ab8d851553&biw=1440&bih=787">Concord</a>: </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">Agreement or harmony between people or groups.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">I can't really think of a way to apply this to my current weight issue, but I have a few relationships of discord in my life that I would like to resolve and bring into harmony. Some are simply in my mind alone. Anyone know what I'm talking about? I'm praying for your situation too. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;"><b><u>Number 6</u></b> is really cool: Disappearance of any symptom or condition! WOW! How about the disappearance of my muffin top, thunder thighs and bubble butt! LOL I'm sorry! I just couldn't resist! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 15px;">But seriously, I am praying for healing from this condition...and for some family members that are fighting cancer as well. I know that we all know some folks who could use some resolution like this! Amen? AMEN! </span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b><u>Definition 7</u></b>: PROCESS of reducing and separating into components. Steps must be taken to take things apart. It took many pizzas, cookies, chips and cheeseburgers to put all of this together...and so naturally, it will take many jumping jacks, hours of jogging, hours on the elliptical and calories not ingested to take it off! There has to be a process! Step by step...it is not an overnight occurrence! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">And I will be stopping there with definition breakdown! Definitions 8-12 honestly bore me and I just couldn't think of any way to apply them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Besides that, 7 is a great number you know. Completeness. I think that these seven different definitions of the one word, RESOLUTION, could help me tremendously in my weight walk of 2012! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">I've just never looked at the concept of a New Year's Resolution. I've played along, spoken words that I really did not believe in. But this will be different! My New Year's Resolution is not just about weighing less or fitting into a certain size jeans. It is about STANDING FIRM and GLORIFYING GOD! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">That is what He has called us to do! That is our purpose in this physical life! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Let's resolve to be obedient this year! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 15px;">Show the world that we stand on THE ROCK and will not be shaken! </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 15px;"><b>Praying for you for 2012!</b> </span></span></div>
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</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-10160403401092016622011-12-29T11:51:00.002-06:002011-12-29T12:03:04.040-06:00RecognizableSo.<br />
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I had a thought this morning. A big one actually.<br />
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The thought led to the question, "Am I recognizable?"<br />
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<ul>
<li>To God</li>
<li>To Fellow Believers</li>
<li>To Strangers</li>
<li>To Myself</li>
</ul>
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Let me tell you a very short story:</div>
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I was driving to work this morning, in a bit of a hurry. I was running really late. I mean, after 8 days off for Christmas vacation (a post and pictures will be posted soon), it takes a couple of days to get back into the swing of things. </div>
<div>
To get to my office, I have to turn down a dirt road and about 1/10th of a mile, come to a guard shack with a gate that is only opened with my ID badge, or the nice guards press a button and the gate opens so that I never even have to stop. :)</div>
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I barely made the turn down the road and the gate began to open. The guard, B.F., recognized my car and as I drove past, he smiled and waved 'Good Morning' to me. </div>
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And at that moment ladies and gentlemen, I asked the question, "Am I recognizable?"</div>
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Not in the physical way.</div>
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In the Holy Spirit way.</div>
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A picture flashed in my brain: pearl and gold gates on a road of clouds</div>
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I turn down the road.</div>
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Do the gates begin to open?</div>
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Do I need to swipe my badge?</div>
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Do the guards recognize me and press the button and wave me through?</div>
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Do my brothers and sisters in Christ look at me and see the Holy Spirit in me?</div>
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Do my actions reflect Christ and His Presence in me?</div>
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Do strangers see me, hear me, and know that something is different and long for it too?</div>
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Do I look in the mirror to see a daughter of the King?</div>
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Do I know and believe that I am loved, forgiven and blessed?</div>
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Do I see a faithful Christ-follower and servant to the Mighty God?</div>
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One turn down a dusty dirt road and God had convicted me and placed on my heart so much to pray about, to seek His Word about. </div>
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The most awesome part is that the study I am currently doing, James: Mercy Triumphs, is so much about these questions...The book of James stirs up buried things in the marrow of my bones, and brings them into the Light so that I can deal with them, be cleansed, be healed, be renewed, and walk in a way that is RECOGNIZABLE to God...to His people...to unbelievers...and to myself. </div>
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I want to be recognized as His child. I want to reflect Him in every way possible. When I turn down that eternal road at the end of this physical life, I long for those guards to recognize me before they even see me, so that I can walk through and meet my Savior face to face without ever skipping a beat!!!</div>
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I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, who will stay with you forever. <u>He is the Spirit, who reveals the truth about God</u>.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
The world cannot receive him, because it cannot see him or know him. </div>
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<b><u>But you know him, because he remains with you and is in you.</u></b></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
When I go, you will not be left all alone; I will come back to you.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
John 14:16-18</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">My dearly loved brothers, understand this: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><u>Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger</u>,</span><sup class="xref" style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; line-height: 0.5em; vertical-align: text-top;" value="(<a href="#cen-HCSB-30284R" title="See cross-reference R">R</a>)"></sup><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">for man’s anger does not accomplish God’s righteousness. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Therefore, <u>ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil</u>,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.</span>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">James 1:19-21</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">First things first. Your business is life, not death. And life is urgent: <u><i><b>Announce God's kingdom!</b></i></u>...</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward looks. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Seize the day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">Luke 9:60b, 62</span></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-19992025650358207972011-12-07T11:13:00.001-06:002011-12-08T10:34:13.551-06:00CHRISTmas Spirit<br />
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My favorite time of the year! I don't like being out in the cold, but I sure enjoy it being cold, so that we can turn the heat on, wear warm, fuzzy pajamas and socks, make hot cocoa, chili and cornbread, bake cookies, snuggle under blankets, decorate the house, give gifts to family and friends (and even strangers), think back on memories from Christmases past, and really truly remind ourselves of the TRUE meaning of Christmas! (I posted about <a href="http://seekingpeaceinastorm.blogspot.com/2011/11/im-not-doing-christmas-this-year.html">my thoughts</a> on that back in November.)<br />
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As much joy as this season brings to me, sometimes I get a little down. Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of my step-mom's death. Marla Hornsby. She became a good friend to me during her 5 or so year marriage to my dad before she passed. I was thinking of her, remembering times that we shared together, things that she said to me, her smile, her laughter, how she loved to dance with my Aspen...how she was the first person to make Aspen have a long, heavy fit of laughter when she was just months old. Part of me is still so sad...I miss her.<br />
And then I am reminded, by Aspen last night, "You know you can talk to her. She told us we could. God will tell her everything you want her to know. And one day, mommy, you and me will see her again in heaven. She doesn't have to eat now, or drink, or go potty. She's ok."<br />
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I sat in my car crying, sad tears, joyful tears, proud-of-my-girl tears, thankful tears.<br />
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I cry a lot lately...for no reason...just out of the blue, crying until it hurts, until I'm exhausted.<br />
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I see God in it all! In everything! It is hard to see Him sometimes, especially when my stubborn self gets so worked up, so sad or so angry. But He is definitely opening my heart, my mind, my eyes, to look through the lens of the Cross in every situation of my life, to seek Him out in it, and find the JOY that He sent to earth so many years ago on a cold December day:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be born</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To teach</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">To heal</span> </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To live</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be scorned</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be beaten</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be hung</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To die</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be buried</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To be resurrected</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>To ascend</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>TO SAVE</b></i></span></div>
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The Christmas Story is so beautiful, even with pain and sadness woven into it. </div>
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The picture of a sweet baby Savior, sent as our undeserving Gift, to save us from the chains of sin and the nets of our enemies. </div>
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I'm in awe today of the work that He is doing in my heart. The verse that I woke up to on my phone this morning says, </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cc0000; color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">"Create in me a clean heart, O God; </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cc0000; color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">And renew a right spirit within me." </span></b></div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #cc0000; color: #f1c232; font-size: large;">Psalm 51:10 ASV</span></b></div>
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He is renewing my spirit---creating within me, my <b><u><i>CHRISTmas Spirit</i></u></b>. </div>
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<br />Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-32547213942188863682011-11-30T08:51:00.001-06:002011-11-30T14:21:07.458-06:00Month of Thanks: Days 22-30!<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gonna catch up and finish up the month of November, Month of Thanks Series!</span></b><br />
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<b>Day 22:</b> I'm thankful for the thorns. Read <a href="http://lynnmosher.blogspot.com/2011/11/blessing-of-thorns.html"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d;">THIS</span></a>! I was convicted to share this with a very good friend of mine and I pray that you will find as much appreciation of that story as I have!<br />
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<b>Day 23:</b> Thankful for my family and friends! I could have mentioned SO MANY names on this one, because when I stop and think about how many of you that I truly thank God for, I am overwhelmed! I've lost many things in my life, but one thing that I realize I haven't lost is family, and that includes the friends that I am speaking of. I love you all so very much...each person holds a special place in my life, and I do thank God each time I think of you! So if you get that feeling in your heart when you are reading this, you probably know that you are one of the people I am talking about! Thank you for being there for me, for putting up with me and for loving me no matter what! Philippians 1:3 "Every time I think of you, I give thanks to my God."<br />
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<b>Day 24:</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> I'm thankful for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Without HIM, we would have nothing to be thankful for...all previous days would be filled with void instead of the many, many blessings that were named. I pray whole-heartily that many, many more people would come to know my Beloved Savior...to feel what it feels like to commune with Him. To know the peace that only He can give when the waves are crashing all around our feeble ships. He makes each day worth living...nothing else could ever bring me the joy that I feel in my relationship with The One and Only! I pray everyone has (had) a great Thanksgiving, and that you get (or got) full on food and family!</span><br />
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<b>Day 25:</b> Thankful to be blessed with family members that are as crazy as me, to shop on Black Friday for hours on end and have a BLAST together! That is what family is for!!!<br />
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<b>Day 26:</b> being arts-n-crafty! I don't have much time between my family and work to indulge my creative side very often...but I sure do enjoy it when I do! Decorating my home for Christmas is such a treat! And making a new recipe every year for Thanksgiving and Christmas is joy to me! I'm thankful God gave me a creative-imaginative bone in my body!<br />
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<b>Day 27:</b> Thankful that on sick days like today, there is nothing better than my comfy couch and pjs, lights low and my hubby to pick up pizza so I don't have to cook! :)<br />
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<b>Day 28:</b> I'm thankful for Facebook (not always, but today)...I get to see pictures of my nieces and my sisters and my brother that I would otherwise probably never see. It allows me to watch them grow up in a way. It allows me to stay in touch with friends from my childhood, friends that I don't see often...And I can share my life with them too...and most of all, I can shine my light for Jesus!!!<br />
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<b>Day 29:</b> I'm thankful for lemon cookies from Cross Creek Sandwich Shop in Conway AR! O.M.G. Gooey, lemony, yummy, goodness!<br />
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<b>Day 30:</b> I'm thankful for this challenge: for the daily reminder to seek out the blessings in my life, no matter how big or small. Each day in itself is a blessing to be thankful for. We are not promised another day....we aren't even promised another beat of our heart, another single inhale or exhale. Think about it...be thankful for everything: the good, the bad, the in between!<br />
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<b><i><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It is all to HIS glory! </span></u></i></b></div>
</div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-81889015530212017372011-11-21T15:32:00.000-06:002011-11-21T15:32:06.069-06:00I'm Not Doing Christmas this Year!<div style="text-align: center;">**I realize that Thanksgiving has not even gotten here yet, but I felt so convicted to post this.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I want to begin by just saying that inspiration for this post came from my baby sister saying these exact words to me today on the phone. I'm asking for prayer for her and her family as they go through some rough times...and mostly, I am asking for prayer for her salvation and the salvation of her family. Thanks**<br />
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"I'm not doing Christmas this year!"<br />
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That is what my sister told me today on the phone. She had called for my address to send me a card, so I asked if it was a Christmas card, and that was her reply. <br />
When I asked her why, she responded with a list of things that are more important than presents and gifts, and pointed out how all of those things, bills, and responsibilities, left her family with little money to buy gifts. <br />
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This troubles me because a few years ago, I <strike>probably</strike> would have said the same thing. Christmas has been commercialized to the point that people feel that if they don't have money, they can't celebrate!<br />
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The true meaning of Christmas has been lost! Snowballed over and covered up with wrapping paper, bows and pretty tags! <br />
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CHRIST has been taken out of Christmas! <strike>CHRIST</strike>mas is what we are left with. OR X-mas!<br />
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It is Jesus that should be gifted...the story of His glorious birth, handed down from generation to generation. Sharing the story of His birth, the reason He was GIFTED to us, so that we could have eternal life!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>HE IS THE GREATEST GIFT THAT WE'VE EVER RECEIVED </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>AND </em></strong><strong><em>HIS STORY IS THE GREATEST GIFT </em></strong><br />
<strong><em>THAT WE COULD EVER GIVE TO ANOTHER PERSON!</em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><em><span style="font-size: large;">It is about <span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: #38761d;">J</span><span style="color: red;">E</span><span style="color: white;">S</span><span style="color: #38761d;">U</span><span style="color: red;">S </span><span style="color: white;">C</span><span style="color: #38761d;">H</span><span style="color: red;">R</span><span style="color: white;">I</span><span style="color: #38761d;">S</span><span style="color: red;">T</span><span style="color: white;">!</span> </span></span></em></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>It never was about the presents, the tree they sit under, the paper they are wrapped in, the store they were bought at, the price that was paid for them...NONE of that matters one single bit. Yes, it is so much fun to give gifts...to pick the perfect presents for the special people in our lives, to wrap them nicely and then to see the expression on their faces when they open them! That is all good and fine and I am not putting that down one bit, because I so enjoy it too!<br />
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BUT, it literally breaks my heart to hear my sister say, that because she won't have money, that she just isn't doing Christmas at all this year. I so want her to know, that it is about so much more than that...<br />
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I pray that this year you (and I) share about Jesus more this Christmas season than what is under the tree. Share HIS STORY...it leads right into yours' you know? <br />
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<div align="center"><strong><em><u><span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: red;">JESUS IS THE REASON FOR THE SEASON!</span></u></em></strong></div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyqXAR5tqFvmFibSyEr9qIN0zeyw_g0pQg-_7gGOisvz1qelhKeOklcHQTZzyCJHCzRibJoIDvMcYDnVcJGKA104S_0vnujXVArjKYXkGChVKOTeA0_6V09B_jKC6hN5KrWvw0rlfOEcM/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="303px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiyqXAR5tqFvmFibSyEr9qIN0zeyw_g0pQg-_7gGOisvz1qelhKeOklcHQTZzyCJHCzRibJoIDvMcYDnVcJGKA104S_0vnujXVArjKYXkGChVKOTeA0_6V09B_jKC6hN5KrWvw0rlfOEcM/s400/am.jpg" width="400px" /></a></div><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3859172863287854177.post-34064716158909198172011-11-21T10:49:00.000-06:002011-11-21T10:49:11.557-06:00Month of Thanks: A full week + 1 day :)The following are my days of giving thanks 14-21: (I missed posting while enjoying each and every one!)<br />
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Day 14: My new cd, The Story! Picked it up tonight at Lifeway and Aspen and I already love it! What a way to review stories from the Bible! If you haven't checked it out already, you must: <a href="http://www.thestorycd.com/">http://www.thestorycd.com/</a> It is amazing and I am so thankful for it!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpbfpLHqOyrTrxjhSf-cjLspN4N-0LNvuFZQLceh6jsvn05RuKQHQztmmXP9GZSIecntUleduVVZAwwee0b19ciTD9Pw82C6zVeIdiiNgN8YHLKuuXDxRW4fmC3BL5QmbtXqMauPfibfe/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizpbfpLHqOyrTrxjhSf-cjLspN4N-0LNvuFZQLceh6jsvn05RuKQHQztmmXP9GZSIecntUleduVVZAwwee0b19ciTD9Pw82C6zVeIdiiNgN8YHLKuuXDxRW4fmC3BL5QmbtXqMauPfibfe/s200/am.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div align="left">Day 15: Siesta Scripture Memory Team or SSMT! My verses are here: <a href="http://seekingpeaceinastorm.blogspot.com/p/ssmt-2011.html">http://seekingpeaceinastorm.blogspot.com/p/ssmt-2011.html</a><br />
To read all about it and check out THOUSANDS of other verses that many, many other women are choosing to memorize, follow this link: <a href="http://blog.lproof.org/category/scripture-memory-2011">http://blog.lproof.org/category/scripture-memory-2011</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HYQcg1bL0YcnKOX1bLXPtsmn4ale6yD8On-FzfP5EJPHQP28hQOqewiDqI9ADQVycFsTrEuqCwtm-TfDSVUry1iMtWGnQdv5dWeFql9TpCljIPAUUrg5B9avTY38qdyoGTLCbsf0Angb/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="149px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4HYQcg1bL0YcnKOX1bLXPtsmn4ale6yD8On-FzfP5EJPHQP28hQOqewiDqI9ADQVycFsTrEuqCwtm-TfDSVUry1iMtWGnQdv5dWeFql9TpCljIPAUUrg5B9avTY38qdyoGTLCbsf0Angb/s200/am.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><br />
Day 16: SLEEP. I saw a quote on <a href="http://pinterest.com/">Pinterest</a> that I just had to share, because it seriously sums my thinking up completely!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPjo0NnvP26vXWZsY5G1YBOh_TSM7oItlp1QbDX5LhuBUtRx8cIQkRa7JZ0sceqaBtBsx1m4vP_jIi7VPn5wmaMwEdD8SVf411bDVmwzcdtZdmagoMO80fvG-8s6jSYPfYPzeaQ5S_8aj/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="200px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPjo0NnvP26vXWZsY5G1YBOh_TSM7oItlp1QbDX5LhuBUtRx8cIQkRa7JZ0sceqaBtBsx1m4vP_jIi7VPn5wmaMwEdD8SVf411bDVmwzcdtZdmagoMO80fvG-8s6jSYPfYPzeaQ5S_8aj/s200/am.jpg" width="200px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 17: Today I am thankful for my second born child, my son, Hunter Garrett Milam. I can't believe he is almost 2! His smile, his voice, his soft hand holding mine, his sweet kisses and hugs...I don't even remember life before my little baby boy! :-)</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6v3jK64VET_hGeGQCF9rfDt-kpMTKT4lFRJBbTH93vSwPDKug0QpVzl_EgCUFojbI_2YGQ9BeuOwpJmtWbKgSIXg2t4uiAskiGutFjMaRrbNrmEvHCRxFV0diXWSjBI8tK3F07wSg03WA/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="320px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6v3jK64VET_hGeGQCF9rfDt-kpMTKT4lFRJBbTH93vSwPDKug0QpVzl_EgCUFojbI_2YGQ9BeuOwpJmtWbKgSIXg2t4uiAskiGutFjMaRrbNrmEvHCRxFV0diXWSjBI8tK3F07wSg03WA/s320/am.jpg" width="240px" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: left;">Day 18: my daddy! He has always been a great influence, and although the roles reversed in our relationship the past couple of years, I love him just the same. Praying for him to have strength, courage, wisdom and patience to pull out of the pit and find security in the Most High!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGbg6EmE0ouHSDBbdRg612iEGePNQ067gblParVi0H0PoMhiwU3cz_m1PRlsPg0SODknUXXxRBCgPyIokgLlLGoWOSNuj1LRC6NDdZJ0wrHk_igv183BJFiTIgz7lHBUYaRl6Fr53zMDP/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="240px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGbg6EmE0ouHSDBbdRg612iEGePNQ067gblParVi0H0PoMhiwU3cz_m1PRlsPg0SODknUXXxRBCgPyIokgLlLGoWOSNuj1LRC6NDdZJ0wrHk_igv183BJFiTIgz7lHBUYaRl6Fr53zMDP/s320/am.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Day 19: My step-mom, Marla...my kids' Nanny. It has been 2 years now since the last time that I saw her...hugged her. She is forever in my heart and on my mind. I miss her every day and I am so thankful that God put her in my life for the 6 years that we had with her. We love you Nanny-Marla! <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28rN0AHS90Oka-EFtzbmvidJTUB0gSEav3yiei4bN3S_jSDEasIBpkUnmoYe8wCo7IWIfNFup-zsEjQlDFl3WlgFyjTW68QXk0LR7Dk1aDTFgUspIO6-IL0eQOdS1G3vt14d5FuLXhyphenhyphen7g/s1600/am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj28rN0AHS90Oka-EFtzbmvidJTUB0gSEav3yiei4bN3S_jSDEasIBpkUnmoYe8wCo7IWIfNFup-zsEjQlDFl3WlgFyjTW68QXk0LR7Dk1aDTFgUspIO6-IL0eQOdS1G3vt14d5FuLXhyphenhyphen7g/s1600/am.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWq4tbAoQ1tHHrM0b8aatTnJma0lgH5fzjBIa8eqSINdQjHM71gJeL6rmuO0AvA9SlDwgfZnJqaa8GvTFk3tHY6hC7e5IOiaB6Pym9vB-x7xxMfNO2XtSDKSibIRL1SgiUF-tQNDH1e03/s1600/marla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hda="true" height="239px" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieWq4tbAoQ1tHHrM0b8aatTnJma0lgH5fzjBIa8eqSINdQjHM71gJeL6rmuO0AvA9SlDwgfZnJqaa8GvTFk3tHY6hC7e5IOiaB6Pym9vB-x7xxMfNO2XtSDKSibIRL1SgiUF-tQNDH1e03/s320/marla.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div>Day 20: Josh's days off. I love having our little family of four together for lazy weekends, playing games, eating meals and watching movies. <br />
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Day 21: Thunderstorms, beautiful sounds and smells... although it wakes both kids up crying, they both end up snuggled in our bed with us, which is a great way to wake up! <br />
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Whew! So much to be thankful for!!!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>Psalm 34:1 </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>I will bless the LORD at all times; </em></span></strong></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>His praise shall continually be in my mouth.</em></span></strong></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Victoriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04227752865331032050noreply@blogger.com0