tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65959546099265357862024-03-14T10:41:00.417-07:00From Chrysalis to ButterflyTransformation through HealingAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-71110247194507109202014-09-16T19:25:00.000-07:002014-09-16T19:25:47.929-07:00On a day like this...<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrvNMZa4sFM9XCnhs5YqcL0o7FOs2iO7rpjnUTVpzZXSfWW3GxW6iLQz6BZr7NaMzkHVisgwX7wxdj-cQ0Qi2vz7pG7otDEp3QpubH0ovNQSu3AVM9HpNTh44EEPvBE8LRE0bdnD3TXE/s1600/ALEXANDER_TERRIBLE_HORRIBLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfrvNMZa4sFM9XCnhs5YqcL0o7FOs2iO7rpjnUTVpzZXSfWW3GxW6iLQz6BZr7NaMzkHVisgwX7wxdj-cQ0Qi2vz7pG7otDEp3QpubH0ovNQSu3AVM9HpNTh44EEPvBE8LRE0bdnD3TXE/s1600/ALEXANDER_TERRIBLE_HORRIBLE.jpg" height="243" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"On a day like this...</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clap, clap, </span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On a day like this...</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clap, clap</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On a day like this..</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clap</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>I need the Lord to help me...</b>"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This goofy camp song sums up my day today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It's a song where you add goofy sound effects each round and end with a a good ole' soulful lyric,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>"I need the Lord to help me"</i></b>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Multiple times today, I felt like another goofy sound effect was coming my way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Things were just not going right.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It seemed to me that the world might be falling apart.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A few times I reached to the hair on my head, ready to pull it out [but thankfully, I settled with just gripping the strands as to grip a stress ball].</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Even a couple times, my frustration made me say a couple choice words to myself [just being real].</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Things like...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">losing a well thought out email that was ready to send [and of course, did not automatically save]..</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">dropping my already prepared lunch on the floor,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">hearing sad news about a friend, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">stubbing my toe,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">receiving zero phone calls for a job I so desperately want,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">running out of toilet paper, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">waiting 30 minutes for water to boil but realizing that the stove top wasn't even working...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">[and a bunch more silly things] </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">left me finishing my day off with a couple rounds of...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"On a day like this</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clap, clap, snap, snap, boing, boing, woo, woo, bam, bam</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On a day like this</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">clap, clap, snap, snap, boing, boing, woo, woo, bam, bam</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">ON a day like this</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CLAP, SNAP, BOING, WOO, BAM</span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>I need the Lord to help me.</b>"</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My frustration meter was off the charts and an island far, far away from here was calling my name.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Today felt like a chain reaction of Dominoes and the end seemed no where in sight.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It left me downright discouraged and exhausted, looking up to the sky saying, "Seriously?!" </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Do you ever have days like this?! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Was today that day for you?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">As I look at the clock in front of me, 8:21 pm never looked so good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">At the same time, I feel terrible for whining about "<i>this terrible, horrible, no good, rotten day</i>" [side note- I actually found out that they made a movie based on the book, 'Alexander and the Terrible, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Horrible, No good, Very Bad Day' & it's coming out soon!]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Things could've been worse...<b><i>way worse. </i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A lot of today's mishaps were just silly [yet frustrating still] and sure, a few things were <b>legitimately discouraging</b>, but my perspective was "<i>OH my gosh, this day is NEVER going to end!"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe I need to work on just laughing at those silly things more, instead of kicking and screaming.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe I need to say to myself "<i>Woosaww</i>" like in the movie, Anger Management.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Better yet, as I sit here at the end of this pooey day, all I can think is...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"<i>Thank you Jesus, that your mercies are new each day</i>". </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That's a beautiful truth, because through all of my silly, frustrating events today, I kept feeling worse because of the way I was reacting to everything!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Knowing that Jesus extends His grace and mercy to me each and everyday lightens my load a TON.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Knowing that I can wake up tomorrow morning refreshed and renewed, makes tomorrow EVEN better since this "no good day" will be in the past!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We're going to have days when things don't go our way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We can be reminded that life goes on even if the toast burns, or we don't receive a phone call with a job offer, or the printer jams.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">On days like these we should actively remind ourselves of <b>Lamentations 3:22-23</b>-</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><em>“The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new<sup> </sup>every morning, great is your faithfulness.”</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perhaps we get so wrapped up in all the mess, that we can't even think of that truth...[because today it clearly took me awhile to remember] </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">at least we can go to bed saying, <i><b>"Thank you God that your mercies are new each day and I can start over-give me strength for tomorrow!</b>"</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Maybe even tomorrow morning, before our feet hit the ground, we can remind ourselves,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">"Your mercies are new each day!" </span></span></i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Perhaps we'd go throughout the day with a tad bit different perspective<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><i>a better perspective.</i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;">There you have it folks, Jesus just spoke to me through my own blog...</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><b>I hope it spoke to you, too.</b> </span></i></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Dear God, thank you for speaking to me. Thank you for extending Your grace to me each and everyday. Thank you for my husband, family and friends that extend your compassion to me, making my load a tad bit lighter. </span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Help us all to remember the love, hope, and mercy you have for us and may we rest in it daily even during our difficult days.</span></i></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua;"><i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Amen. </span></b></span></i></span></span></span></div>
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My last post, <a href="http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com/2014/08/whose-side-are-you-on.html" target="_blank">Whose side are you on?</a>, posed a challenge for us all...</div>
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<b><i>Personalize, instead of generalize.</i></b></div>
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In order to do that, I suggested we explore different people, different religions, and different cultures.</div>
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Not to change ourselves but to change the way we <i>think</i> about God's children.</div>
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I figured I would offer some suggestions and resources to help you get started!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Movies/TV/Documentaries</u></span> <br />
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<a href="http://www.oprah.com/app/our-america-with-lisa-ling.html" target="_blank">Our America with Lisa Ling</a> - TV show that follows journalist, Lisa Ling, as she explores many different topics such as the foster care system, teenage pregnancy, gun violence, child abuse, racism, transgender lives and many more. She gets all sides of the topic and really shows us the reality of all of these. </div>
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I LOVE this show because it opens my eyes to things that I usually generalize, but now can personalize.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0848542/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Arranged</a> - A movie that follows the friendship of an Orthodox Jewish woman and a Muslim woman. This is such a good movie!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0912583/" target="_blank">For the Bible Tells Me So</a> -Documentary that explores how homosexuality and religion often intersect due to certain interpretations, which can cause stigma. <br />
This simply offers another way of thinking.</div>
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795458/" target="_blank">Saint of 9/11</a> - Documentary that shares the life of Father Mychal Judge, a fire department chaplain in NYC.<br />
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<a href="http://www.netflix.com/WiMovie/70197127?strkid=2109460927_0_0&trkid=222336&movieid=70197127" target="_blank">Chely Wright: Wish Me Away </a>- "This documentary profiles country music star Chely Wright, a devout
Christian who struggled to succeed in the business while hiding her
homosexuality." What a story!<br />
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<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1202579/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1" target="_blank">Under Our Skin</a> - A documentary about the Lyme Disease epidemic and the many controversies that go with it.<br />
This is such a well-done documentary that really captures the pain that Lyme Disease causes. I cried my eyes out the first couple times of watching it, because I felt like I wasn't alone finally.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Books</u></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Irresistible-Revolution-Ordinary-Radical/dp/0310266300" target="_blank">Irresistible Revolution</a> by Shane Claiborne - This book (except for the Bible) was the first book to really challenge me. It follows Shane's journey as he wrestles with poverty, suffering, homelessness, and much more. This is a must read!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Torn-Rescuing-Gospel-Gays-vs--Christians-Debate/dp/1455514306/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410279660&sr=1-1&keywords=Torn" target="_blank">Torn</a> by Justin Lee - If you've ever wondered about the gay debate in church, this is a great starting point. It offers a personal story of a man who struggles with his sexuality in the church and his desire to know the truth.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strangers-My-Door-Finding-Unexpected/dp/0307731952/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410279890&sr=1-1&keywords=Strangers+at+my+Door" target="_blank">Strangers at My Door: A True Story of Finding Jesus in Unexpected Guests</a> by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove - This is a neat compilation of stories about a hospitality house for all. It's an enjoyable, heart wrenching, easy read.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/UNFAIR-Christians-Question-John-Shore/dp/1490365885/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410280362&sr=1-1&keywords=unfair" target="_blank">Unfair</a> by John Shore - This book is a compilation of letters from people who have struggled with their sexuality. This is definitely an eye opener. I'm not finished reading this book yet, but every chapter offers a new perspective. </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Muhammad-Biography-Prophet-Karen-Armstrong/dp/0062508865/ref=sr_1_11?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410280581&sr=1-11&keywords=Muhammad" target="_blank">Muhammad</a>: A Biography of the Prophet by Karen Armstrong - This book (although I haven't finished yet) offers an in-depth historical and cultural perspective of Muhammad and the Muslim faith. Great insight & unique facts that I've never heard before!<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Letter-Revolution-Jesus-Really/dp/B00C2I9FZ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410280846&sr=1-1&keywords=red+letter+christians" target="_blank"><br /></a>
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Red-Letter-Revolution-Jesus-Really/dp/B00C2I9FZ4/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410280846&sr=1-1&keywords=red+letter+christians" target="_blank">Red Letter Revolution: What if Jesus Really Meant What He Said?</a> by Shane Claiborne & Tony Campolo - I love this book because it covers an array of controversial subjects and challenges us to really think about what Jesus would think/do. Very challenging, but easy read!<br />
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I hope you will check out these awesome books/documentaries! Before I was introduced to these, it was hard for me to understand and empathize with these certain topics, because for so long they were generalized. Now they are "personalized".<br />
I went to a Compassionate Communication workshop with my sister awhile back and we did an exercise that really struck me. We were to walk around the room silently and every 30 seconds we would stop in front of a person and look them in the eyes. The instructor would say phrases like, "Realize that the person in front of you has a heart" or "Realize that this person has undergone trials and suffering just like you". It may sound strange but it proved the point that we all have emotions and a story. It reinforced the truth that ALL people deserve respect, dignity, compassion and kindness, despite our beliefs. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-10976933150911239662014-08-13T18:22:00.003-07:002016-06-13T19:11:27.060-07:00When joy dies<div style="text-align: center;">
So I told myself that I wouldn't blog about the death of Robin Williams, because everyone is doing it.</div>
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Well, clearly I have turned my back on my oath and now blogging about Robin Williams.</div>
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Everyone's Facebook newsfeeds have been covered in clips and pictures of Robin Williams. Just a little while ago, someone posted a video Jimmy Fallon doing a tribute to him so we watched it.</div>
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Before it began, I was wondering, "Wow, this man really touched many, many peoples' lives...what was so different about him than other comedians and actors?" </div>
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Now don't get me wrong, he is one of my favorite actors. In fact, Mrs. Doubtfire is one of my favorite movies. It has just been amazing to me what an influence he has had on SO many people.</div>
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As I was watching the tribute I found my answer...joy.</div>
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That was what was different about Robin Williams, I think.</div>
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He clearly brought so much joy to life. He didn't seem like he was different on camera, than off. </div>
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Joy seemed to radiate through him or at least that is what it seemed.</div>
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When joy dies, of course, many, many people are affected.</div>
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He was a source of joy for many and now he's gone.</div>
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That's a tough pill to swallow for many of us.</div>
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It makes me think when true joy died two thousand years ago.</div>
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I can't imagine how Mary, Mary Magdeline, and the disciples (along with many, many others) felt when Jesus was crucified.</div>
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It's tough to lose such an amazing comedian and actor because he brought so much joy to our lives.</div>
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However, it's even more tough for me to think of the day when Jesus died because he is the true source of joy.</div>
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Thanks be to God, our joy was not taken away forever, but three days later, our joy was risen again.</div>
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I feel like this post would be great for Easter time, but then again, I don't think we can ever be reminded enough of the amazing joy that the two Marys' and the disciples must have felt when joy was resurrected that very normal, yet sacred day.</div>
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This joyful truth can hopefully remind us in our deepest, most sorrowful times in life, that Our Joy of Jesus never leaves us. He's always here for us waiting.</div>
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I'm not sure what was going on in Robin's life or what he might have been facing, but this terrible time of loss for his family (and everyone else for that matter) can be a reminder of how important it is to seek joy and seek joy for others, as well.</div>
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Find joy in the deep crevices of life even when financial burdens, illnesses, and broken relationships seem to be filling in around us. </div>
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However, when depression takes over it can be hard, practically impossible to find joy, but realizing that we need joy is our first step.</div>
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Finding joy in Christ and his resurrection and sharing it with others who may be struggling should be one of our top priorities, because when joy dies...life dies. </div>
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Let's try our best to keep joy alive.</div>
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Prayers for Robin William's family, those who are struggling with depression, and the rest of us, that we might go out of our way to bring joy into someone's life. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ3TxDGeZbQzp1weBUbbhmAH1LjH3axmRdJNcfQhxqruecAjq0lIOmf-zZG3EJSKk7A4phlkcAI1nS2HvY-OKi00FO2bK6RTMjqUDUYIuUAgvQ0-M0m1VtyK4LvzTAXkciERZ42jSyDs/s1600/robin+williams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHQ3TxDGeZbQzp1weBUbbhmAH1LjH3axmRdJNcfQhxqruecAjq0lIOmf-zZG3EJSKk7A4phlkcAI1nS2HvY-OKi00FO2bK6RTMjqUDUYIuUAgvQ0-M0m1VtyK4LvzTAXkciERZ42jSyDs/s1600/robin+williams.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bu.edu/dbin/archives/content/exhibitions/images/robin_williams.jpg" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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Mrs. Doubtfire, Patch Adams, Jack, and License to Wed will always be in my top favorite movies :) </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-46842271088187528562014-08-01T10:12:00.001-07:002014-08-01T10:29:16.074-07:00Whose side are you on? <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hey everyone!</div>
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Long time, no blog!</div>
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Here is why...</div>
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I got married on June 19th!!! </div>
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It was a beautiful day and a fun filled week with our families that will go down in the history books as one of the best weeks of my life!</div>
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I was planning on blogging once we got back, but something unexpected came up.</div>
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A few days after we came home, I had to have emergency surgery. </div>
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So the past month, I've been recovering from surgery.</div>
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With home healthcare nurses, excruciating pain, and a few annoying complications, our first month of marriage has been nothing short of interesting. </div>
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Dave has been wonderful throughout it all. He's definitely been fulfilling his vows already and I am so thankful!</div>
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Now, I'm just praying that no more complications will arise and it will be smooth sailing from here on out! </div>
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So that's my short little update for you! </div>
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I'm sorry it has been so long, but I know that you know....life happens, right?</div>
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We just have to do whatever we can to get past the hurdles and road bumps.</div>
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Last night, Dave and I were reading the book, <i><b>"Muhammad: A Biography of the Prophet"</b></i> by Karen Armstrong. You may be wondering, "Why are you reading <i>that</i>?" </div>
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Well, Dave and I are kind of nerdy. We enjoy learning new things, including things that may not affect us personally. We realize the importance of having knowledge not just in <i>our</i> religion or culture, but in others, as well.</div>
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As he was reading out loud, my brain felt like it was going to explode!</div>
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Blog ideas kept rushing in! Ahh!! </div>
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As he was reading about church history such as the Crusades, all I could think about was how nothing has really changed. Yes, of course, there have been <i>some</i> changes, but when we look across the board and see the divisiveness with such a hostile foundation of religion, we haven't made much changes.</div>
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I look outside. I surf the web. I watch the news. I read articles. I hear conversations.</div>
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The only common denominator I find is division. The question of, "Whose side are you on?!" comes up often. Perhaps, my optimistic self is being pessimistic today? I don't think so.</div>
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Perhaps, I'm simply being a realist right now.</div>
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Culture divided.</div>
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Religion divided.</div>
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Christianity divided.</div>
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Race divided.</div>
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Politics divided.</div>
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Economic status divided.</div>
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Nations divided.</div>
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Families divided. </div>
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<b>A world divided.</b></div>
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We've been struggling with this since the beginning of time.</div>
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Sure, we may have made some improvements (especially here in the US), in terms of rights and freedom, but we are nowhere near perfect. In fact, not one nation is perfect, even America. </div>
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Our red,white & blue tinted glasses should no longer hide the reality that is right in front of us.</div>
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We are divided. </div>
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You may be thinking, <i>"Well Chelsea, of course we are divided. We have 7 billion people here on Earth, all with different personalities and beliefs, so of course we're divided!"</i></div>
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Guess what? I agree.</div>
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However, when it comes to following in Jesus' footsteps, I feel like we need to tread carefully.</div>
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Where does Jesus ever <i>encourage</i> division amongst people?</div>
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Bueller? Anyone? </div>
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Here are two examples: </div>
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<b>Jews & Gentiles.</b> The culture of Jesus' day were all about the separation of Jews & Gentiles, but Jesus, not so much. He supported equality amongst all people.<i> Apostle Paul said, "As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves
with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave
or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in
Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:27-28)</i></div>
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<b>Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:1-26).</b> Jews were not to interact with Samaritans, but Jesus did, and even offered her living water!</div>
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<b>Tax Collectors & Zealots.</b> Two groups of Jews in Palestine with probably the most intense hate towards each other and guess what?! <i>Jesus chose one of each to be his disciples,</i> Matthew the Tax Collector and Simon the Zealot. I don't think that was by mistake or coincidence, but on purpose, to prove that <i>in Jesus there is no division</i>. The disciples shared life together and here we see 2 enemies living life together.</div>
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From these examples in the Bible, we see that division is a reality, but that doesn't mean it's right. </div>
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From the words and actions of Jesus Christ, do we see that division is helpful?. </div>
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No!</div>
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We may pat ourselves on the back when we "win" a culture war, but is Jesus standing nearby waiting to give us a high-five? </div>
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I doubt it.</div>
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I feel like we often pick "sides" too quickly.</div>
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It's not about sides. (I think Jesus would back me up on this).</div>
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It's not always about who is right and who is wrong.</div>
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I feel as Christians, we are held accountable to not quickly pick a "side" and move on, but to look at the subject from all angles. Talking to someone of a different race, culture, religion will allow us to get to know the hearts of God's children. Instead of generalizing, let's start "personalizing". </div>
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I used to have a certain idea of Muhammad. A dark, violent picture, but did I really take the time to learn about him?</div>
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No, I didn't. I quickly chose a side and moved on.</div>
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Although we haven't gotten far into the Muhammad book, I've realized that I've believed some things about the Muslim faith that were simply stereotypes and not truth.</div>
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As Christians, we are not called to pick a side and move on, we are called to love one another, to get to know one another, and to respect one another. </div>
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Instead of looking at hot topics like the children immigrating to the US, gender equality, and war, then picking a side based on politics or simple generalizations, I feel that we should be open enough to look from a different angle. To empathize. To wade in the middle of both sides instead of diving into one. </div>
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As Christians, do we have to pick a side? </div>
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I don't think so. I think that as long as we are faithfully following Jesus and His teachings of justice, grace, love, peace and mercy, we don't need a side. Sure we can have our beliefs and share them, but we are complex beings and generalized decisions will not do. </div>
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Jesus was not about culture wars, so we shouldn't be either. </div>
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My challenge for you is to explore! Make a decision to learn about something outside of your comfort zone. Do you have a bitterness towards something? Perhaps a different religion. Are you confused about something? Maybe gender equality. Have you always been interested in a culture and haven't made the time to dive in? </div>
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I struggle with making generalizations at times, but then I am reminded to align myself with Jesus. Dave and I will continue to read the Muhammad book and I'm excited to learn about a different faith.</div>
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God knows our hearts and I think the best way to move forward, is to get to know the children of God (meaning all people of every race, nation, and culture) and their hearts.</div>
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I mean, would you like to be generalized into a certain category without any chance to explain yourself?</div>
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Well, there's a reason why I haven't been posting much...</div>
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I'm getting married in.....drum roll please....</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>28 days!!!!! </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">That's right...28 days!!!!</span></b></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjmf4Hn49GHgLwCdqO0E9lcj8vK92EbK9-Diqqb3sAlEAXUNKSgK2oAmCxwwdk5kCCeUonwH3_wCcjswejz5pBoRbSIUCFf_obg-Kp_5WFVAQn6Yc3arnGEKm-aE5vWofs2yH0dIq2Vg/s1600/stressblog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjmf4Hn49GHgLwCdqO0E9lcj8vK92EbK9-Diqqb3sAlEAXUNKSgK2oAmCxwwdk5kCCeUonwH3_wCcjswejz5pBoRbSIUCFf_obg-Kp_5WFVAQn6Yc3arnGEKm-aE5vWofs2yH0dIq2Vg/s1600/stressblog.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I look like...</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And this is how I feel!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">Don't get me wrong, I'M SO EXCITED, just a little overwhelmed with to-do lists</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and packing lists! </span></span> </b></i></span></div>
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<i>Woa,</i> it's crazy how all of the sudden I feel like <i>everything</i> (I mean everything) is happening at once.</div>
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I have so much to think about, so much to do, and very little time, so <i>please </i>pray for me and Dave, as I might be a little hard to handle in the next few weeks :-/</div>
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Anywho, I wanted to keep you all in the loop.</div>
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I haven't fallen off the face of the earth (only the blogging world) or given up on my love for blogging...</div>
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I'm simply getting married!</div>
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I continue to remind myself that this is just a <i>day</i> (but a <b>big </b>day, too), the marriage is so much more important than centerpieces and cake.</div>
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So if I have another freak out,<i> please</i> remind me of that.</div>
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It would be very much appreciated :)</div>
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I'm going to try to blog right before the wedding and give some updates, but if not, I'll talk to you after June 24th!</div>
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Love & blessings :)</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-75601096386572409072014-05-16T08:58:00.001-07:002014-05-16T08:58:29.620-07:00Movie Review: Heaven is for Real<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UsPdYzA6b5IT4GqeoJLPxIAA99FfsgPOcpRrZeVfMwS3neXly006S7ntnCXkmILfu2l2yLI_c0oNHr09lVebmxZm3iP-xb7fkmvstt8EGYGRTtvr1Psuusg7SFsqT0G83BTRl6kkL2o/s1600/heaven+is+for+real.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5UsPdYzA6b5IT4GqeoJLPxIAA99FfsgPOcpRrZeVfMwS3neXly006S7ntnCXkmILfu2l2yLI_c0oNHr09lVebmxZm3iP-xb7fkmvstt8EGYGRTtvr1Psuusg7SFsqT0G83BTRl6kkL2o/s1600/heaven+is+for+real.jpg" height="196" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A couple weeks ago we saw <i>Heaven is for Real</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few years ago, I read the book in about a day because it was an easy read and rather interesting. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't think too much about it, but mainly, "<i>well, anything is possible.</i>"</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, a couple things stood out as a little fishy, which caused me to wonder,<i> "Why do pastors always come out with books like these? Why can't someone who's not in ministry write about visiting heaven?" </i> But then again, I can't argue with his experience.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dave, on the other hand, has read plenty of books like "<i>90 Minutes in Heaven</i>", "<i>23 Minutes in Hell</i>", and others. He was more of a skeptic than I was. So when <i>Heaven is for Real</i> came out in movie theaters, he wasn't so sure about seeing it. However, something must have peeked his interest because we ended up seeing it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Guess what?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was very, <i>very</i> impressed with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It wasn't a corny Christian movie (however, some people may disagree) with terrible acting, but it was very real, humorous, and thought provoking.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I think they did very well, was the portrayal of<i> doubting and questioning</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although Colton (3 year old boy who visited heaven) was convincing, his dad (the pastor), had a really hard time believing him. The movie really showed Todd and his wife struggling with the revelation that Colton kept bringing up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've said before, there's nothing wrong to question. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>It is often in our questioning, that leads us to a deeper faith. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I also liked how they focused on the <i>goodness of God</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is a scene where Todd is talking to one of his church member's who lost her son in the war.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their dialogue consisted of showing that God didn't favor Todd over her because Colton was still living rather than her son.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He made it clear to her that God loves her just the same and that unfortunately, death is a part of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think it presented such a profound truth, that just because something bad happens in your life, doesn't mean God loves you any less than anyone else. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">He loves us all the same with an unconditional love, but it doesn't take away the truth that evil still exists in the world and death happens.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However, Jesus says,<i> "</i><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><i>These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." </i>(<b>John 16:33</b>)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lastly, I think the most important truth they portrayed through the movie was that "<i>neither death nor life can separate us from the love of God</i>" (<b>Romans 8:38-39</b>). Even if Colton was making all this up, he shed light onto the wonderful news that God gives us peace through everlasting life. We don't really know what heaven is like, but we should rest assured, that Jesus is the Prince of Peace. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">He offers us peace in knowing that He never leaves us, He loves us with an everlasting love, and He gives us the gift of eternal life.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So whether or not, you believe in near death experiences or visions, this movie is still enjoyable and portrays many important points that we should remember every day. </span></span></div>
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If anyone needs an easy, inspiring book to read, I've got one for you!<br />
<i>Strangers at my Door</i> by Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove.<br />
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<i>Strangers at my Door</i> is a compilation of stories about this man and wife's journey of opening a hospitality house in a poverty stricken, crime infested neighborhood in Durham, North Carolina. Their motivation is to find Jesus in the stranger at their door. They invite people in to eat, to talk, to question, and even to stay and live. They function as a diverse family with responsibilities, fellowship, prayer, and struggles. Drug addictions, criminal activity, abuse, prostitution, homelessness are just some of the realities they face. The stories show us that it isn't always easy to find Jesus in the stranger at the door, but in the end, it is always worth it.<br />
This book really tugged on my heart strings. It opened my eyes to issues I had never seen or heard of before. It broke my heart to read of the struggles that they face. It uplifted me in unexpected ways.</div>
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I'll share a few of my favorite quotes from the book, but don't let that take the place of actually reading it as a whole. I'm confident that it will be a blessing in your life to read about this hospitality house.<br />
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<i>"To leave the door locked--to close ourselves off from another person in fear--is to reduce our capacity to connect, to love, to be fully human." </i><br />
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<i>"Welcome everything, and you'll witness miracles." </i><br />
Even in the most dirty and intimidating situations, miracles can happen.<br />
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<i>"Is it safe? No. But companionship never is. It is drawing close to another person despite our fears. It is an embrace that comes int he midst of conflict, pushing us deep together, not further apart. It is, at its best, a glimpse of glory. But it's never safe."</i><br />
I feel like this quote rings true for a lot of us. Maybe it's when we see a homeless person on the corner or when we meet a person who was just recently released from prison. Perhaps its when we're looking for neighborhoods to live in. I think this is a great perspective to have, because it's true...companionship (any kind) is never safe since we are imperfect beings. There is always a risk of being hurt by anyone, no matter their circumstances.<br />
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<i>"But the dividing line between good and evil does not run between those who've been to prison and those who haven't. It cuts through the center of every soul."</i><br />
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<i>"Those couple of hours int he library each week--they were the only time when I was locked up </i>(in prison)<i> that I felt like a human being."</i><br />
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Because behind the homelessness, the addiction, the abuse, there is a <i>heart</i>. </div>
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<b>A heart that was created in the image of God.</b></div>
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<b>A heart that is loved by God.</b><br />
<b>A heart that longs to be loved and accepted by others. </b></div>
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We can't ignore that truth, but we should <i>embrace</i> it.</div>
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<i>No one is too far from redemption with God's immense grace.</i></div>
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<b><i>Finding Jesus in the stranger, can give us all the strength we need to love them past their mistakes.</i></b></div>
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Check out this <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Strangers-My-Door-Finding-Unexpected/dp/0307731952/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1399914248&sr=8-1&keywords=strangers+at+my+door" target="_blank">book</a>-you won't be disappointed!<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-32568161208595891632014-05-01T10:13:00.002-07:002014-05-01T20:17:03.576-07:00What's today? Plus, a challenge for you all. <div style="text-align: center;">
The first of May</div>
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as well as......</div>
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National Day of Prayer<br />
Loyalty Day</div>
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International Worker's Day</div>
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Law Day</div>
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Mother Goose Day (huh?!)</div>
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Save a Rhino Day</div>
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But we can't forget, May 1st marks the first day of <span style="color: lime;">Lyme Disease Awareness Month.</span></div>
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If you don't know my story, check it out <a href="http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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Long story short, I have been battling Lyme Disease for almost 2 and a half years, but was undiagnosed for about 13 years.</div>
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<i>Crazy, I know?!</i></div>
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This is why Lyme Disease Awareness Month is <i>so</i> important to me.</div>
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Because of this nasty disease, my life has been on somewhat of a "<i>hold</i>" the past couple years.</div>
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I've endured a lot of pain, struggle, financial strain and setbacks.</div>
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My family and friends have unfortunately been affected by this as well.</div>
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This disease is often <i>over looked</i>. It is often<i> not taken seriously. </i></div>
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The truth is, this disease is only spreading more and affecting many, <i>many </i>lives.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>When something takes a hold of such a vast amount of people, we can no longer ignore it, but embrace it so that we can fix it.</b><br />
It is <i>chronic</i>. It's <i>not</i> going to go away if we just sit around, twiddling our thumbs. It's not going to patiently wait for us to turn the corner, but it's taking people captive each and everyday.</div>
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<i>Clearly</i>, I'm passionate about this.<br />
I don't mean to be morbid or depressing. It's nothing to be scared of, if we are actually doing something about it. But if we aren't, we should definitely be frightened by its effects. </div>
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I've experienced it. I've seen the struggle it has created on loved ones. I've seen people's lives been taken because of it. </div>
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We need awareness, <i>desperately.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">So will you join with me in opening the eyes of others to the damage this disease can cause?</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Will you join with me in demanding more research?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Will you join with me in taking a stand for insurance coverage?</span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<b><i>If so, </i>change your social media pictures to Lyme Disease Awareness.</b></div>
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<b>Wear your lime green out in public. </b></div>
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<b>If someone is experiencing anything like what I've been through (<a href="http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com/p/about-me.html" target="_blank">my story</a> & <a href="http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com/p/lyme-disease-awareness.html" target="_blank">other experiences</a>), speak up and suggest that they research about Lyme Disease. It could change their lives for the better!</b></div>
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<b>If you work in the medical field, research and speak up to others in your field. Have conversations!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Help someone who may be facing financial strain because of this disease on sites like gofundme.</b></div>
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<b>Be a listening ear and be open to learning more (read about my plea for understanding <a href="http://fromchrysalistobutterfly.blogspot.com/2013/07/in-my-mind-sick-and-tired-of-it-all.html" target="_blank">here</a>). </b><br />
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Here are some pictures that you could display on your social media (or you can google your own :)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thanks for joining me in spreading the word!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It is greatly appreciated by the Lyme community.</span></div>
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We have a problem at our house...</div>
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<b>A squirrel problem.</b></div>
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My dad has this nice bird feeder and instead of the birds eating all of the feed,</div>
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<i>the squirrels eat it all.</i></div>
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That's just <b>not </b>working.</div>
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A bird feeder is for birds, not squirrels.</div>
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So my dad is bound and determined to feed the birds.</div>
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He's tried many different, creative strategies to keep the squirrels from jumping onto the tree and then the bird feeder.</div>
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A few weeks ago, my dad hung a large lid over the bird feeder so the squirrels couldn't jump down from the branch above and onto the feeder.</div>
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This strategy <b>did</b> work, but <i>didn't</i> prevent the squirrels from jumping from the other trees.</div>
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A week ago, he hung a glass pot lid from the tree adjacent to the bird feeder in hopes it would block the squirrels from jumping onto the feeder.</div>
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The day after, I'm doing the dishes and looking outside, when all of the sudden I see a squirrel on the adjacent tree, staring at the pot lid and feeder.</div>
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"<i>Surely</i>," I thought, <i>"he isn't going to be able to get to the feeder."</i></div>
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Sure enough, the squirrel jumped over the big pot lid and onto the feeder.</div>
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The pot lid seemed like a good idea, but I guess squirrels are smarter than that.</div>
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Then a couple days ago, my dad put some chicken wire halfway over the feeder to keep the squirrels from getting to the food, but still allowing the birds to get it.</div>
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I thought, "<i>Okay this should work.</i>"</div>
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Once again, I'm doing the dishes and a squirrel catches my eye.</div>
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I stop what I'm doing and put my attention on the hungry (or <i>greedy</i>) squirrel.</div>
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Like the last time, this squirrel <i>definitely</i> has to put some thought into what he's going to do next.</div>
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His legs lunge back and I watch him go airborne towards the bird feeder tree. </div>
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He passes the pot lid, lands under the big lid, and turns his body <i>upside down <b>(no joke)</b></i> in order to get his head past the chicken wire so he could reach his afternoon snack.</div>
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"<i>Are you kidding me?!</i>" I said. "<i>How in the world could he do that?! Wait until, I tell Dad."</i></div>
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My dad comes home that evening and I break the news to him.</div>
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"<i>The squirrel hung from the feeder upside down so he could get past the chicken wire. Your plan didn't work. Maybe you should just give up</i>."</div>
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But being the innovative and persistent man that he is, he replied, "<i>Well, I have a few more ideas</i>."</div>
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Clearly, my dad hasn't given up yet. That isn't a bad thing, though. He just wants the squirrels to stop stealing the birds food. </div>
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But it makes me think <i>(of course).</i> </div>
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It reminds me of when we're fighting for the sin in our lives.</div>
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We're in this struggle to keep the sin and justify it.</div>
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We may have part of our lives right, but the other, wrong.</div>
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<i>We're fighting against it.</i></div>
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We don't want to give in and get rid of it.</div>
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In <b>Ephesians 6:11-17</b>, the apostle Paul tells us to <b>"put on the <i>whole</i> armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.</b>" </div>
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Sometimes it's hard to be <i>all in</i> and not give in to the repentance of our sins.</div>
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We'll get rid of<i> these</i> sins, but <i>not</i> the others.</div>
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Paul tells us to "<i>put on the whole armor.</i>" He <b>doesn't</b> say, "<i>Put on just a piece or two of the armor of God.</i>"</div>
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<b>He is telling us that it is worth it, to be all in.</b></div>
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<b>To put our whole being into an armor of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation will help us to withstand the temptation of the evil around us, even our own sin.</b></div>
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I'm not sure if my dad will give up on the<i> Mission Protect the Bird Feeder</i>, and if he doesn't, that's okay. I'm not saying it's wrong, but a <i>picture of how we can fight against ridding the sin in our lives.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">Will we give up and give in to the life of repentance that Jesus has called us to?</span></i></div>
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<b>Acts 3:19 </b>says, <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 14px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."</span></i></span></div>
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<u>2 things to learn:</u></div>
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#1 <i>never</i> underestimate the intelligence of a squirrel.</div>
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#2 <i>more importantly</i>,<i> never underestimate the power of the whole armor of God and the strength He gives us, so that we can repent from our old, sinful ways to a life full of truth, righteousness, peace, faith, and salvation.</i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-56428187503816735822014-04-23T07:54:00.002-07:002014-04-23T07:54:30.162-07:00Away from the office <div style="text-align: center;">
Hey everyone! </div>
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I'm over at my friend, Fiona's, blog today, writing for her series. </div>
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She'll be writing for me today, too. </div>
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I hope you enjoy it!<br />
I know, I did!</div>
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Don't forget to check out her blog site too!!!</div>
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<a href="http://www.fionamaealvero.com/">http://www.fionamaealvero.com/</a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-30718573920103253222014-04-23T07:43:00.001-07:002014-04-23T07:56:24.009-07:00Identity with FionaThere are few things that I love about the internet more than getting the unique opportunity to see<br />
a glimpse of God’s grace and goodness in one’s life through his/her blogs. This is the reason why<br />
I’m thankful to have stumbled upon Chelsea’s blogsite one day.<br />
<br />
Chelsea, like what I said in my first email I ever sent you, you have a gift for words and your love<br />
for God is so evident in your writing. You are a true encourager and inspiration to many. Thank you<br />
for the opportunity to write for you over here today! :)<br />
<br />
Across the ocean on the other side of the world where Chelsea lives is where I am currently writing<br />
these words down. I’m Fiona Alvero, a blogger (<a href="http://www.fionamaealvero.com/" target="_blank">http://www.fionamaealvero.com/</a>), an event coordinator and a follower of Jesus.<br />
<br />
I was born and raised in a small town north of the Philippines where I spent most of my fondest<br />
childhood and teenage years. I moved to the city of Manila - where I still currently resides today - at<br />
sixteen to go to college and get a degree in Communications with the hopes of pursuing a career in<br />
writing or journalism someday.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture, I feel, says a lot of me and what I do as an event coordinator</td></tr>
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It was also in college where I met Jesus as a first year student. My life since then had a whole new<br />
meaning. I began to understand my true purpose and calling in life. While I kept writing as<br />
something that I love to do, God placed in my heart the burning passion for the youth and later on<br />
felt the call of God to go full-time in campus ministry.<br />
<br />
And so that was exactly what happened after I graduated college when God opened the door for<br />
me to serve in the campus ministry of the church I’m part of. I was tasked to be in charge of the<br />
communication needs of the ministry while coordinating few events on the side at the same time<br />
and never for a second it felt like a job to me because I was thoroughly enjoying everything about<br />
it.<br />
<br />
Later on, as God is faithful to grow our campus ministry, there was a time where we felt the<br />
pressing need to separate the two functions I was doing and treat it as two different job functions<br />
for two different people to do because the load of work was already big for me to do. That meant I<br />
will either be tasked to solely focus on doing communications or coordinating events.<br />
<br />
And of course, as someone who built herself around the fact that communications is something I’ve<br />
always desired to do and I know I can do well, I was praying and hoping they’d entrust that job<br />
function to me. But I was given the other position instead.<br />
<br />
I didn’t take it well, to be honest. It was hard for me because I felt so insecure thinking that I wasn’t<br />
good or competent enough with my talents and skills in communications. I was so hurt and<br />
disheartened by that transition to say the least.! !<br />
<br />
Why it became hard and painful for me was because I didn’t realize until it was taken away from<br />
me that all along I’ve been using my job, my talents and skills as the basis of my identity. So when I<br />
didn’t get the communications position, it hit me right to the core of my being. Because I’ve allowed<br />
it to define who I am. Have you ever had any of those?! !<br />
<br />
Cause I realize over time, it could be other things for many of us. That thing that we make as the<br />
basis of our identity. Actually, if we will not be careful enough to check our hearts, it could be<br />
anything - family, finances, beauty, relationships, power, media, health, economic status, trends,<br />
words that people say about us.<br />
<br />
Sadly, these things are all temporary things that will certainly change over time. And the tendency<br />
for us is that if this is what we will allow to define who we are, we will always end up trying to<br />
measure up.<br />
<br />
Looking back today, I will never be grateful enough that God has placed me in a situation that<br />
though painful for me to go through, it was worth it because it allowed me to realize and learn<br />
many things in life. One being that it opened my eyes to see how blessed I am to have godly<br />
leaders in the ministry who have been so gracious in guiding me during that transition period and<br />
who have always been there believing in my potentials as an event coordinator more than I believe<br />
in myself.<br />
<br />
Mostly, I am thankful for it because God used that transition as an avenue for Him to teach me an<br />
important lesson in life and it’s this:<br />
<br />
<i>The only time we will feel secure of who we are is when we place our identity on something that is</i><br />
<i>constant. On something that will never change. On something that is eternal.</i><br />
<br />
And you know what I’ve learned that is to be for you and me? <i>It’s the love of Christ.</i><br />
<br />
The Bible says in Romans 5:8, “<i>But God demonstrated His own love for us in this: while we were</i><br />
<i>still sinners, Christ died for us.”</i><br />
<br />
It’s mind-blowing for me to think that when we were still at our worst as sinners, God has already<br />
chosen to love us. It means that whether we mess up today or we do good tomorrow, God’s love<br />
for you and me will never change.<br />
<br />
There is nothing we can do for Him to love us more or love us less because He has already loved<br />
us enough when He sent His son Jesus to die on the cross for us.<br />
<br />
<b>You are eternally loved by a good and holy God.</b><br />
<br />
Let that sink in for a while.<br />
<br />
Cause that, my friend, is the truth of who you are. :)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-4321705746786646022014-04-18T20:34:00.001-07:002014-04-18T20:34:14.479-07:00Why??<div style="text-align: center;">
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I can count on two hands, times where I have been so extremely thankful for answers.</div>
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Three that stand out in particular.</div>
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The day I found out I have Lyme Disease. All the puzzle pieces of strange symptoms came together.</div>
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The day (today) I found out the reason behind my chronic chest pain, as well as other symptoms. </div>
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Both times started out with, "<i>Why??</i>" and both ended with, "<i>Ohh, that makes sense.</i>"</div>
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Both times it took awhile to arrive at.</div>
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Both times I dreaded the answer and yet yearned for the answer.</div>
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Both times that didn't feel good once I had my answer and yet a sense of relief.</div>
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Both times presented complex answers and complex treatments. </div>
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What started out with a "<i>Why?</i>", now ended with, <i>"Now, I know why."</i></div>
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Now that I have these answers, I can be on my road to recovery.</div>
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It makes me think of this special day, Good Friday.</div>
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The day where our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified.</div>
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The day that has caused me (and I'm sure, many people) to ask the question,<i> "Why?"</i></div>
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<br />
So many of the events leading up all the way to the crucifixion can seem puzzling.<br />
<i>Why would Jesus present the wine and bread as His body and blood at His last supper with the disciples?</i><b> (Luke 22:17-20)</b><br />
<i>Why would Jesus heal the soldier's ear who came to arrest Him? </i><b>(Luke 22:49-51)</b><br />
<i>Why did Jesus let Herod and the others mock him?</i> <b>(Luke 22:8-12)</b><br />
<i>Why did Jesus ask God to "forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing?"</i> <b>(Luke 23:34) </b><br />
<i>Why did Jesus tell the thief on the cross next to him, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise"?</i> <b>(Luke 23:43)</b><br />
<b>Why would Jesus die for me, a sinner? </b><br />
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All of these questions are often chased around with different, complex theological possibilities.<br />
Answers that sometimes we get caught up in.<br />
However, amongst all the possible complexities, we can rest assured on one simple, yet powerful answer...<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Because He loves us.</b></span><br />
<i>Because He wanted to show how far He will go to forgive us.</i><br />
<i>He did all of those things, because love completes His being.</i><br />
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We can question, search, discuss all the details about Christ's journey to prove His love, but we can <b>always</b> end with the beautiful truth...<br />
<i>"How deep the Father's love for us.</i><br />
<i>How vast beyond all measure,</i><br />
<i>that He would give His only Son,</i><br />
<i>to make a wretch His treasure."</i><br />
<i><b>It's that answer that I will forever be most grateful. </b></i><br />
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Check out the song by "Why" Nicole Nordeman!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-7109665908212213452014-04-16T08:55:00.001-07:002014-04-16T08:55:10.826-07:00Guess what I saw?!<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever wondered what the Kingdom of God looks like?</div>
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Well this past Sunday, I had a chance to get a glimpse of it and let me tell you, <i>what a sight it was</i>!</div>
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Dave and I went to Church Under the Bridge.</div>
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It's pretty self-explanatory<i>...church...under...a bridge.</i></div>
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No walls. No air conditioning. No heating. </div>
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A group of people worshiping God under a bridge in Waco. </div>
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I had always heard of this unique church setting and I was <i>finally</i> able to experience it!</div>
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We parked in a hotel parking lot, walked across the highway access road, and found ourselves in a little bit of Heaven.</div>
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As I looked around, I saw chairs set up in rows. I saw animals on leashes and animals without leashes. I saw food being shared. I saw people with disabilities. I saw smiling faces. I saw pain. I saw people with raggedy clothes. I saw people with nice "church" clothes. I saw hugs being exchanged. I saw people of all colors. I saw people of all ages. I saw kids playing games. I saw people serving. I saw people receiving. I saw families. I saw individuals. I saw people being reunited. I saw people's eyes opened. I saw people's lives changed. I saw joy. I saw new beginnings.</div>
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<i>I saw the Kingdom of God. </i></div>
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<b>I saw a lot, I felt a lot, and I knew that Jesus was smiling down on that gathering under the bridge on that windy Palm Sunday.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eylehmwX4vb2I-vPYjXvsusoOuv7PVP51FjL4qxpPm_ZGhhJ841WYv8VPkkSimNBmi32CEt88vwo1ggiDvMTYBQ_L9pfU1mG52GNEgsEimdfIxUcsoD8L7F1ppk8jfwOvFw3kM8Aj0g/s1600/church+under+the+bridge+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eylehmwX4vb2I-vPYjXvsusoOuv7PVP51FjL4qxpPm_ZGhhJ841WYv8VPkkSimNBmi32CEt88vwo1ggiDvMTYBQ_L9pfU1mG52GNEgsEimdfIxUcsoD8L7F1ppk8jfwOvFw3kM8Aj0g/s1600/church+under+the+bridge+2.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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Once we sat down, a sense of uneasiness rushed over me and my eyes began to water.</div>
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"<i>If only more people could experience this</i>, <i>maybe our world would be different</i>" I thought.</div>
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<i>"Why can't more churches be like this?"</i></div>
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A place where people of <i>all</i> circumstances are welcomed. </div>
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<i>No expectations. No rules. No walls. No judgment.</i></div>
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<b>Simply</b>, a group of people with dirty lives meeting to learn and worship God.</div>
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A <i>safe haven</i> for all where all are fed, both spiritually and physically.</div>
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I'm so glad I was able to get a snidbit of God's kingdom here on Earth.</div>
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I pray that more churches like this begin to pop up around the world, because I know it is pleasing to God and life changing for many.</div>
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While we were there, Dave and I ran into one of his friends. She used to be homeless, but now has her own place and a husband and continues to come to Church Under the Bridge. Please pray that she continues to succeed and more importantly, delves deeper into her relationship with God. It truly was a joy to meet her and witness the impact of Church Under the Bridge on her life.</div>
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<b><i>May we all experience the Kingdom of God everyday. </i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-73163909191110330522014-04-10T11:11:00.000-07:002014-04-10T11:11:22.298-07:00Serve me!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb3pJYhUx9MjQcWg1r0mabBMdlbI9H6S8bC8EwvXeGRfPJ_J4JbLGQ89zNdRGyfOX9ifLvWjpqYJwgHF7_t59g2JIWQBYTRZgUDeLGJS1Vh_bNBQfGYhRuLFVuRh8MFojb9nkw0saEvw/s1600/starbucks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqb3pJYhUx9MjQcWg1r0mabBMdlbI9H6S8bC8EwvXeGRfPJ_J4JbLGQ89zNdRGyfOX9ifLvWjpqYJwgHF7_t59g2JIWQBYTRZgUDeLGJS1Vh_bNBQfGYhRuLFVuRh8MFojb9nkw0saEvw/s1600/starbucks.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2315009/Starbucks-right-pay-tax-UK-Coffee-chains-adviser-Deloitte-sparks-row-defending-claim-makes-profit.html" target="_blank">via</a></td></tr>
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I was watching The Ellen Degeneres Show a week ago and she began the show by discussing coffee.</div>
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Oh, how I love coffee.</div>
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Of course, when you talk about going out and getting coffee, Starbucks is usually one of the popular options.</div>
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So Ellen asked the audience, "<i>Who goes to Starbucks everyday?</i>"</div>
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Hands shot up in the air.</div>
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She points out one young lady and says, <i>"You really go to Starbucks every day or Monday-Friday?"</i></div>
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The girl replies, <i>"I go everyday...Monday-Sunday."</i></div>
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Ellen, of course, gave a look as if to say,<i> "Seriously?!"</i></div>
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Instead, Ellen said, <i>"Did you know that there are 87,000 drink combinations at Starbucks? So what do you get?"</i></div>
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With a shameful look on her face, the girl replies, <i>"Earl Grey Tea."</i></div>
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Ellen about lost it. <i>"Plain Earl Grey Tea everyday?! How much do you pay for it?!"</i></div>
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The girl laughs and says, <i>"$2.50"</i> (I could be wrong with the price.)</div>
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Ellen in disbelief says, <i>"Don't you know you can go to the store and buy a box of it and drop a bag into a mug?!"</i></div>
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With a chuckle, the girl says, <i>"Yes."</i></div>
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Next thing she knows, she's running down the street to buy Ellen a coffee (at Ellen's request) and herself a tea. She comes back to deliver Ellen's coffee and is sent back to buy George Lopez a latte. </div>
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It was <i>pretty</i> comical. </div>
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So where <i>am</i> I going with this?</div>
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It's not to dis anyone and their Starbucks daily rituals, of course, but a perfect analogy about service.</div>
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Everyday, this young lady would go to Starbucks to buy a drink that didn't require much work.</div>
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It wasn't a complicated coffee with soy milk, light whipped cream, 4 packets of Splenda, and caramel sauce, but a simple tea that could be easily made at home or the office.</div>
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Many people may say, "<i>Well, she's just lazy</i>" and maybe they're right to an extent, but I think it goes deeper than that. </div>
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I think she likes to be served.</div>
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I don't think it's completely her fault either. </div>
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We live in a consumer society, so it would be hard not to buy into it.</div>
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<b>When we live a life desiring to be served, we diminish the Gospel in our lives.</b></div>
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<i>A little fact about me</i>: I don't like to cook. That doesn't mean I won't. I just don't like it. So of course, if I had it my way, I'd go to a restaurant. Not because I'm lazy, but I simply don't like it.</div>
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Not to mention, it's nice to sit at a table and have food and drinks served to you. </div>
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I'm not saying we should completely eliminate Starbucks and restaurants from our daily lives, but to dig deeper into the heart of service to others.</div>
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Here is the problem. If I applied this to my social life, I would no longer be spreading the Gospel.</div>
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Acts 20:35 says, <i><b>"<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, </span><span class="woj" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">”</span></b></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes we may be too tired to serve. Sometimes it will be uncomfortable to serve. Sometimes we just want to be served instead of serving.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In those times, we should remind ourselves of Jesus' words,</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> <i><b>"It is more blessed to give than to receive."</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I would think the young lady on the Ellen show enjoyed "serving" Ellen and George Lopez more than Ellen simply buying her beloved Earl Grey Tea. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I could imagine her telling people, "I got to buy Ellen Degeneres and George Lopez' coffee!"</span></span></div>
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Serving can be fun and life-giving, even when they aren't celebrities.</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of wanting to be served, we should be wanting to serve because that's what Jesus did.</span></span></div>
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<i><b><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.75em; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;"> "</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">For even the Son of Man </span><span class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 0.65em; text-align: start; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24634A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His </span></b></i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><i><b>life a ransom for many.”</b></i> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">~Mark 10:45</span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-39360984557724300232014-04-07T15:26:00.000-07:002014-04-07T15:42:10.395-07:00Music Monday: Cannot Keep You<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Well, I just got back from my LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor) and had a great appointment! So many of my symptoms are gone and my physical exam was the best yet! He even is letting me stop some of my meds...wohooo!! I'm closer to the finish line than ever before and it feels good :) Please continue to keep me in your prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anywho, today is Music Monday!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A lot of times I discover songs through Pandora. So I have random pieces of paper laying around the house with different song titles. Today's song was written down probably almost a year ago and I'm finally sharing it with you! Oopsie. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's called "<i>Cannot Keep You</i>" by Michael Gungor. One of his most popular songs is, "<i>Beautiful Things</i>" (love, love, LOVE that song), as well as, "<i>White Man</i>" (too cute...you know you want to look it up ;) , but "<i>Cannot Keep You</i>" isn't as well known so I figured I'd shine the spotlight on it today. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cannot Keep You</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="line-height: 16px;">They tried to keep you in a tent</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">They could not keep you in a temple</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or any of their idols, to see and understand</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot keep you in a church</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot keep you in a Bible</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Or it's just another idol to box you in</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">They could not keep you in their walls</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot keep you in ours either</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">For you are so much greater</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is like the Lord?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The maker of the heavens</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who dwells with the poor</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He lifts them from the ashes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And He seats them among princess</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is like the Lord?</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've tried to keep you in our tents</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've tried to keep you in our temples</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We've worshiped all our idols</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We want all that to end</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">So we will find you in the streets</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And we will find you in the prisons</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And even in our Bibles and churches</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is like the Lord</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The maker of the heavens</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who dwells with the poor</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">He lifts them from the ashes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And He seats them among princes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is like the Lord</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">We cannot contain, cannot contain</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">The glory of your name</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You took me from the ashes</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">And you healed me from my blindness</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who is like the Lord"</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Not to bash the church, because I love the church, but it has to be said...sometimes we (the church) like to keep God all to ourselves. The truth is, God isn't only for the church but He is for <i>all</i>, even those who don't believe in Him. Sometimes we focus on the people in our church more (which they should be cared for). Sometimes we focus on our own ministries more, when instead we should be getting outside of the church walls. That's why I love this song, because it gives us a visual of our God who doesn't dwell only in buildings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">"<i>So we will find you in the streets and we will find you in the prisons and even in our Bibles and churches. Who is like the Lord?</i>" God is not <i>only</i> pursuing the church goers, but He is pursuing the people on the streets. He is pursuing the people in the prisons. He is pursuing the people in the hospitals. He is pursuing people in America. He is pursuing people in every nation. He cannot be put in a box and if we keep Him there, we are doing a disservice to Him and all of the people who do not know Him. Therefore, if God is pursuing all people, we should pursue all people for "<i>we cannot contain the glory of Your name</i>." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">What lyrics speak to you?</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd love to hear your thoughts!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-aEwZbIz2GgLIlSrVFcOIGGYCmFyKRoZqp1he1xEb2rSGrQINCKbpJDkaeM4ElZ_PA-hB5lR00LKsNIr2bCZ_lG7GLhzsRfIa_pgchBAyECQASj7qTBV29u5edgbUQEyWUzkrzJHjiE/s1600/music+monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB-aEwZbIz2GgLIlSrVFcOIGGYCmFyKRoZqp1he1xEb2rSGrQINCKbpJDkaeM4ElZ_PA-hB5lR00LKsNIr2bCZ_lG7GLhzsRfIa_pgchBAyECQASj7qTBV29u5edgbUQEyWUzkrzJHjiE/s1600/music+monday.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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Normally, Music Monday consists of a contemporary song, but today the song is more of an anthem or sacred prayer. The choir sang this yesterday at church and the lyrics really touched my heart.</div>
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I think we can all relate to the lyrics.</div>
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<u>Jesus Draw Me Ever Nearer</u></div>
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<i>By James Koerts</i></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>"Jesus draw me ever nearer as I labor through the storm.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>You have called me to this passage, and I'll follow though I'm worn.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith, and at the end of my heart's testing, with your likeness let me wake.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Jesus guide me through the tempest, keep my spirit staid and sure. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>When the midnight meets the morning, let me love You even more.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith; and at the end of my heart's testing, with Your likeness let me wake. </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at Your throne.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>May this journey bring a blessing, may I rise on wings of faith; and at the end of my heart's testing,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i> with Your likeness let me wake. Let me wake."</i></span></div>
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My favorite lyrics would have to be, </div>
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"<i style="color: #6fa8dc;">Let the treasures of the trial form within me as I go.</i></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>And at the end of this long passage, let me leave them at Your throne."</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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Instead of letting a trial simply be a trial, finding the treasure in it can help us transcend the negative.</div>
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Of course, the trial may linger and make it difficult to find hope.</div>
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It may bring out raw emotions.</div>
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It may seem impossible to find the treasure in it, but I think with God's help, at some point we can find the treasure.</div>
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More importantly, instead of holding onto the hurt and trial, we should "<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;">leave them at Your throne</span></i>".</div>
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When we do that, we experience the freedom that only Jesus can give.</div>
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That can almost be the hardest part, letting go of the hurt and holding onto the anger, but if we don't, we will only walk upon a path of darkness and hopelessness.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i>What lyrics speak to you?</i></span></div>
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I'd love to hear from you!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-66710885438940032652014-03-25T14:16:00.003-07:002014-03-25T18:43:44.109-07:00'Lovelessness' of World Vision?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> I'm not sure if you heard the BIG news about World Vision.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">World Vision is one of the largest and most influential humanitarian organizations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Through their organization people are able to donate and sponsor children around the world to help provide water, food, clothes, farm animals, medicine, and more essentially...LIFE. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With that being said, World Vision came out yesterday and said that they are allowing people who are in faithful same-sex marriages work for them. They didn't take a stand on what they believe, but are simply stating that if a person is to believe in Jesus Christ and have a heart to give life to people around the world, who are we to keep them from working for us? The president, Richard Stearns explains, This <span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><i>“very narrow policy change is simply a decision about whether or not you are eligible for employment at World Vision U.S. based on this single issue, and nothing more. . . . This is not an endorsement of same-sex marriage. . . . We’re not caving to some kind of pressure. We’re not on some slippery slope. . . . This is not us compromising. It is us deferring to the authority of churches and denominations on theological issues...</i></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: ff-more-web-pro-n4, ff-more-web-pro, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 27.1875px;"><i>Denominations disagree on many, many things: on divorce and remarriage, modes of baptism, women in leadership roles in the church, beliefs on evolution, etc., So our practice has always been to defer to the authority and autonomy of local churches and denominational bodies on matters of doctrine that go beyond the Apostles' Creed and our statement of faith. We unite around our [Trinitarian beliefs], and we have always deferred to the local church on these other matters."</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My favorite quote of the news release was this, "<i>We are determined to find unity in our diversity.</i>" They realize that the church is divided over the same-sex marriage debate. Many denominations are in support and others are not. Therefore, WV is pretty much saying, 'Look we aren't going to ban people from working for us, but let's come to the agreement that feeding and clothing the poor is much more important than our differences.' </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This post is not about where I stand or where WV stands on the same-sex marriage debate, but it's about realizing that <i>no matter our differences, we should never desert Jesus' commandments of "loving the fatherless, the poor, the sick, the oppressed"</i>. We should be united in that simple, yet powerful truth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">John Piper wrote a blog about this, stating that World Vision is guilty of practicing 'lovelessness'.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Really?!</i> <b>Really. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How in the world can you say that WV is hating instead of loving?!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>You can't. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">World Vision's mission states...</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their <u>full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.</u></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">We work in nearly 100 countries, <u>serving all people</u>, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">We <u>provide</u> emergency assistance to children and families affected by natural disasters and civil conflict, work with communities to develop long-term solutions to alleviate poverty, and advocate for justice on behalf of the poor.</span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><i><b>Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, we serve alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for <u>all people</u>.</b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">None of those statements scream<i> 'lovelessness'</i> to me, but scream Jesus' radical kind of love.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">It really upsets me that World Vision is getting punished for this, but more so, the punishment of people around the world who don't even know that this is going on. Many people have decided to remove their support from World Vision and give it to other humanitarian organizations. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Believe what you want to believe, but don't let a child go hungry. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Jesus <b>never</b> said,<i> "When you feed a child through an organization that matches only your beliefs, you feed me"</i> or<i> "Only feed the poor who believe in Me." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;">Nope, He <b>never</b> said any of that.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>He said to love our neighbors even when they differ from us.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Jesus never said, <i>"Only love when its comfortable" </i>or "<i>Only love when you agree with them".</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In fact, He said, "<i><b>love your enemies</b></i>."</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heck, that's <i>not</i> comfortable, but we're called to do it anyway.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let's get past this accusing and realize that caring for the poor should not be conditional, but unconditional just like our Savior's love. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Let's give life, not take it away</b>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Be a part of Kristen Howerton's goal of 100 sponsorships and sponsor a child! </span></span></div>
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<a href="http://myshare.worldvision.org/rageagainsttheminivan"><span style="font-family: inherit;">http://myshare.worldvision.org/rageagainsttheminivan</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3c3f; line-height: 24px;">"</span><span class="text Matt-25-39" id="en-NASB-24048" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj">When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span class="text Matt-25-40" id="en-NASB-24049" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><span class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span><span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24049N" title="See cross-reference N">N</a>)"></span>The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-24049O" title="See cross-reference O">O</a>)"></span>to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, <i>even</i> the least <i>of them</i>, you did it to Me.’ </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-25-40" style="background-color: white;"><span class="woj"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">-Matthew 25:39-40</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #3a3c3f; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed." -</span></span><span style="line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Psalm 82:3</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-13155017797211478192014-03-24T10:16:00.003-07:002014-03-24T10:20:34.056-07:00Music Monday: I Need You<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">This week's song is one of my all time favorites..."<i>Lord, I Need You</i>"</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;"> by Matt Maher and Audrey Assad.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">There are times when I'm overwhelmed. Times when I'm weak. Times when I can't see the light. In these times, all I can say is, "<i>I need You, Lord</i>." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">A cry out to God that centers my everything around Him, because He is my everything.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">I feel like sometimes we can get wrapped up in the world and forget how badly we need God. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">When we are reminded how badly we need God, I believe our faith naturally becomes stronger. </span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">"Lord, I come, I confess</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Bowing here I find my rest</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Without You I fall apart</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">You're the One that guides my heart</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Lord, I need You, oh, I need You</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Every hour I need You</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">My one defense, my righteousness</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Oh God, how I need You</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Where sin runs deep Your grace is more</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Where grace is found is where You are</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">And where You are, Lord, I am free</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Holiness is Christ in me</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Teach my song to rise to You</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">When temptation comes my way</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">And when I cannot stand I'll fall on You</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Jesus, you're my hope and stay."</span></span></i></div>
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This whole song is meaningful to me, but I especially love this verse...</div>
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"<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Where sin runs deep Your grace is more</span></span></i></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">Where grace is found is where You are</span></span></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 17px; text-align: left;">And where You are, Lord, I am free</span></span></i></div>
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<i style="background-color: transparent; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="text-align: left;">Holiness is Christ in me." </span></span></i></div>
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It's such a wonderful realization of knowing that God's grace</div>
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is more than my sin instead of vice versa. </div>
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Also, understanding that when we focus on what Christ has done for us and what He is doing in us, it's very difficult to feel overwhelmed, weak, and hopeless. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What speaks to you in this song?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9F0KvurLtDRKcDliG6_pdNKBSalOWXSKxnml0Z4A8gm0TmUzggSeVE9zc3n0JyNWdFRjC4qJqbFENHDwpNqyBNYDen4eDlJB1X76dOj47ohxTKQEpTOZdRZkkUQy_RfO5Hwm4mqSAa4/s1600/music+monday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw9F0KvurLtDRKcDliG6_pdNKBSalOWXSKxnml0Z4A8gm0TmUzggSeVE9zc3n0JyNWdFRjC4qJqbFENHDwpNqyBNYDen4eDlJB1X76dOj47ohxTKQEpTOZdRZkkUQy_RfO5Hwm4mqSAa4/s1600/music+monday.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">This week's song is "<i>Love is War</i>" by <b>Hillsong United</b>. My <i>awesome</i> friend, Marissa, actually suggested this song and I'm glad she did, because I had never heard it before.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I have a feeling that many Music Monday's will feature Hillsong United...they just have such powerful lyrics that are hard to ignore!</span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">"In Your justice and Your mercy</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Heaven walked the broken road</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Here to fight this sinner's battle</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Here to make my fall Your own</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Turn my eyes to see Your face</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">As all my fears surrender</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Hold my heart within this grace</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Where burden turns to wonder</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I will fight to follow</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I will fight for love</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">To throw my life forever</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Into the triumph of the Son</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Let Your love be my companion</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">In the war against my pride</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Long to break all vain obsession</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Till You're all that I desire</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Turn my eyes to see Your face</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">As all my fears surrender</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Hold my heart within this grace</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Where burden turns to wonder</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I will fight to follow</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I will fight for love</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">To throw my life forever</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">Into the triumph of the Son</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">And I know Your love has won it all</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">You took the fall</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">To embrace my sorrows</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I know You took the fight</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">You came and died but the grave was borrowed</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">I know You stood again</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">So I can stand with a life to follow</span><br style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; text-align: start;">In the light of Your name"</span></span></i></div>
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I think my favorite lyrics in this song are, </div>
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<i>"I will fight to follow...I will fight for love...to throw my life forever into the triumph of the Son."</i></div>
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I think it shows that it isn't always easy to follow...but although it may be tough, I will still follow.</div>
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The same with love. The love that Jesus asks of us, can be difficult at times because of our own selfishness, but Jesus wants us to live in love, so we should fight for love. </div>
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When we stand firm and persevere, we through our "lives forever into the triumph of the Son." Jesus is glorified when we overcome the inner struggle from within. </div>
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This song is a great picture of how life can be challenging, it can feel like a battle at times, but in the end,<i> Jesus always wins</i>. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What lyrics speak to you? </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any suggestions for future Music Monday's? </span></div>
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I'd love to hear your thoughts!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-28389708056466622952014-03-05T11:38:00.001-08:002014-03-05T11:38:39.462-08:00"You are dust and to dust you shall return" <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Genesis 3:19</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> says</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">, "<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">By the sweat of your face</span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Gen-3-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: start;">You will eat bread,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Gen-3-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: start;">Till you <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-75A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>return to the ground,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Gen-3-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: start;">Because <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-75B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>from it you were taken;</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Gen-3-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: start;">For you are dust,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;" /><span class="text Gen-3-19" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; position: relative; text-align: start;">And to dust you shall return.”</span></i></span><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So why is that significant? Today is <b>Ash Wednesday</b>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may see people walking around with black crosses on their foreheads.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may hear about people giving up something like social media or chocolate.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may come across someone who won't eat meat during the week, but will feast on a juicy hamburger on Friday.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">You may ask, "what is this all about exactly?"</span></i></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Sarak Korf via Flickr.com</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ash Wednesday is a ritual practiced among Catholics and Protestants such as Lutherans, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, Anglicans, and Methodists. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Today marks the beginning of the Lenten period, meaning the remembrance of Jesus' 40 days of fasting, temptation by the devil, and crucifixion. It is during this time when people of these denominations reflect on Jesus' suffering, their sin, and live in moderation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Sounds gloomy, huh?</i> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some people, maybe not. It is a time for them to humble themselves.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I grew up Lutheran so I practiced the ritual of Ash Wednesday, as well as observing Lent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think a lot of good can come from this practice, however, when observing this time, one must be careful not to resent it or let it get in the way of it's sole purpose. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I thought it would be helpful to learn about the history of Lent in hopes to deepen my knowledge of this practice. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know it began as a time to fast and prepare for baptism?</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the third and fourth centuries, lent was a pathway to newness by way of baptism on Easter. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Baptism was the focus of this period. Although the Bible does not speak of observing Lent explicitly, it does speak of rituals pertaining to fasting and humbleness. We first hear of the Lenten period being observed by a letter from Dionysius addressing the length of Lent. Also, in 325 CE, the Emperor Constantine spoke of Lenten fasting at the Council of Nicea. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Later on, the focus turned to <i>confession </i>and <i>repentance</i> rather than baptism.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">People who committed serious sins would engage in public penance (confessing publicly) for forty days ending with a celebration feast on Easter. Some would still be baptized as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the beginning, the fasting would begin on Sunday, but Pope Gregory the Great changed it to Wednesday and allowed for feasting on Sundays, instead of fasting. Because of him, we call today Ash Wednesday. He even started the practice of drawing ash crosses on people's foreheads to be a sign of grievance and repentance. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As time has gone on, the practice of fasting has been modified. Sometime in the 800s people could eat after 3 pm, then people could eat after noon in the 1400s, and in 1966 the Vatican only required fasting to take place on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. Also, during the 800s was the beginning of fasting from meat in order to "show of poverty before God" since meat was considered a wealthy food. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's interesting how this ritual has changed. When I partake in Ash Wednesday and Lent, I usually feel sorrow and gloom. I don't necessarily feel that it's a bad thing, because it is important to remember the suffering Jesus faced for us. We must also be careful to spend this time being grateful, even if we've given up chocolate. [<i>I know it would be hard</i>.] <b>Matthew 6:16-18 </b>says,<i> <span class="text Matt-6-16" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="woj">“<span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23299A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></span>Whenever you fast, do not put on a gloomy face as the hypocrites do, for they neglect their appearance so that they will be noticed by men when they are fasting. <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23299B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></span>Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full.</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span><span class="text Matt-6-17" id="en-NASB-23300" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="woj">But you, when you fast, <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23300C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></span>anoint your head and wash your face</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"> </span></i><span class="text Matt-6-18" id="en-NASB-23301" style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;"><span class="woj"><i><span class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </span>so that your fasting will not be noticed by men, but by your Father who is in secret; and your <span class="crossreference" style="font-size: 0.65em; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NASB-23301D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></span>Father who seeswhat is done in secret will reward you."</i> We are to be representatives of Jesus Christ, so when we're walking around with ash crosses on our foreheads we must be careful not to complain about what you're giving up.</span></span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">With that being said, I really like the way Lent started out, as a focus of baptism. Now, if you were already baptized, of course you wouldn't get baptized every year, but remembering what comes with the suffering of Jesus Christ,<i> the resurrection</i>, is the most glorious part of Lent and Easter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Let me say this again, remembrance, repentance, and sacrifice are HUGE. We should do those things, but we should be careful not to become so discouraged that we let it change our daily lifestyle of being joyful in all circumstances or become so wrapped up in the tradition that we forget the purpose. I think we can have a combination of both, remembrance and newness. Knowing our sins can surely bog us down, but facing our sins with the reality of Jesus providing us a newness can lighten our days during Lent, as well as throughout the year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So whether or not you are partaking in Ash Wednesday, remembering the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ and the glorious outcome of His resurrection and forgiveness, should help us to be thankful now and throughout the year!</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you practice Ash Wednesday? If so, how does it make you feel? Are you giving up anything? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'd love to hear your thoughts!</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-91163204071733329802014-02-27T11:20:00.001-08:002014-02-27T12:01:42.768-08:00The Attack of the Squirrels<div style="text-align: center;">
This morning, Lola (my toy poodle) and I were sitting on the deck enjoying the sunlight. </div>
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I was drinking my coffee and reading, while she was exploring the perimeter of the deck as if she were an inspector.</div>
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When all of a sudden, we heard a rummage in the trees up above. </div>
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We both look up and see about 5 squirrels chilling in the branches.</div>
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Not only did we see them, but they saw us...well, they saw <i>Lola</i>.</div>
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One squirrel in particular was extra curious about Lola and decided to jump to the tree closest to her and run down about 15 feet away from Lola. </div>
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The squirrel stopped and stared.</div>
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All of the sudden, I have a flashback to the classic, old movie, "<b>The Birds</b>." Instead of "<b>The Birds</b>", our movie would be entitled, "<b>The Squirrels</b>." Doesn't sound so scary, but if you had 5 or 55 squirrels staring at you, maybe it would be. </div>
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Anyway, at this point, Lola and Mr. Squirrel are having a standoff.</div>
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I'm not sure exactly what was running through the squirrel's mind, but I would imagine it would be thinking something to the effect of, "<i>What is that fluffy, white thing down there?</i>" </div>
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He stands there for awhile just staring at Lola, while I'm ready to jump to the rescue in case he wanted to hop on the back of Lola for a poodle ride or worse...<i>breakfast</i>. </div>
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She continues to look up at him.</div>
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Meanwhile, the other squirrels are running and jumping through the overhang of the trees.</div>
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I guess Mr. Squirrel got tired of staring at Lola or perhaps the other squirrels were coaxing him to come play. So Mr. Squirrel turned around and joined his friends.</div>
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Lola looks back at me with her head cocked as if to say, "<i>Why won't they play with me?</i>"</div>
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Again, she looks above and continues to watch the squirrels frolic in the trees.</div>
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If only we were in a Disney movie like Bambi, the squirrels would befriend Lola and they would play for the rest of their days.</div>
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Unfortunately, Lola doesn't live in a Disney movie so she was left alone on the deck without anyone to play with, but me.</div>
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This interaction made me think of life in general.</div>
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<i>Why is it that we like to separate ourselves from people who are different than us?</i></div>
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Just because people are different than us, doesn't mean we can't get along.</div>
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Out of the squirrels, Mr. Squirrel was the most curious of Lola.</div>
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However, he wasn't curious enough to<i> interact</i> with her. He only stayed at a safe distance.</div>
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Poor Lola, that had to feel so isolating. </div>
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We can either be like the other squirrels in the branches, who don't even want to try to interact with a fluffy poodle or we can be like Mr. Squirrel, who is curious enough to get a closer look.</div>
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Perhaps there is a better option than those two.</div>
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Perhaps we can go the extra step or as Jesus said, "<i>extra mile</i>" to interact with people who are different than us, no matter how <i>uncomfortable</i> we may feel. I bet the more interactions we would have, the less uncomfortable it would be.</div>
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This isn't a new issue either. We've been dealing with this problem since the beginning of time. The victims just seem to change. Why haven't we gotten this right after all these years? </div>
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If Jesus were here, I would hope that our reality would turn into a Disney movie, because I know Jesus would expect us to love those who are different than us. </div>
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He tells us to love God and love others, just like He did.</div>
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I don't think He was uncomfortable when He hung out with the poor and the sick, but I'm sure it didn't feel good when He was ridiculed because of His act of service to <i>all</i>. That didn't stop Him though.</div>
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The Kingdom of God, I think, looks a lot like a Disney movie without the bad guy, of course.</div>
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It looks like a poodle and some squirrels hanging out.</div>
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It looks like a lion and lamb lying together.</div>
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<b>It looks like us interacting and loving ALL people despite our differences, because ALL people are made in the image of God. </b></div>
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It's funny how some animals can reflect what we're dealing with today. </div>
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Let's show people the Kingdom of God and if we struggle with that, we should pray asking for strength to love like He loves us. </div>
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I believe music can be so powerful and transcending.</div>
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Audrey Assad's music, especially. </div>
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She is one of my favorite singer/songwriters because her music is not surface level, but so much deeper. </div>
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It's relaxing and moving, centered on God's loving and gracious character.</div>
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I have all of her albums, but her newest album, "<i>Fortunate Fall</i>" is by far my favorite. </div>
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I can't necessarily say that today's song is my favorite from the album, because each song is wonderfully unique.</div>
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However, this song sheds light on one of God's most powerful characteristics to me.</div>
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<b><u>Humble</u></b></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble and human, willing to bend You are</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Fashioned of flesh and the fire of life, You are</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Not too proud to wear our skin</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">to know this weary world we’re in</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble, humble Jesus</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble in sorrow, You gladly carried Your cross</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Never refusing Your life to the weakest of us</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Not too proud to bear our sin</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">to feel this brokenness we’re in</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble, humble Jesus</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">We bow our knees</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">We must decrease</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">You must increase</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">We lift You high</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble in greatness, born in the likeness of man</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Name above all names, holding our world in Your hands</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Not too proud to dwell with us, to live in us, to die for us</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">Humble, humble Jesus</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">We lift You high</span><br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-left;">We lift You high</span></i></div>
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Jesus' humbleness amazes me. Gosh, I love every word of this song, but "<i><b>humble in sorrow, You gladly carried Your cross. Never refusing Your life to the weakest of us. Not too proud to bear our sin, to feel this brokenness we're in</b></i>" paints a beautiful picture. Even during the long trek up to Golgotha, with a heavy cross laying across His beaten and broken flesh, Jesus didn't act out of pride or put up a fight. He carried His cross with a humble attitude. He never said, "I'll die for you, but <i>not</i> for you." He said, "I give life to all, even the weak!" He was so humble that He took our sin and felt all the pain we've endured.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The chorus, <b>"</b><i><b>We bow our knees, we must decrease, You must increase. We lift you high"</b> </i>comes from <b>John 3:30</b>. John the Baptist was telling people about the coming Messiah and he ended his testimony with,<i> "He must increase, I must decrease."</i> John the Baptist was humbling himself before Christ. He was showing us to do the same. </span></div>
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<b><i>"Not to proud to dwell with us, to live in us, to die for us."</i></b> Often, I focus on Jesus dying for us, but tend to forget that He also humbled himself by living here on earth and also <i>in us</i>! </div>
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Think about that.</div>
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<b>Wow.</b></div>
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<i><b>Not only did He die for us, but He lives in us.</b></i></div>
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How humble.</div>
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He's the only person that had every right to say, "I don't need to carry this cross. I don't need to live among the poor and sick. I don't need to live in sinners." But if He had said that, He wouldn't have been the Son of God. </div>
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How humble. </div>
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That's just incredible to me that the one and only perfect person would die for me, an imperfect person, but not only that, live in me. Because He was humble, we should humble ourselves, as well. We humble ourselves to God and others...not feeling superior to anyone, but equal.</div>
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We have a lot to learn from Jesus, that's for sure.</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-size: large;">What lyrics speak to you? Do you struggle with humbling yourself?</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-14222604417574010072014-02-18T10:49:00.000-08:002014-02-18T10:50:33.898-08:00It's not about rules like you may think <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This past Sunday, Pastor Fuller titled his sermon, "Surprised by Jesus." </div>
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It was based around the passage of Matthew <b>5:21-37</b>. </div>
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This reading is shortly after the beatitudes where Jesus presents us radical reversals like, "<i>Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" </i>and "<i>Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me." </i></div>
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After this He talks about His followers being salt and light to the world, and then follows with a conversation about the Law. For instance, "<i>You have heard that the ancients were told, 'YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER' and 'Whoever commits murder shall be liable to the court.' But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, 'You good-for-nothing,' shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, 'You fool,' shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.</i>" Jesus is challenging us once again to look outside the box of rules. Of course, Jesus <i>isn't</i> saying, "Forget the 10 commandments, do whatever you want ," <b><i>instead</i></b> He is saying, being angry with your brother or discouraging toward another is <b>just as bad as murder</b> so don't do either. Don't say, "Well I won't murder, but I will be rude and angry towards people." </div>
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Instead say, "<i>I won't murder and I won't be rude and angry either, because none of them are life-giving</i>."</div>
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Jesus continues to challenge us. <b>He's good at that, isn't is He?</b></div>
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<i>"You have heard that it was said, "YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY'; but I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. If your right eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it from you; for it is better for you to lose one of the parts of your whole body, than for your whole body to be thrown into hell..." </i></div>
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Here He goes again by going outside the tablet of rules (10 commandments) and says, <b>don't even<i> think</i> about committing adultery for it is as bad as the <i>act</i>. </b>He says if one eye makes you stumble, tear it out, <i>not literally of course</i>, but to get rid of the sin in our lives for it is better to repent, than to continue to sin. </div>
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THEN, Jesus talks about a common issue in our culture today, <b>divorce</b>.</div>
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<i>"It was said, 'WHOEVER SENDS HIS WIFE AWAY, LET HIM GIVE HER A CERTIFICATE OF DIVORCE'; but I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except for the reason of unchastity, makes her commit adultery; and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery." </i></div>
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This one can really make people feel uncomfortable, but I was so glad Pastor Fuller talked about it. He said that with any passage, learning the context and history is vital to understanding. </div>
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I learned that back in biblical times, divorce had become a casual thing. The Hillelite rabbis had created the "<i>any cause divorce</i>" because they believed the word 'cause' in Deuteronomy 24:1 meant a divorce could occur for any cause. Men could divorce his wife for whatever reason, even the smallest reasons like forgetting to sweep the floor. This became extremely common among Jews so that's why some Pharisees asked Jesus (Matthew 19:3) if any cause divorce was lawful and Jesus answered with a bold no. He wanted the any cause divorce to end. He took it serious, but the Jews of the day did not. They only took advantage of divorce.<span style="font-size: x-small;"> [Check out this <a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2007/october/20.26.html?start=2" target="_blank">article</a> for more info about divorce]</span></div>
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Here again, we see Jesus taking the rules a step further.</div>
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Now, He wasn't challenging us to simply add more rules and regulations to our lives. That was one of the reasons why Jesus always challenged the Pharisees, because they were focusing on religious customs and losing sight of the real reason of faith in this life. </div>
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Jesus didn't come to get rid of the Law (10 commandments), He came to fulfill it, meaning lets go even further than these commandments, <i>not so we can feel boxed in but, so we can be free</i>.</div>
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Jesus says the most important commandments are, <i>"love God and love others, including your enemies." </i>Pastor Fuller explained that Jesus doesn't have a problem with the 10 commandments, but Jesus wants our sole priorities to be loving God and others. When we do this, the 10 commandments are checked off. If we love others, we will not murder. If we love others, we will not commit adultery. If we love others, we will not steal. If we love others, we will not lie and so on. </div>
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Many people think that being a Christian means that you have to follow a long list of rules, but being a Christian means to follow Jesus, which in turn, translates to loving God and people. Instead of being scared off by the intimidating 10 commandments, we should focus on God and who He is. When we do that, we can only love Him and because we love Him, we want to obey Him and make Him happy. Everything else falls into place. </div>
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Pastor Fuller said, <i>"Jesus wants to get us past the rules of living to the heart of living."</i></div>
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Jesus' heart is love.</div>
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Therefore, as Christians our hearts and lives should focus on love. </div>
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<i><b>It's not about rules, it's about heart.</b></i></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-75676654785840696902014-02-17T13:35:00.001-08:002014-02-17T13:36:20.301-08:00Music Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So I thought I would start something new...<b>Music Monday</b>.</div>
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In the past, every once in awhile I would add a music video pertaining to the blog post of the day, but I figured I would post a song each week that is inspiring or moving. </div>
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Today's song has been going through my head the past two days and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.</div>
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<b><u>Oceans by Hillsong United</u></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You call me out upon the waters</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">The great unknown, where feet may fail</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And there I find You in the mystery</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In oceans deep, my faith will stand</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And I will call upon Your name</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And keep my eyes above the waves</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When oceans rise</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For I am Yours, and You are mine</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your grace abounds in deepest waters</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Your sovereign hand will be my guide</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">You've never failed, and You won't start now</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">So I will call upon Your name</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And keep my eyes above the waves</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When oceans rise</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For I am Yours, and You are mine</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Let me walk upon the waters</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Wherever You would call me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And my faith will be made stronger</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">In the presence of my Savior </span></i></div>
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The chorus has to be my favorite part of the song...</div>
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<span style="color: #3d85c6;">"<i style="font-family: proxnov-reg, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px;">And I will call upon Your name</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">And keep my eyes above the waves</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">When oceans rise</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">My soul will rest in Your embrace</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For I am Yours, and You are mine."</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Instead of being drowned by our troubles, keeping our eyes above on God will only get us through. When we look past the chaos around us, we can be uplifted because our "<i>soul will rest in Your embrace...for I am Yours, and You are mine</i>." </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>What is your favorite lyrics in this song? What speaks to you? </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>I'd love to hear your thoughts!</i></b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07936397904429923678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595954609926535786.post-28438833074890604532014-02-12T14:45:00.003-08:002014-02-12T14:45:44.906-08:00faith..it isn't always easy<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Guess what?!</span><br />
I got my PICC line taken out after almost 6 months!!<br />
My doctor decided that I'm doing well enough to take it out. Hallelujah!<br />
I was so excited...well, I'm still excited!<br />
Now, this doesn't mean I'm done with treatment, unfortunately.<br />
I'm on a strong cocktail of oral antibiotics to eliminate the cyst form, l-form, and biofilm of the Lyme bacteria, which I'm already starting to feel pretty rough from it. <br />
At times, it feels like this journey is never ending, BUT I've never been so close to the finish line and I'm stoked. My goal is to be able to start working part-time (I learned my lesson from working last time...patience & don't push it) this fall.<br />
I'm especially excited to be able to take a shower without a plastic sleeve on my arm (to keep the port dry). Oh the little joys of life! Actually, this is a BIG joy.<br />
On top of that, I'm feeling really motivated so I'm going back to an almost 100% raw diet, detoxing like crazy (infrared sauna here I come!) and start slowly with Pilates [eek!]. My immune system is still weak so hopefully by doing these things, it will strengthen and help my body heal faster.<br />
Whew, this is a full time job...that's for sure.<br />
If you'd like, please continue to pray for me...I would really appreciate it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anywayyyyy....</span><br />
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I've been reading the Gospel of John and two things have stood out to me:</div>
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1) Jesus said, "<i>truly, truly</i>" a lot!</div>
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2) People, including His disciples really had trouble believing that He was the Son of God.</div>
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It makes me wonder if I were there to walk the same streets Jesus walked, witness all the miracles, would I have believed? </div>
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I'm not sure. I would hope I would have believed. Here we are today, not able to experience Jesus' life here on earth (although His Holy Spirit lives with us) and at times it's really easy for me to believe, but why were there so many people who didn't believe even when He was<i> right in front of them</i>?</div>
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What was the barrier that was keeping them from believing?<br />
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Maybe it was...<br />
fear<br />
intelligence<br />
hurt<br />
disappointment<br />
judgment<br />
false preconceived ideas<br />
or simply not open.<br />
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Nicodemus, in the third chapter of John, asks Jesus how he can be born again. His lofty intelligence made it hard for him to believe the "born again" concept that Jesus was teaching. Just like Nicodemus, our intelligence can get in the way of our faith, while other times it can help us.<br />
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In chapter four of John, the Samaritan woman at the well was stumped by Jesus' actions. Jews and Samaritans weren't allowed to interact with one another. She didn't understand why a Jew would ask for water from her. After Jesus told her that he was the Messiah, she went out and told about what had happened. She questioned if He could really be the Messiah. Other Samaritans began to flock to Jesus and soon realized that He was the Messiah, not because of what she said, but by what they had experienced. The Pharisees didn't believe either because they believed that the Messiah would obey the Law by keeping the Sabbath holy, would be a political leader and would bring judgment. Instead, He healed people on the Sabbath, didn't care about politics, and practiced forgiveness.<br />
Preconceived notions prevented them from believing.<br />
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Later on in the tenth chapter, Jesus told many parables (stories) to prove to the Jews who He said He was...the Messiah. He didn't just tell one story, but several stories. He didn't say, "<i>You don't get it...I give up trying to explain to you.</i>" He tried to show them with His miracles and present them with words, but they didn't believe. They demanded that He would simply tell them and He tried, but were they actually listening?<br />
Were they truly open? It doesn't seem that way to me.<br />
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I think we all struggle with these barriers during our lives. Our brain, preconceived notions, and narrow-mindedness along with other reasons, tend to build up walls around faith. When these walls are built, its hard for faith to be freed. Faith can't be boxed in. We can't let these issues suppress the beauty and power of faith. We must let faith run free..<br />
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It makes me think of skydiving. Although I've never done it, I'd like to try it one day. I can imagine that while your standing at the edge of the plane, you must feel a wave of emotions...good and bad (I would think mostly bad haha). If you don't jump, you're enclosed in this little plane with walls of anxiety. If you jump, although it may be difficult, you are released from those nauseating emotions. You're free. Towards the end of your flight, it may get bumpy, but you land and, I can imagine, you feel a sense of relief.<br />
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I think that's what faith is. It's a risk that allows you get past yourself, be freed from those barriers and rest in relief that you have someone walking along side of you.<br />
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