tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9170856787074393432024-03-05T09:36:25.058-05:00jillgoesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.comBlogger725125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-44798514467312772002018-01-16T20:12:00.000-05:002018-01-17T16:37:10.863-05:00I'm Moving!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A big thank you to all my faithful friends who've been reading this little blog since it began back in 2012. After this final post, my blog will be moved to my new author website. New posts will appear there.<br />
<br />
It's not hard to find, and Mom, even you can do this! The directions to get there are <i>simple</i>. Let me help you.<br />
<br />
1. Click here--> <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.jillmariethomas.com/">www.JillMarieThomas.com</a></span> <br />
That will take you to my brand spankin' new author website.<br />
<br />
2. Find the word "Blog" on the pink menu bar and click on it.<br />
<br />
3. Voila! You are looking at my blog. Scroll down then click on the title of the latest entry (or any other entry) to open up the full post to read it.<br />
<br />
4. When you're done reading the blog post, if you want to go back and look around at the rest of the website, use the back arrow in the upper left of your computer screen. Although the website is still a work in progress, I invite you to explore the other options there by clicking on the various items in that pink menu across the top.<br />
<br />
5. Please SUBSCRIBE (!!!) in the subscribe box on the home screen if you wish to receive notifications of future blog posts in your email.<br />
<br />
As usual, I will continue posting about twice a week, or sometimes less when I'm vacationing or traveling on business.<br />
<br />
Please continue following the adventures over at jillmariethomas.com and I will give my best effort to provide valuable food for thought and helpful life lessons.<br />
<br />
Adios!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-69620570567038020162018-01-11T16:28:00.002-05:002018-01-11T16:28:49.715-05:00Rice ChristiansThe following is an excerpt from my work-in-progress Bible Study booklet on Job:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">In
the very first chapter of the book of Job, Satan presents this challenge to
God: “But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will
surely curse you to your face.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Shortly
thereafter, on another day Satan doubts Job’s faith in God and sets forth a
second challenge to God: “But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh
and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6khxr8YjrJEDSVkB9K7lUPOa4Qz_jDSrzmRq9gvZ885SlrhuLgpPwCegvopSb_q7hWfBqh75pP_2OnHNwwdeGt5KXt5J3gBSN44kQy3-bHwWP48JOcFIaITE5IJrBFl8RNI434zE_B7c/s1600/burma-2288955_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="799" data-original-width="1280" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6khxr8YjrJEDSVkB9K7lUPOa4Qz_jDSrzmRq9gvZ885SlrhuLgpPwCegvopSb_q7hWfBqh75pP_2OnHNwwdeGt5KXt5J3gBSN44kQy3-bHwWP48JOcFIaITE5IJrBFl8RNI434zE_B7c/s320/burma-2288955_1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">So,
the book of Job begins with Satan essentially calling Job a “rice Christian.”
The term “rice Christian” came about in the 19<sup>th</sup> century because
starving and needy people would come to the missionaries for the rice rather
than the Savior. The term has evolved since then to negatively mean anyone who seeks
the benefits of Jesus without desiring the relationship with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Missionaries
in numerous foreign lands have observed the phenomena and are often
disheartened by it. Sadly, wherever there are evangelistic efforts, there are
occasionally impure motives in evidence.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX8brPQQnjgDnopx7vkWFSVeFzMg21u2mqlRtGOLDjJTqitMLNlnn4DzfxcEr2V9h366rUnvA5-d_efXsqdDgwWIC3ehZFrQu1G73HLcggc_mnq8kanG0sIB6m1SHfobRoMZq17VgwNI/s1600/rice-1028635__480-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmX8brPQQnjgDnopx7vkWFSVeFzMg21u2mqlRtGOLDjJTqitMLNlnn4DzfxcEr2V9h366rUnvA5-d_efXsqdDgwWIC3ehZFrQu1G73HLcggc_mnq8kanG0sIB6m1SHfobRoMZq17VgwNI/s320/rice-1028635__480-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">People
sometimes make a profession of faith in Christ while having the true motive of
obtaining rice (thus the term “rice Christians”), soup, blankets, or other aid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
tendency of people to misrepresent themselves to gain something is nothing new.
Satan brings the ploy to our attention in Job, perhaps the oldest book of the
Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many missionaries have
encountered this sort of pretense in countries all over the world, as we will
see below by the variety in labels missionaries have given these folks. Even
Jesus spoke directly about people who act one way, but have another hidden
motive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not
because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had
your fill. Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to
eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>John
6:26-27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Maybe
in the United States we don’t really consider rice as something for which
we would fake a religious conversion. Think about it, though. I bet each one of
us can draw from our memories instances of people who have ulterior motives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">How
about that person who goes to church to increase the list of his business
contacts? To find "followers" for his social media platforms? To pass out more business
cards?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Or
what about those politicians who suddenly begin regularly attending services
right before an election? Often after the election they are nowhere to be seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Then
there are those single young adults and older divorcees who are simply
attending church to hopefully change their relationship status from single to
married.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Rice
Christians” profess their faith but mostly want something else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Other
labels given over the centuries for these people include:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3je3yFjcOhhlGfA1mfWXvarwB5wtlcU899loTcrZtUko432t2VaOLaHR5J42x7ggBsEyXkfkmATb0L0QYehrLrjCId7yvnTRXbrJCWMuw2bZL-KZjzYpYL6f0vjRsZ34dStsWlnXQJU/s1600/roll-725576__480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="481" data-original-width="719" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip3je3yFjcOhhlGfA1mfWXvarwB5wtlcU899loTcrZtUko432t2VaOLaHR5J42x7ggBsEyXkfkmATb0L0QYehrLrjCId7yvnTRXbrJCWMuw2bZL-KZjzYpYL6f0vjRsZ34dStsWlnXQJU/s320/roll-725576__480.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Curry-and-rice
Christians - named such by missionaries in lands experiencing great hardship
and poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Famine
Christians – named by missionaries who felt that without a famine the people
would have not even come to hear the message.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Loaf-and-fish
Disciple – some missionaries were extremely careful not to attract this type of
native who only came for a handout.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Are
you a “rice Christian?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What
form do your prayers typically take? Do you pray mostly like these:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Father
please give me ___________.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Lord,
help me with ______________.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Jesus,
I need ____________________.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“God,
can you please _____________________.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“Oh
Lord, will you _____________________.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Now
put yourself in the place of a father or a mother. If your child is always
asking you for STUFF, aren’t you eventually going to wonder how your youngster
really feels about you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Won’t you start
feeling like a giant Gimmee, Gimmee Vending Machine?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Real
faith is not just about getting things we need, even though our Father God is
wondrously generous and gives us way more than we could possibly deserve.
Instead, it’s about a loving relationship and a growing depth of closeness and
communication with Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There
is no impure motive associated with it, rice or no rice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-18115905828769915932018-01-08T19:00:00.002-05:002018-01-08T19:00:47.994-05:00PrioritiesI don't know what it is about every New Year, but I find myself compelled to declutter, downsize, and organize my home each January.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKo78Ve8d-hthV8cybaTK_EmqCHngCn-n7wi-OsEqBSjr7VvOrU8f5yfk41uZAIgl-Kr7PAyQ4cf1MdnLTr4c0RiGQn-uthAJT8kpC7NRVs89ZvnQKcEDxho__6OdNSCoCJZ77xFx6W8/s1600/unnamed-66.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhKo78Ve8d-hthV8cybaTK_EmqCHngCn-n7wi-OsEqBSjr7VvOrU8f5yfk41uZAIgl-Kr7PAyQ4cf1MdnLTr4c0RiGQn-uthAJT8kpC7NRVs89ZvnQKcEDxho__6OdNSCoCJZ77xFx6W8/s320/unnamed-66.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
When I dismantled the Christmas tree the other day and put away all the other household holiday decor, it appeared as if my rooms grew to twice their holiday sizes. The walls, tabletops, and furniture looked stark and sterile. I actually liked the streamlined look, to be honest. Simple. Easy. Clean (and easy to keep clean).<br />
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The same efforts can be made in many other areas of our lives. Maybe the new year is a good time to reorganize things like our time usage and weekly schedules. Perhaps I need to rise earlier and shift my waking hours earlier. Could I better consolidate my weekly food shopping, banking, and other errands?<br />
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Possibly my financial budget needs some tweaking too. Are there areas in which I just don't need to spend as much as I have in the past? Restaurant meals have always sapped a good chunk of our extra bucks.<br />
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Perhaps my acquisition of new material items can be minimized. I recently heard of a 2018 challenge group in which the participants will buy no new clothing, shoes, purses, or jewelry and accessories in this entire year. And furthermore, how can I continue my quest to give away much of what I have that is excess?<br />
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What are my "cigarettes and booze" items, those items I freely allow myself to purchase? I'm not a smoker or drinker, so for me, it's books. I allow myself to spend plenty of money on that beloved habit/hobby of mine. Maybe I need to finish reading my entire pile before I order one more book.<br />
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I've been studying through the book of Jeremiah for the last month or so, and today I came across a verse that nearly leaped off the page and into my heart and mind.<br />
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" ... for who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?" declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 30:21)<br />
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No matter how much we declutter, organize, or minimize in this brand new year, let's keep the main thing the main thing: staying close to Jesus. He's earnestly looking for those of us who yearn to deepen our relationship with Him with every passing day.<br />
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Let's start and end our days by spending quality time with Him in prayer and in His Word. That's a sure bet to keep our lives in the proper order.<br />
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In this new year, go ahead. Organize, sort, declutter, minimize, and re-organize to your heart's desire. Just please, stay close to Him. He's looking for those who will.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-17950874206043570442018-01-04T12:18:00.001-05:002018-01-04T12:18:22.569-05:00The GiftChristmas has come and gone. Miles were traveled to spend time with the family. The New Year was adequately welcomed, though not with sauerkraut in this household. The company has gone home. All that glorious chaos is over and done.<br />
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I'm not a huge fan of New Year's resolutions, so I decided to make my first blog post of this new year a reprint of a poem I had written a year ago during the holidays. It reminds me of the true GIFT of the season, and I hope it will help you focus on what's truly important as we open a brand new calendar.<br />
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
"I Have You, Jesus"</h3>
<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
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<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 22px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">Here we are</span></h3>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4961864366913359978" itemprop="description articleBody" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 1.4; orphans: auto; position: relative; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; width: 586px; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMOKV0CcNw2Ujz13PXP1FwndLvfGdNtsSOiP2s1sRAVPMt7rdECr0M3F9ln0C_pzcweFTAROD5KFBKA_jQGjB5AE_9cBkRtsvs0SblUqYxqSJsmoby3keXQ-g6SGmS9ZSi46r45Sh5tY/s1600/images.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; color: #7d181e; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMOKV0CcNw2Ujz13PXP1FwndLvfGdNtsSOiP2s1sRAVPMt7rdECr0M3F9ln0C_pzcweFTAROD5KFBKA_jQGjB5AE_9cBkRtsvs0SblUqYxqSJsmoby3keXQ-g6SGmS9ZSi46r45Sh5tY/s320/images.jpeg" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; background-color: white; border-bottom-left-radius: 5px; border-bottom-right-radius: 5px; border-top-left-radius: 5px; border-top-right-radius: 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 20px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" width="320" /></a>Just four days from Christmas<br />I have everything<br />I could need or want<br />For I have you, Jesus<br /><br />Outside my home, chaos looms<br />Shoppers, decorators, salespeople<br />People driving too fast, intent on their preparations<br />Not me, though<br />I have you, Jesus<br /><br />My heart is full<br />My mind is at peace<br />I'm satisfied<br />I feel no need<br />For I have you, Jesus<br /><br />Bells are ringing outside Wal-Mart<br />Children are singing in holiday concerts<br />The market is bustling<br />Grocery stores are re-stocking<br />I'm good. I have you, Jesus<br /><br />Gifts are piled<br />Trees are decorated<br />Stockings are hanging<br />Manger scenes are arranged<br />And I have you, Jesus<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The company will come<br />The presents will be given<br />Children will toss the wrappings<br />Not knowing that you are the Gift<br />So thankful, for I have you, Jesus<br /><br />All the chaos settles<br />The holiday ends<br />Folks go home<br />The parties fade<br />But you are here always, and I have you, Jesus<br /><br />You are everything, Lord<br />The beginning and the end<br />The Gift now and forever<br />My peace and my joy<br />So thankful I am, for I have you, Jesus.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-87386637625159456692017-12-22T14:54:00.002-05:002017-12-22T14:54:44.349-05:00Jesus and JujitsuJust three days before the big Christmas holiday, it seems as though most of the people around me are at the climax of the preparation frenzy. Shopping, baking, wrapping gifts, preparing food for the incoming relatives, last minute decorating. It'll all get done, and I won't worry about it if it doesn't.<br />
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Earlier this week I received the wonderful gift of laughter, generated by a little video someone had shared on Facebook. Perhaps you, too, have seen it. Surely it has gone viral by now.<br />
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It was a clip of a children's Christmas program, specifically a nativity scene. All the participants were roughly between the ages of two to six, so I have no doubt the director had her hands full getting those kiddos to cooperate and do what she wanted them to do.<br />
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On stage right a large chorus of children was serenely singing a classic Christmas carol, perhaps it was "Away in a Manger." All was well over on that part of the stage, and the kids looked and sounded nearly angelic.<br />
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Over on stage left was the manger scene and its cast of characters. There was Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus sleeping in the manger. A couple of wise men with bath towels on their heads and scratchy beards fidgeted in the back, and a donkey and sheep were clustered there near the manger, too.<br />
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All was well for a verse or two until one of the little characters there in the stable, the 2-3 year old girl in the fuzzy white sheep suit, got bored. She was done playing by the rules from that point on.<br />
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She crossed stage left and grabbed the baby(doll) Jesus out of his bed. For a while she stood there, rocking him lovingly in her arms along with the rhythm of the music. It was sweet.<br />
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Until she had enough of that.<br />
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She began gyrating her hips a little bit more, swinging baby Jesus in time to the music. Mary was beginning to look concerned.<br />
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Next, the little sheep began bogeying all around her area of the stage.<br />
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Then she grabbed Jesus by the ankles and whipped him around in front of her in large figure eight shapes.<br />
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By this time, four-year-old Mary was alarmed. It was time to retrieve and protect her baby.<br />
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Heading over to the little sheep girl, Mary grabbed for her baby. An unsuccessful tug of war ensued.<br />
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Finally Mary authoritatively threw her arm around the neck of the sheep girl and took her business down to the floor. It looked remarkably like a rear naked choke hold, so common in jujitsu sparring.<br />
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That baby's life was at stake, and it called for desperate measures.<br />
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Joseph walked over to the scene of the fight, looked down at it, and stepped back. He wasn't gonna get entangled in that mess. Not even for Jesus.<br />
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At this point the camera panned to a <strike>referee</strike> mother coming from the audience and up the steps to the stage to rectify the situation. End of video.<br />
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Honestly I've watched that video several times, and I'm just so thankful for the wonderful laughs it has given me.<br />
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And then, I kept thinking about it over the last few days since I first saw it. <br />
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What if we all were so deliberate about having Jesus?<br />
What if we were all that determined to hold him, to spend time with Him, to love Him?<br />
What if we wanted Him so much we would fight for Him - fight our schedules, our distractions, our hobby and leisure time - fight it all just to be with Him?<br />
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This Christmas my wish for you is that you'll have Jesus. Look for Him, find Him, spend time with Him. Love Him and celebrate His presence. That's the best GIFT I can wish for you, and I do so with all my heart.<br />
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Merry Christmas, friends!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-80921340469550216332017-12-18T14:56:00.002-05:002017-12-18T14:56:13.599-05:00Road Tripping at Christmas (Part 2)As I wrote in my last post, Christmas and road trips seem to go together.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"> "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, 'Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.'" (Matthew 2:1-2)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnhyphenhyphenHjwoWRBg6Q_m3iUh1bQ-wNrQt6L28JuEyj4xYSz7jBc8Xmm2JDdf6In-vWxnMYmyLW5OaHZU6shrBBZ5X08sbNbmttAOhXpuj2qO2fwRoPvt2mUOHizoeipGy704F-j4sOMtn0aM/s1600/images-35.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNnhyphenhyphenHjwoWRBg6Q_m3iUh1bQ-wNrQt6L28JuEyj4xYSz7jBc8Xmm2JDdf6In-vWxnMYmyLW5OaHZU6shrBBZ5X08sbNbmttAOhXpuj2qO2fwRoPvt2mUOHizoeipGy704F-j4sOMtn0aM/s1600/images-35.jpeg" /></a></div>
<div>
These magi (traditionally called wise men) traveled a long way, and I'm willing to bet it wasn't an easy journey.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Because, well, because of camels.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Camels are gloriously weird creations of our awesome God. For many desert travelers, camels are the transportation mode of choice. They are wondrously designed to maximize all water intake. Even camels' nostrils participate in the collection of moisture.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCqbfjvFUa6qzgz7FhWyKQ7yedtPV1MpIlDOH8boxISDJskUQHqwJBzm6fnajpAlwwoakPFEYiRmg2TZth62YSCcfESFK52NelvjxuKuK1CeNP4rcf7UaEZ2nM-D3zZ4DJEvPZuDhWqY/s1600/p6091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="680" data-original-width="1024" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCqbfjvFUa6qzgz7FhWyKQ7yedtPV1MpIlDOH8boxISDJskUQHqwJBzm6fnajpAlwwoakPFEYiRmg2TZth62YSCcfESFK52NelvjxuKuK1CeNP4rcf7UaEZ2nM-D3zZ4DJEvPZuDhWqY/s320/p6091.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
However, let's be clear on this: camels have horrible body odor and have worse tempers. They spit when they feel threatened. There is no doubt about it, camel tenders and riders have their work cut out with these beasts.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I uncovered a few things about camels I hadn't known before as I was reading up on the wise men.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Camels have a stride not common to most other four-legged animals. That is, the left two legs move then the right two. Although they typically travel at about 25 mph, they can move at speeds as high as 40 mph, often swaying the passenger into motion sickness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Camels are so adept at utilizing all moisture within their bodies that their urine is excreted as a thick paste. This could make it tricky keeping the camp clean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOip2eEQdroF-4a6XLpA7eiNH2oWePDrcs0fXqgJUAg8OHl7S7EKQXG0kvoQI-rUfz-JBPsaO8o_cxULxEejabe6YtzgqWbpG-Kc2TbASxla50PTXsc5vaIuQv9utDzEBE_BYUid49Sw/s1600/Unknown-12.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrOip2eEQdroF-4a6XLpA7eiNH2oWePDrcs0fXqgJUAg8OHl7S7EKQXG0kvoQI-rUfz-JBPsaO8o_cxULxEejabe6YtzgqWbpG-Kc2TbASxla50PTXsc5vaIuQv9utDzEBE_BYUid49Sw/s1600/Unknown-12.jpeg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
Some camels spread a virus known as MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), so the tenders may become sick. However, camel poo, if you care to chow down on camel "apples," kills dysentery-causing germs. So, if you have the poos, eat the poo.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think we can all imagine that the journey the wise men took in search of the Messiah was not a luxurious, relaxing trip. It was long, hard, hot, and full of all sorts of challenges.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And then they arrived at Jerusalem. Unlike many men, they stopped and asked for directions. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoVbsfLfFi5y0IpsSzfnlhCvxu_Hk1i_POBQjw-AXGdi8nbqdjnUl7L0vkpwTUM0sBmqYeM2BV6LVi6y_MwzdYWwww8X9nbRGDUvYQe6dLYUZtUpvVT978eXqG7NQcjkf4FxwSXJhJns/s1600/Unknown-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="241" data-original-width="210" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfoVbsfLfFi5y0IpsSzfnlhCvxu_Hk1i_POBQjw-AXGdi8nbqdjnUl7L0vkpwTUM0sBmqYeM2BV6LVi6y_MwzdYWwww8X9nbRGDUvYQe6dLYUZtUpvVT978eXqG7NQcjkf4FxwSXJhJns/s320/Unknown-1.jpg" width="278" /></a>At this point I went to my Mapquest program and calculated the distance from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles from Jesus.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles from the baby King.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles from salvation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles from forgiveness.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles <i>from eternal life</i>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everybody in the story had the same information. Herod, the teachers of the Law, the Jewish scholars, and the three wise men all knew a baby had been born in Bethlehem, and they all knew who the baby was.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NiDuo-KHvQWM6E9Xzwrl2X0wrVVaAOmKIH-P32LnCUbxZ-RtXOcR9JCZ-EM8qRSdCyFELH0k1R7d8AM17M-8AlGHAhhArzvEkgXuYBY6R9Ul2nMyJtWcBAq0fTFVa3uqRRfiGpxQvUk/s1600/images-34.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_NiDuo-KHvQWM6E9Xzwrl2X0wrVVaAOmKIH-P32LnCUbxZ-RtXOcR9JCZ-EM8qRSdCyFELH0k1R7d8AM17M-8AlGHAhhArzvEkgXuYBY6R9Ul2nMyJtWcBAq0fTFVa3uqRRfiGpxQvUk/s1600/images-34.jpeg" /></a></div>
However,</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Herod knew and tried to kill him.</div>
<div>
The teachers and religious scholars knew and ignored him. Apparently six miles was too much.</div>
<div>
The wise men went, covered six more miles, and bowed down and worshipped the babe.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Six miles!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The road trip these wise men took helps me examine how far it is between Jesus and me. What will I do, what am I willing to do, how far will I "go," to be with Jesus?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This Christmas season will I make my heart a "manger" where Christ can reside?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Will you?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-35080882764129461912017-12-14T17:32:00.001-05:002017-12-18T14:14:47.896-05:00Road Tripping at Christmas (Part 1) <span style="color: red;">"Ever since the magi first went in search of Jesus more than</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"> two thousand years ago, it seems that Christmas and 'road trip'</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"> have gone together." -Max Lucado</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bTGoUHxLqQadAtgpLd5xCWcX9ArlrqHbEk3wtahabq7Kaff8ENoyA87628QgRZaLnywm7ifZKseTeUL8gH0OvGkWbR7AR9LUaTtHFLPheKzdN0g7L6sefIY00nxLx9hFpk070voIF_U/s1600/images-36.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="247" data-original-width="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0bTGoUHxLqQadAtgpLd5xCWcX9ArlrqHbEk3wtahabq7Kaff8ENoyA87628QgRZaLnywm7ifZKseTeUL8gH0OvGkWbR7AR9LUaTtHFLPheKzdN0g7L6sefIY00nxLx9hFpk070voIF_U/s1600/images-36.jpeg" /></a></div>
Will you be traveling this holiday season with or to your family?<br />
<br />
Years ago, when our children were quite young, we made the yearly Christmas pilgrimage to my parents' home, a trip of about 100 miles. <br />
<br />
My preparation prior to this annual trip included completing all the home decor for the season, writing and mailing the holiday cards, keeping track of all the children's school and other Christmas activities, purchasing and wrapping all the stocking stuffers and gifts for our immediate family and an extended list of other relatives, baking all the cookies, preparing our contribution to the holiday party spread, and finally packing suitcases for the six of us.<br />
<br />
The husband's responsibility was to gas up the car.<br />
<br />
As many of you know, road trips with kiddos are not always serene, relaxing occasions. They are more like endurance events. And mind you, in those days, we had no cell phones, car tv's, or handheld gaming devices to amuse the kids. Entertainment was found by looking out the windows.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1XM34iekw6RlZn_VD_SsM-oPzbVTGkQYz8s9DfxsqqxvA2CYJu6VPvpMu3ppzM3OVMUbI7IHjjVMeTuiJ2Ch-su6sQ25n2VWnHOsRwEtmNBgmb_VWee23zZkYU2jBH6N2aBtXFhLEA8/s1600/images-39.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="263" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1XM34iekw6RlZn_VD_SsM-oPzbVTGkQYz8s9DfxsqqxvA2CYJu6VPvpMu3ppzM3OVMUbI7IHjjVMeTuiJ2Ch-su6sQ25n2VWnHOsRwEtmNBgmb_VWee23zZkYU2jBH6N2aBtXFhLEA8/s1600/images-39.jpeg" /></a>Snacks were provided frequently and in abundance. Eating was not a matter of the children being hungry. No, snacks supplied amusement. And quiet. <br />
<br />
With overly-excited children came over-active bladders. This situation was concerning when the driver operated in his we-will-not-stop-till-we-are-there mode. <br />
<br />
There would be at least one bathroom-related change of clothing, somewhere en route.<br />
<br />
We would experience the usual trilogy of "I'm bored," "Are we there soon?" and "He's/she's touching me,"ad nauseum.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4lV_Z9MAMdqJEBwxt7Oq4RRAxWyMwJidu9IFTdGPxcL5dg-BJyK-V_sv03n3nVg3IaYmiXG0108PH4QJfl6I4qO6uHYTpD9i6nuDIAolfNZmlGL5gfOypHNHDfa1GKvtwSS0-VUpzjM/s1600/images-38.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="172" data-original-width="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij4lV_Z9MAMdqJEBwxt7Oq4RRAxWyMwJidu9IFTdGPxcL5dg-BJyK-V_sv03n3nVg3IaYmiXG0108PH4QJfl6I4qO6uHYTpD9i6nuDIAolfNZmlGL5gfOypHNHDfa1GKvtwSS0-VUpzjM/s1600/images-38.jpeg" /></a></div>
And yes, there would be vomit. We could bank on it. Somebody would vomit. And then we'd debate whether the offending child was car sick, even though that malady wasn't normally a problem. Of course, within 24 hours of arrival 75% of the children would come down with some form of winter virus. Relatives would wonder if my children were always that cranky.<br />
<br />
None of the children would nap during the journey, even though we'd strategically timed the trip to coincide perfectly with nap time. Let me amend that - they would finally fall asleep ten minutes before arrival, having slept just enough to leave them uncooperative <strike>about everything for the rest of that day </strike>and irritable.<br />
<br />
We'd safely arrive at our destination and then celebrate all the aspects of the holiday together.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3ai3myn_EOdRsVO9tsJ610QbFKIwpS53LhwX7fKbXgkJqGxLgrnvkFQNDovI9Nir7wxsT21TK1-CqNoNbCrJd2yM9U3nP4a0mGTuK0As5KRarIvbjfgYYAfV2_r9AC-oowlU1hNeppE/s1600/StilleNachtc_p.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="782" data-original-width="526" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn3ai3myn_EOdRsVO9tsJ610QbFKIwpS53LhwX7fKbXgkJqGxLgrnvkFQNDovI9Nir7wxsT21TK1-CqNoNbCrJd2yM9U3nP4a0mGTuK0As5KRarIvbjfgYYAfV2_r9AC-oowlU1hNeppE/s320/StilleNachtc_p.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
Typically, we attended a Christmas Eve worship service, and we always sang Silent Night there in German. Afterwards the children tried to tolerate the old folks cooing over them as they squeezed the children's cheeks. <br />
<br />
"My how big you've grown," they'd marvel. <br />
<br />
I'd smile and pray hard at those moments that none of my littles would retort, "My how fat you've become!"<br />
<br />
After church we'd gather together for an amazing spread of food, enjoyed by all but the littlest ones. They'd think the food was weird and would only eat two tiny meatballs if it was a good night. The adults congregated around the shrimp bowl, sharing memories of the past year. We have even been known to barter for those last few precious pieces of shrimp down in the bottom of the bowl.<br />
<br />
When most of the guests were finished eating, Grandma gathered the children around her and recited <i>The Night Before Christmas.</i> I have wonderful memories of those spellbound faces and twinkling eyes, but I sure wish I had more photos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5bgdaCq6hKlyrgDdgXkGBIVlP7kc9ML9JPeCTH8dAw4E1hs_A0RZBau6Nd9C3Qe4AwXohk3U2CJBNXXkvcFeCcaCht8oO5ORjwM-Ay94BwOo__SUBW0Jgy8NHz2pOAVpF1YU2y856pc/s1600/images-37.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="169" data-original-width="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM5bgdaCq6hKlyrgDdgXkGBIVlP7kc9ML9JPeCTH8dAw4E1hs_A0RZBau6Nd9C3Qe4AwXohk3U2CJBNXXkvcFeCcaCht8oO5ORjwM-Ay94BwOo__SUBW0Jgy8NHz2pOAVpF1YU2y856pc/s1600/images-37.jpeg" /></a></div>
Then the moment those kids have been waiting for would finally arrive. Gifts appeared and there'd be a virtual storm of tearing paper and flying bows. Even the family dogs got in on the "paper, paper" frenzy. Months later remnants of red and green papers would be found behind the planters and between the couch cushions.<br />
<br />
Bedtime was always a tricky deal. The children were over-excited and the parents were sleep-deprived. Getting everyone bedded down with minimal meltdowns and avoiding the typical grandma's-house-stalling-tactics was quite the challenge.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxKVCDD3bXcAtknQO1xoVOjJIjtYlWe-SG-SPpa2xmi43QmXDVzJ9M6udPPMJS8OorAcsLFmjuSOJVFlR6U62W5soJ0MnAg5b7l4LXs8k4V7V1jQH6d_41CPtkauRigbj5ASltDxvAxg/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUxKVCDD3bXcAtknQO1xoVOjJIjtYlWe-SG-SPpa2xmi43QmXDVzJ9M6udPPMJS8OorAcsLFmjuSOJVFlR6U62W5soJ0MnAg5b7l4LXs8k4V7V1jQH6d_41CPtkauRigbj5ASltDxvAxg/s320/unnamed.jpg" width="240" /></a>Even so, I'd never change those road trip holiday Christmas gatherings for all the money in the world. Stresses, fatigue, trials, and sicknesses aside, the memories we made are so precious to me now. <br />
<br />
These days, along with the memories from many past Christmases, I enjoy watching my grown children creating their own memories and family Christmas traditions.<br />
<br />
Another journey of great significance happened two thousand years ago. In my next post, we'll examine the road trip made by the Three Wise Men. Travel woes, drama, and gifts were part of their story, too.<br />
<br />
It wasn't exactly road trip euphoria for them, either. Oh, but what a Gift!<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-60694147252945390532017-12-11T15:58:00.001-05:002017-12-11T15:58:33.957-05:00Be Careful What You Read!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXilgPtkWdRrgW7NNhKF6ciK0-eDe3AhF0t0i1nyMy9KRqaO0lm6COf5iBIhAjBzL8RIkmKZtmkOc2ApEgsun282Yb0zzlimgcjp8q1MzL1xXGUVVcmxbN62i1DsV14uMg8NzYnHj23PY/s1600/unnamed-64.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="637" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXilgPtkWdRrgW7NNhKF6ciK0-eDe3AhF0t0i1nyMy9KRqaO0lm6COf5iBIhAjBzL8RIkmKZtmkOc2ApEgsun282Yb0zzlimgcjp8q1MzL1xXGUVVcmxbN62i1DsV14uMg8NzYnHj23PY/s400/unnamed-64.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
I've always been of the mindset that one cannot have too many books. An avid reader all throughout my life, I've read thousands of books and have accumulated way too many for the strength of my bookshelves. It's probably time to purge. Again.<br />
<br />
After reading the 23rd chapter of Jeremiah this morning, my thoughts about reading went in somewhat of another direction. The two words "reading" and "caution" seemed to pair up in my mind after I thoroughly studied that chapter.<br />
<br />
Jeremiah was a prophet of God, and in that chapter God tells Jeremiah what He thinks about the other prophets in the land and what Jeremiah should say to them.<br />
<br />
It's not a pretty conversation. In fact, God gives a scathing denouncement of those prophets. Here is how God describes those false prophets:<br />
<ul>
<li>They follow an evil course.</li>
<li>They use their power unjustly</li>
<li>They are wicked and godless.</li>
<li>They prophecy by Baal.</li>
<li>They lead the people astray.</li>
<li>They commit adultery.</li>
<li>They live a lie.</li>
<li>They strengthen the hands of evildoers.</li>
<li>They are like Sodom and Gomorrah.</li>
<li>They spread ungodliness.</li>
<li>They fill others with false hopes.</li>
<li>They speak with visions of their own concocting.</li>
<li>They spread false peace to the heathen.</li>
<li>They don't hear the counsel of the Lord.</li>
<li>They don't see and hear His word.</li>
<li>They run and prophesy their own messages.</li>
<li>They prophesy lies and dreams in His name.</li>
<li>They are delusional.</li>
<li>They hope the people will forget God's name.</li>
<li>They steal false words from one another.</li>
<li>They wag their own tongues.</li>
<li>They lead His people astray.</li>
<li>They tell reckless lies.</li>
<li>They do not benefit people in the least.</li>
<li>Each one's word becomes his own message.</li>
<li>They distort the words of the Almighty God.</li>
</ul>
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So what does any of this have to do with books? <br />
<br />
May I just urge a word of caution to you, please? Tis' the season when many are Christmas shopping. Books are often the gift of choice. Buy carefully. Pray before you buy. <br />
<br />
The Bible tells me there were prophets in Jeremiah's days that were not godly men. I am under no illusions to think that there aren't many false prophets, teachers, and speakers nowadays, too.<br />
<br />
Our department and bookstores are full of books on the shelves that espouse the words, thinking, and visions of men and women who are not in alignment with the Word of God. Just as in Jeremiah's day, they say nice things that give us good feelings and spread hope, but nonetheless, those words are not coming from the mind of God.<br />
<br />
There are also many seminars, conferences, and speaking events that promote and feature some of those very same authors. Beware. Just because an author is wildly popular does not mean he is a man or woman of God. So many of them have their own ideology and thinking that makes us feel good and gives us hope, yet is contrary to the words in the Bible. Their own self-promoting agendas have deluded them.<br />
<br />
My takeaways from Jeremiah chapter 23:<br />
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<br />
1. Be careful to whom you listen!<br />
2. Be careful what you read!<br />
3. Be careful what you watch!<br />
<br />
False prophets exist today, too!<br />
<br />
<br />
P.S. If you need some meaningful and inexpensive Christmas gifts, may I suggest an idea? I still have some copies of my first four Bible Study booklets available. Each book examines one book in the Bible in depth. The reader can move through the book at his own leisure.<br />
<br />
At $10 each (which includes tax and shipping costs) these books may be a perfect fit for somebody on your Christmas list. Email me at jillgoes@gmail.com if you're interested, and thank you to those of you who have enjoyed these studies over the past years.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-58119380391889836372017-12-04T10:29:00.000-05:002017-12-04T10:29:05.206-05:00Jeremiah - A Man of Many Moods<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Mood swings. We all have them. I know very few people who sail through this life with nary an up or down in their outlook on life.<br />
<br />
Some folks are mostly positive. I like to put myself into this category, although yes, I know I whine and complain (and justify it!) on some occasions.<br />
<br />
Others are basically negative, unpleasant people. The glass-is-half-empty-and-there's-nothing-left-anywhere-to-fill-it-either people. If we're honest, it's <strike>awful</strike> challenging to be around these folks.<br />
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And then there's the prophet Jeremiah, the main character in the Bible's Old Testament book by the same name.<br />
<br />
The book of Jeremiah is 5.2% of the entire Bible, and with its 33,002 words, it is the longest book in the Old Testament.<br />
<br />
God gave Jeremiah an important message to deliver to the people, the message that they should turn from their sin, repent, and return to following God. Through Jeremiah, God told the people that He was going to send Babylon to punish Judah and they should surrender to God anew. They largely rejected the message and viewed it as treasonous.<br />
<br />
The other priests and prophets of the day were primarily spreading an untrue message. They were preaching the feel-good, all-is-well, prosperity-is-coming type message that so many then <i>and now</i> love to hear. <br />
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For his obedience in delivering God's word, Jeremiah was beaten, imprisoned, mocked and ostracized. The Bible says he was put in stocks. Very few people listened, believed, and repented.<br />
<br />
Today I studied the 20th chapter of this intriguing book. <br />
<br />
What struck me is how human Jeremiah was. This "big man of God" was just a normal guy. In fact, he was a whole lot like most of us:<br />
<br />
He had his own unique character, personality, and calling.<br />
He was not one having a "tough skin."<br />
He cared deeply about whether people accepted or liked him.<br />
He didn't like being rejected by anyone, especially by his friends.<br />
He had a hard job to do.<br />
He didn't know how his life would all pan out (and even though he was obedient to God's call, things weren't looking good).<br />
As he got older, the difficulty of his life calling seemed to create more suffering in his life.<br />
All the people seemed to be against him.<br />
He appeared to be the only one holding fast to his faith.<br />
His emotions were battered on many days.<br />
His steadfast faith in God caused him suffering.<br />
He whined.<br />
He complained.<br />
He praised.<br />
He questioned.<br />
He asked for answers.<br />
He wanted vindication.<br />
He suffered.<br />
He obeyed.<br />
He suffered more.<br />
<br />
I found encouragement today as I thought about Jeremiah and his challenging life.<br />
<br />
He was honest with God about his feelings.<br />
He let his emotions all hang out. He griped. He whined. He begged.<br />
He told God exactly what he was thinking.<br />
<br />
In doing so, he was often able to move through his doubts and weaknesses and press onward to a state of praise, worship, and continued obedience.<br />
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I want to remember that it's always completely OK to bare my heart and tell everything to my Lord. Why wouldn't I want to talk with the One I Love about every single thing?<br />
<br />
After all, He already knows it all. And He loves to be with me no matter what is on my mind.<br />
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Go ahead. Tell Him your stuff. Freely.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-70172796901057096522017-11-18T09:24:00.002-05:002017-11-18T09:24:38.944-05:00A Reckless Man!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every time I
read the story of blind Bartimaeus, I think to myself, <i>Now there’s a man of
exorbitant faith</i>. I don’t know if I’ve ever known somebody who has such a
reckless faith in Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Read Mark
10:46-52 if you want to meet this unusual man. I promise you – it’ll be worth
the time it takes you to read those seven verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Let me set the
scene. It was common in those days for the disabled and the beggars to sit or
lay along the roads in and out of the cities, right outside the city gates. That
way, the poor could panhandle all the travelers and merchants as they passed by
on the only routes to and from the towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Many of the poor
and destitute literally survived by permanently camping out right along these
paths, relying on the handouts of the few generous people who passed by them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bartimaeus was
one of these unfortunate people along the roadside.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">And so, it came
about that the blind Bartimaeus heard and sensed that Jesus and his men were
coming past him as they left Jericho. He knew what he should do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Although I’ve
read this passage many times, each time I see something new in the story, and
this reading was no exception.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I couldn’t stop
thinking about these four words in verse 50: “Throwing his cloak aside …” The
ramifications of those four words astounded me, for they indicate so much more
about the faith of Bartimaeus when I really think about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a destitute
blind beggar, the clothing on his body and the cloak on his back were probably
his only possessions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">His cloak was
his “seat” during the morning and evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">He relied on it
as protection from the sun during the heat of the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">At night, his
cloak kept him warm. It was a barrier from insects and small predators.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wrapped around
him, his cloak was his shelter, his bed. It was his only security.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rolling up
snuggly within it, he might experience his only source of comfort.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was always
with him. He knew its feel, its smell, and its great value to him in his
station in life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was likely
everything he owned.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So, when he
“[threw] his cloak aside, he jumped to his feet and came to Jesus,” he risked
the loss of literally everything he owned. He stepped toward Jesus in faith,
leaving everything behind. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Everything he had.<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">If Jesus didn’t
heal him, there was no guarantee his cloak (his “wealth,” his “home,” and his
“security”) would be there when he returned to search for it. The blind man may
never be able to find it again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In faith, he
blindly stepped toward the voice of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, in faith,
he told Jesus the desires of his heart, and Jesus healed him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">No matter how “blind” we
are, Jesus loves when we leave all behind and recklessly risk losing it all as
we step towards Him in faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">The reckless, exorbitant faith of this man, Blind Bart, inspires me.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">How reckless is your faith?</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-31994288397300244862017-11-13T16:46:00.002-05:002017-11-13T16:46:16.730-05:00Prayer of a Wise Man<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Billy Graham is one of the men I respect most on this earth. <br />
<br />
He is an American Christian evangelist. Back in the mid-forties he began preaching the gospel message to thousands in stadiums around the United States and thereafter around the world. In response to his simple, Bible-based gospel presentations, over the years millions of people have committed their lives to Christ, and have secured assurance of eternal life in Heaven with God.<br />
<br />
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It was one of his sermons that compelled my father to make his own simple commitment to Jesus Christ shortly before I was born. My father's decision that day gradually shaped how he lived throughout the rest of his life. At 83, he continues to live by Christian principles.<br />
<br />
Born November 7, 1918, Graham has seen and experienced quite the kaleidoscope of world history and has seen great changes in transportation, war and peace efforts, technology, and morality.<br />
<br />
This man of faith just turned 99 years old a few days ago. As he enters his 100th year, one of his most famous quotes continues to be, "My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world."<br />
<br />
Health issues and simple concerns of old age are keeping him home these days. He no longer preaches to large stadiums. Minute by minute he simply enjoys spending time with Jesus, praying, reading the Bible, and enjoying visitors.<br />
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I cannot help but be challenged and inspired by this man. When he soon stands before the King of Kings, I know he will be welcomed with "Well done, my good and faithful servant." <br />
<br />
At 95 years old, Billy Graham offered a prayer over our country. For whatever reason, it seems the media has kept its distance and has resisted trashing this man, even when prayers like this one hit the "world" squarely on the head. <br />
<br />
This prayer was timely then, and is still timely today. Oh, that those of us whole-heartedly following the Lord would humble ourselves and pray in agreement:<br />
<br />
"Heavenly Father, we come before you today to ask your forgiveness and to seek your direction and guidance. We know Your Word says, 'Woe to those who call evil good,' but that is exactly what we have done. <br />
<br />
We have lost our spiritual equilibrium and reversed our values. <br />
We have exploited the poor and called it the lottery. <br />
We have rewarded laziness and called it welfare. <br />
We have killed our unborn and called it choice. <br />
We have shot abortionists and called it justifiable. <br />
We have neglected to discipline our children and called it building self esteem. <br />
We have abused power and called it politics. <br />
We have coveted our neighbor's possessions and called it ambition. <br />
We have polluted the air with profanity and pornography and called it freedom of expression. <br />
We have ridiculed the time-honored values of our forefathers and called it enlightenment. <br />
<br />
Search us, Oh God, and know our hearts today; cleanse us from sin and set us free. Amen!"<br />
<br />
May this prayer take flight on Holy Spirit wings, sweeping over our nation anew, bringing fresh repentance and restoration to the Lord. <br />
<br />
His heart is always for redemption, for us to turn fully back to Him.<br />
<br />
Come with me, will you?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-40714304005205787172017-11-09T11:36:00.001-05:002017-11-09T11:36:01.977-05:00Interrupted!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am an organized doer, but every now and then I come up upon a massive interruption that interferes with all my plans.<br />
<br />
I like to start my day with a list of tasks, cross them off one by one as I accomplish them, and victoriously crumple and lob the finished list in the trash bin at day's end.<br />
<br />
I find great satisfaction in setting and accomplishing my goals.<br />
<br />
It's just that those goals aren't always <i>HIS, </i>and to get my attention, He sometimes has to make an interruption into my life.<br />
<br />
The interruption that came my way the other morning wasn't pleasant. In all ways it was acutely painful. I awoke with a splitting migraine headache along with a flair of another health issue I regularly battle. Frankly, I was miserable. It was the kind of sick that one cannot even think clearly enough to manage a call to the doctor.<br />
<br />
Because of this unexpected interruption, I missed an appointment for major car service, a lunch meeting with other writers, and I didn't even get near my list of to-do's for the remainder of that day. Instead, I sat curled up in a cozy blanket, stretched out on a recliner, and loopy from prescription medications. <br />
<br />
I did have a sweet time of rest and prayer, though. Talking to Jesus throughout my day was relaxing and calming. <br />
<br />
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Maybe He had missed me. <br />
Maybe He created the interruption.<br />
Maybe I ought to train myself to recognize those divine interruptions more quickly.<br />
<br />
Research is full of data about interruptions in the work place. One survey reports that employees suffer an average of 56 interruptions per day. I'm fairly sure my husband would argue that the number in his office is more than that. Some days he comes home claiming to have accomplished nothing due to all the interruptions.<br />
<br />
The Bible, too, is full of famous people whose lives have been interrupted. Divinely interrupted, to be sure. From the beginning of the Old Testament to the end of the New, there are plenty of examples:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Adam was interrupted by a snake and an apple.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Abraham's life was interrupted by an unexpected moving plan.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Jonah's life was interrupted by a moment of disobedience and a large fish.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Joseph's life plan was interrupted by a lengthy prison sentence.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Samson's life was interrupted by a timely haircut.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Moses was interrupted by a bizarre fiery bush that didn't burn.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">David's life was interrupted by a beautiful woman bathing on a nearby roof.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Mary's life was interrupted by a miraculous pregnancy.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">A bunch of fishermen's lives were interrupted by a man wanting them to follow him.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Lazarus' life was interrupted by a four-day stay in a tomb.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Malchus' life was interrupted when his ear was violently sliced off.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;">Jesus' life with his Father was interrupted by 33 years on earth spent with us.</span><br />
<br />
And there are so many more.<br />
<br />
I'd like to say I welcomed the interruption to my plans the other day with grace and a Godly outlook. I'd be lying, though. Instead, I grumbled, complained, whined, and huffed and puffed in frustration. <br />
<br />
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I want to get better at this. I do want to wear the Holy Spirit lenses at all times, those "glasses" that enable me to see and welcome each divine interruption. I want to see them as clearly as if an elephant were entering the room next to me. <br />
<br />
Lord, teach me to graciously accept the interruptions that come my way throughout each day. With your Holy Spirit living in me, give me the ability to see your divine interruptions clearly and to know your purpose for them and my part in them. I eagerly ask you to have your way in me at all times. I love you and want to please you. Amen.<br />
<br />
Have you experienced any divine interruptions in your life lately?<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-69165560416779388912017-11-02T11:37:00.001-04:002017-11-02T11:37:39.967-04:00Threatening To Unravel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Whether it's due to old age, dried-out fibers, or a little bit of "assistance" from the puppy, the blanket on son Caleb's bed is disintegrating.<br />
<br />
There are pieces all over, in between the sheets, and lying on the floor around the bed like snow. <br />
<br />
It's totally unraveling.<br />
<br />
Kinda like me today.<br />
<br />
There is:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>an overabundance of laundry waiting for attention</li>
<li>a little hint of marital discord</li>
<li>a difficult full-of-legalese contract from my literary agent needing my response</li>
<li>an after travel lack of groceries in the house</li>
<li>some out-of-control hormonal fluctuations and hot flashes giving me the going over</li>
<li>an overnight bellyache that is still lurking</li>
<li>leftover empty cartons and containers to trip over from our goodies for the 325 trick or treaters we had two nights ago</li>
<li>a work crew from the sewer company jackhammering in the street out front of my bedroom at 7:00 in the AM this morning</li>
</ul>
<br />
The thought comes easily to my mind, for I've heard it said so many times: "God won't give you more than you can handle." (2 Memes 10:14)<br />
<br />
False. <br />
<br />
In spite of the fact that I do feel overwhelmed, and I do feel a potential to unravel, I can say without a doubt that the statement is false. Although spoken by well-meaning Christians who are attempting to encourage, it would mean we <b><i>can</i></b> handle everything that comes our way, no matter how much or how hard it is. That view essentially means we don't really need God at all because we've got it handled.<br />
<br />
Actually, at times He definitely <b><i>will</i></b> give us more than we can handle on our own, just so we are constantly reminded of our need for Him and for a savior. He loves it when we run to Him, asking for His help (and his love and companionship as we travel through those hard places!)<br />
<br />
Many stories in the Scriptures show how God put humans' backs to the wall. Without God, all would have ended in disaster. <br />
<br />
Let's stay true to what the Scriptures really do say. The verse that has been twisted into the 2 Memes 10:14 version above is 1 Corinthians 10:13:<br />
<br />
"No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it."<br />
<br />
My frustrations and feelings that I may not be able to cope may always be there, though. I may sense an imminent unraveling at times.<br />
<br />
Even so, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)<br />
<br />
<b><i>All</i></b> things, through Christ. Not on my own.<br />
<br />
I won't unravel.<br />
<br />
Instead, I choose to:<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-27254941503924407712017-10-26T12:15:00.000-04:002017-10-26T12:15:45.484-04:00What's the Matter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What is the matter?<br />
<br />
What is your matter?<br />
<br />
One of the major Biblical prophets, Isaiah, had a matter to address - the sin of his people. Israel's matter was ugly, rampant sin. God wanted to settle the matter, once and for all. <br />
<br />
God used Isaiah to talk to the people, and these are the words Isaiah spoke to them:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet,</span><span style="color: red;"> they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." </span><span style="color: red;">(Isaiah 1:18)</span><br />
<br />
So what is your problem, issue, dilemma?<br />
What is the matter?<br />
<br />
Coming to the Lord with our problems, our matters, is really a simple process. We just make it so complicated. We stall and don't deal with our matters in a timely manner. We craft a plethora of excuses.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Sg2R7uE6wsUWLe68cwBPTo88W54IMzhmlS9bS6bB4laALO-H08XhP0Blhp1yTA5KyqhpJOK0MBkr46DDDUrdU1S6ykWNVNc00I6viIE_Wg7zNXnEMx7QOyBPFnZKfWKADzGODFnvrU/s1600/Isaiah%25C2%25A9LeiaJobe-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe1Sg2R7uE6wsUWLe68cwBPTo88W54IMzhmlS9bS6bB4laALO-H08XhP0Blhp1yTA5KyqhpJOK0MBkr46DDDUrdU1S6ykWNVNc00I6viIE_Wg7zNXnEMx7QOyBPFnZKfWKADzGODFnvrU/s320/Isaiah%25C2%25A9LeiaJobe-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Come:</span> He wants us to move toward Him. To Him. To initiate the resolution.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Now:</span> Don't delay any longer. The matter won't likely resolve on its own.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Let:</span> Allow it to happen. His way. The best way. According to His plan.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Us:</span> Together, working with Him, we will deal with the matter.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Settle:</span> Lay it to rest. Forever.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">The Matter:</span> Whatever the problem is.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Says the Lord:</span> He is the One with all the wisdom, help, love, and solutions to whatever ails us!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">"Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord!</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span>
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<br />
So what's your matter? How will you choose to deal with it?<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-14524678848822387272017-10-23T12:44:00.002-04:002017-10-23T12:44:20.581-04:00Wooden Spoons and Grace<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvvKbOKHagoCW_boBqagjkW7R3krhCdF5nFOevt2D5N-BsEXmr593mgg5XRh0hG5kZuzbYEAzM-eDRV3tftzaO7dEuhG3h2lJ3ZNTzu0ikoKPnjGK1KP1wpsdMXI8s9_NpIB2dGMg40/s1600/unnamed-57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBvvKbOKHagoCW_boBqagjkW7R3krhCdF5nFOevt2D5N-BsEXmr593mgg5XRh0hG5kZuzbYEAzM-eDRV3tftzaO7dEuhG3h2lJ3ZNTzu0ikoKPnjGK1KP1wpsdMXI8s9_NpIB2dGMg40/s320/unnamed-57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lindsay (on left) with me</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For whatever reason, daughter Lindsay has always had a way with her Dad. When I talk to my husband (her father) about her, he has no explanation for this phenomenon. He just laughs and admits she could wrangle just about anything out of him. It's not that she is a favorite of our four children, but for whatever reason his soft spot for her is huge.<br />
<br />
We did not "spare the rod, spoil the child." No, we tried our best to hold to Biblical standards of discipline. Some of the children seemed to get the paddling more than others. Of our four children, Lindsay was probably the least strong-willed, the most compliant. She didn't seem to need the corrections as much as the others. In fact, just a sideways look from Mom or Dad, and she was immediately remorseful and totally reformed.<br />
<br />
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I had in the house a varied collection of wooden cooking spoons that we used when the kiddos needed a "reminder on the behinder." Some were large spoons with long handles. Others had slots in the spoon end. The kids claimed those spoons were highly dreaded. A few of my spoons had very short handles. I called those the purse models. Just because we were out and about did not mean a free ticket to misbehave. The kids were well aware that I always had a spoon along, just in case.<br />
<br />
There was one mysterious incident involving Lindsay that we came to understand years later. She had misbehaved, and Dad had the duty to take her up in the bedroom and make an adjustment on her backside. Days later, she informed us that together they devised a plan: while he smacked the spoon down hard onto the bed she would cry appropriately. The two of them were smirking at each other the rest of that evening, enjoying their own private secret.<br />
<br />
We all understand now that Grace was administered that evening up in her room.<br />
<br />
The story of the adulteress brought to Jesus in John 8:1-59 is one of the best illustrations of grace. <br />
<br />
She was caught in the act.<br />
The law required stoning of such a person.<br />
She didn't speak a word. <br />
No denial.<br />
No begging or asking for mercy or forgiveness.<br />
<br />
Jesus extended it to her, though, in his great compassion and love for her. <br />
<br />
Those who brought her looked for allegiance to punishment; Jesus looked for compassion.<br />
<br />
Jesus maneuvered the situation so that the woman could see and know that all were sinners. The others were forced to admit that they were no better than her. He leveled the status of all.<br />
<br />
This is truly the gospel message right here in a moment. We all have sinned and are in need of a savior's grace.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"> Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."</span><br />
<br />
Jesus didn't look to condemn her; he found a way to save her. That is why he came, after all. <br />
<br />
The older ones in the crowd left first. Why were they the first to wander off? Maybe the younger ones hadn't dealt yet with their own pride and self-righteousness. It was hard for them to give up their indignation.<br />
<br />
Oh, and why wasn't the man who was participating in the act of adultery with her brought in?<br />
<br />
Jesus' directions to the woman:<br />
<br />
1. Go<br />
2. Now<br />
3. Leave your life of sin.<br />
<br />
Go back home, immediately "pack your bags," and move on to a new way of living.<br />
<br />
Jesus wouldn't have told her to do something that was impossible to do. In just a few moments this woman was given a whole new lease on life, a hope and a future. <br />
<br />
She met a man who showed her true love, not exploitation. <br />
<br />
She learned her worth as a woman was equal to all of the men, even the scholars and leaders of her society.<br />
<br />
And, she met the Lover of Her Soul.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-30592408070369621942017-10-19T15:23:00.000-04:002017-10-19T15:23:20.848-04:00What Happens in Your Driveway?We live in a broken world.<br />
<br />
Every day it seems more obvious that the majority of those around me are simply hurting people. <br />
<br />
The daily news verifies that this is so. The faces of the people I see while doing daily grocery shopping and errands tell me this is so. The repentance and enthusiastic response to the evangelistic crusades that Franklin Graham has been leading in Texas this month tell me this is so. Even the hunger I detect when walking through the halls and rooms in my own church tells me this is so.<br />
<br />
There are so many hurting people. People who need answers. People who need the Truth.<br />
<br />
Today the responsibility I bear as a Christian is in the forefront of my thoughts. There is no time to waste. My life is not my own. There is limited chance to reach these people. Someday soon that limited window of opportunity will be gone.<br />
<br />
Followers of Christ do not have the right to live a life of limited influence.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfMZ-74kefEtDpvIKnpdS7h6-oFE9xjUi0J-j7yJgg7eWB37GRL9bgLPPU7xF-e19fFOo0Sn4kGWmc-I3lnDiR3wGNs3MbzHYySRDVlCXJUuzUeyCvpj4t6RcoOqVhR4VZjZYZ9iGFv0/s1600/bd6cb9f21828600f9be1393e325b3601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTfMZ-74kefEtDpvIKnpdS7h6-oFE9xjUi0J-j7yJgg7eWB37GRL9bgLPPU7xF-e19fFOo0Sn4kGWmc-I3lnDiR3wGNs3MbzHYySRDVlCXJUuzUeyCvpj4t6RcoOqVhR4VZjZYZ9iGFv0/s320/bd6cb9f21828600f9be1393e325b3601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Someone is watching you today. Someone needs you to be Jesus right in front of them.<br />
<br />
Great responsibility.<br />
Powerful opportunity.<br />
May I own it.<br />
<br />
Jon Acuff, speaker and author, made this statement two days ago to a group of church leaders, and I think it applies to every single one of us that calls himself a Christian:<br />
<br />
"The first church a neighbor visits is your driveway. You don't get to be a good church and a bad neighbor."<br />
<br />
I think that hits right at the heart of the issue. <br />
<br />
We need to live so that we show the Truth.<br />
<br />
Now.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-30110565080216697782017-10-16T11:13:00.003-04:002017-10-16T23:24:48.329-04:00Lost and FoundRecently I read the story of the Prodigal Son again. See Luke 15:11-32 if you want to refresh your memory. It's a classic - one of the best stories ever.<br />
<br />
I've always loved this parable, yet this time I seemed to see so much more in it than every other time I read it. One son gets "lost" and is "found" in the end. The other son is "lost," and as of the end of the account is still quite sadly "lost."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS-8pCMH1UGf02UlHOL4wtmys7TuRR4UfyIiJkMcDtbV-3xuHA9mMktpvsnJeIOXVGaQE0EqfSp0QYy5Y7Kd5wKZvpo8M04A3ZD3XpeBxUM2_zZQR0_TkTTV7iKCBFKcQQvLBJV5s11s/s1600/lost_found_sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="329" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVS-8pCMH1UGf02UlHOL4wtmys7TuRR4UfyIiJkMcDtbV-3xuHA9mMktpvsnJeIOXVGaQE0EqfSp0QYy5Y7Kd5wKZvpo8M04A3ZD3XpeBxUM2_zZQR0_TkTTV7iKCBFKcQQvLBJV5s11s/s320/lost_found_sign.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
I allowed myself a few minutes to think back over my life and recall various items I've lost. I'm sure I lost many more things than those that came to mind. However, the fact that I remembered these items is proof that in some sense they were valuable to me or to others. <br />
<br />
Here is the list of the things I recall losing:<br />
<br />
1. A small change purse on the train to Hershey Amusement Park. I was probably seven or eight at the time and traveling there with my best friend and her family.<br />
<br />
2. My baby daughter's security bunny in a McDonald's. I speculate it fell on the floor and was put into the trash by someone. If you've ever had a child who needs that favorite blankie, or pacifier, or whatever it is, you know how devastating a loss like this can be.<br />
<br />
3. My young son in a clothing store one day. Yes, he thought he was being so clever when he hid under a circular clothing rack in a department store. He didn't even make a peep until I became nearly hysterical.<br />
<br />
4. My daughter's Cabbage Patch Big Wheels tricycle. Actually it was stolen, but she was heart-broken, unable to ride with her posse up and down the block after that.<br />
<br />
5. My son's trumpet. He left it sit there at the bus stop when he got on the school bus. Thankfully it was recovered and returned to us.<br />
<br />
6. My child's orthodontic retainer. (It went into the school cafeteria trash can when the lunch tray was dumped.)<br />
<br />
7. My grandmother's diamond ring, which was to eventually be mine. An alzheimer's sufferer, she could've put it anywhere. Or flushed it. Or ate it.<br />
<br />
8. An earring. The partner to it still sits in my jewelry box, many years later. Why do I still have it? I really liked those earrings.<br />
<br />
9. Lots of hair after the birth of each of my four children. Seemed like I was increasingly losing more of myself.<br />
<br />
10. Weight. I've always "found" it again later.<br />
<br />
Some of these things are lost forever; some have been recovered and returned.<br />
<br />
Thinking about the story of the Prodigal Son on a deeper level, I've come to realize that we tend to come and go. We, too, go lost, missing for periods of time. Sometimes we come back home.<br />
<br />
There's an old saying, "I got to rock bottom, and then I realized there was a basement under that." I suppose there's several ways one can interpret the meaning of that statement. For one, things can always get worse. Or two, there's always a shelter, no matter how bad things get. There's always another way out. The Father is always waiting and searching for us. He wants us home with Him.<br />
<br />
The prodigal (lost) son packed all he had, not just an overnight bag, and left for a distant country. His intention was to get far away and have a rip snorting' good time there. He hadn't really thought beyond that.<br />
<br />
How many of us regularly travel to "a distant country?"<br />
<br />
Just as that lost son did, we, too, squander our "wealth" there with wild living. That is, <i><b>we dabble outside our relationship with Jesus</b></i> in the wild living of worldly pleasures and pursuits that don't satisfy.<br />
<br />
Are you "found?"<br />
<br />
Are you home?<br />
<br />
Let me assure you with all certainty, your Daddy wants you back.<br />
<br />
Humbly repent, turn around, go back. Please.<br />
<br />
There's a party waiting for you there. A grand celebration beyond the limits of your imagination is waiting for you.<br />
<br />
And He's there. He's been anxiously waiting for you ever since you left.<br />
<br />
He'll run to you on the path. Go to Him. Hurry.<br />
<br />
There's no place like Home. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-70762025831658851802017-10-12T21:04:00.001-04:002017-10-12T21:04:46.542-04:00Kindness Is Free<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Note: The following post is an excerpt from my latest book, <u>Risking it All: One Woman's Adventure Giving Away Her Income.</u> The manuscript is ready for editing.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I no longer have
an income.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For now, that’s just the way
it is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will get along on my husband’s
income, and I have every confidence that our needs will be met.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kindness is
absolutely free, though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It costs
nothing other taking the effort to observe where and when it is needed, and
making a small expenditure of physical energy to go and distribute that
kindness to the one who needs it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I experienced
this firsthand today in our local Subway sandwich shop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">While waiting in
line, I witnessed a sad interchange between the customer before me and the
sandwich artist preparing lunch for him and his two other family members.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">That clerk asked
him if the three sandwiches were together, and he rudely responded, “Yes, but
you would have known that if you had paid attention the first time.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I keenly felt
the fallout of those death-disbursing words. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I quietly observed the girl thinking for a
quick second before she carefully responded, “Thank you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been very busy and I just wanted to make
sure.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">A very classy
comeback to a very mean-spirited remark, to be sure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, I could
see the defeat on her face as she continued making my sandwich and those for
the rest of the customers in the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Not only had he been unnecessarily rude in his words and the tone
thereof, he had also humiliated her in front of a shop full of customers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Every day we
have the power of life and death through our words, and today that customer
spewed death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The verse reminding me of
this truth came to my mind as I sat there eating my hoagie and watching the activity
in the restaurant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The tongue has
the power of life and death and those who love it will eat its fruit.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Proverbs 18:21)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I formulated my
plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I waited till the man and his
family finished their meals and left.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I headed over to the corner of the store where that clerk was
busily refilling the drinks refrigerator.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I gave her a few
kind words.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said I noticed how poorly
the customer in line responded to her, and I praised her for taking the higher
road with her classy response to him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
said I’ve worked in public jobs and I know people are not always friendly or
easy to serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I told her I
understand that his one sentence to her held the power to ruin her day and make
her feel like a miserable failure.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told her to pick up her chin and feel good about herself, despite how his words
had fallen on her.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">With tears in
her eyes, she thanked me for noticing and for going out of my way to shower a
bit of kindness onto her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She smiled.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think I
noticed her working and standing just a tad taller after that as she worked
around the store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kindness is
free.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">May we look for
ways to “spend” it lavishly on everyone around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-34961062187767118852017-10-09T11:42:00.002-04:002017-10-09T11:42:32.079-04:00At A Crossroads<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I love Mondays.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes,
I’m one of those few weird ones who enjoy the start of a new workweek.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me, they are a clean slate, another chance
to improve, and a new possibility of getting it “right.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMse1qjBKc0HRXnVUNxoZEyumoDsdCZt3k9wGATC_tH_op3v-CwV0tQ9AF5nvWGfGv0k-ktZWS2u0iCeFWLrilUDgursEHOJz_on_NcDbjxfdzhr8DsF4fF2r20InCWNQ9GyYUKq3pdwA/s1600/Unknown-11.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMse1qjBKc0HRXnVUNxoZEyumoDsdCZt3k9wGATC_tH_op3v-CwV0tQ9AF5nvWGfGv0k-ktZWS2u0iCeFWLrilUDgursEHOJz_on_NcDbjxfdzhr8DsF4fF2r20InCWNQ9GyYUKq3pdwA/s320/Unknown-11.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So this morning when I was having my coffee and reading
time, a verse in Jeremiah 6 jumped out at me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It showed me that yes, indeed, each Monday is like a new crossroads.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jeremiah has been telling the Israelites that God is going
to bring destruction to them because of their unrepentant hearts and ongoing
sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has continually called to them,
yet they have ignored Him and continued on in their evil ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But even so, God loves them and yearns for His people to be
right with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the midst of a picture
of coming devastation, here is what God says to them (and us) through Jeremiah
(verse 16):<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;">“<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Stand</b>
at the crossroads and<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> look</b>;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;">ask</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;"> for the ancient paths,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;">ask</span></b><span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;"> where the good way is,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;">and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">walk</b>
in it,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #c0504d; font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-themecolor: accent2;">and you will <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">find</b> rest for your souls.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(I
added the bold font to emphasize the action words.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NawRR8IUQ3G-iZObEluJNJQ9ydbUuceNzr8QNSZbgrLO0eh-o0NQYlVcil2ijRGlc9eCveHbKHIozOBduo1Cctf0i-6IkegqqDyOw43oQUcwo4UOZdoDAYRzhtfEvdsKvkGGENyaR4/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi35NawRR8IUQ3G-iZObEluJNJQ9ydbUuceNzr8QNSZbgrLO0eh-o0NQYlVcil2ijRGlc9eCveHbKHIozOBduo1Cctf0i-6IkegqqDyOw43oQUcwo4UOZdoDAYRzhtfEvdsKvkGGENyaR4/s320/IMG_1923.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I’m picturing myself standing at a crossroads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most typical crossroads have four options of
ways to go, but some have even more than four.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Five points” is a well-known spot in my little town.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You guessed it – five roads converge at that intersection. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I traveled to San Antonio, Texas back in the spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Somehow the engineers there have figured out
how to join eight and more roads together at one crossroads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was baffling and sometimes overwhelming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As it is at many crossroads of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So there are usually several ways one can go at a
crossroads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of those ways may be
wide “highways” or they may be tiny “side roads.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Often times most people are going together on the same one,
the “wide way.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are directed to <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">stand</span> and<span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">
look</span> when we get to these crossroads.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don’t just charge down the road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This reminds me of the Fire Safety Motto, “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In life we “Stop, Stand, and Look” before
proceeding.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Examining the verse again, I think it is significant that we
are told twice to <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">ask</span>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe that is so we keep asking until we are
totally sure of the way to go.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EntB24ztBNyF4V_inweA1G2GETMsw5UQTZ1BeUxu1NYh19qGoNgF88JfhZB-lVpQXqCFid6fDHSiubwcwheuw9sdQxHvLRzTm70iQB2BLu32J8-ebJwzhjMdqEquY1tMmBQZEEnBXqc/s1600/IMG_1442.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9EntB24ztBNyF4V_inweA1G2GETMsw5UQTZ1BeUxu1NYh19qGoNgF88JfhZB-lVpQXqCFid6fDHSiubwcwheuw9sdQxHvLRzTm70iQB2BLu32J8-ebJwzhjMdqEquY1tMmBQZEEnBXqc/s320/IMG_1442.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Only then, when we are sure of the ancient way, the good way
to go, we <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">walk</span> in
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We do not only <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">know</i> the way to go, we actually <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">walk</span></i> in it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do not follow the crowd where it goes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Be intentional about your physical, moral, and spiritual
choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Know that <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">rest
for your souls</span> will not come outside of being in the will of God for
your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I resolve not to simply live my life like the majority of
other Americans.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will stop, <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">stand</span>, <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">look</span>, and <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">ask repeatedly</span> until I know
the way to proceed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Then, when I recognize God’s path, I will <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">walk</span> in it and enjoy
glorious <span style="color: #c0504d; mso-themecolor: accent2;">rest for my soul.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wanna join me? It's sure to be a great adventure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-85290373147673549652017-10-05T15:12:00.002-04:002017-10-05T15:12:34.743-04:00Brunch and Books ClubIt's time for another Brunch and Books Club this weekend in my home. I always look forward to seeing my book nerd friends again.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fall colors</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A couple of years ago I kept rolling the idea of hosting a book club around in my mind. I'd always wanted to be member of a book club, but whenever I'd see a flyer advertising a local book club, the featured book of the month held no appeal for me. So I never joined, but I never lost the desire to somehow participate in one, either.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to the start of this year, and I decided to make it happen. Honestly I had an ulterior motive: to meet new people and expand my current circle of friends and acquaintances. I created a Brunch and Books Club to facilitate my dream. I sent official snail mailed invitations to about a dozen of my friends, detailing the plan and announcing the first club meeting.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fun giveaways</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over time, hopefully we would all meet new friends.<br />
We'd enjoy leisurely visiting and conversation, all over a delicious meal.<br />
Each participant would feel welcomed and special, whether she had read anything in the last month or not.<br />
Each attendee could select, read, and report of the book of her choice.<br />
Old fashioned library book rental cards would be available for writing down titles of interest.<br />
Attendees would be encouraged to bring along new guests, thus growing the group over time.<br />
The meetings would keep to an hour and a half, allowing attendees to get on with their day.<br />
Fun prizes would be awarded at the end of each club meeting to those whose names were drawn out of a hat. Who doesn't like giveaways? The magnetic book markers have especially been a hit.<br />
<br />
The club has been meeting once a month since the beginning of this year. We gather on the first Saturday morning of each month, from 10:00 to about 11:30. Attendance varies, depending who's away on vacation.<br />
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Our time starts with some chitchat around the kitchen table while coffee, tea, and any other beverages are served. When it seems as if everyone has arrived, the meal is served, buffet style. While eating we visit, getting to know new guests and catching up with the others. The menu varies from month to month, along with the colors and themes of the paper plates, napkins and other table decor.<br />
<br />
After most are finished with the meal, we clear the table and then report on the books we've read. Going around the table, one by one, we each tell about our book. Some folks talk for a minute or less, some longer. Usually conversation develops after we hear each report. Sometimes books are loaned to another eager reader, or titles are written down to remember and purchase later. <br />
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Finally, we share other reading-related news - dates of local book fairs, addresses of newly-discovered, second-hand book stores. Attendees often want an update on what stage I am at in writing my latest book. <br />
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After drawing names for the giveaways and announcing the date of the next brunch and books club meeting, we say our goodbyes until next time.<br />
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This week the menu will be:<br />
Apple French Toast Bake (toppings are confectioners sugar and maple syrup)<br />
Breakfast Sausages<br />
Banana halves and grapes<br />
"Dessert" - Assorted Ghirardelli chocolate squares<br />
Coffee, tea, juice and water<br />
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I'll be reporting on two books (I couldn't narrow it down to just one this time!) <br />
<u>The Long Road Home</u> by Earle L. Wilson and Lawrence W. Wilson<br />
<u>Thank You Notes 2</u> by Jimmy Fallon<br />
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Does this sound like something you'd enjoy? Have you ever participated in a book club? If so, I'd love to learn of your experience.<br />
<br />
Also, if you're in my local area and you'd like to join us, please contact me. We'd be glad to have you. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-8133247148895938262017-10-02T16:13:00.000-04:002017-10-02T16:13:06.205-04:00Bullying Hits Close to Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I sadly learned again from my daughter that my grandchildren have once again become victims of bullying. <br />
<br />
This fall they moved up in grade level to the next school building in their district. After their last school year, a painful year full of bullying, ostracizing by the popular cliches, and multiple unproductive meetings between their parents and teachers and school counselors, over the summer the hope had grown that moving into a new school would alleviate the problem.<br />
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Unfortunately, after only one month into this new school year and new building, all those summer hopes have been swiftly dashed. <br />
<br />
As I write this my heart has been shattered into a million shards, and each piece is piercing me with sharp pain. I cannot resist questioning our whole society and how did we possibly get to where we are today. <br />
<br />
How did it get to the point where sixth graders can post Instagram videos to the entire social media world campaigning for their "friends" to ostracize other classmates? <br />
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I compiled several dictionary definitions of the word "bullying," are here is just a partial list what it means to bully:<br />
<br />
to persecute to intimidate habitual aggressive humiliating behavior<br />
to oppress to strong-arm domination by ostracizing or ridicule<br />
to tyrannize to dominate<br />
to browbeat to compel<br />
to harass to badger<br />
to torment to coerce<br />
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Wikipedia defines "bullying" as the use of force, threat, or coercion, to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others.<br />
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Any way we look at this issue, it is ugly, and it causes damage. Furthermore, all accounts report instances of bullying are on the rise, and in some locales, darn nearly out of control.<br />
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There are several things that most psychologists agree on relative to bullying:<br />
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1. There is hostile intent. (ex. A bully doesn't <i>accidentally</i> exclude a person from his own posse.)<br />
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2. There is an imbalance of power. (ex. The bully believes he has good reason to exert power over his victim. He believes his victim is annoying, and therefore should be ridiculed and excluded.)<br />
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3. Bullying reoccurs over time. (Short of some strong external intervention including serious consequence, bullies continue bullying.)<br />
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4. The victim of bullying clearly exhibits distress in some way. (We will easily see personality changes, social behaviors change, or physical trauma.)<br />
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5. The bully is convinced his aggressive or other behaviors are warranted and beneficial to himself.<br />
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I want to pick up a hammer and knock sense into somebody. <br />
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I want to say SHAME ON YOU!<br />
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Shame on you, to every leader, dictator, administrator, teacher, teacher who is also a parent, PARENTS, or student who in any way models this behavior, accepts it, or fails to punish it. <br />
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Have we learned nothing from decades of war, domination, racism, slavery, and history in general? What has happened to basic love and kindness, and to the priority of teaching our children the same? <br />
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Maybe I've got an overly simple opinion of this hellacious crisis, but I believe centuries of ignoring the words of God through his son Jesus Christ need to be reversed. Jesus said, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself." (Matthew 22:37-39)<br />
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Love your neighbor as yourself. Now there's a thought.<br />
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We need to heed these two wise commandments. Immediately.<br />
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Precious lives are at stake.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-19044907401741070122017-09-29T17:14:00.000-04:002017-09-29T17:14:02.846-04:00A Strange Beast Indeed!If you have read any of my posts over the last few months, you may recall that I've been studying the book of Job in the Old Testament.<br />
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I finally got to the end the other day, yet I'm still thinking about a crazy section in it that I came across toward the end of the book, in chapter 39. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Anup Shah / Getty Images</td></tr>
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In six silly verses in the center of this chapter, God speaks to Job about the ostrich. Huh???? What does the ostrich, of all things, have to do with Job's horrific suffering and his demand for vindication as a righteous man?<br />
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Honestly, it's hilarious. You should take a look. Job 39:13-18. Go read it now. It's as if God's saying "Look at this crazy thing I came up with. Yes, I made this wondrous bird. You can't possibly make any sense out of it, so stop thinking you could ever fully understand my mind, either. Look how silly it is!" <br />
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Even though I've seen these odd creatures various times in zoo captivity, I did a bit of research to learn more. Here are some of the crazy tidbits I found:<br />
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1. The ostrich is the largest and fastest moving bird. It is a bird, but it cannot fly. It can travel at speeds up to 45 mph, grow up to 9 feet tall, and weigh up to 320 pounds. An egg can weigh up to 3 pounds, and a baby can be the size of a chicken.<br />
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2. The Libyan ostrich and the hornbill are the only birds having eyelashes.<br />
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3. The ancient Romans particularly liked roasted ostrich wings.<br />
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4. Ostrich eggs were greatly admired by the ancient Persians, who sent them as tributes to the Emperors of China.<br />
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5. An ostrich omelet made from one egg will feed about 8 hungry diners.<br />
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6. My Bible discusses ostriches twice, both in Lamentations 4:3 and Job 39:13-18.<br />
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7. The ostrich only has 2 toes per foot. All other birds have 3 or 4.<br />
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8. It often eats sand and pebbles to help grind up the food in its gizzard, a small pouch where food is crushed and ripped up before it travels on to the stomach.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Robert Airhart / Shutterstock</td></tr>
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9. During a predator attack, the male ostrich attempts to lure the predator away. The mother ostrich just runs for her life, oblivious to whether her babies are following her or not.<br />
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10. Contrary to popular legend, ostriches do not bury their heads in the sand. They do lie down when threatened, though, and the head and neck blend in with the sand color.<br />
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11. A solid ostrich kick can kill a lion.<br />
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What a strange piece of creation, indeed!<br />
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And here's what the Lord himself said about his creation in the book of Job (in my loose translation):<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:13 It flaps its wings ridiculously, but yet it cannot fly.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Karl Ammann / Getty Images</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:14 Mothers lay their eggs and leave them totally unprotected on the ground.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:15 The mother doesn't care if predators stomp on them or steal them. Oh well.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:16 The mother ostrich has no maternal instincts; her labor and delivery didn't enamor her to her babies.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:17 The ostrich is dumb. It has no common sense. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Job 39:18 At least it can run fast.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8IOSrUDhfAleJaxkQJVtCWtBRT3bSbv_K8ONCUSJLtyNaEz9CgXlGnLSWaYN4-eh4FDFSydC0AKSy-zSKShFcbIVsT8nxdlEZobS1aYntFelVQSZVEK2TeNbUOYZT4vc-dGC5l3fr0/s1600/Head_of_Ostrich-589cfe565f9b58819c737a8c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="768" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX8IOSrUDhfAleJaxkQJVtCWtBRT3bSbv_K8ONCUSJLtyNaEz9CgXlGnLSWaYN4-eh4FDFSydC0AKSy-zSKShFcbIVsT8nxdlEZobS1aYntFelVQSZVEK2TeNbUOYZT4vc-dGC5l3fr0/s320/Head_of_Ostrich-589cfe565f9b58819c737a8c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: Charlesjsharp / Wikipedia</td></tr>
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Perhaps God means to show Job through the ostrich that every creature, whether familiar, mysterious, difficult, or odd, is similar to suffering. Sometimes we can recognize its purpose, but other times it's simply painful and puzzling. Whether we understand our suffering or not, it seems to be part of God's order for us at times.<br />
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Who'd of thought there was such a message for us from the ostrich? A strange beast, indeed!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-26220156802965764152017-09-25T12:09:00.000-04:002017-09-25T12:09:06.947-04:00Hatred Turned to LoveI used to hate writing. Numbers and equations were more my forte, please.<br />
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Both in high school and college, I dreaded any assignment that included writing a paper, even one as short as one page or a 200-word theme. My high school senior English term paper was 24 pages long, and I wanted to shoot myself by the time it was completed. I wrote on the symbolism of the rainbow in D. H. Lawrence's books. Oh yeah, I got an A grade. It's just that I didn't love that kind of writing at all.<br />
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I was a mathematician; I loved everything in every high school math class I took. Then I trained in college to be a math teacher. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuxujeZJohzkVFOZs_Wl-Y43Bfw2cvsiK3j9WavpDGcbaa1iUkCB8jHmh7AoAV5WCwNsvUGDfxydxv5kqdegVjC1hi1tySVcCVQDMF47oW7i8hrTZnNr2Y2ivXyljN0UNiBtPuspn5bk/s1600/unnamed-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvuxujeZJohzkVFOZs_Wl-Y43Bfw2cvsiK3j9WavpDGcbaa1iUkCB8jHmh7AoAV5WCwNsvUGDfxydxv5kqdegVjC1hi1tySVcCVQDMF47oW7i8hrTZnNr2Y2ivXyljN0UNiBtPuspn5bk/s320/unnamed-47.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Latest BOOK PROPOSAL</td></tr>
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After raising my kids, I returned to the working world and taught college mathematics for ten years. I loved the odd mix of students at the technical college where I taught, and I thrived in my work. Some say when you love your job, you never work a day in your life. It was just that way for me until I retired from teaching.<br />
<br />
But now I write. An odd and unexpected mix of circumstances led me to start writing, and I write about what interests me. I create books that help others. My former hatred of writing has turned to love, and that's a beautiful thing. I can only attribute this new phase in my life to the lovely creativity of my wonderful God. I'm so grateful that He has opened up this new world to me - an exciting and challenging career that can continue into my old age, no matter how physically infirm I may ever become. As long as my mind is clear, I will write. I will write and point to Him in all my writing.<br />
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Many of you, my readers, have been cheering me on in my latest writing project, and I appreciate your interest and support. My fifth book is nearly finished, <u>Risking It All: One Woman's Adventure Giving Away Her Income.</u> You've been asking me how soon this book will be "out" and available to purchase. Here's the update: Just a few days ago, I finally submitted the book proposal for this book to my agent. Woohoo! <br />
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There was a lot of writing. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xVscK2NG37lrKz369I-f4yvZX6T1rqRhMI6E7AOmqtONLGkDs6qLnw-kT_YR7Ha_6OaAHrkV9PSeT9rHQw6YSoDYqhTB-LdHCrqJK5taQk21_OW1010HOu_S7n35zw9LwiI1TZFwQ2s/s1600/unnamed-46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-xVscK2NG37lrKz369I-f4yvZX6T1rqRhMI6E7AOmqtONLGkDs6qLnw-kT_YR7Ha_6OaAHrkV9PSeT9rHQw6YSoDYqhTB-LdHCrqJK5taQk21_OW1010HOu_S7n35zw9LwiI1TZFwQ2s/s320/unnamed-46.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three-inch clips - necessary for file organization</td></tr>
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Files were organized and combined into one final document. <br />
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Then there was a lot of editing on the proposal, both by myself and by a professional editor.<br />
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Next there were some sequestered days when I carefully made all the suggested corrections and changes. <br />
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I made sure all files were named as the agency required.<br />
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One last page through, and then the cover letter and proposal were sent via a carefully labeled email. Most agencies do all by electronic methods these days. <br />
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27,000 words and 87 pages. And that's just the proposal! Now I wait until I hear back from the agent as to what happens next. He will pitch it to publishers and hopefully rustle up a contract. I have done my best, I have prayed, and now it is all in God's hands.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h1XeA0eR-MKHG17LIwLcfFnVYWle9mVwJeL93O9cMbleP4MgPqVSx027nfMNQg-Gfb1443vMNHRMJO-74hGUih_DTyK85MGMJmwSwiallgfDfhkIgaOeip3qiTUNd4doRSCWXVjNDio/s1600/unnamed-48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2h1XeA0eR-MKHG17LIwLcfFnVYWle9mVwJeL93O9cMbleP4MgPqVSx027nfMNQg-Gfb1443vMNHRMJO-74hGUih_DTyK85MGMJmwSwiallgfDfhkIgaOeip3qiTUNd4doRSCWXVjNDio/s320/unnamed-48.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Required tools of the edit process</td></tr>
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Many of my faithful encouragers have asked me why this proposal has taken me three full months to write. I thought I'd answer by explaining here what is involved in writing a non-fiction book proposal. <br />
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Every literary agency requires different elements to a proposal, and I'm only going to list the elements that my agency requires. It falls onto the shoulders of each author to research what an agency requires and then to follow those directions explicitly. <br />
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My proposal to the Hartline Agency (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) includes these elements:<br />
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1. A proposal cover letter. This letter is the body of the email to the agent. The proposal is attached as a link to this cover letter.<br />
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2. A proposal cover sheet<br />
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3. A proposal table of contents<br />
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4. A one-page sell sheet (the agent will use this with various publishers)<br />
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5. A biographical sketch<br />
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6. A description of the book<br />
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7. A chapter outline, including a table of contents of my book and a 4-5 sentence description of each chapter.<br />
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8. A market analysis<br />
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9. A competitive analysis (of other books similar to mine)<br />
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10. A marketing plan<br />
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11. History of the manuscript<br />
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12. Three sample chapters<br />
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Last Friday, I pushed "SEND," and then I cleaned up my desk.<br />
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How did I celebrate after clicking "SEND?"<br />
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With a decadent lunch assortment of some of my favorites - pickles, several slices of cheese, potato chips, and a thumbprint peanut butter cookie. Of course.<br />
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Phew! Now to return to writing the remainder of the other chapters. <br />
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The end is in sight.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-56963614360406690252017-09-21T14:56:00.000-04:002017-09-21T14:56:12.520-04:00Brace Yourself!Some of my readers may recall that I've been plodding through a study of the Biblical book of Job. It's taking me a while to get through this book, longer than I thought it would. <br />
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I started on July 14th of this year, 69 days ago.<br />
The book of Job has 42 chapters. I've studied 38 to date.<br />
In my tiny Bible, the book of Job only covers 46 pages.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk98EEcxpyYqYk8WOM7pv7vjFw3g2N6SG2_km-zMP8wunRcqRI8zZbxgJ7bYknBkYZcu__JVr3P5hTqLdIFGq-uOapnHoPeDoNQ9fzjL76Zq1grmCkUDu4t4rDuyQN5kQXm2NJqkNNwXk/s1600/unnamed-42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk98EEcxpyYqYk8WOM7pv7vjFw3g2N6SG2_km-zMP8wunRcqRI8zZbxgJ7bYknBkYZcu__JVr3P5hTqLdIFGq-uOapnHoPeDoNQ9fzjL76Zq1grmCkUDu4t4rDuyQN5kQXm2NJqkNNwXk/s320/unnamed-42.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make it stop, guys!</td></tr>
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Yes, I'm progressing through this book like slogging through molasses. <br />
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For the first 37 chapters, Job laments about his awful condition, and his "friends" try to convince him to repent, for surely no man would be so awfully afflicted if he hadn't done something very wrong.<br />
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Ugh! For a good half of the chapters, Job's friends pontificate, so pompously sure of themselves. They know Job must be harboring some secret sin and is just too proud to confess it. (With friends like that, who needs enemies?)<br />
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By the end of chapter 37, I just wanted to scream. I wanted the good old boys to shut up, and I wanted help to finally come for Job. Please.<br />
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And then in chapter 38, God finally responds to Job.<br />
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Job has been horrifically afflicted.<br />
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He has cried out to God.<br />
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Job has imagined a peaceful setting and a "legal trial" in which God hears his case.<br />
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It is not to be as Job has wished.<br />
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Instead, God answers Job out of a whirlwind; He speaks out of a storm.<br />
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It is terrifying, but is evidence that God has not been ignoring Job all along.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mpoyPBAgmwyIKr60UPiJOzrDHyUhYAMlQ9dD4a-rMeki1L5-iEYw35zDqfLq4h447PXu40QzJJe7_U-rtl9csOZ-yK1shbIgYwIYXlALs3go3K5tVRCXhGYvlMDVppErHKlDttsmRwk/s1600/16114375_889440274492917_4980832904334108914_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mpoyPBAgmwyIKr60UPiJOzrDHyUhYAMlQ9dD4a-rMeki1L5-iEYw35zDqfLq4h447PXu40QzJJe7_U-rtl9csOZ-yK1shbIgYwIYXlALs3go3K5tVRCXhGYvlMDVppErHKlDttsmRwk/s320/16114375_889440274492917_4980832904334108914_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brace yourself?</td></tr>
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God does not belittle Job's intelligence, nor does he scorn Job. The format of God's response to Job is to bombard him with rhetorical questions. To each of God's questions, Job must humbly plead ignorance.<br />
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However, first God tells Job to "brace yourself like a man..."<br />
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<b><i>BRACE YOURSELF?</i></b><br />
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I continued reading through the rest of that chapter, but my mind kept returning to those two commanding words. Brace yourself.<br />
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What was God really telling Job to do with that brief command?<br />
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After some thought and prayer, I believe by encouraging Job to brace himself, God wanted Job <b><i>to use all his physical, mental, and spiritual abilities to try to understand God's intentions for Job</i></b>, which God will express indirectly in the speech that will follow those two words. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKoXGjLP7lz40sDonK4dv-YOlhugwqnjsSYC5mlL6YRLc0CUX_EaP_vwka586A_UYc8kTR9xNw5cbH7DQfulMCs0Zd9gBiEC9mddXaTZoBjo1-nVvfb21DpHIauQ4w88pm_d-6P06h2I/s1600/19399101_1017122705058006_4013949077917107610_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuKoXGjLP7lz40sDonK4dv-YOlhugwqnjsSYC5mlL6YRLc0CUX_EaP_vwka586A_UYc8kTR9xNw5cbH7DQfulMCs0Zd9gBiEC9mddXaTZoBjo1-nVvfb21DpHIauQ4w88pm_d-6P06h2I/s1600/19399101_1017122705058006_4013949077917107610_n.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Son Caleb "bracing himself"</td></tr>
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What is the takeaway for me? How shall I "<b><i>brace myself</i></b>?"<br />
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I, too, can use all my physical, mental, and spiritual abilities to try and understand God's intentions for me.<br />
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For one, I can be intentional about studying the Bible each day. Furthermore, I can train myself to listen to Him speak to me throughout each day. The more I obey, the more I believe I will clearly hear Him. And finally, I can step out in faith and obediently take those "risky" steps of action as I reach out to others. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrTaXHd9SZmrO_6DqTBn1m9RaU0n5he1jtDcdWc1l2iUhro26fPKVJsQ-Byhvymcbcoa9DByBoj-KnA5NopWG-lzPPUGF0x7l7iDTYfiPJjT5TlTk9YCMEy5aFMRL8lRnHo32Xlvln1c/s1600/1505302609253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="523" data-original-width="524" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxrTaXHd9SZmrO_6DqTBn1m9RaU0n5he1jtDcdWc1l2iUhro26fPKVJsQ-Byhvymcbcoa9DByBoj-KnA5NopWG-lzPPUGF0x7l7iDTYfiPJjT5TlTk9YCMEy5aFMRL8lRnHo32Xlvln1c/s200/1505302609253.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Who can fully understand the mind of our God? Perhaps with some practical "bracing," we all will see more into the depth, nature, and wisdom of God. <br />
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That, my friends, seems to be a win-win.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04430528621508310871noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-917085678707439343.post-981436148255387022017-09-18T16:51:00.001-04:002017-09-18T20:32:09.529-04:00There "jillgoes" Again!And there "jillgoes" again! <br />
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The hubby and I just returned from a ten-day trip to the deserts and mountains of Arizona, and it was an awesome trip, so rich in landscape beauty, culture and history, and opportunities for adventure-seekers.<br />
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I love to write, and I have excessive wanderlust. Combining the two is my passion! When jillresearches, jillplans, jillwrites, and then jillgoes, let's just say Jill is one happy gal.<br />
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For years I've written a plethora of custom tours. Trip planning has become my most favorite hobby. The problem is that I write more trips than I can get around to taking. The hubby needs to retire soon, so we can get those trip notebooks out of the file and into reality.<br />
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I dream of someday opening my own little travel company: "Yougo with Jillgoes" or some such outfit. With just a few specks of encouragement, I may do just that.<br />
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Who wants to go travel with me?<br />
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Do you need a vacation custom-designed for you, created with your own preferences in mind? <br />
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Maybe I can help you. I love creating a masterpiece of an adventure, including a vast variety of interesting experiences.<br />
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Take a look at just some of the fun the hubby and I had on this last adventure:<br />
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An early morning balloon ride over the majestic mountains of Sedona:<br />
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A short hike to the Montezuma's Castle ruins (U. S. National Park). Seeing these ancient abodes challenges me to think about how older cultures survived in difficult places and climates:<br />
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An exhilarating all-terrain pink jeep tour along the scenic rim of the mountainside around Sedona. This tour was not for the meek and fragile!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s8StKqYl9sXrJ4Z87Nw9w9Zg-5n6uu_Lctro0yOv-vSKQ4N9ix6ZPnTncrR5yYhd1V3-yPl7XYm_mzFd5w_rgAmXOXP5hsmdf9fqpqW4L0s773DF5FkB3sXINh4tRLkEthjFdEPoP4s/s1600/unnamed-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0s8StKqYl9sXrJ4Z87Nw9w9Zg-5n6uu_Lctro0yOv-vSKQ4N9ix6ZPnTncrR5yYhd1V3-yPl7XYm_mzFd5w_rgAmXOXP5hsmdf9fqpqW4L0s773DF5FkB3sXINh4tRLkEthjFdEPoP4s/s400/unnamed-34.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A self-guided auto tour of the greater Sedona area using an audio CD. We enjoyed the freedom this CD gave us to stop where we wanted and to go around the area at our own pace. The narration added valuable and interesting tidbits of background to what we were seeing along the drive. The landscape and wildlife in the desert of Arizona is so different from what we see in Pennsylvania. The photo below shows a common prickly pear cactus. During our trip, I enjoyed a prickly pear margarita, some prickly pear hard candy, and some shampoo and shower gel all made from the fruit of this plant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf6skkFiGs-fhL_zMJocKWqkTz_M0CUrmyHL0qeHeZhp6hZxANvWMEAFZFms7Q8N6s97FWm0igfK9S-mAykPRTLn8udLb0FMBsx51ahZeyA0o0-ARLzsNux_1YbA4vj4ralH0wYJdh50/s1600/unnamed-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf6skkFiGs-fhL_zMJocKWqkTz_M0CUrmyHL0qeHeZhp6hZxANvWMEAFZFms7Q8N6s97FWm0igfK9S-mAykPRTLn8udLb0FMBsx51ahZeyA0o0-ARLzsNux_1YbA4vj4ralH0wYJdh50/s400/unnamed-35.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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We took a part day trip over to the town of Jerome, known as one of the best ghost towns in the United States. A historic/ghost van tour took us all around the area and delighted us with a plethora of fun stories and legends. This old, vacant church in the valley of Jerome was built entirely of dynamite cases:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOAAcgnfZv2lhqRtrwDMLWPiE2Fn_HDt9RXrG5lJpYrl4_AihvAq_e1YkW9CzgDWxf_8g1mt7rMDEJRUYSPp4gGlGB6I-SAa2pcvvY52lXWlj-L9yaXuWxsSaQFp4t5LAKVwDfl-2R-U/s1600/unnamed-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOAAcgnfZv2lhqRtrwDMLWPiE2Fn_HDt9RXrG5lJpYrl4_AihvAq_e1YkW9CzgDWxf_8g1mt7rMDEJRUYSPp4gGlGB6I-SAa2pcvvY52lXWlj-L9yaXuWxsSaQFp4t5LAKVwDfl-2R-U/s320/unnamed-37.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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After leaving Sedona and Jerome, we headed south a few hours to the Scottsdale/Phoenix/Glendale area of the state.<br />
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I arranged for a private, narrated, golf cart tour of Old Town Scottsdale. Because the hubby was having such trouble with his knees, we didn't do any excessive hiking on this trip. I had planned tours and experiences that would work with his challenges. <br />
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While on the golf cart in Old Town Scottsdale, we paused at this little place. It was a former stopping point for the Pony Express Riders who would sleep between shifts in the two chambers on the upper floor:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtiq_tu0ntJVPAaaF5dt-PdNJPHBWTvLXLT7g-QeXEU3F24NsdRO3Mfp1jm_W1DVj3t5YzHKqksbJQemdP-SoI1BXGxJvTTv_G6hEEPVRZ4L8lamzI4Olig-eWAje5YMrsf6crIbkh6E/s1600/unnamed-38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqtiq_tu0ntJVPAaaF5dt-PdNJPHBWTvLXLT7g-QeXEU3F24NsdRO3Mfp1jm_W1DVj3t5YzHKqksbJQemdP-SoI1BXGxJvTTv_G6hEEPVRZ4L8lamzI4Olig-eWAje5YMrsf6crIbkh6E/s400/unnamed-38.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Now who says there's no water in the desert? If it's there, I will find it. Traveling east into the Mesa, Arizona area, we thoroughly enjoyed a 1-1/2 hour narrated cruise on Lake Saguaro. Along its shores we spotted bald eagles and other waterfowl, a vast variety of cacti on the cliffs and mountains, and a group of wild horses grazing near the water's edge.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHHlMIoAPr2izWdzR2AHkc6XRK_5-_Q6YUnZvwqgHjsNsKg0elbOFkkx6wlRAGjreJLmzPIvgN2HcCXIbdBSCnOg-C5Z21OkZ1rHpA1tA3dN5yNwJvF6wczVtnv5vuqGACWRSJpql2oQ/s1600/unnamed-39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioHHlMIoAPr2izWdzR2AHkc6XRK_5-_Q6YUnZvwqgHjsNsKg0elbOFkkx6wlRAGjreJLmzPIvgN2HcCXIbdBSCnOg-C5Z21OkZ1rHpA1tA3dN5yNwJvF6wczVtnv5vuqGACWRSJpql2oQ/s400/unnamed-39.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the Desert Belle on Lake Saguaro</td></tr>
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I find myself feeling like a sponge whenever I travel. I soak up all I can learn about so many different things, places, and people. It's difficult for me to understand why some people never want to leave home to explore other places.<br />
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Along with the new things to see and experience, everywhere I go there is a bonanza of neat places to eat, if one takes the time to find them. (I love researching area favorites.) </div>
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And let's throw into the vacation mix those museums, interesting factory tours, and shops to investigate. The #1 attraction in Phoenix is the Musical Instrument Museum. This museum is considered to be one of the top twenty museums of the country. Here is one odd musical instrument we discovered there:</div>
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And finally, I relish the challenge of simply finding unique hotels, resorts, and vacation homes in which to stay. Some classic driving road trips work best with chain hotels, but this was not one of those. These very special locations seemed to call for extraordinary accommodations, and that is what we found:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJpnkNSxdf-eZixBTzGFpjpFBRQyste9BN-xtQbB60i9cvcMhFMNJgVBa-b2derTtHWxetK_XJA0xzEoQojfYlPRGdLpYgXIaRHxym7y1dOaBHGDjvSbwnle_EIQgfaW4JWyB2H2kYNs/s1600/unnamed-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJJpnkNSxdf-eZixBTzGFpjpFBRQyste9BN-xtQbB60i9cvcMhFMNJgVBa-b2derTtHWxetK_XJA0xzEoQojfYlPRGdLpYgXIaRHxym7y1dOaBHGDjvSbwnle_EIQgfaW4JWyB2H2kYNs/s400/unnamed-41.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our private infinity pool, along the canal. Yes, we had a pontoon boat, too!</td></tr>
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Wanna come along next time? Want me to design a special getaway for you? Make my day by letting me get to work on it! </div>
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The memories we made from this trip are priceless. I'd be glad to help create some for you, too.</div>
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