tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47683230971810061642024-03-10T15:38:22.007-07:00Helen's Points to PonderPutting a Positive Perspective on the Points You PonderHelen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.comBlogger431125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-26831457777679777702024-03-03T16:00:00.001-07:002024-03-05T22:12:53.325-07:00Short Mission Trip: Long Blog Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbHw0Ti2jv42JOKQKgta3tYfekwFYSW1itlNtx_gJ0n7utV8036QWP4_GAV6kBpLl00aK-hXiV1lf_C5SoY8OI1h3dljTOWISg69sQkWh7O1Z8UrcQF-d1A6x0LGCCyQlWgYwaHzxQFMHYWfT6OnP-QXV-qD1L7v9lpTIVvAUgxPuuDec9QkdEEB9epM/s4032/20240217_182725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbHw0Ti2jv42JOKQKgta3tYfekwFYSW1itlNtx_gJ0n7utV8036QWP4_GAV6kBpLl00aK-hXiV1lf_C5SoY8OI1h3dljTOWISg69sQkWh7O1Z8UrcQF-d1A6x0LGCCyQlWgYwaHzxQFMHYWfT6OnP-QXV-qD1L7v9lpTIVvAUgxPuuDec9QkdEEB9epM/w400-h225/20240217_182725.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">2024 February; Guatemala Trip</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Church For All Nations</span></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There are so many tidbits I could add to this
commentary of our trip, so many little details, some of which belong to their
own story tellers. But if you make it through to the end, you’ll agree, it’s
already too long.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I do want to mention the names of those who journeyed
with me, starting with the world’s best roommate, Normandy! Our incredible leaders
are Tommy and Jade. We couldn’t have asked for better leadership. They did so
much more than just babysit the rest of us. They are true leaders in every
sense of the word.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHN-L2nAH_nlgcaRXKBbmb4SDSr8q3493W1_udgS3YuzzCG8mzy3sy200_dfPhDn755MYvlqPcIhNLRGxNx29Eyf_tdXj_7k8-TUi8Ffx-Ntt4eJn6rFf1sJ6JsEzAUKRRjhO9wV2QWmoZTm8Y9OvkM12Kd4pz4eTxyBIK7aljKa8rDe7bz6nPwY4G40/s1079/Screenshot_20240227_173559.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1023" data-original-width="1079" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqHN-L2nAH_nlgcaRXKBbmb4SDSr8q3493W1_udgS3YuzzCG8mzy3sy200_dfPhDn755MYvlqPcIhNLRGxNx29Eyf_tdXj_7k8-TUi8Ffx-Ntt4eJn6rFf1sJ6JsEzAUKRRjhO9wV2QWmoZTm8Y9OvkM12Kd4pz4eTxyBIK7aljKa8rDe7bz6nPwY4G40/s320/Screenshot_20240227_173559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">In no particular order, we have Lisa and JR, Judy,
Kylie, Alicia, John, another Lisa, Brittany, Greg, Kendra, Jim, Kevin and
Natalie, Noelle and Olivia. They created an awesome team to travel and become
friends with.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Throughout this blog post, I’ve shared many
pictures, some may have been taken from one of my teammates, they're all mixed together in my files. From scenery to children to project lists at the orphanage. Believe
me, I took more than I feel at liberty to share here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvBs8JsfBmoJD4XK3fQvCAnRsxrzzJo2ueBCYkx6FoZBfzLf7q9UqgvOCjl7i6Vk74g_sNAqESxJMAG8y8MJP8Md9nADLHv8ZXVa_HClcwXAUzNf5oEZQVevjcoOVOjeU9_1NpIR90lN_BOb-dSrf-UV-mgqNi1VYnQRhWg61fxW1g3twtK4HrUNuEMo/s3626/20240216_130452.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3626" data-original-width="2250" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQvBs8JsfBmoJD4XK3fQvCAnRsxrzzJo2ueBCYkx6FoZBfzLf7q9UqgvOCjl7i6Vk74g_sNAqESxJMAG8y8MJP8Md9nADLHv8ZXVa_HClcwXAUzNf5oEZQVevjcoOVOjeU9_1NpIR90lN_BOb-dSrf-UV-mgqNi1VYnQRhWg61fxW1g3twtK4HrUNuEMo/s320/20240216_130452.jpg" width="199" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNL9wiS7__VF5Wm4bWVFSfBULyct1TtWZF6RO2Gdnd_DC8NhlZ73ZerLpy0ayncfnfoJhe4tU-7WP8OZ-Kdd21Q_Zta2lLzs4fC69KQxreGa7d84LmUWrYOvp5R6vOGmGg-__bQ-2D3AlteoUz30eBcz_wnw6qtbrYAdlvmPSZH8bb23RD5hcEDWl0F8/s4032/20240216_132858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDNL9wiS7__VF5Wm4bWVFSfBULyct1TtWZF6RO2Gdnd_DC8NhlZ73ZerLpy0ayncfnfoJhe4tU-7WP8OZ-Kdd21Q_Zta2lLzs4fC69KQxreGa7d84LmUWrYOvp5R6vOGmGg-__bQ-2D3AlteoUz30eBcz_wnw6qtbrYAdlvmPSZH8bb23RD5hcEDWl0F8/s320/20240216_132858.jpg" width="180" /></a> <br /><br /> </div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday morning, February 16, 2024:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We got to the airport in plenty of time for the 4am
call of duty. I left my phone in the car, so Dave had to circle back around to
give it to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It took quite a while to get checked in. Going
through security was easy. But it was already time to board when we got to our
gate. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">The flight was a bit bumpy at times, but only took about an hour and a half to
get to Dallas. We didn't even have an hour on the ground there before boarding
the flight to Guatemala. Expectation and excitement abound and exudes from all
of us.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">All of the announcements on this flight are spoken
in English and Spanish. <br />
This is supposed to be about a 3-hour flight. We lifted off at 10:50 Texas time
(CT).<br />
We'll live in central time during our stay in Guatemala.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> <br />
I wish our group was sitting together so we could all get to know each other
better. Alas. I'm next to strangers on this flight.<br />
I was fortunate enough to get the aisle seat on the first flight. Seat 24A -
window seat this time, I got some great pictures. Thirteen minutes off the
ground and we're completely in the clouds already. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFE4KPka1ysrAoiaD4oap2dVzIEbT3gDSIaGxAhmDZ2vBySTbuYJp8OEQselp5eL10DlNpLENUJc4KOKVES_XlTehknWbCLQ_9ZPxHxVQtC9mJCF2h7B0SvZi9_Cx-yk_U9Etwv2pEJaw2isSkvBzK3plebwdSzVgHP8yZ6Rf2YthSrgJ1xjBjq-exrU/s4032/20240216_134318.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipFE4KPka1ysrAoiaD4oap2dVzIEbT3gDSIaGxAhmDZ2vBySTbuYJp8OEQselp5eL10DlNpLENUJc4KOKVES_XlTehknWbCLQ_9ZPxHxVQtC9mJCF2h7B0SvZi9_Cx-yk_U9Etwv2pEJaw2isSkvBzK3plebwdSzVgHP8yZ6Rf2YthSrgJ1xjBjq-exrU/s320/20240216_134318.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Arriving at the Guatemala City airport, I took a few pictures, but I didn't get
one of the huge sink-hole in the middle of a neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It took a while to get out of the airport. Most of us needed to stop at the
restrooms. I don't know what might be on the wall near the men's run, but
outside the women's room is a carving in the wall of a naked woman, quite
prominent and impressive.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">It's quite warm here.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The drive away from the airport took us through the
craziest traffic! No lanes! Motorcycle drivers weave in and out of traffic
taking their lives into their own hands. <br />
Thank God for air conditioning in the van we rode in!<br />
We traveled in two vans while our luggage came along in the back of a pick-up
truck.<br />
The drive was actually fun, though. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9TSeSal63_aqe8XyuqclzO4RUvlEZx3evtmWLW2sQn6blVtKNMMPUM4idbeha-wJ7m_tnVwTGu8NaOHL_G5hrNqZmeD8H3O1-B1qbJXK7omB9DnUxGyQvRMr-0KG3VJh1d4EiJAwpEnoJ11cr70Wp6aaDKUQ-l21Y-QZ4GRinFyMBT6V-zYfu0bgM24/s4032/20240216_162423.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt9TSeSal63_aqe8XyuqclzO4RUvlEZx3evtmWLW2sQn6blVtKNMMPUM4idbeha-wJ7m_tnVwTGu8NaOHL_G5hrNqZmeD8H3O1-B1qbJXK7omB9DnUxGyQvRMr-0KG3VJh1d4EiJAwpEnoJ11cr70Wp6aaDKUQ-l21Y-QZ4GRinFyMBT6V-zYfu0bgM24/s320/20240216_162423.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There's barbed wire at the top of garages and the houses on top of them, like
we have at the top of prison fences, twisted around in gnarly circles and there’s
broken glass cemented into the top edges of buildings, so people won't climb up
to break into the houses. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">They have some incredibly beautiful trees here!<br />
I was told that most of Guatemala is a jungle, but I haven't seen that yet. In
front of the mountains, it looks foggy or smokey, kind of like the Smokey
Mountains.<br />
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Because of traffic on a Friday afternoon, it took
longer than planned to get from the airport to the hotel. <br />
Thank God for an air-conditioned van! Did I already mention that?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">A van carrying other missionaries we met on the second
flight broke down on this insanely busy road. I don't even know how help got to
them. <br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Hispanic chatter floats through the van, only four of us can understand it.
Some of the signs are easier to figure out than I would've thought.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
Next trip I'll grab a window seat so I can take some decent pictures.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Fear check: none!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">I had a 6" Subway sub at the Dallas Airport and
munched on just a few crackers, but surprisingly, I'm not hungry at all.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Goods are sold along the road as people market their
wares dangerously close to the crazy traffic.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
We drove through mountains most of the way. <br />
Antigua is a tourist town and so is San Lucas so more signs are in English.
There are a LOT of American companies represented here! Papa John's, Dominoes,
Taco Bell, McDonald's, Shell stations, Circle Ks, motor oil companies, to
name a few. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I couldn't wait to get a picture of a banana tree in its natural habitat, (but
that never happened). <br />
There are so many gorgeous trees and flowers along our drive. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBT0Bz5ue8I447en6Qg3bUK8xEr9glScn8EtHyfGLtvQ7lKJJIVMrP4yGM4Lqh6o8gkVfET0KvVA5wSiaoq1plR_T_tFREWzAmqtseMdKiW676UbD7Ax0VVD2qIK8UkHEbpy_vu5bGOXdWSmNL1KC_qQF6yUcFL7RuonrC2ujBr6acosXx_B63TXqhcQ/s4608/20240216_190433.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="2592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBT0Bz5ue8I447en6Qg3bUK8xEr9glScn8EtHyfGLtvQ7lKJJIVMrP4yGM4Lqh6o8gkVfET0KvVA5wSiaoq1plR_T_tFREWzAmqtseMdKiW676UbD7Ax0VVD2qIK8UkHEbpy_vu5bGOXdWSmNL1KC_qQF6yUcFL7RuonrC2ujBr6acosXx_B63TXqhcQ/s320/20240216_190433.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Alto” is written on their stop signs, not that they heed them. <o:p></o:p></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The El Fuego (this one spews fire) and Agua (spews water) volcanoes are both
active and putting on a show today.<br />
So many things to snatch pictures of, including so many beautiful doors. There
are bars on nearly every window, some are quite ornate, others are basic
security bars.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We arrived at the hotel four hours after leaving the airport. At first, I didn’t
even see a hotel, then I didn't know what to make of it. We walked through some
big, beautiful doors in the continuous wall that lines the city block, and down
an alley to get to it. I'm guessing it was a house at one time. It's clean and
laid out like no other building I’ve ever been in. Normandy and I are sharing a
room and have our own beds. We'll fall asleep fast tonight!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There's a GORGEOUS roof top terrace! I wish I could sleep up there! The views
are breathtaking. There’s so much to see from up there, magnificent ruins and a
huge Catholic church, a shopping center and mountains and volcanos. <br />
<br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta9kFKUwgJ4xS-PEcF2f5c9x32lSAEIeFMR2wlCMpLldN11TGY-1scyDyite9ut-pbdonzA1RumNCg6B0QN6ZE2zHcKRBeTNGyojBqp6yk7RZZJz_pxALsSesGIJnlsPqNSeDOH6u2fAQlMw9wbV7ktmqo0Zj66z-pnKR-eW62VluMTntXBbC3d97GwQ/s4032/20240216_185724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgta9kFKUwgJ4xS-PEcF2f5c9x32lSAEIeFMR2wlCMpLldN11TGY-1scyDyite9ut-pbdonzA1RumNCg6B0QN6ZE2zHcKRBeTNGyojBqp6yk7RZZJz_pxALsSesGIJnlsPqNSeDOH6u2fAQlMw9wbV7ktmqo0Zj66z-pnKR-eW62VluMTntXBbC3d97GwQ/w400-h225/20240216_185724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Dinner Friday Night:</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We walked cobblestone streets a short distance to a
restaurant, it was a very nice place, offering American foods at a great price.
All meals are included in this trip, which is very helpful. I had fettuccine
with seafood in it. I couldn't even eat it all. There were fountains in every
dining area. There were people in costume, I presume for entertainment
purposes. Plants are hanging from ceilings and roof tops, there are a lot of
statues everywhere.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLLEqCWfCLhpzPGNc0UwfgAIxx81C4vEB6TKo-oZQpGeyM84mXA-TbldFknZxl3eKb4-NfEak4z6OjBRlHW7dnTSSU_daH3GgJGmxh69lIQRyhX4wwzIFS-in20l9HdXyT8gmTLt3BgzAdI6IDemyD_eCzMIp9ceXwO0Cxte9glz_F6cesYFT4ihTjog/s4032/20240216_192732.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLLEqCWfCLhpzPGNc0UwfgAIxx81C4vEB6TKo-oZQpGeyM84mXA-TbldFknZxl3eKb4-NfEak4z6OjBRlHW7dnTSSU_daH3GgJGmxh69lIQRyhX4wwzIFS-in20l9HdXyT8gmTLt3BgzAdI6IDemyD_eCzMIp9ceXwO0Cxte9glz_F6cesYFT4ihTjog/s320/20240216_192732.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It was dark by the time we walked back to the hotel. But not a scary kind of
dark. A peaceful, chilly dark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We met briefly once we got back to the hotel to discuss plans for tomorrow. I
showered and we got our clothes and bags ready for a busy Saturday. Breakfast
at 6am! Yikes. Time for sleep. <br />
<br />
Saturday morning: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakfast at 6am, scrambled eggs and a gray paste,
which turned out to be beans, some fried plantains, coffee and orange juice. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
A long bus ride to the Land of Hope for ministry. This place was described to
me as Casa Angelina in her infancy, but no – they’re completely different. Land
of Hope is just getting off the ground, and they have a long way to go, but
they seem to be aiming in a slightly different direction. They gave us bags and
T-shirts (and water) last night to use for the day we spent with them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It's hard to take pictures on the van rides, it's bumpy and fast. Although I
got some good pictures of a smoking volcano.<br />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx82p0EvvxDsScxFi5vpYie6bQv49lTUf3Is0bwxs9qepZHDY0zZ6dmSfBm6V13eCs4hxRzSwxCVr9kMCuNc_Hoo6W-x2jtl29lQSSvjaZ6F6pJ3qUSerqxBp7AUF_NXwDKfJ3qbdKx5dSUCVnmavQ_XSOtYpfXA1xE6k8uItXhtfayjxmYTbWLBvwrso/s2268/20240217_082651.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">There’s a lot of trash along the roads and occasionally,
some very strong smells. The ministry is next to a dump that is continuously burning. We'll be painting, gardening, and doing some electrical work. Tommy prepared us for the poverty we will see.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoDhD-D3NP3gdPdqJ_73PFHBVbBgso6lMlToAOcThf0AXjZaoOLuqoW0QtQhWdurBGXcpKsL97mqQ5KUIJ1drbtRxp6nQzqnf9lgWiR8xH1FjirDIxxjROCt-7Iw9gHbtG0AXwOtzk_a63pxVoAgoVbTBimVqMJDJkPAqGpunMqOK0HxyqRwfrtognc4/s4032/20240217_092045.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoDhD-D3NP3gdPdqJ_73PFHBVbBgso6lMlToAOcThf0AXjZaoOLuqoW0QtQhWdurBGXcpKsL97mqQ5KUIJ1drbtRxp6nQzqnf9lgWiR8xH1FjirDIxxjROCt-7Iw9gHbtG0AXwOtzk_a63pxVoAgoVbTBimVqMJDJkPAqGpunMqOK0HxyqRwfrtognc4/s320/20240217_092045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We drove past a Bimbo plant, but I couldn't get a picture in time. For those
reading this that don’t know, my dad’s nickname was Bimbo, so the company name
always stands out to me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
We stopped at a gas station that employed an armed guard, yes, I discreetly got
a picture of him. We went to the bathroom there and a few people purchased drinks
or snacks. Thank God it was clean, and the restrooms had paper (which cannot be
flushed)! </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt30l9IiE5_rX-6gHtXBS0n-vxiSHK9bmF58wl7xrOVAu3ikIeBNAhxLB7U1C5bxejTTwmOcRJ3P132WCgDijmEjkGFhck6-hu-C0HSMtjCZL6RQOc161ae9pldRuKoiYS4SsVNTyle6QIkqSKsgXInMx8ytH90ruWWiJV2q9y24kNQ0NNwR345rXFZA/s3016/20240217_085218.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3016" data-original-width="2020" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzt30l9IiE5_rX-6gHtXBS0n-vxiSHK9bmF58wl7xrOVAu3ikIeBNAhxLB7U1C5bxejTTwmOcRJ3P132WCgDijmEjkGFhck6-hu-C0HSMtjCZL6RQOc161ae9pldRuKoiYS4SsVNTyle6QIkqSKsgXInMx8ytH90ruWWiJV2q9y24kNQ0NNwR345rXFZA/s320/20240217_085218.jpg" width="214" /></a></div><br />After arriving at Land of Hope, we met Oscar, the man who runs the ministry,
and we broke into three teams (including another mission team from SD) and prayed
in a big circle. Then we had a lengthy devotional service before breaking into
work groups and a tour group. <o:p></o:p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">My work group planted flowers from 1100-1230. We used hand trowels in dirt that
was as hard as concrete, in 85° temperatures in the blazing sunshine. I've
never sweated so much in my life. Praise God I didn't get sunstroke!
Hallelujah! Then we carried buckets of water to water what we planted, along
with some other plants.</span></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We broke for lunch. We had a small bowl of pasta and chicken, with freshly made
tortillas. <br />
Thank God for water!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvRoG8NjlIBbBWaCUAC5CUfommnTw7_lk3VX-RtcpjbyLDEtBVp9tGrKak13SdZoMFGCRXU19E_TYoZtyp4g3fwtYI15MoTAfslbtkMXFcxhLenx83bH656cwR3zGepblB0TrSiY7C70JLWGbPoWJB7PX7s4j50griHciqIOTqCKcbDzTd4MuND6cGao/s1080/Screenshot_20240227_172706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="729" data-original-width="1080" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDvRoG8NjlIBbBWaCUAC5CUfommnTw7_lk3VX-RtcpjbyLDEtBVp9tGrKak13SdZoMFGCRXU19E_TYoZtyp4g3fwtYI15MoTAfslbtkMXFcxhLenx83bH656cwR3zGepblB0TrSiY7C70JLWGbPoWJB7PX7s4j50griHciqIOTqCKcbDzTd4MuND6cGao/s320/Screenshot_20240227_172706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Eventually, we got the tour of the place the first bunch got earlier, while
they worked. It was even hotter. The tour showed us a glimpse of the dump
behind the Land of Hope. Oscar, our host pointed at it and said, "No,
that's not a mountain. It's a dump that's been there for multiple
generations." We could see people climbing on it, reflecting the stories
from Oscar's testimony. The dump is hotter than other places because it's
always erupting with fires and chemical combustion. Oscar said it melted the soles
of his shoes when he walked on it. Yet people dig through the rubbish by hand
looking for something they can sell to a recycler. Some people actually live at
the dump. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeXhUjiWwA5Qj5GbP7G5QJ9ZxWdM4oaBgL-RMzyWcahsERA_V1eXs50pae4q87-9wH-3j_1ggOrzntORm75MkWnCjqA3zdcro4lWuzuzfQNKsgjunzMttBKZZgNpDaH4e3-Hk0VuNl6eVGnpZAXDZ1pYQkCqxW_xxvztvjtLP9bxHpcDcpUQjzKcO48I/s4032/20240217_093938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMeXhUjiWwA5Qj5GbP7G5QJ9ZxWdM4oaBgL-RMzyWcahsERA_V1eXs50pae4q87-9wH-3j_1ggOrzntORm75MkWnCjqA3zdcro4lWuzuzfQNKsgjunzMttBKZZgNpDaH4e3-Hk0VuNl6eVGnpZAXDZ1pYQkCqxW_xxvztvjtLP9bxHpcDcpUQjzKcO48I/s320/20240217_093938.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Land of Hope makes it possible for parents to scrounge while leaving their
children with them from 0800-1530 every day. The parents apply to the
government for permission to leave their kids there. They help quite a few families.
They take care of the children, feed them and bathe them daily before sending
them home. They have a nursery area, but oddly, no beds, cribs, or playpens. I
have no idea where the infants might sleep. </span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">At the end of the day, about 1545, the younger members of our group broke a
pinata and the children scrambled to grab up the goodies. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci1zBSV_cDIPwZhbf9I45j5mrUdliVL4k_WZO2enzXEzMRe-VeAIGonOnoryImbMcoNk8Mw0cJtYXuQaPKGqJyVLFmU6AUXkoAnySFYF4P787aBbPQaV2INQi3Pd1Rd2jj8ZKa_VtDYoHLTJNYNeLBD4DPM5cpqVfYll_3t12LI-hedp9VXgrBPJNQ8k/s2680/20240217_152201.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2680" data-original-width="1922" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgci1zBSV_cDIPwZhbf9I45j5mrUdliVL4k_WZO2enzXEzMRe-VeAIGonOnoryImbMcoNk8Mw0cJtYXuQaPKGqJyVLFmU6AUXkoAnySFYF4P787aBbPQaV2INQi3Pd1Rd2jj8ZKa_VtDYoHLTJNYNeLBD4DPM5cpqVfYll_3t12LI-hedp9VXgrBPJNQ8k/s320/20240217_152201.jpg" width="229" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Back on the bus we drove by some atrocious sites. Fires burning piles of
garbage along the side of the road. The smoke is so thick. How do the locals
breathe? Often, the air is unbreathable to us Americans. The air at the hotel
and around Antigua seems okay. Maybe sometimes the air just doesn't look quite
as bad. But it's always off in the distance.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
The pictures I'm taking don't begin to do this place justice. <br />
There are large and small roadside stands selling local produce, although I
haven't really seen where they grow it yet. <br />
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<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">It's amazing how many very, very young children are
working for someone, selling things. It'll make you cry.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">My phone began to overheat. I put it in my camelback
next to the cool pouch. Jade had given me some iced water! That cooled it down
so I could continue to use it to take notes and pictures.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I'm pretty gross. Can't wait to get into that shower at the hotel. <br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr4I4paSE0mV8mT86pV1pfcauPxADOlSec1czaJ8VvPJqIdUp3Vo1CDJG6DaYFr4jtUqvnT8gHg7YtY1ItFAVPTyr_x11ZYNZWU8l0pm2b6DqrfV8w8QWDU-0hz7gtxy6nYPigvwzPcVrMS1PImxhVpBlHATvREFk-icLvgZ1XFsMvY-b0_y0OmmGrto/s4032/20240217_170337.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr4I4paSE0mV8mT86pV1pfcauPxADOlSec1czaJ8VvPJqIdUp3Vo1CDJG6DaYFr4jtUqvnT8gHg7YtY1ItFAVPTyr_x11ZYNZWU8l0pm2b6DqrfV8w8QWDU-0hz7gtxy6nYPigvwzPcVrMS1PImxhVpBlHATvREFk-icLvgZ1XFsMvY-b0_y0OmmGrto/s320/20240217_170337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The most popular mode of transportation here seems
to be motorcycles/motorbikes. It's crazy what people can carry on them. We saw
a man driving on a motorcycle with a woman on the back and a box that looked
like it had a big screen tv in it between them. I don't know how the couple
could afford one though. Parking lots in the middle of seemingly nowhere are
packed with hundreds of motorcycles all neatly parked in rows. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Took us about an hour to get to Land of Hope this morning. On the way back, it
has been at least 75 minutes and our driver said it would be another 40 minutes
to get to the hotel. Oy! It’s got to be hard to live with any kind of schedule down
here.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
Sunday morning:<br />
Breakfast at the hotel, then church at a bilingual service. We walked the
cobblestone streets, past the huge Catholic church where many vendors are
displaying their goods outside. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsrZT8pE9oq7DFyaeSNSb966EvCOJUPBiy1r5CnMVV9-AE51pDi1vMYDSTZTLucIjRCzktBGgyhsF97aXtpdszdgI7WDyoDvjLXpDL4km0wEAOS9bWZDcwK1hpaxL-nTief_KPqRumv5Ttahs0iwFVKt0G3Epr4fN0OGLFMUd3Cz2NObQ6cY8tDS2aa4/s4032/20240218_092220.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHsrZT8pE9oq7DFyaeSNSb966EvCOJUPBiy1r5CnMVV9-AE51pDi1vMYDSTZTLucIjRCzktBGgyhsF97aXtpdszdgI7WDyoDvjLXpDL4km0wEAOS9bWZDcwK1hpaxL-nTief_KPqRumv5Ttahs0iwFVKt0G3Epr4fN0OGLFMUd3Cz2NObQ6cY8tDS2aa4/s320/20240218_092220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We worshiped at Iglesia Del Camino, the sermon was from the book of John,
Jesus's second miracle; healing the official's son. These are the notes I took
on the sermon.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">One of the most impactful things he said (to me) was
that most of the miracles Jesus performed took place in Galilee; a place that
was (already) prepared for the miracles of God. <br />
For the official, of a necessity; he listened, he sought, and he found.
Verses 4:46-48<br />
He was told to go there, that's where he could find help. (Jesus)<br />
Like the official, we have to listen. We have to seek Jesus, and we will find
the help we need. <br />
Romans 10:17, 49-50<br />
The official remained in his petition, he didn’t relent, even when he didn’t get
the response from Jesus he expected. He believed Jesus's word, and the next day,
he went home. He took Jesus's words as a promise. <br />
The man asked Jesus to go with him. But Jesus told HIM to go. He didn't receive
what he came and requested (for Jesus to go with him and heal his son), but he
obeyed Jesus, and his son was still miraculously healed. <br />
Obedience is a decision. Verses 50-52<br />
Take refuge in the Word of God. <br />
We put obstacles in God's way because we're so short sighted. Re: coming to
Guatemala - plenty of reasons came up why I should not come. But I pushed them
aside, persisting in God’s plan.<br />
The official’s reaction to his instructions met the pivotal point of his story;
belief. <br />
<br />
After church, we broke up into smaller groups and went shopping at a giant
indoor mall of sorts. It was a huge collection of little shops like the ones
that line the streets, all rolled into one big superstore of vendors. They want
to barter. I didn't. So, I paid a bit much for the postcards I bought. <br />
My friends sure love to shop! I must be the odd man out. I'd rather have been
napping! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSlj5GNCW__IRgNqTla5MFAUq4TzqGlOZd8qpbVb5FrwnKnQAhxtQ_AEfpWtEccXMXuOC36eWI3i4IyRGzD1zzAzrQ_4KutDH__czGtvR-LfegFdENZsSriOhosjREENZQPL4ybvJPie-7qjVdRoTujYgfF0dYNFZnll9PRyQZzUO7KNWmtVtbRQ0YzE/s4032/20240218_105407.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDSlj5GNCW__IRgNqTla5MFAUq4TzqGlOZd8qpbVb5FrwnKnQAhxtQ_AEfpWtEccXMXuOC36eWI3i4IyRGzD1zzAzrQ_4KutDH__czGtvR-LfegFdENZsSriOhosjREENZQPL4ybvJPie-7qjVdRoTujYgfF0dYNFZnll9PRyQZzUO7KNWmtVtbRQ0YzE/s320/20240218_105407.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">We all met up again and had lunch at a chicken restaurant that served food much
like KFC, but in a fancier dining room, then came back to the hotel to change
clothes so we could hike a small mountain climb up to a park dedicated to the
Cross landmark. It was a bit too much for me. I was the last one to the top,
but I eventually made it. Group Leader Tommy and JR hung back with me and Lisa
(V). We all thoroughly enjoyed the views from up there, we took lots of
pictures. Some bought from vendors up there. A storm was brewing, but never
happened. Just a light sprinkle later in the evening. From up there we could
hear the festivities of the parade making its way through the city streets in
honor of Lent. Some carried floats filled with flowers, some carried giant
statues depicting the last days of Jesus before His crucifixion. A highly
Catholic region, there are purple cloths hanging from windows everywhere.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jKa6H0q2gG2ebp2b6qcD_6FwUChJyvKPGYP74VKzsZgiYYK7oo4t1Nvo8APp83JmRL23MBZy5TSSuC13OFYTqaGllceux-AH59MAWDIwKwoIs-dfbZ-BTOX5FbElrziQS6DvstpWVJkLZf0i4P4QY3RBZm4yVWFKR0Dpdv3IAn_t3qGqWVjayarZSY0/s4032/20240218_113843.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0jKa6H0q2gG2ebp2b6qcD_6FwUChJyvKPGYP74VKzsZgiYYK7oo4t1Nvo8APp83JmRL23MBZy5TSSuC13OFYTqaGllceux-AH59MAWDIwKwoIs-dfbZ-BTOX5FbElrziQS6DvstpWVJkLZf0i4P4QY3RBZm4yVWFKR0Dpdv3IAn_t3qGqWVjayarZSY0/s320/20240218_113843.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Returning to our hotel, some took showers, and some
enjoyed their siesta time! Afterwards, we all made our way to a wonderful
dinner at a Mexican restaurant and a little more shopping before the shops closed
for the night, casually walking home in the dark.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
Then up to the rooftop for our nightly debriefing. <br />
Everything shared is so rich!<br />
<br />
Monday at Casa Angelina:<br />
It took about an hour to get there where we were welcomed by soooo many hugs.<br />
After a little social time, we had a short service to get our workday started
out right. During praise and worship, I was talking to God. I can't imagine how
He's put up with me so patiently for so long, just because He loves me!<br />
<br />
I gave God my detachedness – (my coping mechanism) and exchanged it for His
love for the situations I "cope" with. Big bawl!<br />
<br />
Divinely given, we can't earn what God is giving us right now. We can't get it
by earthly means. We can't get it from someone else. Like Jesus told Peter,
flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father in heaven. <br />
<br />
Bethany (Ivan Tait's daughter) and Andrew, her Australian husband, run the
place. They met in Australia at college. <br />
Bethany shared a welcome message that was incredibly powerful, she mentioned
that some seeds in Jerusalem take 2000 years to germinate. What has God planted
in me that hasn't grown yet? What seeds do I plant? What seeds WILL I plant?<br />
<br />The prayer after Bethany's introduction was exactly for a problem many of us
were experiencing, whether we recognized the prayer or not, it included: Open doors
that gave been closed. Break free the things that have been bound up. Set free
what has been held back. (Many in the group were constipated due to a bacterium
in the soil there that gets into the air and either constipates you or gives
you diarrhea.)<br />
<br />
The Leah's house story: <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">A man named Chad from South Dakota has been coming
to Casa Angelina for years. In 2009 he visited his Aunt Leah who was terminally
ill. During the visit, she gave him a sizeable check so that he could continue
to return to Casa Angelina. He talked with Ivan (Tait – the man who owns/runs
the place) and got permission to start a fund for Leah's House. In ten months,
he'd raised almost enough to build another house for children at Casa Angelina
that would be called Leah's House. As he was preparing to return to Casa Angelina
again in 2010, he still needed $26,000. The next day a check came in for that
amount! At that time, it cost $65,000 to build the house and $20,000 to furnish
it.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> We toured Leah's House today. It's bonita!<br />
<br />
Casa Angelina was established in 2002. (I’ll sometimes refer to Casa Angelina
as CA now.)<br />
<br />
The people who live and work here are a whole different kind of rich! They are
among the richest people in the world. <br />
<br />
Andrew led us on a tour of the houses, the clinic, the Chapel, the school. There
was a lot of climbing so I praise God for Lisa's (V) invitation to ride with
her in the golf cart. <br />
<br />
The houses are beautiful, and I am not exaggerating! The clinic was very
impressive. The Chapel was all donated (by one person or church) and is totally
spectacular. Nothing third world about these structures. The school could be
envied even by many American schools. The classrooms are top notch and
colorful. Education is very important here. The only thing more important than
school is play. These kids grow up to be prosperous adults, going to colleges
and nursing schools, becoming nurses and doctors; or going to trade schools.
Some go on to work here at CA. It's inevitable that they will break the cycles
of poverty and change their country and their world.<br />
<br />
1300 lunch: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">CA served us delicious chicken with bbq sauce and
mashed potatoes and fresh veggies. Dessert was ice cream with fig pie. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQweuSGWzNCD9CVPdeCLxy7AOcgg394C5x-2sk-Xbvy5wavlPiWEcwjVZVeWsrQXpodLNGZ6z09C7imnOhegGxBwG98cPNl1YDB8ztSbYVGwJrFoAydhFoRa33O9A8h-XWsakAW6LXmA1We-3nA70N07bm1T7k6NVABXzUq5NMFV3JgaDfUMp-bRQ4a_U/s4032/20240219_133956.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQweuSGWzNCD9CVPdeCLxy7AOcgg394C5x-2sk-Xbvy5wavlPiWEcwjVZVeWsrQXpodLNGZ6z09C7imnOhegGxBwG98cPNl1YDB8ztSbYVGwJrFoAydhFoRa33O9A8h-XWsakAW6LXmA1We-3nA70N07bm1T7k6NVABXzUq5NMFV3JgaDfUMp-bRQ4a_U/s320/20240219_133956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">The riches and wealth at CA are beyond imagination. <br />
The tour I thought would be pointless (just put us to work, get the most out of
us you can!) was magical and heart melting. I fell in love.<br />
<br />
We went to see the widow Maria's house. Simple, but adequate and more than
she'd ever had before. CA checks on all the widows they care for, bringing them
food and provision weekly, and has a doctor that checks on their medical needs
monthly. If they need more care, they bring them in to the CA clinic. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB84aq9VEO4r2xBMpU8ZGfK8GLRBAiBB11Glegm6JL5Bd4OGq2nA315v788p2emNS2rgmAF96k8mh9pvomdajx5zrLh1mDDnXRIbgxznmfCZdjnCMW_O_IXbmiQ1DFOVQbJIZP0BDDmbntfTFnGtmeJDKypyPT3yPsqfw7PRUIFSJTEF94Hvz-VLd6FA/s1605/Screenshot_20240227_172940.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1605" data-original-width="1079" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiB84aq9VEO4r2xBMpU8ZGfK8GLRBAiBB11Glegm6JL5Bd4OGq2nA315v788p2emNS2rgmAF96k8mh9pvomdajx5zrLh1mDDnXRIbgxznmfCZdjnCMW_O_IXbmiQ1DFOVQbJIZP0BDDmbntfTFnGtmeJDKypyPT3yPsqfw7PRUIFSJTEF94Hvz-VLd6FA/s320/Screenshot_20240227_172940.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Right now, they take care of more than 120 widows, and the number continues to
grow. Many are quite old; Maria will soon be 94! Including the widows that have
passed away over the last 20 years, they've taken care of 170 of them. By the
end of the year, they will have built 184 widow’s houses!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
As we prepared to leave her house, we prayed over her. I began to pray: Let our
prayers drip blessings all over Maria - but my words morphed as tears filled my
eyes, Lord let her blessings drip on us!<br />
<br />
Onto the avocado farm! 751 trees with 751 more to be planted soon. They acquired
the land three years ago and planted these first trees and have been nurturing
them and caring for them beautifully, trimming them back, cutting off the first
fruits so the trees will grow strong and healthy before they begin to harvest.
This first yield should bring in 6 figures of profit that will go right back
into the orphanage. They plan to become self-sustaining. I could see myself
being a part of this.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM3KTPBCNRhLzaVemmO2kESusKV6Ss5Qw9M1liPHSxcha3V7yfohjSz9qA2rJEUyLOi4wZNcb0T0Xc8i72_4BNy_eZj3O6BCRc4lyLP-B0UihRcOt-yar7WwPXK8d3BHRuhKm_Fgm7iMEKAqfEURKiwgfQS_g0Pao7vUaufpJiOhPr1FN0rfSln_Y5r0/s4608/20240219_145841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXM3KTPBCNRhLzaVemmO2kESusKV6Ss5Qw9M1liPHSxcha3V7yfohjSz9qA2rJEUyLOi4wZNcb0T0Xc8i72_4BNy_eZj3O6BCRc4lyLP-B0UihRcOt-yar7WwPXK8d3BHRuhKm_Fgm7iMEKAqfEURKiwgfQS_g0Pao7vUaufpJiOhPr1FN0rfSln_Y5r0/s320/20240219_145841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Next, they took us to a newly (miraculously) acquired acre of land where they
are building a house for the older boys (18+) next to what will be a vocational
school that will be of such great asset to teach the young men, teaching them
how to provide for their own families. <br />
<br />
Everything here is a miracle, or a miracle in the making. The pastor's sermon
(at the church we went to yesterday) really echoes through CA. God has prepared
the land where CA is growing for miracles before Ivan Tait even stepped foot on
it, like God prepared Galilee for miracles before Jesus ever walked there. <br />
<br />
We played with the children for the last hour or so before heading back to the
hotel. <br />
<br />
Yesterday I had no desire to live in Guatemala. <br />
Today I can see God calling us here someday. A few years ago, He did tell me
that our dream house isn't where we'd think it would be. Could it be here? If so,
that house will look nothing like what we were envisioning as we discussed what
we'd want in a dream house. <br />
I would imagine there is nothing anyone could say that could make me want to
live in a third world country. Clearly, that doesn't include God. <br />
<br />
I spoke with Nikki as she so graciously drove Lisa (V) and I around in her golf
cart, she answered questions I wouldn't have asked Andrew in front of everyone
as he led the tour. Questions about what happens when one of the widows dies:
they pay for the burial expenses, etc. No children have died there, yet, but
two are in facilities for children that need serious/terminal medical care. <br />
I asked about promiscuity among the older children. She joyfully responded that
they really don't have a problem with that, even with the children's
backgrounds. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEQSOvwCJuE8gtFgtnn4XkGZmIdY3VCxBnH4JG_EKAgwbSuh47KyT7ySam19zSawUa8G5g8UVDq5klXf5_jzso9IrIqxooEi7HhvzIVD1fyxBZ1xB8UMNRy1PRSIa8j6iU6hiXrOD7YEPEvpNS0_GrhDnh6VS8x7vqKXtwG51fm3LBrlk7V9W7D5uSPs/s4032/20240222_090604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrEQSOvwCJuE8gtFgtnn4XkGZmIdY3VCxBnH4JG_EKAgwbSuh47KyT7ySam19zSawUa8G5g8UVDq5klXf5_jzso9IrIqxooEi7HhvzIVD1fyxBZ1xB8UMNRy1PRSIa8j6iU6hiXrOD7YEPEvpNS0_GrhDnh6VS8x7vqKXtwG51fm3LBrlk7V9W7D5uSPs/s320/20240222_090604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">I asked Andrew how they deal with the anger issues that many of the children
must come here with. They do have psychologists who work with these children.
But seldom does the anger last. For at least the first month the children are
here, they're in a special house. They aren't mixed in with all the other
children right away. They tend to their medical needs; deworm or delouse or
treat for scabies, etc. All their needs are assessed.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
As they're integrated with the other children, they see how happy they are all
the time, and that the happiness is real and that they're allowed to just be
kids! They are actually expected to have fun!<br />
<br />
Clearly, we're not here to love on these people as much as they're here to love
on us and love away the hurts inside of US!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4ywPfJX7MNDxY8lzCZC_BxCNfp90PBVjEDY-LZ0wYR3xNFz9jEgZCr5gcEcIjJRaf69xP2IgAr2ozqSN8gV6jRtonVrtoCujAUB4NN9tDp8CeInPXyvtvSHPWbHpMPtljD9BuXGtJzAI0fI8eEA_seWqVghVNqqFJnoxXJmxNDvDd_VOsZHan84lgqY/s1522/20240219_152713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1182" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz4ywPfJX7MNDxY8lzCZC_BxCNfp90PBVjEDY-LZ0wYR3xNFz9jEgZCr5gcEcIjJRaf69xP2IgAr2ozqSN8gV6jRtonVrtoCujAUB4NN9tDp8CeInPXyvtvSHPWbHpMPtljD9BuXGtJzAI0fI8eEA_seWqVghVNqqFJnoxXJmxNDvDd_VOsZHan84lgqY/s320/20240219_152713.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Eli's story:</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Eli went down to Casa Angelina, like many others,
for a short-term mission trip. He arrived just as covid was making itself known
to the world. Bethany made the decision to turn the van around and take those who
had just arrived back to the airport as word that the president of Guatemala
was going to shut things down. Eli begged to stay. She hesitantly let him. He
got covid and was sick for a while, but as he recovered, he discovered that he
was meant to live there and be a permanent part of Casa Angelina. When he was a
child of about five years of age, he was asked what he wanted to be when he
grew up. He said he wanted to work in an orphanage – and here he is! I asked
how a five-year-old even knew what an orphanage is, with a smile he replied, “Exactly!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">At some point, I asked Eli about the weather here.
From the sounds of his descriptions, they have two seasons, rainy and dry. Right
now, February, they enter the dry season and the hotter temperatures, usually
high 80s mid-day. In the wet season it can get down to about 40 degrees. The
team that planned our trip chose the perfect time to come.<br />
<br />
Imagine if all God's children obeyed like this; like Ivan and Kimberly and
Bethany and EVERYONE here at Casa Angelina! This is the definition of
Christianity, to catch God’s vision and to submit, obey and run with it!<br />
<br />
I'm very impressed with how clean and organized everything is. In my mind, that
doesn't really mix with having 170 children around.<br />
<br />
I really enjoy our quiet time together in the evenings, sharing the highlights
of our day. It's meaningful, it's powerful and encouraging and very revelatory.
Tonight<br />
Tommy said, "I've watched these kids go through so much, but it's not
defining them, it's not limiting them."<br />
<br />
I want to let God love me like these children let God love them. God WANTS to
love me like they let Him love them.<br />
<br />
Young Kendra said, "Oh my gosh, they (at CA) live in the Garden of
Eden!"<br />
<br />
Truly CA is what God intended life on earth to be like; such joy abounds like nowhere
else I’ve seen.<br />
<br />This morning, a young woman named Suzanna shared her testimony with us. <br />
She had created a circle of walls for protection from the abuse she suffered.
The walls didn’t even protect her, but there were there, in her mind, built up
in a futile attempt at escaping pain.<br />
She eventually invited Jesus into her heart and He began to help her tear down
the walls that ended up holding her prisoner.<br />
In my mind, I could see that there was no room within the walls filled with
hate and unforgiveness for Jesus to thrive there and love her completely. I
could see Him hug her tightly as she started to let Him help her break down the
walls a block or two at a time. <br />
He became her walls of protection and broadened her world a little at a time. She
began to dream, and she's seeing her dreams fulfilled. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Isaiah 55:8 – “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways
my ways, saith the LORD.”</i></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I recall singing a song at a high school concert called Happy Talk (a song from
the movie South Pacific). It was a memorable song because Dave was one of the
AV guys videotaping the program. It’s one of “our memories”. The chorus of the song
says, <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Happy talk, keep talking happy talk. Talk about
things you like to do. You’ve got to have a dream, if you don’t have a dream,
how you gonna have a dream come true?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Though that applies to dreams; mine, yours, and
Suzanna’s – it also applies to our testimonies. If we’re not sharing our ‘happy
talk’ we’re denying others the blessings God has for them in our story, whether
they can relate to our circumstances or not. Our God is a miracle working God
and the world needs to hear about it! We all have a circle of influence that
grows daily. We’ll never truly know the impact of the stories we share until we
get to heaven and see how God was glorified through them. <br />
<br />
Tuesday morning: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Breakfast was a little earlier because we left for
CA earlier. <br /><br />
Once we got there, the children were again eager to join us with laughter and
games. Most of them speak English to some degree, some better than others. I
didn’t chat with many that wanted to show off their English skills, but they
challenged my lack of Spanish! They learn English in school, and we’re
encouraged to get them to practice using it.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7H0ddfspSN7dsDHdLxrMwPYFH1h_hAo599AZ-XblHv72PRgXhKsFAEhSVQmEochRqdSHyiBD3le4eFrRSc3BxchuRj2RfemrvcspVeQuoGF2ZtGJUYYB9jW8d49mq1HEQLDmIZY_zgXa6_0CMRvIfCXOHvSjsJPze2BlKd78YDdGUkqLBzt9Vd6gl5Q/s3474/20240221_092859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="3474" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV7H0ddfspSN7dsDHdLxrMwPYFH1h_hAo599AZ-XblHv72PRgXhKsFAEhSVQmEochRqdSHyiBD3le4eFrRSc3BxchuRj2RfemrvcspVeQuoGF2ZtGJUYYB9jW8d49mq1HEQLDmIZY_zgXa6_0CMRvIfCXOHvSjsJPze2BlKd78YDdGUkqLBzt9Vd6gl5Q/s320/20240221_092859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">After the kids ran off to school, we shared in some
awesome praise and worship. What makes it awesome? God always speaks to me! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Kimberly Tait spoke to us from James 1:27<br />
Choosing puzzles she said she looks for how many pieces there are. 3000? Too
many. 1500, yeah maybe. Ivan, however, looks at the picture. “Oooh - this one's
pretty! Let’s get it!” Kimberly responds, “5000 pieces! We can't do that!”<br />
<br />
That's how Ivan picked out this land, listening to God, without consulting her.
She said that he’s the visionary, and that she’s more practical and down to
earth. When she saw the barren mountainside, she didn’t understand how God
could do anything with it. Yet the ground was already prepared for the miracles
God would do there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Oh, to see Jesus come quickly!<br />
Who am I to deny what the Lord can do? <br />
We, (the people at CA) are the pipe, we (the people who contribute) are the
flow.” Kimberly brought out the most beautiful truths from <i>James 1:27</i> as
she continued to teach us, captivating every heart there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Pure religion and undefiled before God
and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction,
and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Pure means clear and not confused. <br />
Here, religion means worship. Worship is about the interior, not the exterior.
Not what's going on outside of us.<br />
Clear, not confused, worship, in the sight of God is this:<br />
To visit orphans and widows in their distress, (He sees what we're doing as
worship) and to keep OURSELVES unstained by the world, (by visiting orphans and
widows.)<br />
Our spirit gets contaminated by rules. <br />
“You have to <u>__{fill in the blank}____</u>. or are you even really a
Christian?”<br />
When you say, “I voted for Trump, I march in the pro-life marches, why can't I
hear from God?” ask God to talk to you about this. <br />
<br />
She went on to tell us that darkness will never quench the light. It's
impossible! There can be no fear in love. That’s why there are no monsters at
CA.<br />
<br />
She said the widows say:<br />
“I prayed God would send you.” <br />
Her response, "I wondered why my feet were going this direction."<br />
<br />
Bethany and Ivan are co-CEOs of CA and they, and everyone else there, do all
that they do with an excellency the world has rarely seen.<br />
<br />
I joined the work crew painting the inside of a house. Our first step was to
use sandpaper on the high gloss walls so the paint would stick better. That
made a lot of dust! The next step was to cut-in with the new paint. Queen
Brittany taught me how to do that. I can't say I'm great at it now, but I got
better with each stroke. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We broke for another delicious lunch. Kabobs, tender
veggies, and perfectly seasoned rice. Apple turnovers with ice cream for
dessert. <br />
<br />
Arriving back at the house we're painting; it was time to pull out the rollers
and get the paint on the walls. Although I wouldn't have chosen this color
(looks to me to be a battleship gray), I think we're doing a pretty good job. I
found myself right in my element when Queen Brittany, the ruler of the paint
brush, asked for help cleaning up paint spills from the tile floor. We are a
messy little bunch! But cleaning is right up my alley, so I felt quite useful.
I also felt quite achy, as I was on my knees or getting up from my knees
because earlier, I'd fallen on a ladder. You may think I misspoke there, but I
didn't. I was up on a ladder sanding the wall when I fell. I didn't land on the
floor, but rather, on the collapsed ladder. So, I didn't actually fall OFF the
ladder. Of course, this got everyone's attention, so I immediately announced
that I was okay. Turns out I do have a few bruises and achy places. If
anything, I thought I’d hurt my legs, but all day my hands have been buzzing
with a tingly vibration feeling. Not sure what that's about. As the day
progressed, my feet began to tingle, too. After play time with the children, we
boarded the vans to ride back to the hotel and I popped a Motrin because my
shoulders and neck were bothering hurting, too. But as I laid in bed trying to
catch up on my notes, I got to feeling pretty good. <br />
<br />
Dinner was nothing to write home about tonight. But I was too tired to eat much
anyways. <br />
<br />
During debriefing time tonight, we got to hear JR (and Lisa's) testimony about
their move to Colorado from Texas after losing his job and how God orchestrated
every step of the way, including raising him from the dead. <br />
<br /><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Normandy and I spent plenty of time chatting this evening, even though we were
tired. Time for a few zzzzzzs, tomorrow will be another early morning for
another day of hard work.</span></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">“Therefore, by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of
praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving
thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share,
for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span class="text"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive,
for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let
them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.”</span></i></span><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"> <i>Hebrews
13:15-17</i><br />
<br />
Wednesday at Casa Angelina:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Did I mention that the coffee here is phenomenal?
What have I been drinking up till now?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We have social time, or “play” time with the
children every morning when we get here and again before we leave for the day.
This can include jumping rope, drawing on the ground with chalk, blowing
bubbles together or more physical things like playing basketball or volleyball.
They have quite the sports set up, between some great playgrounds, a soccer
field, volleyball, basketball, and a pickle ball court. The gymnasium in their
school is quite spectacular.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhhE6tuYwmQJzBo4adQQphLqsn8kn7YN04thsTITMadJ-NzO21W4yyrr4wSD2evvO4KuO4ftfR1l0He__jaMCid8L1ilR9WnghKXxwuTK9gFOBU1n4tWIhQH3vI7UkotGL1J83nyopcEY3WN34Rq07Gxb0MWtlf3E3VZO-L8MZiMLdtqbENU-iM97-r8/s4032/20240223_092710.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhhE6tuYwmQJzBo4adQQphLqsn8kn7YN04thsTITMadJ-NzO21W4yyrr4wSD2evvO4KuO4ftfR1l0He__jaMCid8L1ilR9WnghKXxwuTK9gFOBU1n4tWIhQH3vI7UkotGL1J83nyopcEY3WN34Rq07Gxb0MWtlf3E3VZO-L8MZiMLdtqbENU-iM97-r8/s320/20240223_092710.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">While “helping” my little buddy (we’re not supposed
to share the names of the children), with his bubble blowing bottle, I had a
few good laughs. He wanted more agua (water) in his bottle. His water wasn’t
soapy enough as it was, so what he really needed was more soap in it. But he
insisted. I added water from my water bottle, yet still he couldn’t blow any
bubbles. He asked for my water bottle. I guess he thought that pouring it into
his little bubble bottle himself would do the trick. But to my surprise, he
didn’t add to his, he drank the water down faster than I could have! He looked
quite satisfied with himself, but still needed more agua for his bubbles. A friend
of mine helped by going off to find some soap near the (outdoor) restrooms.
That fixed it! But this little guy was persistent. He wanted more water in his
little bottle. We walked to the outdoor sink near the restrooms to add more
soap, which I had taken to calling “soap-o”. From behind a restroom door, a
teenaged boy laughed and told my little buddy that “the American woman didn’t
know Spanish at all.” I later discovered that “soap-o” apparently means soup.
No wonder he didn’t want to add any to his bubble water!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
During this morning’s devotion, Ivan taught that you can see who you are when
you begin bearing fruit. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“For we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared
beforehand that we should walk in them.”</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Eph 2:10</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We can do nothings unless God touches us and
empowers us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">“God anointed
Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about
doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was
with Him.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Acts 10:38</span></i><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
This requires a lot of personal death. Does God get credit for your life or do
you?<br />
Letting God wrap you in divine purpose means releasing our will for His. I’ve
got to ask myself, is my purpose divine or self-centered?<br />
<br />
God invests in what He believes in, and He believes in US!<br />
Wrap yourself in what He says and does. <br />
<br />
What eternal things do we do to please God? Life isn’t about the clothes or
shoes or guns or things we acquire. Discovering our purposes in Christ, involves
resting in Him and trusting Him to lead and guide us into His plans.<br />
<br />
Do we want God to do His thing in our lives? Then we need to do His things. <br />
<br />
God is all about rescuing orphans and widows, helping the poor. As Kimberly
mentioned Monday morning, scripture tells us this is very near and dear to His
heart. How is God instructing you to meet the needs around you? How does He
want US to help rescue orphans and widows? What role in it do we play?<br />
<br />
What is God doing in the earth? Jump in!<br />
<br />
Take your temporal life as a child of God and aim it at Eternity; aim it at something
God is involved in. <br />
<br />
You need beauty in your life. Is there anything more beautiful than an orphan,
than helping a widow, than helping the poor?<br /><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9PDzfK2hHIRvWPWFhZea02kQfaAq-hmUeslHInDexb8OPps1UyfZXH3LVRUKeUAylb-3ICAHuo9MAH2u3b_451cO5R5urt7Kl5OZOFbEPVTNBPdEwkS8R2RSXLOgfd7Mv1dCOS8YXOj4w_IzcjUKmaJoyKSxXH-M740NDOEgrqOa9tm36legW2bzjg0/s2077/20240221_092839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2077" data-original-width="1756" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg9PDzfK2hHIRvWPWFhZea02kQfaAq-hmUeslHInDexb8OPps1UyfZXH3LVRUKeUAylb-3ICAHuo9MAH2u3b_451cO5R5urt7Kl5OZOFbEPVTNBPdEwkS8R2RSXLOgfd7Mv1dCOS8YXOj4w_IzcjUKmaJoyKSxXH-M740NDOEgrqOa9tm36legW2bzjg0/s320/20240221_092839.jpg" width="271" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">What benefit is there in talking about nothing? Yet we do it every day. We need
to be talking about things that will make an impact in the lives God brings
across our paths, whether nearby or far away; we can bless everyone God directs
us to bless, because He’s doing the blessing through us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Divine encounters with God will cause you to be truly defined by God. In His
hands, we’ll make a worldwide eternal difference. All encounters with God lead
to transformation, inside and around us.<br />
<br />
Jesus told the woman at the well that if she drank from His well, she wouldn’t
need a man to be happy. That doesn’t mean we don’t need each other because we
do. It simply means that He needs to be our source.<br />
<br />
You are an arrow, He's making you straight. You have a target. When you are in
God's bow, He will send you out.<br />
<br />
Children need divine encounters. Who were you born to be? How do you get there?
Flesh and blood (man) doesn’t reveal this to us, but our Father in heaven.<br />
<br />
I absolutely loved it when concluding his teach, Ivan said, “May your hearts
burn like the men on their way to Emmaus.” When I ponder on my time in
Guatemala, I’ll recall, “Didn’t my hearts burn within me?!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8dLKCDWIsrRdQioT2LS3_yzBfdMQIhWKkpIIxd-f2BXH5f2h8y604Z5jY1TSaRAfsjVA9gxhUdGZOeTzqz3pYJ2Ej2W2E1aD83NiARWbPwl9IMq3SqM-_baWRwPvzXBHoYqROtSchrzRIqd_M79Ubl_aKLmWKAp0mGBrae3JepqPKC_Ra1Gf0GFOQTA8/s1600/IMG-20240225-WA0004.jpg" 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/AVvXsEj8dLKCDWIsrRdQioT2LS3_yzBfdMQIhWKkpIIxd-f2BXH5f2h8y604Z5jY1TSaRAfsjVA9gxhUdGZOeTzqz3pYJ2Ej2W2E1aD83NiARWbPwl9IMq3SqM-_baWRwPvzXBHoYqROtSchrzRIqd_M79Ubl_aKLmWKAp0mGBrae3JepqPKC_Ra1Gf0GFOQTA8/s320/IMG-20240225-WA0004.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Off to Margarita’s house! This morning, we started the task of painting the
inside of her house a soft yellow. Painting cinderblock isn't as easy as one
might think. It absorbs the paint quickly. It requires several coats to be pretty.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
We painted three rooms. Two bedrooms and a front room that serves as a sitting
area and a dining room/kitchen. <br />
<br />
We tried not to get paint spills, splashes, or splatter on the newly poured
concrete floors. That was a REAL challenge. <br />
<br />
The men poured her front patio area while us women folk took care of the
painting. <br />
<br />
The men also tore down Margarita's old makeshift toilet, too. So, the afternoon
might have been rough on some of us ladies. <br />
<br />
As I cut-in the corners, I found myself being fearful of dropping my paint
bottle. (We used liter bottles that had been cut in half to hold the
paint for those of us cutting in.) I was afraid of leaving drops of paint on
the floor or splattering. Then it dawned on me. Fear is not of God. So, I had a
little talk with Jesus about it and I did much better. When I felt it coming
back, Jesus nudged me. <br />
<br />
We discussed which scriptures we'd choose to pray over the house. Lisa (V)
wrote verses on the walls before we painted them. We all left a little bit of
ourselves behind in her home. <br /><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlS-UANBQjYW3ibOy416aqPyTdiWgqK66i37Rum60dYkND_cTLS0QX9T8MuqdKTQIDdWrIaWWZKKxdsalAN_-l5kU0S8txmgE5ET4Sen1VDTpUzC4hkAQBkQT2q1SUKEArEG6ZIUKJcW4uZb8J5mQEpglEBXhgGcTZwBcLQFYWft4XsAiXHAmiPvpSfE/s1042/20240223_121850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="968" data-original-width="1042" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBlS-UANBQjYW3ibOy416aqPyTdiWgqK66i37Rum60dYkND_cTLS0QX9T8MuqdKTQIDdWrIaWWZKKxdsalAN_-l5kU0S8txmgE5ET4Sen1VDTpUzC4hkAQBkQT2q1SUKEArEG6ZIUKJcW4uZb8J5mQEpglEBXhgGcTZwBcLQFYWft4XsAiXHAmiPvpSfE/s320/20240223_121850.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">We met Margarita as soon as we got there. She is so sweet and filled with
smiles and appreciation. She's beautiful! She says she's 62 years old. Her
husband died two years ago, and the rest of her family abandoned her. She'd
been living in a tin shed with an ugly makeshift toilet. Like many widows, her
family may "rediscover" her because now she has something or worth and
isn't "just a burden and another mouth to feed". Since CA checks on
her and brings the Spirit of God with them along with food and medical care
regularly, her returning family will find her home to be a haven. She's likely
been praying to be reunited with her family, as so many other widows are, so
even that will be a good thing. When she dies, the house will become theirs.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Lunch was again, soooo good. And again, they gave us so much of it! We each got
a large chicken breast made into delicious cordon bleu, a generous portion of
perfectly baked seasoned potatoes and a veggie mix of squash, carrots, and chickpeas.
Plus, another fabulous dessert, too. A slice of a fruit roll I believed to be
apples and raisins, with a scoop of ice cream. And they expected us not to take
a nap!? Lol<br />
<br />
We headed back to Margarita's place to finish painting the inside. Nope, didn't
gitterdun. We resumed the following day. Greg brought us some better rollers
and more drop cloths. Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
We had play time with the children again and headed back to the hotel. I'm sure
we were all exhausted!<br />
<br />
It sure took a long time to get back to the hotel that afternoon, apparently an
accident held up traffic. <br />
<br />
Throughout the day Dad and I have had to have a few pow-wows. Humble. Humble
doesn't need to be seen or heard. I've been TRYING to be quieter. But I pout
and say, 'Father - what if you give me something important to say!?' He said,
'If I give you something to say, I'll give you permission to say it.'</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">This will be something I'll continue to work on for
a while, I'm sure. When I begin telling someone a story and the person I’m
talking with walks away in the middle of it or starts a conversation with
someone else while I'm still talking, I can get offended. I don't think my
stories are boring, but that's just my opinion. So, if they're walking away
from the story, I'm concluding that I need better discernment as to when to
talk and who to talk with. The rest of the time, I need to be listening. Ooooo.
This won't be easy.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">I hardly took any pictures in two days. I know I haven’t gotten enough pictures
of the children. I can't bring myself to call them orphans because they have an
awesome family now. Without coming to see them for yourself, you'd never
believe they could be so happy and that their lives could be so dramatically
turned around so quickly. <br />
<br />
I got to hear part of Greg's story while the children played around us. He's
such an awesome man. He told me about his childhood, that he became a Christian
as a teen - the details are his to share, I won't record them here. He's so
giving and loving and great with the kids. They love him. We all do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ujxdJG_ojNpI66yuZqqlhnIXpiSKvaKvVjfbQRIrVZT2TO5yDT-9XOfnrBaSjQv6jtUPcn7Cjk2Fnv5Q7VyjQXmh46jZAwQoI25t4s_bsKm1Pnu0ddSGMtGX9q-QpD0YU-zf1fq0v55ELJuuSvN4j6bRJTjKYqdre_LuTC2iH2QkBREDYH1xUsH4pno/s1522/20240219_152713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1522" data-original-width="1182" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ujxdJG_ojNpI66yuZqqlhnIXpiSKvaKvVjfbQRIrVZT2TO5yDT-9XOfnrBaSjQv6jtUPcn7Cjk2Fnv5Q7VyjQXmh46jZAwQoI25t4s_bsKm1Pnu0ddSGMtGX9q-QpD0YU-zf1fq0v55ELJuuSvN4j6bRJTjKYqdre_LuTC2iH2QkBREDYH1xUsH4pno/s320/20240219_152713.jpg" width="249" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Getting to know all my teammates has been a huge
part of what makes this trip so special and memorable.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
By late afternoon, I'm so beat, I totally forgot to take pictures of the kids,
again. You’d think I’d get the pictures in the morning before we start working.
<br />
<br />
Thursday morning:<br />
Normandy went out to a coffee shop early with several others. I got an extra
half hour of sleep. We had our normal breakfast, plus a few pieces of sweet
pineapple. <br />
<br />
I needed to ramp up my quiet time in prayer. The enemy's lies have been weighing
on me. His lies began to bombard me again already today. What gives??<br />
<br />
I think I've found the cure for the pooping issue. At least for me. A cup of
coffee in the morning, bouncing on the bumpy cobblestone roads and I'm ready to
go by the time we get to Casa Angelina! </span><span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😄</span><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
There are more than 100 volcanoes in this country, 67 along the coast, 38 of
them are active volcanoes. Impressive. We got to see smoke billows, but that
was about it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6x_OJw3Z0ZS91-iJCrIhFKNQoNEBUvUPsrO1RFUwU6S9Vq4-TslwmJys5Hk_rbqHs5dPMyi0-NLND37-BprTiha1x_A8drVkaeDA-kGSfoksEeiZhPeTjA9F4M5rDGYFfBgkd5l8Vk7LIt_15PSAQB0rZbqoylqO2Qj9_oXqwcX4myiBtky9K7cgAgU/s2502/20240222_084134.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1715" data-original-width="2502" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF6x_OJw3Z0ZS91-iJCrIhFKNQoNEBUvUPsrO1RFUwU6S9Vq4-TslwmJys5Hk_rbqHs5dPMyi0-NLND37-BprTiha1x_A8drVkaeDA-kGSfoksEeiZhPeTjA9F4M5rDGYFfBgkd5l8Vk7LIt_15PSAQB0rZbqoylqO2Qj9_oXqwcX4myiBtky9K7cgAgU/s320/20240222_084134.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">At Casa Angelina, we have devotion/teaching time every day before the work
starts. Ivan is in the house!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">During praise and worship, we sang the song, “You're a Good, Good Father, it's
Who You are....<br />
I am loved by You, it's who I am....”<br />
Afterwards He whispered to me, “It’s who we all are.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">"The Famous Jessica from Casa Angelina” as she calls herself, shared her
heart-wrenching story of life before Casa Angelina and how her hand was so severely
burned. She’s a very strong young woman who has been through so much, yet her
testimony turned to preaching as she shared all the wonderful things God has
done in her life and how He’s brought her so far.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We all listened intently, with broken hearts as she
explained the torment her stepmother put her and her brothers through and how
she never felt accepted.<br /><br />
</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQmKmsBV0JlbqvAXGOiQB7_SICgXRP2eQsAKKHVkoJH_plRLYZwLFFKpIdQrkunywz0qGiPJV5TwGGmHcW10f_vGg5DBuBMKTqE4jYYZlBImoUV7IjIVn2dff4n5k_r4rVFSBy19bP234P9ZpqE-owkkvPORDZS62RjLtKAwTgcRiMBnOzp4NJU2oLkY/s1600/IMG-20240225-WA0015.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQmKmsBV0JlbqvAXGOiQB7_SICgXRP2eQsAKKHVkoJH_plRLYZwLFFKpIdQrkunywz0qGiPJV5TwGGmHcW10f_vGg5DBuBMKTqE4jYYZlBImoUV7IjIVn2dff4n5k_r4rVFSBy19bP234P9ZpqE-owkkvPORDZS62RjLtKAwTgcRiMBnOzp4NJU2oLkY/s320/IMG-20240225-WA0015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">While she spoke, I felt God’s whispers in my heart as He told me He's going to
teach me the many facets of acceptance.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">There are 159 widow’s homes already, there will be184 by the end of the year. <br />
Someone just donated the funds for 25 of the new ones. <br />
The teens build 5 widows houses a year; they say I need to do better so I can
do more. All work that any of the children or teens do at Casa Angelina is
voluntary. They give because their hearts are full, and they have so much to give
away to others.<br />
<br />
Today was hard. I find myself feeling very emotional, not exactly sure why. Maybe
because I know I’m leaving soon. My heart has already grown securely attached
here. More spiritual warfare, no doubt. God will always meet me where I’m at! <br />
<br />
We painted more at Margarita’s house, inside and out. We got the outside wall
finished in just one afternoon, but we only did the front wall. I worked mostly
with Lisa (S) and Judy. After finishing up with that, I worked on varnishing
door frames. Lisa joined in towards the end of that. Sadly, her paint brush was
quite wide, so it was harder to do the frames. It did great on the doors.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLzGcXV4UJHKx-P1VUe2UGpRd4lCIP8wu6DBbWI_aBOEoXjU9T-HKLV6dmffFPyg5omWCqveLTOZ05PuiRTF7-7oTsByopjAOtgXx1eUbQ63rY9dZonRhZshQfbccZPKmiZRQhNmXbGjMFsDSihH8H57fBdrBlD3C6TnmzeGBikqkfKqGxk6mknWintM/s4032/20240223_113946.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLzGcXV4UJHKx-P1VUe2UGpRd4lCIP8wu6DBbWI_aBOEoXjU9T-HKLV6dmffFPyg5omWCqveLTOZ05PuiRTF7-7oTsByopjAOtgXx1eUbQ63rY9dZonRhZshQfbccZPKmiZRQhNmXbGjMFsDSihH8H57fBdrBlD3C6TnmzeGBikqkfKqGxk6mknWintM/s320/20240223_113946.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br />My hands were sticky from the oil-based paint we used on the exterior and the varnish
we used on the doors. As we drove away from the widow's house, sadness engulfed
me. <br />
<br />
All afternoon I felt like Normandy was mad at me, but I don't know what I did
wrong. I feel like we're middle schoolers. When we got back to the hotel, I asked
her what was going on with a big hug. She laughed and replied, “Did I not spend
enough time with you today, Helen?” She’s right, I was being silly. But a trip
like this will mess with your emotions!<br />
<br />
I feel achier than ever tonight; more tired and more emotional. <br />
<br />
I was thrilled to find out tonight that Queen Brittany is Fiona and Abby's youth
leader at Church For All Nations. They're in good hands!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9FVQ-iF4224ZdTDj5UP4vvqvpGC10Jpb6R49hsp-fJae8rbfHTfJW5kIGcJ5FGNFkoZ5NhWshhuzHvRNUuenQsxs0iEMGTd8Rq72hGk9b_hQZN_wOTPOnttPmvreusIl-ofo_p1Nrd0bP7V60mBUARvuwkrXjZLBeQOY8J3gR6LKMD1SKN32DZB-4iY/s4032/20240223_120038.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie9FVQ-iF4224ZdTDj5UP4vvqvpGC10Jpb6R49hsp-fJae8rbfHTfJW5kIGcJ5FGNFkoZ5NhWshhuzHvRNUuenQsxs0iEMGTd8Rq72hGk9b_hQZN_wOTPOnttPmvreusIl-ofo_p1Nrd0bP7V60mBUARvuwkrXjZLBeQOY8J3gR6LKMD1SKN32DZB-4iY/s320/20240223_120038.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">We had dinner at the hotel again tonight. I'm not very hungry. Though, I would
LOVE to sit in a hot tub!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Friday morning:<br />
The song we sang this morning, For the One by Jenn Johnson is one I’ll share
with as many people as I can.<br />
We were told that the “Bawling Place” is the bus. When we cry, we make the
children sad and the adults at Casa Angelina are left with the mending of
hearts after we’re gone, so Bethany asked that we hold our tears till we’re on
the bus, if we can.<o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Juanita Hernandez shared her testimony before we headed out to Margarita’s
house for the morning. Hers was another tragedy turned to triumph. Their
stories are hard to listen to, but the blessings that come out of the hardship
are worth waiting to hear.<br />
Life wasn’t too bad until she was kidnapped, but after being returned home, her
family turned on her, some family members committing the same assaults as those
who had taken her. That led her to run away numerous times, until she was
finally taken to Casa Angelina. At one point, her mom came to visit her and
promised that things would be different if she came back home with her, so she
did. But she regretted it, nothing changed. The parallel with the prodigal son’s
story stood out to me because she thought that perhaps if she could return to
Casa Angelina, they’d at least let her work there. She was surprised to be welcomed
back as a child and allowed to continue to be a child, and so her story goes….<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">My mind thought back to Suzanna’s testimony, about
the walls she had built around herself to survive.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">Like Suzanna, when you receive Jesus into your heart,
as He embraces you, can you hear Him softly say, “Hey, it's getting a little
crowded in here mind of we knock out a few of these bricks?”<br />
<br />
What a rewarding day. We knocked out the finishing touches on Margarita's
house, moved in her furniture, got her beds put together and made. Had cake and
drinks with her to break bread, celebrating her new home. The pictures tell the
story. <br />
<br />
We were all there today, our whole team. So many of us, plus the construction
crew. Her house and front yard we're pretty much packed with people, many of us
with little to nothing to do but get in the way. Being in the way is tough! No
matter where you move to, someone needs to be in that spot for some reason. But
it was an honor to be there!</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ink-gt5vVJG-vwiPtQYiYrhUJHtnvMn0nfPgBrChycZG6DFU-sG-M_SzTYXZVIKJyfDL8xERfehb-NlM6c_HCUdXiZZCAFiUOb3fHneup3GZ26CVtQYcIYHX_ekkx3xQWRyvNzTa-G4Yo_8boVaxG0cJkg0dHPYWRdfdKMx7yKRRtcoR3OiIMftgYFk/s3364/20240223_122457.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3364" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Ink-gt5vVJG-vwiPtQYiYrhUJHtnvMn0nfPgBrChycZG6DFU-sG-M_SzTYXZVIKJyfDL8xERfehb-NlM6c_HCUdXiZZCAFiUOb3fHneup3GZ26CVtQYcIYHX_ekkx3xQWRyvNzTa-G4Yo_8boVaxG0cJkg0dHPYWRdfdKMx7yKRRtcoR3OiIMftgYFk/s320/20240223_122457.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><br />
When we dedicated her home, we all had a dab of oil to anoint and pray over her
house - and her. Bethany was there to translate and dedicate. <br />
<br />
The place is beautiful, the furniture is beautiful and so much more than she
had living in a tin hut. She's excited that now her son will come to stay with
her; this restores family. Others will come to visit now, too. This gives her
community. She's filled with joy. <br />
<br />
We are, too. <br />
<br />
Margarita is a very happy new homeowner. But I think she was ready for us to
leave so she could cry in privacy. <br />
<br />
Lunch was a pasta dish with veggies and chicken with tomatoes on them. As well
as an ice cream dessert. <br />
<br />
A little more time with the children, they had the afternoon off. That would be
the last time we'd see them this trip. <br />
<br />
Friday night:<br />
It was at least a three-hour trip to the hotel in Guatemala City. But it was
worth the wait! Talk about a glamorous, swanky hotel! Whew!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAv7QGUr5UEI-JuyD6Eq70zqjwuDohSebwkbz7n7uWu4LkKQcrrAs0UZBgZthybfMyHJ_u9h2F5vo2tOVQZUCma6mEx2DZOsiVRsDUSNQ1Lczv8-k6RIP9KD5O-ETLh7gHw4l3mf0cXLAYTfBAsMReL-0SBFMHLqhOQP1UUnGX2VfwNLhNXGP4nAaU0/s2801/20240223_175326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2801" data-original-width="1975" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaAv7QGUr5UEI-JuyD6Eq70zqjwuDohSebwkbz7n7uWu4LkKQcrrAs0UZBgZthybfMyHJ_u9h2F5vo2tOVQZUCma6mEx2DZOsiVRsDUSNQ1Lczv8-k6RIP9KD5O-ETLh7gHw4l3mf0cXLAYTfBAsMReL-0SBFMHLqhOQP1UUnGX2VfwNLhNXGP4nAaU0/s320/20240223_175326.jpg" width="226" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">We ate dinner in a buffet restaurant in the hotel. Shopped at the boutiques there.
Took in the beauty. <o:p></o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt; text-align: left;">Right after dinner, I went up to shower and go to bed instead of perusing the
shops again. After a quick shower, I was in bed by 9pm. I found a tv show in
English, a CSI show I wouldn't normally watch.</span></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style", serif; font-size: 16pt;">Normandy came up to the room close to 10,
announcing, “It's a good thing you're awake or I'd have had to wake you up!” I
fell asleep while she was in the bathtub. As I was dozing off the first time,
she called to me from the bathroom wanting to know which bottle was the shampoo.
I almost fell (again) as I entered the bathroom. Of course, water was all over
the floor. She’s the best roommate ever.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">
<br />
Sleep in that bed was SWEET! The perfect mattress surrounded me with coziness,
the soft pillows felt like I fell asleep on a cloud. <br />
<br />
I awoke to the sounds of Normandy's alarm at 3am. She didn’t hear it at all. It
went off seven times before I finally decided to wake her. We were dressed and
out of the room in no time, downstairs and ready to go home. <br />
<br />
After taking care of our QR codes, I was loaded into a taxi with Natalie and
Kevin and Noel, but not without falling, again, this time in the lobby on the
way out the door. A hotel employee wore great concern on his face as I
scrambled to get up. I banged up my right knee pretty good. By the time I
boarded the plane I was fine, though. <br />
<br />
Normandy and I sat in the same row on the first flight but had to talk over a
man between us. Again, God blessed me with an aisle seat. Hallelujah!<br />
<br />
It's grown normal to tune out the Hispanic version of anything that accompanies
the English version. I should be paying attention if I expect to pick it up
anytime soon. <br />
<br />
While in the taxi, Natalie and Kevin and I were discussing Normandy having her
own sitcom. I was thinking something along the lines of That Girl from the 70s.
Kevin suggested a reality show like Keeping Up With the Kardashians. They could
call it Storming Normandy. Natalie chimed it with, I was thinking something
more like I Love Lucy. But then I realized, that would make me her straight
man, her boring sidekick. Hmmm. <br />
<br />
We got to the airport in plenty of time. Grabbed some Starbucks and even had
time to chat in the boarding area. Again, they took my carry-on bag. Didn't
bother me a bit this time. Less for me to drag through Dallas Airport during
the layover. <br />
<br />
Security isn't very strict. Normandy got through with a whole bottle of water
in the pocket of her carry-on bag! <br />
<br />
There's so much to process from this trip. <br />
What did God do in my heart?<br />
What is He still in the process of doing?<br />
What does He want me to do?<br />
Where does He want me?<br />
I can serve widows and children where I am.<br />
But is that HIS game plan?<br />
I'm afraid that's going to have to wait until after I get a few more hours of
sleep. <br />
<br />
P.S. Editing my notes didn’t go well, I write more than I organize. So here you
have it all, 9,200+ words that filled 40 pages. If you made it to the end,
congratulations!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6whQkk80HHhnOrU02IxcSnYo1faG2bUBv10B5VEZzqFzBX9gx7bCr4JeJmc4Vl7j07jlySFYbMqTkH1Wf2Fms74Kl4VqgpLyJ1dWF66yCuH4F9IW6WkzpdaBnK_shc_OF7-_Kq40oOgKaUbgL5f1WMTPa7sBAzMOuFA8ZAlZq3JxnZbxJjwyR2qe78T4/s4032/20240217_060937.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6whQkk80HHhnOrU02IxcSnYo1faG2bUBv10B5VEZzqFzBX9gx7bCr4JeJmc4Vl7j07jlySFYbMqTkH1Wf2Fms74Kl4VqgpLyJ1dWF66yCuH4F9IW6WkzpdaBnK_shc_OF7-_Kq40oOgKaUbgL5f1WMTPa7sBAzMOuFA8ZAlZq3JxnZbxJjwyR2qe78T4/s320/20240217_060937.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style",serif; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2feNPyFNYtA5N5uKwAVD4-pXMHVdUJvh1mOCHYU3oUyraB7oesSfwztj4kVZCpJW28pB9vLmI90RgGosrRRL-40Tlyw4L2AvHVA1zsBPcoDqgDmLURZa_jVpnyn39exYZ1RNzo3J265qmu1qmYCS8LiQ7D41d4vUkhI9h88iY4AGm0kbDSD5ZvWGXiC4/s4032/20240216_185724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2268" data-original-width="4032" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2feNPyFNYtA5N5uKwAVD4-pXMHVdUJvh1mOCHYU3oUyraB7oesSfwztj4kVZCpJW28pB9vLmI90RgGosrRRL-40Tlyw4L2AvHVA1zsBPcoDqgDmLURZa_jVpnyn39exYZ1RNzo3J265qmu1qmYCS8LiQ7D41d4vUkhI9h88iY4AGm0kbDSD5ZvWGXiC4/s320/20240216_185724.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KwNLnSCMIcwLSMhUiWXKrTjBLemV7eB3SJHxnP6Cp9zmEKzx3PVUN-UDjCwuy8lv6uYSaYe99ujYj9-ENwaWokU-703efmepvEsq-5PWpNnfQ8PNwa_3pbXpr1JTenwv7CyHO9uWxovqKcUMfbEDa3sOD1vo-UrWgpYZh1iE7pf4irOx3zlOeUDaqOE/s4032/20240216_193501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-KwNLnSCMIcwLSMhUiWXKrTjBLemV7eB3SJHxnP6Cp9zmEKzx3PVUN-UDjCwuy8lv6uYSaYe99ujYj9-ENwaWokU-703efmepvEsq-5PWpNnfQ8PNwa_3pbXpr1JTenwv7CyHO9uWxovqKcUMfbEDa3sOD1vo-UrWgpYZh1iE7pf4irOx3zlOeUDaqOE/s320/20240216_193501.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5N6YVfIrKLMCRicUm-ilKRXlRSOCn2-PHfcNikl7WJ3VvDZ-UrGs64SFf1FBUQj_ar1A41yzT7FVfgZQqkjUKQxokYaVaExCX97zmJDfWPMkUCqyDJF-_5pMdPhajDUh9K6rgrQ2SHZ22BbUH8ULubPMPlulXAEANClpWMWUYtqG0f7gO2pFieoyZjA/s4032/20240217_180849.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx5N6YVfIrKLMCRicUm-ilKRXlRSOCn2-PHfcNikl7WJ3VvDZ-UrGs64SFf1FBUQj_ar1A41yzT7FVfgZQqkjUKQxokYaVaExCX97zmJDfWPMkUCqyDJF-_5pMdPhajDUh9K6rgrQ2SHZ22BbUH8ULubPMPlulXAEANClpWMWUYtqG0f7gO2pFieoyZjA/s320/20240217_180849.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-41431164120883741692024-01-23T16:15:00.002-07:002024-01-23T16:15:33.582-07:00What I DO Know<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdkUwo0X14wWp9lYKxdTDmk_GMutSLbcWAz4EKjpyzoEG1vtyr3iHA56eHAA7a1mslHdT-Q42bEKuJ8zUJFuCS72ODlnZT3j7XU8nJEhs6lX_yDo29nqbIZhomPOZLQFTHSdZDjM2xifUl0JGFrRoAkmUOfblfzSoKKAttpcWGvWzORr2CHxLBqwiA6Y/s2560/beautiful%20heart%20wallpapercave%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2560" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLdkUwo0X14wWp9lYKxdTDmk_GMutSLbcWAz4EKjpyzoEG1vtyr3iHA56eHAA7a1mslHdT-Q42bEKuJ8zUJFuCS72ODlnZT3j7XU8nJEhs6lX_yDo29nqbIZhomPOZLQFTHSdZDjM2xifUl0JGFrRoAkmUOfblfzSoKKAttpcWGvWzORr2CHxLBqwiA6Y/w400-h250/beautiful%20heart%20wallpapercave%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(wallpapercave .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I was
laying in bed praying for you the other night, this is what I felt God had me
write down for you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t know
a lot of things. I know you believe there’s a God; I don’t know your thoughts
towards Him. But I do know His thoughts towards you. (See Psalm 139)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He loves you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He isn’t mad at you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know that
He isn’t punishing you for anything (Jesus already took all your punishments
when He went to the cross for you).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s reaching out to you, always.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s always with you, whether you realize it or not – and whether you want
Him there or not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
there’s no place you can go where He isn’t already there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know what
great value He places on you. Jesus values you so much that He chose to die in
your place so that you can live in His place.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that this great value has nothing to do with what you do or choose not to do; your
value is intrinsic (you were born with it).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He has a plan and purpose for your life.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that God created you in His own image.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s filled you with gifts and talents and promise.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He always wants to communicate with you, even when you think you can’t
hear His voice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He wants you healed and whole, inside, and out.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He loves the people you love.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He loves the people you hate or are angry with. He’s reaching out to them,
too.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that the Psalmist David said that God keeps your tears in a bottle, and that your
prayers are a sweet-smelling savor to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He sings over you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He sees you, all the time.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He knows your thoughts before you even think them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s already planned a way out of every trouble you’ll get yourself into.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He wants to live in your heart and that He wants you to live in His.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s already provided all you need; all you’ll ever need.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s already positioned friends and allies for you, right when and where
you’ll need them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He breathed life into you for His own precious reasons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s protected you when you weren’t even aware that He was there.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’ll continue to be your protection.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s not “out there somewhere” but that He’s as close as the mention of His
Name.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He’s given His children His power and authority.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He always gives you choice, the right to choose Him or to ignore Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that God’s heart is your home.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that when no one sees you or what you’re going through, He does.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He will always be speaking to your heart.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that you can hear Him when He speaks.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He made you strong, but that He is stronger and that He shows up in your
times of weakness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that your feelings don’t explain the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He doesn’t just want you to know about Him, but that He wants you to know
Him, personally and intimately.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He always wants your love and your praise and your thankfulness.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that with every temptation, He’s already provided an escape.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He wants you to see yourself the way He sees you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He trusts you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that I love you, too, even though I’m not always with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that I pray for you every day.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He hears my prayers for you, every single time I pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He hears you, every single time YOU pray.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I do know
that He gave me these words just for you, for good reason.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<br /></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-13627772496431778282023-10-02T13:21:00.001-07:002023-10-02T13:21:29.945-07:00Me, too!<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh7PJXjpPmypamOreeQQg1MlQlBGn1YfC0Sc7H4g_GVEpsMz_2RImfjU_lvz0nu7xNkRVW7PhM8yAWvGQ1Q4d1RSfgfYjcggW3p8JKGbJDmXdKdZqYD4nYqhCJ5Fp9Iffol1ZsyQbdOTyar6uL9jk3wd5z02-Ti5962aVzzw1qBEMl5TQKSDYCldH10Y/s735/talking%20bubble%20pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="659" data-original-width="735" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTh7PJXjpPmypamOreeQQg1MlQlBGn1YfC0Sc7H4g_GVEpsMz_2RImfjU_lvz0nu7xNkRVW7PhM8yAWvGQ1Q4d1RSfgfYjcggW3p8JKGbJDmXdKdZqYD4nYqhCJ5Fp9Iffol1ZsyQbdOTyar6uL9jk3wd5z02-Ti5962aVzzw1qBEMl5TQKSDYCldH10Y/s320/talking%20bubble%20pinterest.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from Pinterest)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other morning
and God spoke to me so clearly; it made me cry.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I write
poetry, often provoking tears in the readers, but usually touching their hearts
in a special way. Though I’ve been a Christian, encouraging others for a long
time now, I’ve often felt less than worthy of the blessings God pours out on
me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But through
the blood of Jesus – I am MADE worthy! Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Someone referred
to the gifts God placed inside of us. I naturally thought of poetry; my mind
fluttered through the only verses I have memorized – one of my favorite poems.
I was halted as I rehearsed the lines in my head with the most wonderful interruption.
I’ll include the poem here for reference, I want you to know what I’m referring
to:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you picked a flower for every care in your mind, <br />
how many different flowers do you think that you could find?<br />
If you put them all together and made a huge bouquet,<br />
wouldn’t it give your heart a rest to give them all away?<br />
But, who would want these flowers that represent pains and grief?<br />
I came to bear your burdens, Child, will you give your bouquet to Me?<br />
- Jesus<br />
(Helen Williams! 2002)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The interruption?
As I recalled the last line, Jesus lovingly whispered to me, <b><i>“Yes, that
means you, too.”</i><o:p></o:p></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To you, that
might seem obvious. But to me, it felt like my brain had just been dunked into soapy
bathwater and pulled out clean! Yes, of course it applies to me, too! I was so
excited I cried. But knowing that in my head and knowing it in my heart are two
totally different lines of reality.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am among
the redeemed. <br />
I am made righteous by the blood of Jesus. <br />
God doesn’t require perfection from me, He requires that I believe in Him and
in His Word; the sacrificial Lamb (Jesus) Who died to pay for my sin. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvOrAlFTh5J5oT51TFM_FUXP5tXG8lR4jP24PW_TGEZPF8n0b_nbHJ6l9ogf-kaXit5vQvo0dRpmGkqY3lucjUxAvybnOm4ZUEa3cDURsAOHZzN6YyUqhHkUlSNhxJp6MURWOMUryi5CTmJ-L6hh35SlSkv23wgaWOygjk9K5CHFke2d3EMsHufIIMVQ/s768/I%20am%20redeemed%203wordwisdom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEvOrAlFTh5J5oT51TFM_FUXP5tXG8lR4jP24PW_TGEZPF8n0b_nbHJ6l9ogf-kaXit5vQvo0dRpmGkqY3lucjUxAvybnOm4ZUEa3cDURsAOHZzN6YyUqhHkUlSNhxJp6MURWOMUryi5CTmJ-L6hh35SlSkv23wgaWOygjk9K5CHFke2d3EMsHufIIMVQ/s320/I%20am%20redeemed%203wordwisdom.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from 3wordwisdom)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So – why </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">WOULDN’T</i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">
the poem (and every other word of encouragement) apply to me?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God is
always speaking to our hearts. Yet we seldom listen for what He has to say to
us as individuals.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Several
decades ago, I turned away from God. I stuck my fingers in my ears and didn’t want
to hear what He was saying to me. I knew He was still God, and I knew I still wanted
His protection and love and blessings, but I turned inward and became very
selfish. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It wasn’t
long until God once again captivated my attention and by His loving kindness
drew me back to Himself. I repented of my sin and turned my heart back to Him. I
hurt a lot of people through that painful detour, but God loved me still. Most
of those people still love me, too.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The enemy
taunted me, insisting that I was no longer worthy of God’s grace. He used truth
to weave a lie. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, I
wasn’t worthy of God’s grace – that’s what grace is all about! It can’t be
earned.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But I was no
less worthy of that grace than I was the first time I submitted myself to God’s
love and asked Him to reign in my heart. Herein is the message of grace: He
loves us anyway.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Satan is
like a roaring lion, seeking to kill, steal and destroy – our faith. <br />
(John 10:10)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I took a
stance and declared in my heart that even if God could no longer accept me as
His own, I would declare His grace to others. How’s that for an oxymoron? How
could I effectively share grace if I wasn’t even applying it to myself?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I was the
prodigal daughter, willing to return home to be my Father’s slave, yet He
wanted me to return to be His bride!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, let’s
talk about worthiness and settle the matter once and for all. In our flesh, we
are not worthy of God’s grace or His love. <b>But He chooses to love us anyway.</b>
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT3KqXDaBKODD9WPxuJFCL-JB-MOiYxv6su3kGkpwqqfTYrLES025CLVdQA_Xzzg_rvULnwN1_URBMm47UV7wn4WlCjTE5OyGFXi6MUUFSfjnqAj4y8XwqvAA-H7e0aP1KyM6cM0-9L7_ivi_gc6LsLdVQH2sAYmUFxoTk8jd94sHfKUxAY6avZ9fPWY/s850/grace%20pinterest%20dot%20com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="850" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguT3KqXDaBKODD9WPxuJFCL-JB-MOiYxv6su3kGkpwqqfTYrLES025CLVdQA_Xzzg_rvULnwN1_URBMm47UV7wn4WlCjTE5OyGFXi6MUUFSfjnqAj4y8XwqvAA-H7e0aP1KyM6cM0-9L7_ivi_gc6LsLdVQH2sAYmUFxoTk8jd94sHfKUxAY6avZ9fPWY/s320/grace%20pinterest%20dot%20com.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from pinterest)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There is
nothing we can do to stop His unending, unconditional love towards us. Nothing.
NOTHING! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No matter
how sinful we become, we are not beyond the reach of His love and forgiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He is constantly
reaching for us, longing for us to receive His love. When we hear a story about
unrequited love, we have NO idea how deep that love can run until we look at
the One Who created us, Who walks with us – Whom we don’t even know or desire
intimacy with. We search, as through fancy jewelry stores, in every nook and
cranny – for plastic baubles to love.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It is the
goodness and kindness of God that calls us to repentance. (Romans 2:4)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Nothing
can separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<b><i>YES,
THAT MEANS YOU, TOO!”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-73567856204107916432023-07-30T14:27:00.001-07:002023-08-02T17:18:18.120-07:00Thought I'm Thinking Part 1<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i></i></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXEmtU-ZhE6doAJWO0PD51eczUi1borhGVfc_JLYNXbvVFZJvM045_CHsJvEGPueM37SWTNaYMcB6rigMbfvvpkWS7gQB5vDmQS5xPrr-ebbBWlAnACZ9Zfzdv7m5nz-hVtSNuxfBh5hjGEtsqOvk3HTPK6VkBlA3ellrpmKbbDMbZc5ScBitGnDEwlA/s1000/Thoughts%20Shondaland%20dot%20com.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXEmtU-ZhE6doAJWO0PD51eczUi1borhGVfc_JLYNXbvVFZJvM045_CHsJvEGPueM37SWTNaYMcB6rigMbfvvpkWS7gQB5vDmQS5xPrr-ebbBWlAnACZ9Zfzdv7m5nz-hVtSNuxfBh5hjGEtsqOvk3HTPK6VkBlA3ellrpmKbbDMbZc5ScBitGnDEwlA/s320/Thoughts%20Shondaland%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image from shondaland .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“For though we walk in the
flesh, we do not war after the flesh: For the weapons of our warfare are not
carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds; casting down
imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of
God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and
having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience when your obedience is
fulfilled.” – 2 Corinthians 10:3-6</span></i><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">That’s power packed scripture!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">In a nutshell, this describes
how we’re to fight our battles. A lot of information is packed into those verses,
and it would take quite the study to unfold it all and understand what Paul is
saying to us, so we’ll just break off a baby bite today.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Given that our fleshly bodies
abide in a spiritual realm that many haven’t even taken the time to ponder, it makes
sense that though we walk among men, our primary enemy is not a man, to be
defeated with guns or bombs or the like. Our weapons are mightier than that
because we’re warring in the heavenlies, amid spiritual battles. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">We can pull down strongholds. We
can bring down wicked imaginations that exalt themselves against the knowledge
of God. And – we can take our thoughts captive so that every vain thought that
enters our mind doesn’t set up camp there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Strongholds and wicked ideas that
exalt themselves against God abound around us, and they’re a bigger bite than I
want to chew on today. But, as long as we tread upon the earth, we will deal
with our thoughts, both good and bad. People who act upon their bad thoughts wind
up embodying the evil among us. But the good news is, we have control over our
thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">God would not have commanded us
to take our thoughts captive and take account of them if He hadn’t already
equipped us to carry it out.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Many of us have been taught that
the biggest war we wage is between our ears; that the mind is a battlefield. Many
of us have not. It may cause some to worry, and prepare others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">On any given day, we all have more
thoughts that we realize we process, thoughts cause our bodies to function, yet
muscle memory can kick in before we recognize the thoughts behind the actions.
When I’m thirsty, I don’t have to will my hands to pick up my water bottle, yet
the thought is there to invoke that movement. Some thoughts are subtle, some
are profound. Some bother us, some amuse us. Some disgust us, others arouse us.
Some are simply there, for reasons we may not even understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq3VxmhSFNQzlfjN6xjyi0A4UrAQnaqSk-eJKldCv3F3WmSVZlRcpSnWjC3ljCJuq1LEqmHPQUNEkOE43GQfA66EShca_8wBw1sSndkMFAwIKihaI65PfH1znemkl89_tMFS4re_VjQLrlO2oHNLjnxBaiRwK_PblKTmvOKPKDSsNtb1VpHpN4tFanFw/s1600/Thoughts%20WARM1069%20dot%20com.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQq3VxmhSFNQzlfjN6xjyi0A4UrAQnaqSk-eJKldCv3F3WmSVZlRcpSnWjC3ljCJuq1LEqmHPQUNEkOE43GQfA66EShca_8wBw1sSndkMFAwIKihaI65PfH1znemkl89_tMFS4re_VjQLrlO2oHNLjnxBaiRwK_PblKTmvOKPKDSsNtb1VpHpN4tFanFw/w400-h266/Thoughts%20WARM1069%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(image from WARM 1069.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Thoughts like “I wonder why the
awnings outside the Panera Bread window are at that angle?” Or “Why do they have
a gas fireplace in here if they never turn it on anymore?” Or “Hmm, that’s a
new sign.” Or “What’s that design on the cup? Oh, it’s a lemon!” Those random
thoughts that never really amount to anything, they’re actually gathering intel
on my environment. How much of it I’ll retain is a totally different topic. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Then there are thoughts that
explore things, like “Why was I so snippy with Dave this morning?” Or “Is that
new soap the reason my skin is so dry lately?” Those kinds of thoughts can help
me fix a problem.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I have odd thoughts, random
thoughts, hysterical thoughts, critical thoughts, unnecessary thoughts,
inappropriate thoughts, curious thoughts, thoughts that are actually set to
music, thoughts that are quite rude, because I'm thinking them when I'm
supposed to be listening to someone else. I have ugly thoughts, and thoughts of
beautiful imagery. Too many thoughts! Do I think more (not better) than the
average person? Or do I just notice my thoughts more than most? I tend to
question everything, so yeah, there are those thoughts, too. We have helpful
thoughts and hurtful thoughts, prideful thoughts, and self-deprecating thoughts.
Good thoughts and bad thoughts. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we
have authority over all of them! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">My favorite kind of thoughts take
place in my conversations with God. Because, with Him, I can be frank. Let’s
face it, He already knows my thoughts anyway, why not openly share them with Him
and let Him weigh in on the matter?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Philippians 4:8 tells us to <i>“…<span style="background: white; color: black;">Fix [y]our thoughts on what is true, and
honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things
that are excellent and worthy of praise.” </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Whether culture and society are pouring images into our minds or we’re hiking alone in the mountains, we’ll have all sorts of thoughts to
deal with.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This blog post is too long already, but I’m not willing to cut
words for the sake of being pithy. So, while you’re pondering YOUR thoughts, I’ll
be putting together part two of MY thoughts and I’ll share it soon!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-54401113882013662042023-03-31T16:12:00.000-07:002023-03-31T16:12:17.088-07:00The Scary Prayer<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mEbIT9F6_Ujjgkm6HpHXOS0yOJuGzlIZJaFp5hefsBdDNA_2XqWtekB2_9zIuLksDKBO2iRSv6j-WhlCbPA3t_JRbIdwg2jkp-pzsHwVCSvST0TMAim-uWzVaRhhbiPVVWD6R5ZOYQ5bw983yRDXl8_6S0LMQe0QdeYZYvGy8rbS2-Sj6GVxpeLK/s1200/scary%20prayer%20joy%20national%20today%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4mEbIT9F6_Ujjgkm6HpHXOS0yOJuGzlIZJaFp5hefsBdDNA_2XqWtekB2_9zIuLksDKBO2iRSv6j-WhlCbPA3t_JRbIdwg2jkp-pzsHwVCSvST0TMAim-uWzVaRhhbiPVVWD6R5ZOYQ5bw983yRDXl8_6S0LMQe0QdeYZYvGy8rbS2-Sj6GVxpeLK/s320/scary%20prayer%20joy%20national%20today%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from nationaltoday .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I
remember, back in the early 80s, first reading in the gospels where Jesus's
disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I
recall the feeling of satisfaction that came over me, thinking there could be
no better way to pray than by following His example. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It
was as if a smile took up not only my face, but my whole body. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Then
I read the familiar words to the prayer I learned very early on in my
childhood, "Our Father Who art in heaven...." (Luke 11:1-4)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It's
a feel-good prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It's
a traditional prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">It's
a comforting prayer, bringing back memories of early childhood before the world
ever felt dark. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As
a family, we'd kneel together on the living room floor and pray before
bedtime. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now,
as an adult, reading the words for myself in the Bible for the first time,
seeing where they came from and discovering that Jesus Himself taught us this
prayer, it warmed my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes
when I read, I smooth the paper where the words are written, following my
finger as I read... "hallowed be Thy Name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be
done on earth as it is in heaven."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">What
joy to think of God's will being carried out here on earth just as it is in
heaven!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG_NTnOoJrRXNiTQSNUcbZFCDaGb-06ASyvA61PzBGFZHHz6HI_EppuOpmDHtgz_bvQwoq4oIRheJORAJhFy9gzaajDHj2527CUpeDl-kOfMNfK0m0PZHvhKSXbWU_H6b5MT8LMw9WGbeAU6m0Cy_5M73rFMxEcb83LjYyomWbfGe5yW4tJRNvP_9/s1200/scary%20prayer%20joy%202%20national%20today%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbG_NTnOoJrRXNiTQSNUcbZFCDaGb-06ASyvA61PzBGFZHHz6HI_EppuOpmDHtgz_bvQwoq4oIRheJORAJhFy9gzaajDHj2527CUpeDl-kOfMNfK0m0PZHvhKSXbWU_H6b5MT8LMw9WGbeAU6m0Cy_5M73rFMxEcb83LjYyomWbfGe5yW4tJRNvP_9/s320/scary%20prayer%20joy%202%20national%20today%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from nationaltoday .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">"Give
us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those
who trespass against us...."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Wait.
What? Back that up a bit. "…forgive us our trespasses <i>AS WE FORGIVE
THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US..."</i>?????<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFe6dAa3YF30jhIbclJYuzvR9bfPBI9qKV5d-eMJrR7cD9iGkeof9FmNtz94to-TSNGDipnNsKJwFQi-flg4BRMTuRPkLIttkykyGPXh_0R2iHcjB2jtElpU7Dqucv9dtWwUM8b3e29Ra8b-slj2Ks0-WjP2HfCjAsFrdyS5h8heHCcWyo6wLZD6X/s509/scary%20prayer%201%20unsplash%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="339" data-original-width="509" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGFe6dAa3YF30jhIbclJYuzvR9bfPBI9qKV5d-eMJrR7cD9iGkeof9FmNtz94to-TSNGDipnNsKJwFQi-flg4BRMTuRPkLIttkykyGPXh_0R2iHcjB2jtElpU7Dqucv9dtWwUM8b3e29Ra8b-slj2Ks0-WjP2HfCjAsFrdyS5h8heHCcWyo6wLZD6X/s320/scary%20prayer%201%20unsplash%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from unsplash .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Wait.
I've been praying this prayer since I could put a sentence together. I've been
asking for God's forgiveness - according to how I've forgiven those who have
wronged ME?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">But
sometimes I'm not that quick to forgive!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Sometimes
I don't think a person deserves to be forgiven!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">The
thought may have even crossed my mind, "I hope they burn in hell for what
they did..."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That's
not how I want God to forgive ME!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I
don't know what you call them, but that's what I'd call an "aha! moment”. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">As
tears rolled down my face, I prayed The Lord's Prayer that day for the first
time, understanding exactly what I was saying - and truly meaning each word I
prayed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Sigh.
What a relief. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">THAT
was a scary prayer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I
survived it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Now
- every time I pray it, I mean it. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8-ai3NuMKIvgWhhSnuA3jreKYFG-0-4jefq-CNs16koseC67boANBkfQ8DKSn6GFERPlfJVl3t1EJDCbIQteGZsLlpRH9oa7tpxqU1G_R2tK-E2RVsP4hqLQv_OXme_M0AbkkMQiiGJJkCL2A-v2zF_xJlO6GSLhak187VEW6lvJL2ySpn5qwUbm/s1000/scary%20prayer%20forgive%20practical%20recovery%20dot%20com.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="509" data-original-width="1000" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL8-ai3NuMKIvgWhhSnuA3jreKYFG-0-4jefq-CNs16koseC67boANBkfQ8DKSn6GFERPlfJVl3t1EJDCbIQteGZsLlpRH9oa7tpxqU1G_R2tK-E2RVsP4hqLQv_OXme_M0AbkkMQiiGJJkCL2A-v2zF_xJlO6GSLhak187VEW6lvJL2ySpn5qwUbm/s320/scary%20prayer%20forgive%20practical%20recovery%20dot%20com.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from practicalrecovery .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </o:p></span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">"…and
lead is not into temptation but deliver us from evil."</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">That
day I was delivered from evil on a whole new level. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">"Amen."<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Your
turn. Can you pray this whole prayer from the heart? Will you let it set you
free?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajq8Qleu-hGxE65biGYxKq41SRBPBRLGqmdg3vjTq1iNpkJ7agzjk5dd1sMBEcETF7I6upgYImVafXr1S27f_wFP3VDUJs0scdgWyzRGiHQcdepGtdIGaJt3h9z2vcbQQGTPgA47PWQ2baZ5-9_a0ooDiD-rpYp1lHK1mIzQ5pTQBTagsY3I1N4kr/s400/scary%20prayer%20peace%20wikipedia%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="327" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgajq8Qleu-hGxE65biGYxKq41SRBPBRLGqmdg3vjTq1iNpkJ7agzjk5dd1sMBEcETF7I6upgYImVafXr1S27f_wFP3VDUJs0scdgWyzRGiHQcdepGtdIGaJt3h9z2vcbQQGTPgA47PWQ2baZ5-9_a0ooDiD-rpYp1lHK1mIzQ5pTQBTagsY3I1N4kr/s320/scary%20prayer%20peace%20wikipedia%20dot%20com.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from wikipedia .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-57509941224240411372023-03-20T17:42:00.003-07:002023-03-20T17:42:18.273-07:00Were You Thinking About This?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnwwpmumT7VJBzXMfHhe-fGNI_dlaS5-O0XhGZxqAwLkIHlH9DCPnvJDuEhxcZjHVClu3r01sjhqUNaSjVFs8Z6UJKVoWRmhekJp5dhHud7aMzgWFApRErKf48mrj2xc-F0K4cZ2cg29rKjwIL8SrNimaqWAx5UP2WSx0E7qCNMD_Xw2hEd81Cs4B/s291/scales%20of%20justice%20ssnet%20dot%20org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="291" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKnwwpmumT7VJBzXMfHhe-fGNI_dlaS5-O0XhGZxqAwLkIHlH9DCPnvJDuEhxcZjHVClu3r01sjhqUNaSjVFs8Z6UJKVoWRmhekJp5dhHud7aMzgWFApRErKf48mrj2xc-F0K4cZ2cg29rKjwIL8SrNimaqWAx5UP2WSx0E7qCNMD_Xw2hEd81Cs4B/w320-h293/scales%20of%20justice%20ssnet%20dot%20org.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from ssnet .org)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Do
you think God has a big ol' weight scale next to His throne, where He has all
of your sins and the ugliness of your past on one side and He's checking out
the good things you do to balance out the scale?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Do
you think He'll find enough good things to tip the scale in your favor?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like,
maybe if you could stop dropping weight on the sinful side you could catch up a
little while trying to place things on the good side?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Well,
I've got some great news for you. Here's the secret to getting that weight
scale to tip in your favor!</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Give
yourself, your whole life - problems and trophies, to Jesus and He'll put His
thumb on the scale for you. All He has to leave there is one drop of His blood
and the scale will be completely tipped in your favor. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You
see, there isn't enough good in the world for you to pile up on the "good
side" to weigh it down enough to outweigh the bad side; even if you're
really “not that bad” of a human being. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3mzCYR5Il55RfBAq19SX-1TvNg_WbULATSWr-T__lZO0GU8ECfSdAKERpiG-F1hh1IBUIO__Olu6C8LvwEGbB5TJ0AaXjdkmpdogbbkB09pAUR4NExL-Fmrt2EXEHb2ZsqbVmQ4a-7NjOxmq6x9Y5ghsAE_T2PA4xBwz4qPYpzDECpGYlJ9P3Nne/s320/scales%20of%20justice%20worshipministry%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB3mzCYR5Il55RfBAq19SX-1TvNg_WbULATSWr-T__lZO0GU8ECfSdAKERpiG-F1hh1IBUIO__Olu6C8LvwEGbB5TJ0AaXjdkmpdogbbkB09pAUR4NExL-Fmrt2EXEHb2ZsqbVmQ4a-7NjOxmq6x9Y5ghsAE_T2PA4xBwz4qPYpzDECpGYlJ9P3Nne/s1600/scales%20of%20justice%20worshipministry%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from worshipministry .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">The
only thing that can tip the scale in your favor is the blood of Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">And
that's the good news: </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">He's
offering to do that for you!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He'll
wipe out your debt, completely! </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">That's
why He suffered and died on the cross. What does the cross have to do with you?
That’s where He paid the price [death] for your sins and mine.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">One
drop of His blood. That's all it takes. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It's
yours for the asking. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Simply
turn to Him, tell Him you're sorry for all the junk on the bad side of the
scale and give Him your heart. Then He can empower you to do good for yourself,
for Him and for the body of Christ. Don't make it harder than it is. That's all He wants in return for His gift
of redemption. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Doing
things His way isn't so that He can "lord over you" and boss you
around. Doing things His way is for our benefit, to give us the best life we
can live; and to cover us with His protection. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">All
because He loves us. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He
loves us completely and without reservation or condition. (</span><b style="font-size: 14pt;"><i>“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever
believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” the famous John 3:16 quote.)</i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Doing
things our own way will never produce enough good to outweigh the bad. If we
could pay the penalty ourselves, Jesus wouldn't have had to die in our place to make that payment. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Like
a child, we sometimes whine, "It's not fair!"</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">No.
It's not fair. Jesus took all our sin on Himself and gives us all the blessings
of heaven in return. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">(</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205%3A12&version=KJV" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Romans 3:12</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> , </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205%3A16&version=KJV" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Romans 3:16</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> , </span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans%205%3A19&version=KJV" style="font-size: 14pt;" target="_blank">Romans 3:19</a><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> )</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We
get the better end of the deal, the deal He's been offering you your whole
life. Take it. You won't get a better offer. This is God's grace wrapped up in mercy. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">A
friend calls this the "almost too good to be true news".</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOmgF_pCKKEoSdcezPD3XDUshbwtE2MkUv6oz3RSbiK2_hYhgw0LyNikuI8eG3G-9fUIEQ2g8Lsh74Mk9govbMlAq83dApXHqw19iZjzZX7SJgkEGwIaEZ7R-KJh2SqulYhB86znQmH3hDIJgNzhYiegQRMRSipwvcenSlg-a5nYp7uLgPyFF7YFW/s1536/scales%20of%20justice%20guideposts%20dot%20org.webp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOmgF_pCKKEoSdcezPD3XDUshbwtE2MkUv6oz3RSbiK2_hYhgw0LyNikuI8eG3G-9fUIEQ2g8Lsh74Mk9govbMlAq83dApXHqw19iZjzZX7SJgkEGwIaEZ7R-KJh2SqulYhB86znQmH3hDIJgNzhYiegQRMRSipwvcenSlg-a5nYp7uLgPyFF7YFW/s320/scales%20of%20justice%20guideposts%20dot%20org.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from guideposts .org)</td></tr></tbody></table></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Ponder
it. Pray about it. Ask God to forgive you. Give Him your heart, allowing Him to
be Lord of your life – and He’ll do the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;">Romans 10:9 “That if you shall confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus,
and shall believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you
shall be saved.”</span></i></b></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-36685420668750368512023-03-12T15:29:00.001-07:002023-03-12T15:29:47.094-07:00Processing Anger?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlrPPgUsNQ4F0gRjUCZudqUww1uNxlUTl-lPLV4-AXAP4Bds5gPPKf3aEb-tJVKjWyX29_v8UDVBg4N1QDqzacAgg0279rV4_FKXUgnn_8gjPX2MaJqPl7IMmKSBh7kaaxOzRVqt6O5DEC4cSgB-CQb9iXBe6vTwWJhkdMiEnE7IXN9xL_cJ08-MD/s604/Red%20lake%20not%20really%20shadow%20mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="453" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIlrPPgUsNQ4F0gRjUCZudqUww1uNxlUTl-lPLV4-AXAP4Bds5gPPKf3aEb-tJVKjWyX29_v8UDVBg4N1QDqzacAgg0279rV4_FKXUgnn_8gjPX2MaJqPl7IMmKSBh7kaaxOzRVqt6O5DEC4cSgB-CQb9iXBe6vTwWJhkdMiEnE7IXN9xL_cJ08-MD/w300-h400/Red%20lake%20not%20really%20shadow%20mine.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16pt;">We all get angry at someone sooner or later in life. Some
people live their lives filled with anger, getting angry at everyone for every
little possible thing imaginable. Some people even wear their anger like it’s a
sash from a beauty contest. I wish they could see the ugliness of their anger
in the mirror. (Albeit, there is a righteous anger.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But when you get angry at someone you love, the hurt runs
deeper on both ends of the conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had such an incident recently. I became very angry and
enraged on the inside at what I thought was the betrayal of a confidence.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know and you know that in the Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “…forgive
us our trash passing as we forgive those who pass trash against us.” Isn’t that
what it says? (<b><i>And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. - Matthew
6:12</i></b>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In the spirit of wanting to walk in God’s forgiveness, I knew
immediately that I needed to forgive the transgression, but in the moment, I
really didn’t FEEL like I wanted to forgive just yet. I wanted to stew in it
for a little while.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, I knew that was wrong. That’s not how I want Jesus to forgive
me. I want His forgiveness to be swift and complete.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I felt the Spirit of God speaking to my heart, “Forgive and
let it go. Don’t bring it up again.”<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What?? Don’t throw it in his face until my anger subsides on its
own??<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">No, God wanted me to forgive immediately and completely, just
like the forgiveness I want from Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You know, when your heart is tender towards God, it’s so much
easier to do what He requires of you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Immediately, my heart began to melt. Yet I wanted to fuss
about the ‘not bringing it up again’ part.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s a choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s MY choice.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do I submit to God and do things His way? Or do I do my own
thing? (</span><b><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you
up. - James 4:10</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s where the biggest choices we have to make every day
lie, in our submission to God and His will for our circumstances. And –
sometimes, what we perceive to be His will won’t make sense in the moment. But,
do we trust Him, or not?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I choose to trust Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbvjc5uQaA5u66FbeakWcXdqMtd8m0ziWdKfkeV9wJottZh5spI4yIZRmqUt4Rva3kvBJ7za9hPnaNaa-tb5VAdeSsJgRfUFSV2tWIFBFsVwxRPbOD6QAAuGUSHZQksF_SWG9OAEEJI1UTqCueGYt65dpPud0Veq74oqtDeFDxO99e729sqSjHzxV/s1440/red%20lake%20not%20really%20shadow%20us%20mine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUbvjc5uQaA5u66FbeakWcXdqMtd8m0ziWdKfkeV9wJottZh5spI4yIZRmqUt4Rva3kvBJ7za9hPnaNaa-tb5VAdeSsJgRfUFSV2tWIFBFsVwxRPbOD6QAAuGUSHZQksF_SWG9OAEEJI1UTqCueGYt65dpPud0Veq74oqtDeFDxO99e729sqSjHzxV/s320/red%20lake%20not%20really%20shadow%20us%20mine.jpg" width="238" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, I won’t bring up the petty issue again even though it
caused so much fluster in my heart. It’s a waste of energy. I don’t have energy
to waste on things like that. I cherish every ounce of energy I can muster up –
and I need to put it to good use!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So yeah, that’s my challenge to you for the day (and upcoming
days). Let go of the anger, and if God so instructs, don’t bring the issue up
again. It’s not worth it. So I guess the challenge, should you choose to accept
it, is to honor God and submit to His will in all things. (<b><i>Submit
yourself, therefore, to God. - James 4:7</i></b>)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I love you!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-90019642736795957052023-01-28T14:50:00.004-07:002023-01-28T14:50:52.205-07:00This Chick Has a Lot to Discover<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQGgLJNInFKSF2AMtQmO0-kVpZsPfs0mpbDyKPkuPoqvd04atF3A_bCC0TY3nrLLcj5yVSYvK8XQ5IRH0pyN0VySWsyDMJSFgyvoZe_jvWQPigcmQOnNE7H8TrUnEpaNFKkpkSBly0XOsIpyshA0gYb57jR_w1Ksow_LQa340QZ1sTK9872TDbenq/s480/discover%20this%20chick%20has%20a%20lot%20to%20discover%20mypetchicken%20dot%20com.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="480" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjQGgLJNInFKSF2AMtQmO0-kVpZsPfs0mpbDyKPkuPoqvd04atF3A_bCC0TY3nrLLcj5yVSYvK8XQ5IRH0pyN0VySWsyDMJSFgyvoZe_jvWQPigcmQOnNE7H8TrUnEpaNFKkpkSBly0XOsIpyshA0gYb57jR_w1Ksow_LQa340QZ1sTK9872TDbenq/w400-h289/discover%20this%20chick%20has%20a%20lot%20to%20discover%20mypetchicken%20dot%20com.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from mypetchicken.com)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes on the road to
discovery, we uncover fantastic or magical new things we’ve never seen before,
or that we had no clue even existed. Things that take our breath away and our thinking
to a whole new level. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes, though, we discover
new things about old things. Those new details about things we thought we
already knew everything about can take us to new levels, as well.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Years ago, I discovered that God
loves me, personally. That literally blew my mind. The God Who created the
universe and everything in it not only created me, too, but He created me for a
purpose, and He knows me, and HE LOVES ME! Yes, my heart exploded all over my
brain and this discovery launched me into a whole new level of living.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">But, what about the man I’ve been
married to for more than forty-five years? Can there possibly be anything I don’t
know about him? Indeed, there are many things I don’t know about him. We’re
constantly evolving and growing to be the man or woman God created us to be all
along. How could I possibly know everything about a man who is constantly
changing?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Take a step closer and ask
yourself, what do I not know about ME?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DZfE3AAhlKP-YFgJUyDaPCJGo7IA6ufpNb2Fp_lFi3FrDDc-QrdES-RYNxVN9fh0Fg0OuZq_vbxSbwgDC3kSTuSlGkZdKyhhvdG-Zr7lLTdjc5BvHHA7dvr-fXZ6mv8GQfKJYhv-8U8IbPxfmtSyLfkWarFg-BMjb8nmGy34heOHWRilKhaCcCJ4/s700/discover%20thesarus%20dot%20plus.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9DZfE3AAhlKP-YFgJUyDaPCJGo7IA6ufpNb2Fp_lFi3FrDDc-QrdES-RYNxVN9fh0Fg0OuZq_vbxSbwgDC3kSTuSlGkZdKyhhvdG-Zr7lLTdjc5BvHHA7dvr-fXZ6mv8GQfKJYhv-8U8IbPxfmtSyLfkWarFg-BMjb8nmGy34heOHWRilKhaCcCJ4/w400-h229/discover%20thesarus%20dot%20plus.png" width="400" /></a></div> (from Thesarus.plus)<p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We live in a world within a
universe where there’s always someplace new to go, something new to explore, and
new adventures where no man has gone before.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">But there’s just as much to discover
looking inwardly as there is looking at the vast world around us. As a matter
of fact, realistically looking at ourselves might make us function better in
the world and help us discover more of the things God created for us to explore
and do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What do I about myself? In
general, I’d say I ignore myself. That can’t be good. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I already know my brain never
stops thinking, but for goodness’ sake, what in the world am I constantly
thinking about? Most of the thoughts that randomly cross my mind seem menial
and pointless, but are they? Some of my thoughts are deep; those thoughts can intimidate
me. How funny is that? Many of my thoughts amuse me. You do it too. I know you’ve
caught yourself laughing at a thought you didn’t share out loud. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Maybe it’s time I take inventory
of my thoughts. But, then what? Maybe we’ll look at thoughts in my next blog
post.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">There’s plenty to discover about
myself and why I do the things I do the way I do. No doubt it’s because I
believe that my way is the best and most efficient way to do things. You probably
think that about the way you do things, too. This is probably one of the
biggest causes of conflict in the world.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I’m discovering that I need to
pay closer attention to myself and my thoughts to learn better ways of taking
care of myself and interacting with God and those around me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">One of the biggest questions I
have for myself is, “Why do I think the way I do?” Because, well, I’m not
always right, yet usually insist that I am. Boom! Mental hand grenade! That
hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">My “word for the year” is
DISCOVER. What better place to start than to discover more about myself and who
God created me to be? This is an adventure of discovery I can take with me everywhere
I go and assess who I am in every situation. Yes, I morph. Do you? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Here’s my starting point: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“O LORD, You have
examined my heart and know everything about me....” </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">– Psalm 139:1 (NLT)</span></i></b></p><br /><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-43153602274914159862023-01-03T18:27:00.006-07:002023-01-03T18:27:54.676-07:00Check Your Perimeter<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPFVRiFxnMzzS5prWIwsqU79zEDkY8FQa7Lr0f2O_2IzEDIuhCxcVEus-Yr5ZVdIthuWXDakl_65ljt96rFe4vwz9pG581Y_xsWNDtOEhFctXGVTGDTmMoG7Ev78hBQzo4zyVd7c2Tll7i3Iv3geRmKo6o19WIGwxGmMmvfA5hW92pgZRL-A9OCoS/s800/Enemies%20zinginstruments%20dot%20com.webp" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="800" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfPFVRiFxnMzzS5prWIwsqU79zEDkY8FQa7Lr0f2O_2IzEDIuhCxcVEus-Yr5ZVdIthuWXDakl_65ljt96rFe4vwz9pG581Y_xsWNDtOEhFctXGVTGDTmMoG7Ev78hBQzo4zyVd7c2Tll7i3Iv3geRmKo6o19WIGwxGmMmvfA5hW92pgZRL-A9OCoS/w400-h208/Enemies%20zinginstruments%20dot%20com.webp" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from zinginstruments.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What stands between you and your enemy (or your perceived enemy,
the one that rubs you the wrong way or downright hurts you)?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Because you are in Christ, Jesus comes between you and your enemy.
You can’t do a thing to your enemy without going through Jesus. His Name is the
authority we use to cast out demons and His Name is the Name by which we
command the forces of evil to flee from us. His is the only Name through which
we can triumph.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxj_gjAwGlsMREM4q74G0qfnhDiVAYU45mT9I8XebljQSsm2IJMJeOpeVDtNz2PHQ9sLq4L89hUMmoYHLvMgB1W3UCzPK8fdJsHg9gAPNWsV7QPKzXNwI4JR2ySaxXez3e9MG9ZtCbGS5sjm8wElCMPf4XbJzCmcsRVpkow86t4UNTh3eH73yPFps/s1200/safety%20clearsy%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="1200" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMxj_gjAwGlsMREM4q74G0qfnhDiVAYU45mT9I8XebljQSsm2IJMJeOpeVDtNz2PHQ9sLq4L89hUMmoYHLvMgB1W3UCzPK8fdJsHg9gAPNWsV7QPKzXNwI4JR2ySaxXez3e9MG9ZtCbGS5sjm8wElCMPf4XbJzCmcsRVpkow86t4UNTh3eH73yPFps/w400-h211/safety%20clearsy%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from clearsy.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As believers, we are hidden in Christ. We are protected from
the things that come against us, whether it be sickness, injury or disease,
financial frustrations, or relationship disasters only to the degree we are
willing to find ourselves in Christ. It’s not enough to say that we are
Christians, or to shout amen and hallelujah from time to time. It’s not enough to
pray when things get tough. It’s not enough to go to church or to give your tithe
or to sing in the choir or volunteer to help those less fortunate than
ourselves. All those things mean nothing if they’re not done in love – in Christ.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scripture tells us that God IS love. We need to be completely
wrapped up in that love, which means we need to be completely wrapped up in
Christ. When we stick out our hands to do harm, or our eyes to watch sin, or
our foot to go to where we know we shouldn’t be, we are creating an opening
through which the enemy will run in a heartbeat, if given the chance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we allow the cares and affairs of the world to threaten
us, we are exposing our weaknesses to the enemy. Jesus paid the price for all
our sins, our guilt, our shortcomings and even our unbelief. But if we’re not
willing to live inside that shelter of protection, we’re going to get hurt because
our faith will be compromised.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Repeatedly throughout the New Testament Jesus tells us to
make sure that we are abiding in Him and allowing Him to abide in us. He tells
us to make sure His Word abides in us and that we abide in His Word. To abide
means to make our abode within, to LIVE there. Not to just visit on Sundays or
at bedtime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we’re feeling threatened or intimidated, overwhelmed and
defeated, when we’re feeling depressed or frustrated, when we feel anxious or
fearful, we’ve likely exposed ourselves somewhere. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a woman, I recall feeling breezy on the backside only to
discover that I’d accidentally tucked my skirt into my pantyhose. I left myself
exposed – and I felt it. What I felt clued me in to check out the problem. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What clues me in to check out where my REAL problems lie? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When I feel the cold of the enemy stepping onto my turf, it’s
time to check my borders. When the lies of the enemy overwhelm what I know to
be God’s truth (therefore MY truth), it’s time to check my borders. When I’m
feeling fearful or depressed or afraid, it’s time to check my borders.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0IOpsycEmaxNnD5DY0QeinMVKJTtXAVSyJSU39GjYRw7uthoh83l7cUi0lwxpedQO675-6-0ySLbSoaaSILOarnU0z-goZnNuguG41fjUYu1AM1q-Ky-81REW-1567fNvA88Ty62IF9OLpSfKGzRCloTR_uUK-07gAXLx0D29IDR-bejvlmKyiYM/s677/perimeter%20check%20skwelded%20mesh%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="677" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ0IOpsycEmaxNnD5DY0QeinMVKJTtXAVSyJSU39GjYRw7uthoh83l7cUi0lwxpedQO675-6-0ySLbSoaaSILOarnU0z-goZnNuguG41fjUYu1AM1q-Ky-81REW-1567fNvA88Ty62IF9OLpSfKGzRCloTR_uUK-07gAXLx0D29IDR-bejvlmKyiYM/s320/perimeter%20check%20skwelded%20mesh%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from skweldedmesh.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If I’m in Christ, I’m safe.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If I’ve allowed the devil to stick his toe into the doorway to
my soul, he’s certain to take as much ground as he can. Did I start examining
my perimeter the moment his ugly toe showed up? Probably not. It’s likely his whole
foot or leg is through the door already, maybe he’s stepped completely in to
try to sabotage my faith.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My job isn’t to fight the enemy. My job is to fight the good
fight of faith. (1 Timothy 6:12) God is my defender. He’ll take care of my
enemies – as long as I am found in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God won’t keep me from sharing myself with the world. He’s
given me the freedom to choose. And sometimes, Satan is so stealthy, I don’t
pay attention to some of the bad choices I make. (Just like in my daily diet.
If I paid better attention to what I consume, I’d likely be much thinner.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If I’m not in God’s Word, and if God’s Word isn’t my staple daily
diet, I’m exposed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I don’t repeat myself in these blog posts to beat you up. I
repeat them because these are the things God is talking about with ME. Surely,
I’m not the only one, so I share with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglx7YIBeUAzGm9HjVay5DZ32B2UyJot7D34N-PSVybND9D0ghXSf7XIwJX6ViGDbGtRl4FKjprs-7wveD3HfrHC93ZkNEaNiLMRixyIJOkLF0xFxt8yZCeZq8vxBOR31gBQgHNNcNklezBvzMUoODchglFZE8436fV6e0LkZvcgciHgoe5DyDeUO5x/s700/perimeter%20check%20keepcalms%20dot%20com.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglx7YIBeUAzGm9HjVay5DZ32B2UyJot7D34N-PSVybND9D0ghXSf7XIwJX6ViGDbGtRl4FKjprs-7wveD3HfrHC93ZkNEaNiLMRixyIJOkLF0xFxt8yZCeZq8vxBOR31gBQgHNNcNklezBvzMUoODchglFZE8436fV6e0LkZvcgciHgoe5DyDeUO5x/s320/perimeter%20check%20keepcalms%20dot%20com.webp" width="274" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from keepcalms.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Is your go-to thought one of fear when the doctor says
something you don’t want to hear? Is your go-to thought one of depression when
your checkbook is getting a little too close to the negative? Is your go-to
thought one of anger when someone disappoints or disrespects you or hurts you?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If so, you may want to check your perimeter. You may have
left a door open somewhere. The enemy doesn’t come and kick in your door. He
can’t. He doesn’t have the power or authority to do so. He patiently sits
there, waiting for you to open it.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ask Jesus to live inside of you. Turn away from your sinful
habits. Read God’s Word (the Bible) every day. Meditate on what you read there.
Pray for guidance. God says that when we lack wisdom, to simply ask Him for it!
(James 1:5)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Closing your perimeter doesn’t keep people out. It keeps sin
out. It lets the love of Jesus pour through you to the very people and
circumstances that seem to give you the most trouble.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br />Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-36479651742780303832022-12-07T13:21:00.001-07:002022-12-07T13:22:47.983-07:00Sitting in the Darkness<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy0Z6eXR6oUGe45VLixAmoTYcx69hHJLhh2gwWg6R5fxOKmoETpDqSAE17ZaxLuy0PqA6MH5q_tT3x0hcj344SylW3sZnYgk2wpCC0DqNqw2ar71n_1eyHTfZavoXaqJiJGgtkkS_Ddu9JcOw8tUf7l0fQKORebWmOlapeFH9OWl5ekabnF8BkwCC/s640/sitting%20in%20the%20dark%20facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCy0Z6eXR6oUGe45VLixAmoTYcx69hHJLhh2gwWg6R5fxOKmoETpDqSAE17ZaxLuy0PqA6MH5q_tT3x0hcj344SylW3sZnYgk2wpCC0DqNqw2ar71n_1eyHTfZavoXaqJiJGgtkkS_Ddu9JcOw8tUf7l0fQKORebWmOlapeFH9OWl5ekabnF8BkwCC/w320-h320/sitting%20in%20the%20dark%20facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">( picture from Pinterest)</span></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Christmas cheer, Christmas cheer – it’s such a joyous time of
year. Even those with no connection to Jesus celebrate the giving and blessings
of the season. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">But it’s not like Christmas and Easter are the only two times
Jesus shows up each year. He’s right here with us all the time. Twenty-four
hours a day, 365 days a year. On our good days and in our bad times. Have you
ever heard the phrase, When you can't look on the bright side, I’ll sit with you in the
dark?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Jesus will sit with us in the dark.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Some may argue that in Christ, there is no darkness – so how
can we sit there?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">We live in a world surrounded by people who, like us, have the
freedom to choose their thoughts and actions. Their thoughts and actions can
bring darkness into our lives. Even our own bad decisions can bring darkness
into our homes. Sickness that shows up out of nowhere brings darkness.
Financial struggles bring darkness. Sometimes darkness seems to find a way in,
no matter where we are; it can show up on a honeymoon, or while delivering your
precious child into this world. It can show up unexpectedly, or it can creep in
slowly, over time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Starting today, let’s invite God to sit in the darkness with
us and see what He can do. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">Isaiah 9:6 reveals, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a
son is given: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God,
the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">You get to choose! Who would you rather have sitting in the
darkness with you? The One who can lift the darkness? Or your own worst fears?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">In John 14:26, Jesus tells us that “the Comforter, which is
the Holy Spirit of God, whom the Father will send in my [Jesus’s] name, he will
teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I
have said to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;">We need to be reminded. During this season and throughout the
coming new year, remember Who you’re connected to and invite Him into your
presence daily.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6HohBrtk86Ua2belWa6rT_Uu8PyZuuFI-basoVK4JRCK8n8jP2xt3qwlHAVKyb651uPTCWyM8I6N1JVebkLfhC3H17Eiy91ZnapkhoQyUalx9uDepW5XhFxBPIP2W1tEfCk56rXBIlzm6EWajqXw1UarYSUMsQe8WunPiGdmKArJs00hEGekR6NM/s1265/orange%20light%205%20a%20light%20in%20your%20darkness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1265" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim6HohBrtk86Ua2belWa6rT_Uu8PyZuuFI-basoVK4JRCK8n8jP2xt3qwlHAVKyb651uPTCWyM8I6N1JVebkLfhC3H17Eiy91ZnapkhoQyUalx9uDepW5XhFxBPIP2W1tEfCk56rXBIlzm6EWajqXw1UarYSUMsQe8WunPiGdmKArJs00hEGekR6NM/w546-h640/orange%20light%205%20a%20light%20in%20your%20darkness.jpg" width="546" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%;"><br /></span><p></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-61873518660108483182022-10-13T19:09:00.005-07:002023-01-25T23:11:25.220-07:00Simple, But Profound!<p> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizncyA_xYhnmZu-TyDsQvN13zGfA3EwyStJEJ9TaJbMGuUO3gBrHkcYWB1OozCUEfgKPoFvd-0IQMRrMMR91atY5QLIhQfIPo6uIEM9V4VYVZtj5pqc1D_6aBJf75g0RYvKJudgFGmT5H-MwZ2l_kVPAXNKrBCYi1haL4X_-5wLB05502-XwUjPtSl/s300/dry%20places%20konnecthq%20dot%20com.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="204" data-original-width="300" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizncyA_xYhnmZu-TyDsQvN13zGfA3EwyStJEJ9TaJbMGuUO3gBrHkcYWB1OozCUEfgKPoFvd-0IQMRrMMR91atY5QLIhQfIPo6uIEM9V4VYVZtj5pqc1D_6aBJf75g0RYvKJudgFGmT5H-MwZ2l_kVPAXNKrBCYi1haL4X_-5wLB05502-XwUjPtSl/w400-h272/dry%20places%20konnecthq%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from konnecthq.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">The other night, I came home from a meeting, having ducked
out quickly at the end, because I wasn’t feeling well. I’ve long since become tired
of being tired and I’m sick of being sick. I’m a Christian, why am I
experiencing the dry season? Why is this season of life lasting so long? I know
God will never leave me, and He won’t forsake me. I know He loves me and I’m in
His presence continually because He’s alive in me! So, what am I doing wrong??</span><p></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I climbed into bed minutes after I got home. I picked up my phone
to set an alarm and saw a notification: a live-streaming Charis Bible Study episode
was about to come on. Hmmm, I could listen to it as I drifted off to sleep…. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Suddenly, the most powerful moments of my week captivated my
attention. The teacher was speaking right to my heart, and to the hearts of so
many people I know who are going through something tough. I took notes, and I
want to share a few of them here with you. *I’m sharing what I heard, not
necessarily the exact words he spoke.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The teacher, Daniel Amstutz, taught: What to Do in a Dry
Place (October 11, 2022) I’m including the link to the broadcast <a href="https://youtu.be/jt6KLni7V3c" target="_blank">here</a> in case
you’d like to watch the teaching firsthand. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Right out of the gate, he makes the most profound statement of
the evening. It’s blaringly obvious, but I’d missed it! He said, “When you’re
going through a dry place, YOU are never the dry place. When you have the
Spirit of God living on the inside of you, you are the place of the presence of
God.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Mike drop.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2_-ZSB1vEAzck395NitCIogmNtftyBJ2A3TdUgtsRPm22hrJoR3lvL8Q46Wxg0msghoR0fnTcvHVL-2mYvFu-gFS32gb0zHcySzYELvkb2KxNyqVpKfxd33uOyFbfjqv4Pa_Rjpr4pUAo9eVFiOPiFhEffLFsJIg-lq9aYCCWTuHTtiu1lWA0FMb/s883/dry%20places%20uckg%20dot%20org.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="883" height="175" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2_-ZSB1vEAzck395NitCIogmNtftyBJ2A3TdUgtsRPm22hrJoR3lvL8Q46Wxg0msghoR0fnTcvHVL-2mYvFu-gFS32gb0zHcySzYELvkb2KxNyqVpKfxd33uOyFbfjqv4Pa_Rjpr4pUAo9eVFiOPiFhEffLFsJIg-lq9aYCCWTuHTtiu1lWA0FMb/w400-h175/dry%20places%20uckg%20dot%20org.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from uckg.org)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The scriptures he shared drew us in to one of his closing
remarks, “You sound like a place of refreshing!”</span></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What a change of perspective! I am not the dry place I’m
going through! I am the watering hole itself because I am filled with living water,
and I can draw from the well of salvation any time I want to!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">He shared <i>John 4:14 “…whoever drinks of the water that I
shall give him shall never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will
become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.” (NKJV)<o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We are filled to overflowing with the presence of God!
Hallelujah!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We can water the dry places we’re going through with Living
Water! It can become a well-watered garden.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the most beautiful things he shared with us in his
teaching was what God spoke to him when he was going through a dry place. God
told him, “Daniel, if you give me your dry place, I’ll turn it into a holy
place.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">By this time, I felt like a child in a candy store, in a frenzy
to take in everything I saw. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Revelation! Yes, a veil was most definitely lifted from my
eyes that night. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When your senses are on overload, do you ever feel like
screaming at the top of your lungs, “Enough! I can’t take anymore.” That’s how
I felt that night. I was completely saturated with God’s presence. His loved
felt like it was oozing out of my pores.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">If you know Jesus, my friend, you are not a dry place. You
are the place of refreshing. You are the well in the desert!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Tonight, Bible teacher Greg Mohr told us he wanted to share
something encouraging from scripture. He said, “It came to pass…. It didn’t
come to stay.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Whatever dry place you may be navigating right now, it came
to pass – it didn’t come to stay.<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YjMn_MwsrL_DuENABw7b5nkvzV4nvLc_miZTnrFF5UShtLBlkMlT6cwVJvE0e5Lxx7Y9I_Rh-q0upHeKwUoJ2tPvhYeqdwXcvWWmGFl3dq1ZlSb_lhraEKZ6PN0ZX39EuoKDRlMQnWtxZdqnHu_XIP7bkkJ3OrUn5JV_WrdoC315jsXFO89SwvIr/s750/dry%20places%20keepingcurrentmatters%20dot%20com.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="410" data-original-width="750" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3YjMn_MwsrL_DuENABw7b5nkvzV4nvLc_miZTnrFF5UShtLBlkMlT6cwVJvE0e5Lxx7Y9I_Rh-q0upHeKwUoJ2tPvhYeqdwXcvWWmGFl3dq1ZlSb_lhraEKZ6PN0ZX39EuoKDRlMQnWtxZdqnHu_XIP7bkkJ3OrUn5JV_WrdoC315jsXFO89SwvIr/w400-h219/dry%20places%20keepingcurrentmatters%20dot%20com.webp" width="400" /></a></div> (photo from keepingcurrentmatter.com)Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-13409461557636433412022-09-30T11:59:00.001-07:002022-10-03T22:37:38.829-07:00Weeds<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKJTqoz6d61lygb8glnj2ZXzZrK4t9_EwGi4Z9PSvHRYpgvIh00YsqYxmMJ8f9r0xZwrXTreGT2tOaqRmvMASvaC1Rgo3ngo0DTaX-7yXltxRsYK3ExxsZUCaIXRNF9KMg32tKNn3qs6zIbgazs_dxLp3v0Uudbqt77afNqXL1oRd1QKZusPCA5-N/s640/Weeds2%20johnson%20dot%20k%20dash%20state%20dot%20edu.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKJTqoz6d61lygb8glnj2ZXzZrK4t9_EwGi4Z9PSvHRYpgvIh00YsqYxmMJ8f9r0xZwrXTreGT2tOaqRmvMASvaC1Rgo3ngo0DTaX-7yXltxRsYK3ExxsZUCaIXRNF9KMg32tKNn3qs6zIbgazs_dxLp3v0Uudbqt77afNqXL1oRd1QKZusPCA5-N/w400-h300/Weeds2%20johnson%20dot%20k%20dash%20state%20dot%20edu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(johnson.k-state.edu)</td></tr></tbody></table>
Ponder with me if you will… since that’s the whole point of these blog posts. Just as Jesus told parables to illustrate a point He really wanted His disciples to grasp and comprehend, I see all around me points that illustrate Who He is and what His kingdom is all about! He uses what we CAN see, to reveal to us the greater thing that are yet UNseen. <div><br /></div><div>Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way.” – Matthew 13:24-25 </div><div><br /></div><div>Pastor Mark Cowart (Church For All Nations, Colorado Springs, Colorado) referenced this scripture Sunday morning. He’s teaching a series on the dangerous lies we believe. Our lives are shaped by the things we take to heart and believe. That easily makes sense. But do we stop to think about just how easy it is for us to be presented with ideas that don’t come from God? How easy is it for the enemy of our souls to drop little tidbits along the path of our lives, that we scoop up like candy and cling to, not bothering to ask God if they’re from Him or not? </div><div><br /></div><div>While we’re sleeping or occupied with other things, our enemy plants weeds and thorns in the harvest of our lives. When we’re busy, or not paying close attention or things other than the Word of God demand our attention, it’s easy for those weeds to thrive. They may even look like the very crops we thought we were growing! The ‘tares’ that were planted in the parable Jesus shared were weeds that look like wheat. They weren’t discovered until they started to grow and were noticed by those working the garden.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQv2YbfxS4WkUfuepHRJHlemNtUvITepK6AGjOb1_iiOtEZWPVsK4GaYNsjQotVdRzhSCY3jA_k4BznV4TIhzof8uSqmsN2-AOPChwUwpRZ1XQkxKj7tWk_p9vP8Q5Vzsbt00l2rXIv29qjpg7WRMH6HsVdYRo0ryb5Ymuy1vm_Q1hJlAAa_5Y1hw/s1200/Weed%20Housemanservices%20dot%20com.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="803" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifQv2YbfxS4WkUfuepHRJHlemNtUvITepK6AGjOb1_iiOtEZWPVsK4GaYNsjQotVdRzhSCY3jA_k4BznV4TIhzof8uSqmsN2-AOPChwUwpRZ1XQkxKj7tWk_p9vP8Q5Vzsbt00l2rXIv29qjpg7WRMH6HsVdYRo0ryb5Ymuy1vm_Q1hJlAAa_5Y1hw/w400-h268/Weed%20Housemanservices%20dot%20com.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(housemanservices.com)</td></tr></tbody></table>
When we’re too busy to spend time with God and in His Word (sometimes, we’re even too busy doing things for the kingdom of God), we get distracted from the truths He’s trying to share with us. Weeds grow up in the garden of our lives, and we may not even notice until it’s harvest time. By then, they’ve got a place in our lives, and it may not be easy to pull them out without tearing out the good things we’ve stored up along the way, too.
By the time we notice a weed, and by weed, I mean a lie or falsehood that we’ve built our beliefs and our lives around, it can be devastating to examine ourselves and see that we’re not living the lives that God intended for us to live. And remember, some weeds can be beautiful.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TXszT1mcIm8bniBc1DKV9PwNCw1K9p658vKYh0acqPVuLuI91hdNqTfAxXvQn5-q9xTVgo4KTKtdoeVW64nHc1i8uymMGp8qyqSFtrdnZWZK5OXlzfNZHeNGzOJCUqWYNRNN0eW28FUQcge-S09ADVghNHdJgF9RL39WDtM4JXW1oIoy32vJrqrs/s640/Weeds%204%20grassmaster%20dot%20com.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1TXszT1mcIm8bniBc1DKV9PwNCw1K9p658vKYh0acqPVuLuI91hdNqTfAxXvQn5-q9xTVgo4KTKtdoeVW64nHc1i8uymMGp8qyqSFtrdnZWZK5OXlzfNZHeNGzOJCUqWYNRNN0eW28FUQcge-S09ADVghNHdJgF9RL39WDtM4JXW1oIoy32vJrqrs/w400-h300/Weeds%204%20grassmaster%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(thegrassmaster.com)</td></tr></tbody></table>
God can redeem the days we’ve lost to lies and false beliefs, but we need to turn to Him now – while there’s still time and turn away from the things that were not from Him and turn TO all that He has planned for us. That’s the meaning of repentance. Even when everyone around us thinks we look good on the outside, or that we have it all together, God knows our heart. He knows our every weakness and loves us still. </div><div><br /></div><div>God isn’t out to punish us for the wrong we’ve done, He wants to redeem us from the life that’s permitted us to do those wrong things in the first place. He’s not waiting for us to mess up, He’s watching and waiting like the father of the prodigal son – for the moment we appear on the horizon with our hearts in tow to surrender to Him. </div><div><br /></div><div>1 John 3:20 reveals to us that, “If our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things.”
Don’t walk around in condemnation. Romans 8:1 tells us that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”</div><div><br /></div><div>Simply, ask God what He’s trying to share with you today. Get into His Word and find His answer!</div>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-31161391934897214192022-09-06T11:55:00.005-07:002022-10-03T22:36:43.115-07:00Overflowing With Gifts, Purpose and Potential<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D40AGyml9ChjRsa-6sR1ftCAW37hVs8ZVDWwVqEOXvJiJnUBEikiYAT3L9YwaHdUJIceOVgSa-XchvCrUuQN0wH6XyupokrQnJfCk6YpMRuCtXb_oHKf8ZsZb_iU7qfmQZ_G9OoiM5TogZiZhdRIQ3wq3_oEL_F3dnjYQpbi08u4Nf-G_L4zzpdE/s1536/God's%20gifts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8D40AGyml9ChjRsa-6sR1ftCAW37hVs8ZVDWwVqEOXvJiJnUBEikiYAT3L9YwaHdUJIceOVgSa-XchvCrUuQN0wH6XyupokrQnJfCk6YpMRuCtXb_oHKf8ZsZb_iU7qfmQZ_G9OoiM5TogZiZhdRIQ3wq3_oEL_F3dnjYQpbi08u4Nf-G_L4zzpdE/w400-h225/God's%20gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">The other day I cut my finger while working on something with
my granddaughter. She, being the pretty little ten-year-old nurse that she is,
watched me wash it with peroxide then gently put the band-aid on for me. She
wound up replacing that band-aid for me several times before she went home that
night, it kept bleeding through. It’s clearly a deeper cut than I first
thought. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the past few days, I’ve been keenly aware of just how
much that finger bumps into things, and how much I use that part of my hand
for. Things like wringing out a washcloth, or pulling something across the
floor or gripping anything, really.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">We routinely use body parts without thinking about them and
muscles we don’t even realize we have until they’re injured, and pain calls
them to our attention.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qVW6dN9mmvwxYer2innLdSEIp1QgJlI-s2K9J8Fil6CbjVA9zeEwOF3a9vIvkrcpJmY8nq6jt9gncK0CR0AoZwFPTvhf-ErKvCetfSnOoJrpblvCjjWQOToZF5rRE45hKqaIpLoG0WWeqZZmfXZX-JyaupX0nTwg6FL5Yx9rRuQb3MiaDyP3JIr_/s600/band%20aid%20depositphotos%20dot%20com.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="600" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qVW6dN9mmvwxYer2innLdSEIp1QgJlI-s2K9J8Fil6CbjVA9zeEwOF3a9vIvkrcpJmY8nq6jt9gncK0CR0AoZwFPTvhf-ErKvCetfSnOoJrpblvCjjWQOToZF5rRE45hKqaIpLoG0WWeqZZmfXZX-JyaupX0nTwg6FL5Yx9rRuQb3MiaDyP3JIr_/s320/band%20aid%20depositphotos%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(depositphotos.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, looking at the parallels in life between the
physical realm and the spiritual, my mind is drawn to look at the body of
Christ and the injuries we suffer; the body parts that get no attention and
body parts we don’t even realize carry the work load they do. In the New
Testament, there are several chapters that share how we’re fit together for the
perfecting of the Bride of Christ and to win the lost to eternal intimacy with
God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">1 Corinthians 12:12-27 describes the body of Christ better
than I can.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">For as the body is one and has many members, but all the
members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by
one Spirit we were all baptized into one body – whether Jews or Greeks, whether
slaves or free – all have been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the
body is not one member but many.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“If the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not
of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear should say, “Because
I am not an eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? If the
whole body were an eye, where would be the hearing? If the whole were hearing,
where would be the smelling? But now God has set the members, each one of them,
in the body just as He pleased. And if they were all one member, where would
the body be?<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">But now indeed there are many members, yet one body. And they
eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you”; nor again the head to the
feet, “I have no need of you.” No, much rather, those members of the body which
seem to be weaker are necessary. And those members of the body which we think
to be less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor; and our unpresentable
parts have greater modesty, but our presentable parts have no need. But God
composed the body, having given greater honor to that part which lacks it, that
there should be no schism in the body, but that the members should have the same
care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with
it; or if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually.”
(NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">God has given us each the gifts and abilities, the power and
authority we need to accomplish His will in the earth. He’s uniquely positioned
us within the body of Christ to edify the Church and disciple those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBm6RpvQcVyW97HnH1GuPPoE-W7alSGPn3lUjA9BfpPJ6Thv_eECtDrzXJh0lw44tn4RwJb8bpcr-OCngeUtYqjooeM5jO-t0vCN8Wz7MUaKJRfJxD2GRbCK7YBI5DtpqOajpnd8AEzUsetX0-5LDyjI8tckgfbKcemD-3ceKIZDG5lkde6Wrq5WA/s480/crayons.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="480" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYBm6RpvQcVyW97HnH1GuPPoE-W7alSGPn3lUjA9BfpPJ6Thv_eECtDrzXJh0lw44tn4RwJb8bpcr-OCngeUtYqjooeM5jO-t0vCN8Wz7MUaKJRfJxD2GRbCK7YBI5DtpqOajpnd8AEzUsetX0-5LDyjI8tckgfbKcemD-3ceKIZDG5lkde6Wrq5WA/s320/crayons.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Romans 12:4-8 tells us: <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">“For as we have many members in one body, but all the members
do not have the same function, so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and
individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to
the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in
proportion to our faith; or ministry, let us it in our ministering; he who
teaches, in teaching; he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with
liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with
cheerfulness.” (NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When we’re not lending our gifts the Church, the body of
Christ suffers as a whole, and our local body of believers in particular.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">When one of us is injured, whether through spiritual, mental,
emotional or physical injury, the whole-body hurts and suffers the loss of what
we can contribute.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">What have you been contributing to the body of Christ lately?
You’re more important than you realize. We need you.<o:p></o:p></span></p></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-80443840897378295592022-09-01T10:31:00.002-07:002022-09-01T10:31:55.288-07:00Standing on the Edge of Revelation<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnJb256-QTXbCyhxocXohbtGnIm_gzkbHVglFIiynT38Nh3k6tBexNz6VxtuYShYsQt4yb73Ha9nbEIDqJJ22phnmhVCPvf8vdeb_vHnrIv9ktemVS-a4JwGOwmsV0JdvFXlbz6sXWafyPCcMkCjT_O72AmVmDgJkqsQc166yEzfYUM7UPLLDynPV/s2560/beautiful%20heart%20wallpapercave%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2560" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNnJb256-QTXbCyhxocXohbtGnIm_gzkbHVglFIiynT38Nh3k6tBexNz6VxtuYShYsQt4yb73Ha9nbEIDqJJ22phnmhVCPvf8vdeb_vHnrIv9ktemVS-a4JwGOwmsV0JdvFXlbz6sXWafyPCcMkCjT_O72AmVmDgJkqsQc166yEzfYUM7UPLLDynPV/w400-h250/beautiful%20heart%20wallpapercave%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from wallpapercave.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To me, intimacy
is a big deal. I want intimacy with the people in my life. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve noticed,
though, that so many people in my life would rather keep to themselves. They
don’t seem to want intimacy with their friends and family members. It’s not
that they seem to have some big, deep, dark secrets in their lives that they’re
hiding from people. Maybe it’s just that in a society that affords us so little
privacy, they’re trying to create a private place. Maybe it’s just a matter of
boundaries, of which I have too few. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The other night,
in the middle of an emotional prayer… I may have gained a little insight on intimacy
- or the fear of it. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With great excitement,
I prayed -</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujbotv1YmlbcW8Smky13WW2o4AihfjO_wtXu5eCgcDXtuVLdjbai2QYfhIsWPnEgVQxtLmk1C0nJ8pVtE-XK005FTe4dSClsCQgU-8NIo19zFXNRwWVnVVKZqufjsrXxjakTLYAL02u7Flb1rMH_zAsSVeUnN9m-8bZ_BHJnhM7o-jDFgKLsE3qDU/s1536/God's%20gifts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1536" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujbotv1YmlbcW8Smky13WW2o4AihfjO_wtXu5eCgcDXtuVLdjbai2QYfhIsWPnEgVQxtLmk1C0nJ8pVtE-XK005FTe4dSClsCQgU-8NIo19zFXNRwWVnVVKZqufjsrXxjakTLYAL02u7Flb1rMH_zAsSVeUnN9m-8bZ_BHJnhM7o-jDFgKLsE3qDU/w400-h225/God's%20gifts.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><i>Heavenly Father, I love You. I adore You. I worship You! Help me to revel in
You, to delight in You, to walk in Your presence and breathe my every breath in
You, to bring my every thought to You. <br />
<br />
Help me to see you with my spiritual eyes. I know that You see all of me. Allow
me to see inside of You, allow me to look into Your heart. I need to see what
You see, to feel what You feel.<br />
</i><br />
Then, suddenly, I was afraid to see.<br />
I looked away. My excitement went from a rolling boil to the simmering of a desperate
plea.<br />
<br />
<i>Father, draw me close. Draw me closer and closer until I'm nestled in Your
arms and can feel Your breath against my face and our hearts beat together as
one. You created me and know my inner most thoughts, fears and longings, You know
my desire to be completely immersed in You.<br />
<br />
Don't let me go. <br />
Hold me tight. <br />
I need You.</i></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Knowing intimacy
is shared, fear wrapped her boney fingers around my tongue.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now my
prayer was filled with weeping.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Your love
will be too great! Your pain will be too deep. <br />
I feel as though I'll sink into the vast pool of Your love and the depth will
overwhelm me. <br />
If I drown in Your love, though I'm so terribly afraid of drowning, yet, let me
abide there. Saturate me. <br />
I long to explore the untouched places in Your heart.</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <br />
<br />
Still afraid, but reassurance begins to creep in. <br />
<br />
<i>Your Word so often reminds me to fear not... </i><br />
<i>Your mercy exposes Your patience with me. <br />
Your grace displays Your compassion for me. <o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I want to
run completely into You. No looking back. No hesitation. <br />
You didn’t give me a spirit of fear or timidity! You gave me Your Spirit of
power, and of love and of a sound mind.<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Questioning
and reasoning peek into the conversation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What will
it take to step forward and leave my fear behind? What am I afraid to commit?<br />
You are my Lord, my Savior, my God and my King. Surely my heart will explode
with Your love. That’s a good thing! That’s the goal! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Submission falls
over me with refreshing peace.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Father,
replace any fear in me with Your holy boldness</span></i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">.<br />
<i>Have mercy on me, Lord. Snatch me up into Your arms of grace. Rescue me. <br />
Again.</i> <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Again, I fell
asleep as God continued to work on entwining my heart with His.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUEFhHyRTbmv6xl1ULjX3PRWjcGbHYS57HsQ3qJ8fCsqZPgLmY8nr7duiMeFMa5L_mq8IJEZHhIR3YyzBgw2ZHct4KzFiDeUOHrYZxnj-9fUe51GWohvDVNVlRWDimoqYXHiLEqh_yq0AgQPitkie9xN7JbogI8tVqE2ZBp51eKcOyOT95GssuZYR/s300/bowl%20joy%20thommiodem%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="300" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUEFhHyRTbmv6xl1ULjX3PRWjcGbHYS57HsQ3qJ8fCsqZPgLmY8nr7duiMeFMa5L_mq8IJEZHhIR3YyzBgw2ZHct4KzFiDeUOHrYZxnj-9fUe51GWohvDVNVlRWDimoqYXHiLEqh_yq0AgQPitkie9xN7JbogI8tVqE2ZBp51eKcOyOT95GssuZYR/w400-h293/bowl%20joy%20thommiodem%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from thommiodem.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-44923397736629493442022-07-30T09:09:00.001-07:002022-07-30T09:09:09.709-07:00Making Time to Rest<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlLc-aNMD_Gca2n8wVVw_L3FtNZ414eDZmRL8A5v5RBHAzdUdpf92MsNIrMpoy32Jjck0DLBHUL0HVvBtPrhQPYl-D2mfcxB2MRueLuEd2l3GsXXl_e4AZ9t0oP1Q2ZLibx0U4CXfke8GCu2t6mUVblmBIGc81Jzg3REz14Bmk2h-i270Ltl2Q5mx/s910/resting%20wallpaperflare%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="910" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQlLc-aNMD_Gca2n8wVVw_L3FtNZ414eDZmRL8A5v5RBHAzdUdpf92MsNIrMpoy32Jjck0DLBHUL0HVvBtPrhQPYl-D2mfcxB2MRueLuEd2l3GsXXl_e4AZ9t0oP1Q2ZLibx0U4CXfke8GCu2t6mUVblmBIGc81Jzg3REz14Bmk2h-i270Ltl2Q5mx/w400-h300/resting%20wallpaperflare%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from wallpaperflare.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: justify;">I used to think August was the best month of the year for so
many reasons. Yes, the best reason was that it’s my birthday month. But, back
in the day, we didn’t go back to school until after Labor Day, so we actually had
the whole summer off. By August, it was hot in northeast Ohio; we didn’t have
as many farm chores to do, because the heat was so stifling.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In my mind, August conjures up the “dog days of summer”. Laziness
and rest in preparation for the new school year.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ugY2ipkwWe3hi-cnxZFrJP7VO6NprFHQR_dZszgd2yiGFSGruDDbLnlItxB0jfpJzYsqGAKEYvIDSYA9rxiYkrt7jrvfuCISKLD1ZZDjlgra0gvt8ARm8hocYcttcKPFLzRSr6FMSXtY3LyoAYNYgweAf2C2MOZib9mSZqqXIAGMu7eUseaQG3c8/s728/august%20the%20fact%20site%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="728" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ugY2ipkwWe3hi-cnxZFrJP7VO6NprFHQR_dZszgd2yiGFSGruDDbLnlItxB0jfpJzYsqGAKEYvIDSYA9rxiYkrt7jrvfuCISKLD1ZZDjlgra0gvt8ARm8hocYcttcKPFLzRSr6FMSXtY3LyoAYNYgweAf2C2MOZib9mSZqqXIAGMu7eUseaQG3c8/w400-h198/august%20the%20fact%20site%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(factsite.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But, in adulthood, our schedules don’t allow us the summer to
recuperate, unless we happen to work for the local schools. We’re always busy
with our daily routines. Unless we’re fortunate enough to be able to afford
vacations, have vacation days on the books at work, and are mindful enough to
take breaks when we can, one day can look just like the last and just like the
next.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God knew we’d need to rest. He designed us to sleep for about
a third of our day. He instructed us not to work on the Sabbath (which doesn’t
necessarily mean Sundays). He speaks of entering into His rest often through
the Bible. Yes, rest is important. He also promises that unbelievers will <b><i>not</i></b>
enter into <b><i>His</i></b> rest. (<b>Hebrews 3</b>) But to us, who believe,
He promises rest. (<b>Hebrews 4</b>)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As you may recall, in the book of Genesis, where God
describes for us how He made the earth and everything in it, He rested on the
seventh day of creation. He didn’t just stop working after day six, He took day
seven to rest. He didn’t rest because He was tired, in <b>Psalm 121</b> we read
that He neither slumbers nor sleeps.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So how does He rest?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God enjoys what and who He’s created. He enjoys Life! <b><i>(Jesus
said, I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life… - John 14:6)</i></b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How much time do you take to enjoy your accomplishments? Even
more importantly, how much time do you make to enjoy Life (Jesus)?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3pb4ZwL9qytK5KFg_vtoCDN2cuZEEZj1PwSx7Dsok8njKPSxL8hn11uToi1FE0QJY0zlRSGDf5_MsWGYaqoIiv4xoawGS4C-hBKPx50u8KWuXQJLn46wDK5GY7n6d0kM066qghJgPxUtdy8oaC27lErsq7Mb1Cm_9dQTkD29UgxCnEbhSFaxtc8z/s640/enjoy%20tinybuddha%20%20%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT3pb4ZwL9qytK5KFg_vtoCDN2cuZEEZj1PwSx7Dsok8njKPSxL8hn11uToi1FE0QJY0zlRSGDf5_MsWGYaqoIiv4xoawGS4C-hBKPx50u8KWuXQJLn46wDK5GY7n6d0kM066qghJgPxUtdy8oaC27lErsq7Mb1Cm_9dQTkD29UgxCnEbhSFaxtc8z/w400-h268/enjoy%20tinybuddha%20%20%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(tinybuddha.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Our time is more quickly spent than our paychecks. Praise
God, retirement has offered me more time to spend how I’d like, but I can still
let busyness overtake me. When was the last time you entered into God’s rest
and enjoyed all He has for you? Resting helps us better accomplish all the
things God created us to do!</span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-75586901401468985962022-06-24T12:56:00.000-07:002022-06-24T12:56:07.060-07:00Watch Where You're Sitting<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUohTxwOkmcqr3ADvJpSGl87zx0qJSY_EPOvKMUkMJ_G8lLSs2oo7bTKQW92ZSZBuFVZCiXQ7EbR7qsnvh5V8ZM_jAhfdxg7Yg1ub_sgV1Gfj3jynF3UDfgL5f6T-ZkOMupOe8DoFmnKi6rbeupCB-ltHKBztB3rScsP_EJIqZp-ctx5maR2KdINM4/s4000/cacti%20thespruce%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2666" data-original-width="4000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUohTxwOkmcqr3ADvJpSGl87zx0qJSY_EPOvKMUkMJ_G8lLSs2oo7bTKQW92ZSZBuFVZCiXQ7EbR7qsnvh5V8ZM_jAhfdxg7Yg1ub_sgV1Gfj3jynF3UDfgL5f6T-ZkOMupOe8DoFmnKi6rbeupCB-ltHKBztB3rScsP_EJIqZp-ctx5maR2KdINM4/w400-h266/cacti%20thespruce%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from thespruce.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When you’re enjoying a walk through the woods or </span><span style="font-size: 18.6667px;">traipsing</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> through a park, no matter how tired you become, you always want to watch where
you sit. Whether you’re resting on a rock, or plopping onto the ground, or
sitting on a park bench, check to make sure you’re not sitting on or in something
undesirable.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once, while hiking through Palmer Park, I leaned against a
rock, then slithered down to land on a ledge to rest. I made the colossal
mistake of not watching where I sat. I quickly leapt from the rocky ledge as
cactus needles pierced my backside. Lesson learned. I always look first, now.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you ever sat in a seat that was reserved for someone
else, only to suffer the embarrassment of being asked to move? Have you ever had
to settle for sitting in the back of the room at an event you were excitedly anticipating,
and felt the rush of excitement when someone came to invite you to the front,
where there just happened to be an open seat?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRwrAGnYj9MVWU_ojbZlkagL26tsJZoY2QreZKyeta8h9QnIXvQLiMDJPLJUFHqhCob8vPWBsbGZIF2HupGBarUqIaxrrkzLtOtHLIFTHj4DDBRAfxyifYJzYCBJm22lSSdFZ57-Mw9vYkJTnBe514IzBDJivBDC4UUSp55m3yzQycsRqlcjRe29o/s1440/audience%20grammarflip%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1440" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdRwrAGnYj9MVWU_ojbZlkagL26tsJZoY2QreZKyeta8h9QnIXvQLiMDJPLJUFHqhCob8vPWBsbGZIF2HupGBarUqIaxrrkzLtOtHLIFTHj4DDBRAfxyifYJzYCBJm22lSSdFZ57-Mw9vYkJTnBe514IzBDJivBDC4UUSp55m3yzQycsRqlcjRe29o/w400-h209/audience%20grammarflip%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from grammarflip.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe you’ve felt the unpleasant squish as you’ve lowered
yourself onto a park bench where a bird recently decided to unload everything
he’d been carrying since lunchtime.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Did you ever notice the look of empowerment on a crew member’s
face when they were invited to sit in the captain’s chair (on Star Trek)?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Or perhaps you’ve felt the weight of your body cause a chair
to give way, collapsing suddenly, grabbing the attention of everyone else in
the room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There are many scenarios to assure us that where we sit
really does matter.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">From the pain or shame of sitting where we shouldn’t, to the surge
of power as we sit where we should, once again we see that all things natural point
to the spiritual.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Look at where you’re sitting as you read this blog post. Are
you feeling tired, sad, delighted, ashamed, powerful, uncaring or uncared for?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Where are you sitting?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If Jesus is alive in your heart, it may pleasantly surprise
you to learn that you are actually seated in heavenly places with Him, at the
right hand of our Father.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That’s not merely a nice thought that comes from a verse in
scripture. It’s the empowerment of knowing the Truth. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Scripture is divinely inspired by God. Inspired, if you don’t
already know, means God-breathed. As God inspired the writers of the Bible to
pen the words they share with us, He wrote through them the things He wants us
to know, both about Him – and about ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While reading through the book of Ephesians today, I
uncovered verses that stirred something inside of me. As believers, our spirit
is one with God’s Spirit. My spirit felt tickled by my Father to read that He
raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in heavenly places.
I read further to confirm that God made us alive <u>together</u> with Christ
and raised us up <u>together</u> and made us sit <u>together</u> in the
heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the
exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
(<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1%3A15-2%3A9&version=KJV" target="_blank">Ephesians 1:15-2:9, click to read</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Why would God want us to know this? Ponder that for a few
days.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What a power-filled place to be seated! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Even conjuring up a mental image from an old-time movie about
an ancient king sitting on his throne and taking note of who sits on his left or
his right, would usher in a reverent hush to those standing or kneeling at his
feet.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ivYlTPhk8VQTzzzcxMuylWvqPOjF3E7EB5N1ClliaGdTsp1862vLawqMwtePXkWIQBBGdWrToNbEH4t8Rou9G1slL4-F34I5oaZSb_EWvskSym3E7hI_Lh1gbGGcS7K9FUe_nMpPLf7zfIX9w_SK6hA6fS5DGdf6ckFC69Ts8Ji3z5UazFrEjDkx/s594/queen%20and%20king%20on%20thrones%20quora%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="594" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2ivYlTPhk8VQTzzzcxMuylWvqPOjF3E7EB5N1ClliaGdTsp1862vLawqMwtePXkWIQBBGdWrToNbEH4t8Rou9G1slL4-F34I5oaZSb_EWvskSym3E7hI_Lh1gbGGcS7K9FUe_nMpPLf7zfIX9w_SK6hA6fS5DGdf6ckFC69Ts8Ji3z5UazFrEjDkx/w400-h226/queen%20and%20king%20on%20thrones%20quora%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(from quora.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We come to the foot of the Cross to repent and submit
ourselves to God. He then <b><i>immediately</i></b> moves us from sinner to
saint, wraps us in His robe of righteousness as the blood of Jesus washes us
clean, and He sits us down at His right hand, with our precious Savior, to rule
and reign with Him. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation+20%3A6&version=KJV" target="_blank">Revelation 20:6, click to read</a>.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With all of the power and authority that God has given you,
what will you attend to first?<o:p></o:p></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-64430462004389234342022-06-08T19:10:00.000-07:002022-06-08T19:10:15.987-07:00Seen or Unseen - We Know<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NvWXFHGePslMKmAqEhjfNOduRKPO9Fi5Kgf-lJ9ixQ4T-clLWu1GYFMKpP7GPmEolmWQhJE3EO20GsaF0A_pGylOX1b8cLe9xtwmIqruGK6GaHa35LibRqFP6zWGWcvERY-VSVtl3aOzReC1W8TdhY9SoS5k0XjuXFrHg702wflZ_HrO-Pidyaus/s1110/integrity%202%20cengage%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="1110" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9NvWXFHGePslMKmAqEhjfNOduRKPO9Fi5Kgf-lJ9ixQ4T-clLWu1GYFMKpP7GPmEolmWQhJE3EO20GsaF0A_pGylOX1b8cLe9xtwmIqruGK6GaHa35LibRqFP6zWGWcvERY-VSVtl3aOzReC1W8TdhY9SoS5k0XjuXFrHg702wflZ_HrO-Pidyaus/w400-h138/integrity%202%20cengage%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from cengage.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Today, let’s think about
integrity. We desperately want to see it in our political leaders, especially
those who declare their Christianity all over their campaign literature vying
for our votes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">As Christians, it should be
upper most in our personal characteristics to show exemplary integrity when
we’re in the public eye, as well as when we’re alone walking to our car after a
grocery shopping spree. (I use the word spree to make it sound like grocery
shopping is fun, when in fact, it can be a financial burden for many to put
food on their tables, these days.) <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">What does exemplary integrity
look like to you? Is it okay to cut corners when no one is looking? When you
get to your car to unload those expensive groceries and discover there’s
something in your cart you didn’t get charged for, do you shrug your shoulders
and declare that it’s not your fault the cashier didn’t ring it up? Do we
justify not paying for it by arguing that we overpaid for every else in the
cart? Or do we take the time to walk back in and pay for it? Afterall, no one
will ever know what choice we make. Right? Well, yes, God sees everything, but
He’s not going to strike us down with a lightning bolt for stealing the item.
We know the right thing to do, but do we always do the right thing? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I’ve dealt with people who
showed me they had no integrity at all. Honestly, it hurts. But do I sometimes treat
others with less exemplary integrity in my heart? Oftentimes, others can tell
when we’re cheating them. They may just lack the guts it takes to confront us.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Dum62eLYIA_r3BZ2W28vMwhr9jzZhBhC60bwwYnIMYhV9btygoO9REpBY7Vf7IdZps-OT9CkFyAVLLc5wXjfNxmfFR4_aYnhaKP-GvJUmzsbrXiauMxzjBTEqP7zVUqGJbkf9JFPj21P4Av95zmZN2koyP1cLD3ztRdxfCKkhHhZUqRxX8m9yiI/s1200/integrity%201%20changingaging%20dot%20org.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5Dum62eLYIA_r3BZ2W28vMwhr9jzZhBhC60bwwYnIMYhV9btygoO9REpBY7Vf7IdZps-OT9CkFyAVLLc5wXjfNxmfFR4_aYnhaKP-GvJUmzsbrXiauMxzjBTEqP7zVUqGJbkf9JFPj21P4Av95zmZN2koyP1cLD3ztRdxfCKkhHhZUqRxX8m9yiI/s320/integrity%201%20changingaging%20dot%20org.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from changingaging.org)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">When we find ourselves in a
compromising situation, do we sometimes assure ourselves with statements like
“the ends justify the means…”? It can be pretty easy to talk ourselves into
justifying something we felt we <b><i>had</i></b> to do. Satan is right there
to encourage us with excuses for justifying something we know right well we
shouldn’t do. Yes, we want to hold politicians (and everyone else) to this
standard, but do <b><i>we</i></b> measure up?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I don’t bring you these words to
beat you up, but to encourage you to good works. Sometimes, we need a loving
reminder to check our hearts and make sure the enemy hasn’t worked his way in
with subtle deceptions. Just sharing some good points to ponder.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“And let us consider
one another in order to stir up love and good works,” - Hebrews 10:24 (NKJV)</span></i><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 106%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore, to him who knows to do
good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” - </span></i><i><span style="font-size: 14pt;">James 4:17 (NKJV)</span></i></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-86586502601636209732022-05-02T15:43:00.001-07:002022-05-02T15:43:52.090-07:00What If It's Your Choice?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFemtA0uLZHT9f4uFvRTHOSWhYx_wm47XAgQdDg92wSwACp5uw5gJYz23qdK_Rhii7q9--LG-H62d_eKgYV-L5ZnqEYI74DH7qScR3_J-LL3Xx484zD7GQCTOGENM1daAIPwRPmPG_Qr2Cq62E1zoqLqVCMEk_LoMB6Jg7efzH8eWTaYVccnuEL8u/s1920/Choice%20streetworkoutstkilda%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFemtA0uLZHT9f4uFvRTHOSWhYx_wm47XAgQdDg92wSwACp5uw5gJYz23qdK_Rhii7q9--LG-H62d_eKgYV-L5ZnqEYI74DH7qScR3_J-LL3Xx484zD7GQCTOGENM1daAIPwRPmPG_Qr2Cq62E1zoqLqVCMEk_LoMB6Jg7efzH8eWTaYVccnuEL8u/w640-h360/Choice%20streetworkoutstkilda%20dot%20com.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from streetworkoutstkilda .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> there’s something worse than slavery?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> physical slavery and torture are merely images of what God is calling us
out of? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> there’s something far worse, from which He’s trying to protect us? And
what if that something is there because of our freedom of choice? We have the
freedom to choose - every second of everyday. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> when we choose anything other than God’s perfect will for our lives, it
leads us into trouble?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> in choosing, the bottom line is choosing who our master will be? The
human soul wants freedom. But, freedom from what? Or from whom? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What if</span></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> being a slave to sin is worse than servitude or being owned and/or being
abused by another person?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With our physical eyes, we can see the horrors of slavery in
history, or around us in the flesh. We may see it in the news, or be subjected
to it in some way in our daily lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But it will take spiritual eyes to see the spirit realm; to see
the unimaginable horrors of the results of slavery to sin.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we submit ourselves to God and willingly place ourselves
under His authority, He opens our spiritual eyes. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He said to the apostle Paul, </span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“I will</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">deliver you from the Jewish people,
as well as from the Gentiles,</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">to whom I</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">now send you,</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">to open their eyes, in order</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">to turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan to God,</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">that they may receive forgiveness of sins
and</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">an inheritance among those who are</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">sanctified</span></i></b></span><span class="text"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> </span></i></b></span><span class="woj"><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">by faith in Me.’” – Acts 26:17-19 NKJV</span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"> Also
see: </span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Numbers
22:31, 2 Kings 6:16-18)</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM_MEqVGkBNe6UBOfdMYZsr45ZzyHuMi8N8E5bXYgNArNTWM5moF0Ash4XQJAMLGK_Fqu8Cd4AGhvUIuudWJPGR3BwTo6YpL1-2I4tpjJhCELKKY_QBfsSjBdp0MTHalWGiFLLfWXzi8juv4x8ejHa9QOvG-2gnzhwCBF0_C997G2VgS7hYUbALps/s2560/Choice%20yourpointofpride%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="2560" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEM_MEqVGkBNe6UBOfdMYZsr45ZzyHuMi8N8E5bXYgNArNTWM5moF0Ash4XQJAMLGK_Fqu8Cd4AGhvUIuudWJPGR3BwTo6YpL1-2I4tpjJhCELKKY_QBfsSjBdp0MTHalWGiFLLfWXzi8juv4x8ejHa9QOvG-2gnzhwCBF0_C997G2VgS7hYUbALps/w400-h400/Choice%20yourpointofpride%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from yourpointofpride .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When Dave is watching a war documentary or movie that shows torture
and prison camps, I have to close my eyes or leave the room. I can’t stand the
horror of man’s treatment of man. How much worse is the horror of Satan’s treatment
of man? Honestly, I don’t want to see it. But, until we see the ugliness and horror
of Satan, we don’t really know the meaning of the word enemy. And we won’t
realize what we’re actually being rescued from.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By looking back through history and looking around us, we can
see horrors no man should know; horror we were not created to endure. By
looking at the corruption of the world around us, we can see a glimpse of what
sin promises us. Satan has no rewards for anyone in hell, only torment. He
hates all of us, even those who boast of serving him. They are submitted to his
authority, but there will be no rewards for allegiance to him, only laughter
and mocking, unfathomable grief and torture. He hates mankind with a hatred we
can’t even comprehend. You’re on the receiving end of that hatred simply
because you’re human.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s plan is to rescue us from that hatred. But, will you be
rescued? He leaves the choice to you. You have the freedom <b>and</b> the
responsibility to choose whether or not to be rescued.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8zEcczWLv1mh4MZalBhcvz10q5gxqqMDxYgZPyv5m2tlnS3_gNPWxevEvatgzBif56dlXPJzIpRivst11dCRJCsxYZe_-eN-24_DLcSyEchkkIYZP6j0LD_i1XSElhNR093iLpPrhiwcOuzxJS1ODouZRUVgm2Erb5MFykKsc61y_wWFTTml7Vz8/s800/Choice%20coralspringstalk%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8zEcczWLv1mh4MZalBhcvz10q5gxqqMDxYgZPyv5m2tlnS3_gNPWxevEvatgzBif56dlXPJzIpRivst11dCRJCsxYZe_-eN-24_DLcSyEchkkIYZP6j0LD_i1XSElhNR093iLpPrhiwcOuzxJS1ODouZRUVgm2Erb5MFykKsc61y_wWFTTml7Vz8/w400-h225/Choice%20coralspringstalk%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from coralspringstalk .com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The “default choice” is death. We have to want to be rescued.
We have to choose to reach out and take hold of the already outstretched hand
of our only Savior. Jesus already paid the price to get us out of the
punishment for sin, He paid that price while we were/are stuck in sin’s grip. <b><i>(“But
God commends His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ
died for us.” – Romans 5:8 KJV)</i></b><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The freedom we’re so desperately looking for is found in
Jesus Christ. Freedom is not found in the notion that there is no God to be
accountable to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we belong to and submit ourselves to God and become a part
of His family, His kingdom – we have true freedom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You may ask, “Aren’t we all children of God?” Well, actually,
no.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In scripture, Jesus Himself tells certain individuals that
their father is the devil. <b><i>(</i></b></span><b><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">You are of your father the devil, and the desires
of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning,
and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he
is a liar and the father of it. -John 8:44 NKJV)</span></i></b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ouch!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We have to CHOOSE to be a part of the family of God; the body
of Christ. Not only do we HAVE to choose, we <b>GET</b> to choose! And with
that decision, comes the power and authority Jesus gave to each believer. But,
power and authority do us no good until we recognize it and take hold of it and
own it, and use it!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutF4JZhuaIUrWKvHkbbzXUEpgX_TnjiBgyMsJtpg-js8tq-tqNq1kdo2QhjB0nOTVHfgWWKf0uw9YTkTuP9ZUizDM4LqoTQpzaWvFpS_xdqySvWzZOxL6d_t2CphP0lZIp8EY4zFoL8O7W6miOwHMslyUxdp7WF8EuWqMYqvchOZqrdhUQnk_c_ar/s1068/Choice%20hotelspeak%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="550" data-original-width="1068" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjutF4JZhuaIUrWKvHkbbzXUEpgX_TnjiBgyMsJtpg-js8tq-tqNq1kdo2QhjB0nOTVHfgWWKf0uw9YTkTuP9ZUizDM4LqoTQpzaWvFpS_xdqySvWzZOxL6d_t2CphP0lZIp8EY4zFoL8O7W6miOwHMslyUxdp7WF8EuWqMYqvchOZqrdhUQnk_c_ar/w400-h206/Choice%20hotelspeak%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from hotelspeak .com)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I like this quote, and the emphasis is mine. </span><i style="font-size: 14pt;">“Nothing has
more impact to shift our minds and lives more than <b>KNOWING</b> who we are
and the power and authority we have been given.” – Jennie Allen, Get Out of Your
Head</i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, what if – the choice is really yours? It’s not a decision
to be taken lightly, nor is it a decision to be put off. Ponder it today. Ask
questions! Talk to people. Talk to God, Himself. He’s always listening and
eager to share with you. Because, it <b>IS</b> your choice. You alone will be
responsible for the outcome. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="chapter-1" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><span class="text"><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth
His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem
those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. And
because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your
hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!” Therefore, you are no longer a
slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through
Christ.” – </span></i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;">Galatians 4:4-7 NKJV</span></i></b><b><i><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="chapter-1" style="background: white; text-align: justify;"><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1O2wO6Zw98FbMkW0UKq-RWCgL8OcW61gqEHnS-p_7OkxidQxusiZ1rLbWZ0V7a6xNZi5JTlq29fhpex1jKH_zh5L4Il0AfC5Pev4Im6pesARTHDAs5UpizDpKd7q7URMpLYcarPvUcE88hG_J0u30BItL1GJ1gnhJYa21VbRNa-rSVc3h5ZskTTZ/s1600/Choice%20clipartkid%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc1O2wO6Zw98FbMkW0UKq-RWCgL8OcW61gqEHnS-p_7OkxidQxusiZ1rLbWZ0V7a6xNZi5JTlq29fhpex1jKH_zh5L4Il0AfC5Pev4Im6pesARTHDAs5UpizDpKd7q7URMpLYcarPvUcE88hG_J0u30BItL1GJ1gnhJYa21VbRNa-rSVc3h5ZskTTZ/s320/Choice%20clipartkid%20dot%20com.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from clipartkid .com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-79870628610010786672022-04-21T18:21:00.001-07:002022-04-21T18:21:12.483-07:00Are You Listening?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu7lg8yE1WWJtCm9twYZNMZ_cE3bd1f9QiBlLDRTo6sNwoNxAGhC5JNMTW2981TPopwLZCZp0lB24pQOUk_u9AGNcDLThjU15UggSYT6UmM9jcVsz3DbKie91L45rW9Jvb_ylrsHBxIVXvCazL-7a87lbXi5pA01fnGZI9gWu592HGAJEiThDVz_y/s620/listen%20vedictruth%20dot%20ru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCu7lg8yE1WWJtCm9twYZNMZ_cE3bd1f9QiBlLDRTo6sNwoNxAGhC5JNMTW2981TPopwLZCZp0lB24pQOUk_u9AGNcDLThjU15UggSYT6UmM9jcVsz3DbKie91L45rW9Jvb_ylrsHBxIVXvCazL-7a87lbXi5pA01fnGZI9gWu592HGAJEiThDVz_y/w400-h266/listen%20vedictruth%20dot%20ru.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from vedictruth.com)<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m going to
be transparent with you today. Maybe a little too transparent. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a child,
we see things differently than we do as grow ups, but sometimes those childhood
thoughts stick with us. Even when we have the perspective of an adult, silly
thoughts from yesteryear can wander through our minds at the most unexpected
times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’ve always
processed my thoughts differently than most people around me. In our decades of
marriage, Dave has often told me he doesn’t know anyone who thinks like I do. I
never took it any other way than complimentary. Sometimes, he even seems to
admire the way I think. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I would
guess, though I’ve never looked into it, that I’m somewhere on the autism
spectrum. But perhaps we’re all somewhere on the spectrum. They say there’s a
fine line between autism and genius. I’m not saying I’m a genius, but maybe I
dance on that fine line. I’m not talking about common sense or even intelligence,
but the way my brain processes my thoughts.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a child,
I just saw myself as different. Most children probably go through that phase at
some point. But, I’ve carried the thought, intact, with me for the past 60
years or so. In childhood, I was convinced that I was “retarded” (the word used
in that day), but that no one would tell me or admit it to me. Silly? Perhaps.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Over the
years, the thought has crossed my mind from time to time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Last night I
was worshiping God with other women as praise music filled through the room and
I prayed for those I love most. (I’m guessing your name was whispered to God,
backed by volumes of faith for your every need.)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">At one point,
when God spoke to me, He shared a little secret with me. He said, “You know,
Dave would still love you, even if you were retarded.” (I’m guessing He chose
that word because it’s the word I used as a child.) It instantly took me back
to feelings of insecurity. But then just as quickly, filled me with laughter. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOGqo4ftWe7ZafaBiwXtRCcxBksGR6ivMhCdcYJK3FFynVhAUZfaRPlqK61lZWp5Fs0YHxGFzzDRXf_i7JQEcdae6WJh2uqC9j8N8ZCqxpI2UyFzUMSyGaWdtcrA85QoJ9RLJ7KEd40nFkAuF47P1QLZSJ2dCEntfUK-oWEEHbT51a2R9uPOEG---/s940/listen%20coolcatteacher%20dot%20com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitOGqo4ftWe7ZafaBiwXtRCcxBksGR6ivMhCdcYJK3FFynVhAUZfaRPlqK61lZWp5Fs0YHxGFzzDRXf_i7JQEcdae6WJh2uqC9j8N8ZCqxpI2UyFzUMSyGaWdtcrA85QoJ9RLJ7KEd40nFkAuF47P1QLZSJ2dCEntfUK-oWEEHbT51a2R9uPOEG---/s320/listen%20coolcatteacher%20dot%20com.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from coolcatteacher.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes. Dave
loves me that much. He’s definitely the man God created to be my husband. No
one else would do. Not everyone marries the person God created specifically for
them. Some of us get ahead of God or don’t even consider asking Him if the
person they plan to marry has His approval.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Somehow,
even though I didn’t know the voice of God way back when, I knew on our first
date that Dave was the man I’d marry. There are plenty of times when we
frustrate each other, even to this day, but neither of us has ever second-guessed
our decision, even in the hardest of times.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The whole
point in my vulnerability today is to tell you that God really does speak to
us. His Word states, <i>“Anyone with ears to hear, should listen and understand!”
-<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 11:15 (NLT)</i> God isn’t
merely saying that if you have globs of skin to hold up your glasses, you’ll
hear Him. We have spiritual ears. We need to learn to listen with THOSE ears.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As a teen,
on our first date, did I know I was hearing from God? No. But that didn’t stop
Him from speaking to me. Like me, He always has something to say. Not so much
like me, what He has to say is always worth listening to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, whether
there’s praise music on or not, whether you’re alone or in a crowd, He’s
talking to you. If you’re listening for His voice, you’ll hear Him. Listen! His
Word also tells us, <i>“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they
follow Me.” - John 10:27 (NKJV)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAtuCrP5LjhI2TFLsBxq7KfWuZkSagiwfVZZklXsERI7FX_XLCYjoNtfOTjoRKNWxB7ZXyVw3_YjGlarnWT2e9sADzKVhqYmHKP18fSwEOZAZGjZKS97u9U76CMuecmzp9m75hfWXSektitHqMP8G9BpnVV7zeZ6OyXehKNCWA9U0-uyfxEVx7w-a/s1200/Listen%20alabamasinus%20dot%20com.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinAtuCrP5LjhI2TFLsBxq7KfWuZkSagiwfVZZklXsERI7FX_XLCYjoNtfOTjoRKNWxB7ZXyVw3_YjGlarnWT2e9sADzKVhqYmHKP18fSwEOZAZGjZKS97u9U76CMuecmzp9m75hfWXSektitHqMP8G9BpnVV7zeZ6OyXehKNCWA9U0-uyfxEVx7w-a/w400-h209/Listen%20alabamasinus%20dot%20com.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(photo from alabamasinus.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 16pt;">You may be
tempted to say that you never hear Him. Or that He doesn’t bother to speak to
you. You’re mistaken. There’s so much He wants to share with you. He wants you to
know the depths of His love for you. It’s His desire to impart to us His knowledge,
His wisdom and His understanding.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Pay
attention. Listen. You’ll hear. It may surprise you. But, you’ll hear Him!<o:p></o:p></span></p><br /><p></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-91577881727789178472022-03-09T16:02:00.001-07:002022-03-09T16:02:27.743-07:00How Did We Not Know?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWcKRjHAIcywMFSzKQbhVQV5JymmYar8cTAr8Hid5NMQvxHeo40TNEdoWwUQq-oENB-mFzAY__Jrq9950MhMJnARqBYo0ZFBX_ve0rhEfeLJYDnMI0I9xSvuwcqy2qaVsUOlC7W8BixPgLi0MQAEVT4nO2jvFyeAoe4t2sGuRxTHqOJEh0OfVsNdb9=s600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="600" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWcKRjHAIcywMFSzKQbhVQV5JymmYar8cTAr8Hid5NMQvxHeo40TNEdoWwUQq-oENB-mFzAY__Jrq9950MhMJnARqBYo0ZFBX_ve0rhEfeLJYDnMI0I9xSvuwcqy2qaVsUOlC7W8BixPgLi0MQAEVT4nO2jvFyeAoe4t2sGuRxTHqOJEh0OfVsNdb9=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from lovethispic.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">I’ve been exploring “the lies we
believe”. This may take forever.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">There are plenty of sources for
news around the nation and across the globe, which ones do we trust?
Personally, I think they all stretch the truth or spin it to their own
advantage or to back up their viewpoint. It happens on a local level, too. Putting
a spin on the truth has been around since the Serpent lied to Eve in the Garden
of Eden.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Pick a day or evening this week
when your schedule allows, and sit down with your Bible in your lap, close your
eyes for a minute and ask your heavenly Father to show you what lies you
believe. He may have you pick up that Bible and show your in specific verses, or
He may whisper to your heart. He may not seem to respond at all, but the next
morning, you may read it in a devotional, or hear it from a friend. You’ll know
it when you hear it. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw5LcLrMafWP-RDKXOZIxPVZ85O61EjmP02xD_ukXrbxPHjuUu8w3pdNUMmbaGvRe2gZT_pXVm4ZDji-FaEBmZh8PorEAMBjdiFt5GGR338AYPjuQPBEj33rC0t6dDJ-nTYhIVD7W_EmXCBeb4h7lyL0ZzNx4LNS1F5Ng3I1aXYtbq_cVOUtA18IA_=s1280" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgw5LcLrMafWP-RDKXOZIxPVZ85O61EjmP02xD_ukXrbxPHjuUu8w3pdNUMmbaGvRe2gZT_pXVm4ZDji-FaEBmZh8PorEAMBjdiFt5GGR338AYPjuQPBEj33rC0t6dDJ-nTYhIVD7W_EmXCBeb4h7lyL0ZzNx4LNS1F5Ng3I1aXYtbq_cVOUtA18IA_=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from youtube.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">You may want to do this once a
week, because we all believe things that simply are not true. He won’t dump everything
on us at once, it would overwhelm us. And we may think He’s dismissing us when
He only reveals one lie at a time, but He knows how long we’ll need to process
these revelations.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Years ago, I discovered that not
everything I believe is actually true. Yes, it came as quite a surprise to me.
I dared to test the thought by asking God, “What lie am I believing?” (As if
there was just one.) Immediately, He replied, “That Joanne (my sister) is the
pretty one.” Joanne is beautiful; the lie was tucked into my beliefs was that
she was the pretty one and I was the ugly one. I giggled. I’m pretty, too? The
lies may be that simple. And the revelation that joyful.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQnpsC-7EBBIuFt59sBl_h0E2PrSrlLxZeQ69tQLYBHgvMaGE4S9uJUo0CP2v4gq02LTIG8XUrSXDQMPypCchvUknG-Jj45xOdsjk9l-fup5Xg8db08a26fzuIMB1G-yiTOAvrSr0JMb_QlYRG18FosZ65loxNaFNwAFC6Kh8fXDYWUaCqsQMqRaBc=s1084" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="1084" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQnpsC-7EBBIuFt59sBl_h0E2PrSrlLxZeQ69tQLYBHgvMaGE4S9uJUo0CP2v4gq02LTIG8XUrSXDQMPypCchvUknG-Jj45xOdsjk9l-fup5Xg8db08a26fzuIMB1G-yiTOAvrSr0JMb_QlYRG18FosZ65loxNaFNwAFC6Kh8fXDYWUaCqsQMqRaBc=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from blam.online)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Or, the lies may center around
doctrine we’ve been taught, or about a relationship we’re in, or some other
life fact that we somehow got wrong. Those kinds of revelations can be a
crushing blow.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">Either way, lie by lie – truth by
truth, we’ll be set free. We might cry tears of fear or tears of joy. Not to
worry; He’ll wipe away our tears and show us the truth. And as the saying goes,
the truth will set us free.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“And
the Lord <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">God</span></span> will
wipe away tears from all faces…” </span></i><i><span style="background: white; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">– Isaiah 25:8</span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;">“Let
us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who
promised is faithful.” – Hebrews 10:23<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWZmjw9mCkNTXQ6O34UJjNjZVfcN9fxuWJJyOv-xairrFOz8GHsYTi-tHdPu5FuZ-j8mFjLsVudSdfpTlPDaZe6Fb77anpFVg6rFwvAePUacZx4nrToQr9BVK7wljg1PJDZKW7SbzkXMXWgizo6Fps-nKBs8jrepCFgjDzN1yXL56UMDpe9L1l06i=s500" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="500" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUWZmjw9mCkNTXQ6O34UJjNjZVfcN9fxuWJJyOv-xairrFOz8GHsYTi-tHdPu5FuZ-j8mFjLsVudSdfpTlPDaZe6Fb77anpFVg6rFwvAePUacZx4nrToQr9BVK7wljg1PJDZKW7SbzkXMXWgizo6Fps-nKBs8jrepCFgjDzN1yXL56UMDpe9L1l06i=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from lovethispic.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></i></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-43022044260031439132022-01-29T11:25:00.001-07:002022-01-29T11:25:09.680-07:00Do You Dare to Believe?<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoxo0Rx9wqoS4LYG2J8Qa4010JQElMX97YlihdQgML5aE6g_oqlP1g-p0DcnOLXkQRtnQKMZmEFENvxRcscPL_w03bMIO1VlChLtniEDYIoDEhFKbdGAYon0kmDaWc6i0VxDsoUO2pkplsabOInwz60ImZ1Lh0LJCf4wf83ajcCEMfS_DWwHt4hsG2=s960" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoxo0Rx9wqoS4LYG2J8Qa4010JQElMX97YlihdQgML5aE6g_oqlP1g-p0DcnOLXkQRtnQKMZmEFENvxRcscPL_w03bMIO1VlChLtniEDYIoDEhFKbdGAYon0kmDaWc6i0VxDsoUO2pkplsabOInwz60ImZ1Lh0LJCf4wf83ajcCEMfS_DWwHt4hsG2=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You will
ask Me nothing, most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My
Name He will give you.” – John 16:23<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This verse,
and others like it intrigue me. What am I missing? What am I “doing wrong”? I
pray, like many others, in Jesus’s Name – and yet, sometimes fail to see my
prayers answered. Or, at least, that’s the way it appears to me. And let’s face
it, the way it appears to me effects my faith, and can stir up doubt and
unbelief.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Knowing Jesus
doesn’t want me filled with doubt and unbelief, but with the faith of God He’s
given me, I need understanding.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I
pondered this today, it occurred to me that I’m not just using or borrowing
Jesus’s Name. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s given it to me; I am
Christian, Christ-like. He is in me and I am in Him, in the same way that He is
in the Father and the Father is in Him. That’s why when I ask the Father for something
in Jesus’s Name, I have the authority to use the Name of Jesus. Because He said
so.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I’m not
supposed to just slap on the phrase, “In Jesus’s Name. Amen.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am
supposed to be in Christ; in Jesus, in the shadow of the Almighty, in His
presence, in His Word, in HIM!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Am I abiding
(staying) in Him?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, I am.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Satan will
try to weaken my resolve with whispers of lies and tell me I’m not in Christ.
Sometimes my heart listens.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You didn’t
spend enough time in the Word today, your prayers won’t be effective.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You must be
harboring some unforgiveness in your heart, you’ve been praying for this same
thing for years now and yet, you see nothing.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You missed church
last Sunday, don’t even expect God to be listening while you pray for your
friends.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You were
critical of that person yesterday, and you think your prayers for them today
will be effective? Ha!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I heard you
say a bad word this morning. You can’t pray with that mouth.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“You fell
asleep while praying last night. If your prayers are THAT uninspired, do you
really think God was listening?”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Satan has all
sorts of lies and they’re all meant to tear us down and steal our faith. Fortunately,
we always know when he’s lying to us – when his lips are moving. I know, old joke.
And we can’t even see his lips moving. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The fact of
the matter is, God is not negative or confusing. He is not the author of confusion;
He does not condemn us at all. When He looks at us, He sees the blood of Jesus,
nothing here to condemn! Hallelujah! So, when our mind tries to tell us
otherwise, those thoughts come from the evil source, not from ourselves, and
certainly not from God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dismiss
them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Once we’ve
submitted ourselves to God, He hears every prayer we pray – and He answers
them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we are
in Christ, when we STAY in Christ and keep His Word in our hearts, His Words
will always fill our minds. We may be pulled away from them for a minute or
two. Okay, in the midst of a pity party, we may be pulled away for even longer.
But His Words are always there to return to.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">With His Word
in our minds and in our hearts, we can pray effectively because we can pray
with authority.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnrsgWEObQue-lyhKgkRKyAM3tabi1Bz0VDF1_5LbvtRSunJDIrvZLQv8ulVWbesiWqeVhnq6Aj8rVLOOGWw8IysvifjUxbRhmLPmFpM7U5_MN3TfJeBakmLb-JVpbxr6Sn8vzK1hqnWp8DGXhfh7J2Ttd50iXwjVniYiLhpe0bWxtlwtb-9BOMlg4=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1920" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnrsgWEObQue-lyhKgkRKyAM3tabi1Bz0VDF1_5LbvtRSunJDIrvZLQv8ulVWbesiWqeVhnq6Aj8rVLOOGWw8IysvifjUxbRhmLPmFpM7U5_MN3TfJeBakmLb-JVpbxr6Sn8vzK1hqnWp8DGXhfh7J2Ttd50iXwjVniYiLhpe0bWxtlwtb-9BOMlg4=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from branham.org)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A woman once
told me that she would pray for me. Then she quickly tacked on, “Not that I
believe or anything like that….” What? Why would you even pray if you don’t
believe that your prayers are being heard or answered, or for that matter, if
you don’t believe in the very God you claim to be praying to?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God wants us
to believe IN Him and to rely ON Him and to snatch up the authority He’s
holding out for us to grab ahold of and use.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We can do things
our way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Or we can
do things His Way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What is His
Way? Jesus said, “I am the WAY, the Truth and the Life, no man comes to the
Father except through Me.” (John 14:6NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When we
submit our hearts to Him, His Way becomes our way.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is
abiding in Christ. This causes the authority of Jesus Christ to operate in our
lives.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus didn’t
tell us that once we reach a point where we never mess up, THEN we can use His
Name.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We are perfect
in Him; not as in we will never again make a mistake, but as in perfected,
completed in Him. Once the blood of Jesus is applied to our lives, nothing can
make us holier, and nothing will separate us from His love. Nothing else is
necessary to gain access to God’s throne room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What holds
us back?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Believing
those stupid lies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We DO have
the authority Jesus gave us, whether we missed church last week or not, whether
we used inappropriate language or not, whether we read God’s Word today, or
not.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_GpqPvYDOk6xfBfOkkjKJ5bcZAk0xyR0Oans5lDRp7DF7kKwzxdNGPCRvYObo8o20MkUtRs1IaUA2QrDdeVRpEB-3whhDdr-L6ofI6uRIvSFEClv5PAd2ZrBDJ-3xEU47hzGgQ-JYLjWaTfFKvpganuTij5_Mav4G7C2ibxZUF9uuCZqISYaPUSc=s794" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="794" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgj_GpqPvYDOk6xfBfOkkjKJ5bcZAk0xyR0Oans5lDRp7DF7kKwzxdNGPCRvYObo8o20MkUtRs1IaUA2QrDdeVRpEB-3whhDdr-L6ofI6uRIvSFEClv5PAd2ZrBDJ-3xEU47hzGgQ-JYLjWaTfFKvpganuTij5_Mav4G7C2ibxZUF9uuCZqISYaPUSc=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from etsy.com)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But we have
to believe that in order to operate with the same Spirit that raised Jesus from
the dead. It’s that Spirit that fills us with the authority of Jesus Christ,
Himself.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">But, Helen,
you don’t know some of the things I’ve done! God would never extend that kind
of authority to ME!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Lies. Lies.
Lies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Bible
tells us this beautiful truth: <i>“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in
that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 (NKJV)</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He’s seen our
sin and knows the blood He spilled at Calvary is enough to pay the cost.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Who better
to believe than the One Who gave His life so that we could be free from sin?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Dare to believe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDLSrVF_FKkuiiAj7OPeFBOeCYas25nFI3uGdJtre-yl5qON3lJbSfrw2qhF2GsP2LHW-dLOFu43CQHObiD6_20lp27pOzen1x3BdmVT5Q_D943r8-ikpE9c-hfLp6vacu7N0q4OffETBqWp9FxOI0MLC9Yu_C7djJyob-OvlIuAehUgFvyxhMnPtS=s3000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2319" data-original-width="3000" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhDLSrVF_FKkuiiAj7OPeFBOeCYas25nFI3uGdJtre-yl5qON3lJbSfrw2qhF2GsP2LHW-dLOFu43CQHObiD6_20lp27pOzen1x3BdmVT5Q_D943r8-ikpE9c-hfLp6vacu7N0q4OffETBqWp9FxOI0MLC9Yu_C7djJyob-OvlIuAehUgFvyxhMnPtS=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture frp, etsy.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><o:p></o:p></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-60239461331158949252022-01-23T18:49:00.003-07:002022-01-23T18:49:34.733-07:00Was It Something I Said?<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjttQDkwbiisN5tpXk4wKu2Eeyj5ohcxPQNDH0650eUeLVeUPgKTUnEXaZTlHSJ18123r5r4ByCh_m2OgJ7bvHRwZKBoEzkVr2yQewKHnCpRKrWPF9nluNcDWX-zLiC-NC_QchZ2z5ww3CACY5N5STG9b4RBYefwjbNINEXNa4EY_CXFb0mRx-dXzW6=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjttQDkwbiisN5tpXk4wKu2Eeyj5ohcxPQNDH0650eUeLVeUPgKTUnEXaZTlHSJ18123r5r4ByCh_m2OgJ7bvHRwZKBoEzkVr2yQewKHnCpRKrWPF9nluNcDWX-zLiC-NC_QchZ2z5ww3CACY5N5STG9b4RBYefwjbNINEXNa4EY_CXFb0mRx-dXzW6=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from slater. com</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Our assistant pastor, David Cowart, spoke the other night and
said, “People make a place beautiful.” Have you found your place?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He shared a story about visiting a place of business and discovering
that we may choose whether we come back, based on how we’re treated by the
employees there.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You go into a local store and are treated poorly; the employees
treat you as if you’re a burden rather than their bread-n-butter. But go to the
same store, in a different location and you’re treated like royalty, where the
employees go above and beyond to meet your needs. In the future, whether you
consciously make the decision to or not, you may find yourself driving out of
your way to go to the location where you felt valued.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While I’m not an employee representing a business, I am a
Christian, and I represent the body of Christ. Maybe I need to consider more
closely, how I treat the people around me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Am I the woman in the foyer at church that people run up to
and greet with a smile on their face? Or do I noticed people seem to deliberately
walk in another direction when they see me? Or maybe worse, do I feel invisible
standing there? When you’re at work, are you the man they ask for help, or
purposely avoid?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj73UQAG1wWWByljgp7nwB3TYfv-DeQHtfKufFORvEtqp0t-OVXRmAVVnX-Iz78pc30EiXq65bMPJcy2giQIuUtIle1OuTNbSQi0SLwAMvt1JU--5WLopSQFiyyiWQtN9dv0fYSLMn_Qc4SCTxKG5eSHK4StMXxdT7V_OCMNX73LJC9VD01vP3h9Cbd=s2560" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj73UQAG1wWWByljgp7nwB3TYfv-DeQHtfKufFORvEtqp0t-OVXRmAVVnX-Iz78pc30EiXq65bMPJcy2giQIuUtIle1OuTNbSQi0SLwAMvt1JU--5WLopSQFiyyiWQtN9dv0fYSLMn_Qc4SCTxKG5eSHK4StMXxdT7V_OCMNX73LJC9VD01vP3h9Cbd=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from wallpapercave.com</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When we look at the people that are part of our everyday interactions,
are the people we feel more comfortable talking with the ones that complain all
the time, or the ones who listen when someone else is speaking, the know-it-alls,
or the ones we know have a favor to ask us, or the ones that we believe are
judging us by what they say or the way they look at us?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What makes us decide who we trust with a concern or ask for advice?
How do people make <b>us</b> feel valued and respected?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We all feel and act differently when interacting with the
many different people in our lives. But, looking at how these people either put
us off, or allow us to feel welcome in their lives, might help us better see
why people relate to us the way they do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Of course, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We can’t be
all things to all people. But, do we leave people thinking that life is
beautiful? If someone is judging the body of Christ based on their interactions
with us (not saying that’s fair) do they see the servant’s heart that Jesus
showed us? Are we pointing them to Jesus, or do they see no difference between
us and the people they know who have no hope at all? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb7mb5kfObplJCBZQEj7kYEq3ik8eS8oWrFwGeZ6u4J-O7pYOMCiwjuIrv2qp9zju2fZ-1wfXAcaA2EoX77KBimbL9PYy9vXtNl8jkCRiZM_fS14nNjk2et9oD9EeKqEn4_kjgLlhfdUJcdo83FXI6ISn5rz41Nsj0eQoRx22VGtYpu1_N4R9YvULy=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="1000" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgb7mb5kfObplJCBZQEj7kYEq3ik8eS8oWrFwGeZ6u4J-O7pYOMCiwjuIrv2qp9zju2fZ-1wfXAcaA2EoX77KBimbL9PYy9vXtNl8jkCRiZM_fS14nNjk2et9oD9EeKqEn4_kjgLlhfdUJcdo83FXI6ISn5rz41Nsj0eQoRx22VGtYpu1_N4R9YvULy=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from wordgrabber.com</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We can’t dictate how other people feel, but what can we do,
personally, so that the people God brings across our path know that they are
valued and loved? </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When you interact with others today, whether it’s serving
your children breakfast, taking care of a customer at work, or waiting in a
check-out line, what can you do differently, so that the people around you
recognize the love of God in you?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In <b><i>Matthew 22:39</i></b> Jesus tells us, <b><i>“…You
shall love your neighbor as yourself…”</i></b> But just before His crucifixion,
Jesus ups the ante. In <b><i>John 13:34</i></b> He says, <b><i>“A new commandment
I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also
love one another.”<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">How do we do that? You can’t share something you don’t have.
You can’t pour out love if you’re empty, yourself. But, if you’ve invited the
Spirit of God to live inside of you, you have everything you need. If you haven’t
asked Jesus to be the Lord of your life, now is the time to do that.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">““Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says
the Lord of hosts.” -<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Zechariah 4:6
(NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before we can share love, we have to seek the One Who IS
love. He has all the answers. Whether we’re speaking to Him directly in prayer,
or reading and meditating on His Word, He’s already equipped us and He’ll show
us what to do.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Call unto Me, and I will answer you, and show you
great and mighty things, which you do not know.” -Jeremiah 33:3 (NKJV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b><i><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJQpP8SbrXzW7msbKZcuoJu6RSSTj-SWINB_ehg_P-cOKk-yHt63yNxnm0IcfZBASuDW5ktJJ_253YQy6aj80hloyKcFZagOJHKCsMFU9G6SQMLtJDMLPLXiyrG1giD1sBYBKhP_Gm6-boplgj16AbG8rNasosXZxZrdjx5SH8w1GMXc1D61qiR7rz=s1920" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJQpP8SbrXzW7msbKZcuoJu6RSSTj-SWINB_ehg_P-cOKk-yHt63yNxnm0IcfZBASuDW5ktJJ_253YQy6aj80hloyKcFZagOJHKCsMFU9G6SQMLtJDMLPLXiyrG1giD1sBYBKhP_Gm6-boplgj16AbG8rNasosXZxZrdjx5SH8w1GMXc1D61qiR7rz=s320" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">picture from youtube.com</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-72932133025520103442022-01-12T12:47:00.006-07:002022-01-12T12:47:57.495-07:00Content to Change?<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggn8yyr0z1i8KJbGf3DGOgeJo2qPEYOSSBXPj847TYd5h7UzC4MvMGMN7E5DaUFLoUhQoEG925zSd1MSmG9lwtsOoDNjFJ04c7uazLg3wsHoiuZ7t-MizzrR8zwvP2P-WMOEpq0SDVTRiZEniSpkekqVQUTJ8JAfuuMjFXMicnsa8xALky-c8spx-a=s2040" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1760" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggn8yyr0z1i8KJbGf3DGOgeJo2qPEYOSSBXPj847TYd5h7UzC4MvMGMN7E5DaUFLoUhQoEG925zSd1MSmG9lwtsOoDNjFJ04c7uazLg3wsHoiuZ7t-MizzrR8zwvP2P-WMOEpq0SDVTRiZEniSpkekqVQUTJ8JAfuuMjFXMicnsa8xALky-c8spx-a=s320" width="276" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from Dillards.com)</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: 14pt;">New
beginnings; we hear about them all the time, especially around the first of the
year. But, resolutions?</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have to
ask, “Am I content with the way things are in my life right now?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Apostle Paul
learned how to be content when he was well off and when he was hungry, when he
was sitting in a jail cell or before a king. But, being content where he was
didn’t keep him from pursuing his mission to a share the gospel everywhere.
(Philippians 4:11-13)<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Perhaps we
think that being content means accepting things as they are, making no moves to
advance ourselves or our missions in life. But, in fact, what it means is to
not let our enemies steal our joy, no matter our circumstances.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Can I be
content with what the scale said this morning, while pursuing healthier eating
throughout my day? Of course! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Yes, that’s
not a number I’m happy with, but I CAN do something about it. I can put into
motion a plan to bring that ridiculous number down to something healthier.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Allowing
myself to get angry with the scale will set the tone for my day and can send me
off to Dunkin Donuts for a donut. Or two. That’s not the direction I want to
go.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">So, perhaps
we can become content with where we are in the moment, so that we can enjoy all
the other blessings God has us for today and reach out with love to those
around us. We can head into our morning huddle with God and come up with a plan
for the day, the week, the month – the year, or even just for the next few
minutes, that will take us in the directions He’s leading us. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Whether it’s
the weight scale or career changes or mending relationships, let’s take a
moment to appreciate where we are at the moment and join hearts with the One
that loves us best and move forward.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-81946870382159307542021-11-16T12:28:00.001-07:002021-11-16T12:28:17.459-07:00Your Best You<p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYquZ8ihlQ7HKt8lra2Q2nUXJB_LrgnWIvPJWUNR5XO2707m_gefqfhIBPlEQ8anZg9tzVqASp8zeELOCgqnfHK0lsWMYXUvGAA1JyjtSNbaankeSN0xiI1zp9iMLWtdWLxO6B2ksieU/s274/choose+youchoose+dot+org+dot+au.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYquZ8ihlQ7HKt8lra2Q2nUXJB_LrgnWIvPJWUNR5XO2707m_gefqfhIBPlEQ8anZg9tzVqASp8zeELOCgqnfHK0lsWMYXUvGAA1JyjtSNbaankeSN0xiI1zp9iMLWtdWLxO6B2ksieU/w400-h269/choose+youchoose+dot+org+dot+au.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(youchoose.or.au)</td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Disappointment and sadness come into our worlds on a regular
basis. Yet some of the faces around us seem to smile all the time. Why? <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Amid other speculations, perhaps we’re seeing a mask, to
disguise the sorrow they’re going through. Maybe, we’re looking at someone who
doesn’t understand the ramifications of the news they’ve just received. Or
perhaps, they choose joy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Is it possible to receive devasting news and allow a smile to
rise up in your heart? While we may often need to release our feelings through
tears or angry outbursts, I believe it’s a choice whether or not to surrender
to joy. It’s one of the choices we regularly make.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">You cannot force joy, it comes new every morning, along with
the mercies of God. By the way, joy and happiness are not the same thing. Joy
gives your strength even when you’re not happy.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ponder this: the God of the universe created you and knows
you better than you know yourself. He knows your thoughts before you think
them, and yes, He knows what lies ahead of you and how you’ll respond to Him
each day. He knows your weaknesses and your limitations. He also knows what you’re
capable of, and He trusts you to reach for the best version of you. Not just
the best version of you that YOU can imagine, but the one He created when He knit
you together in your mother’s womb; the best that you can be, each day. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">That would require incredible strength. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Along with those incredible expectations, God provides that
great strength.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Instead of responding to negative circumstances with tears of
sorrow or wrestling with frustrations or outbursts of anger, what if we
responded to God? Let me say that backwards. What if we respond to God -
instead of to our circumstances?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God is within our circumstances; He also surrounds us in the
midst of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God is the one constant in our lives. Circumstances change.
The people who surround us change, and the ones who travel with us through life
sometimes change how they interact with us. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God’s love for us never changes. He’s always within reach. He
always provides what we need, when we need it. Even when to our human heart it
may feel like He hasn’t shown up yet, He’s here, working with us, in us and
through us. He has not left us, and He promises He never will. (Hebrews 13:5)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What we need and when we need it may look quite different from
God’s heavenly perspective. We can’t see the big picture like He does; we’re
still on this side of eternity. We sometimes feel like God doesn’t hear or
answer our prayers when we’re only looking at the situation from our puny human
perspective.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Don’t limit God. Don’t tie His hands by turning from Him,
pouting and going your own way. He IS the Way, the Truth and the Light. He’s
seen your future since before the foundations of the earth were laid. Trust
Him. Choose joy in the midst of what you don’t understand.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">To scripturally recap:<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not of your
own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5 <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
<br /></p>Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4768323097181006164.post-7569619517896699462021-10-21T13:40:00.004-07:002021-10-21T13:40:28.443-07:00Peace Down a Cobblestone Road<p class="MsoNormal"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpGYQhtjOWBDLHXsm5L8fo-g7Qdws_y7KdCyNmALl-lLsXJVunlxJgDoqsFNKxCYmRwT1wskNV-uzzJgOzPyCzJUkK9b9FCfjmKq1AKqPv5VOXXl0_YLvwJIVDRG0t03nH0tYwjthbrs/s800/broken+stones+ebay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="531" data-original-width="800" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbpGYQhtjOWBDLHXsm5L8fo-g7Qdws_y7KdCyNmALl-lLsXJVunlxJgDoqsFNKxCYmRwT1wskNV-uzzJgOzPyCzJUkK9b9FCfjmKq1AKqPv5VOXXl0_YLvwJIVDRG0t03nH0tYwjthbrs/w400-h265/broken+stones+ebay.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from ebay)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">As I wind myself down the narrow cobblestone pathway, I feel goosebumps on my arms and a shiver in my bones, though the scorching sun and windless day envelops me. I’m containing my joyful giggles because my upbringing taught me to be quiet at church. I want to run the length of the path, winding around gangly shrubs and old, faded statues, chipped and neglected; yet I tiptoe, slowly, enjoying every step with ecstatic anticipation. Tears trace my nose. I lick them as they meet my smiling lips.<o:p></o:p></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">I’ve seen the grandeur of St. Paul’s Cathedral in London, and Westminster Abbey; I’ve admired the spiral staircase at the Loretto Chapel and knelt in so many churches and cathedrals across the globe, large and small alike. I’ve been in awe of the structures themselves and the thought of so many prayers offered up over the centuries, knowing God has heard each one of them.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">But, here, there’s a sweetness in the air, though no flowers in sight. The uncut grasses and unkept bushes are as welcoming as the arms of Jesus Himself. I might have missed the tiny sign out front if I’d blinked, yet I know that God’s Spirit has drawn me to this humble grotto behind the old stone wall.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">Normally, I’d take pictures to share, but it feels this like this is a place for Jesus to speak to my heart. As modest as a manger in cold barn, yet, He’s here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">I’m standing before dirty stones, once stacked high; the cove for a large statue of Mary has been battered by many storms, making me wonder how it’s stood the test of time? Tears of tenderness swell from within me, I want to hold this whole place in my arms, I want to embrace everything that God has for me here.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">I fall to my knees on hard dirt, baked by the sun, but with a pull I can’t resist. I can’t even close my eyes, fearing I’ll miss something, yet everything fades away.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">I’m shaking as I rejoice in the middle of nowhere. I can see an old picture my father painted many years ago. Jesus sits in the midst of children. From the folds of His robe, I see my little sister, peeking out at me. She looks timid as her eyes meet mine; she clings to His robe. Sobs overtake me. My little sister! My precious little sister, in this life so filled with hurt and sorrow, fear and abuse – hiding in the robes of the King!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;">Without a word of prayer, I know she’s safe with Him there, secure in the folds of His garment. I’m at total peace.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: 16pt; line-height: 22.8267px;"><br /></span></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMJWq3RZNG__py_njhWSLVtR4tVt-L2I3DINT_TrDJjWSuzetuHRTeVSYM9JiAc-XkahJ99UJNwV2eb06WtfYnU0MeRh1WhuNwtNToDGsFT70a5K_7bCn4TcT22xEwYDF-idxmuSt67k/s777/Jesus+reaching+pinterest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="777" data-original-width="370" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMMJWq3RZNG__py_njhWSLVtR4tVt-L2I3DINT_TrDJjWSuzetuHRTeVSYM9JiAc-XkahJ99UJNwV2eb06WtfYnU0MeRh1WhuNwtNToDGsFT70a5K_7bCn4TcT22xEwYDF-idxmuSt67k/s320/Jesus+reaching+pinterest.jpg" width="152" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(picture from pinterest)</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Helen Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16828506380083657120noreply@blogger.com0