tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76326851074286093272024-02-20T09:58:57.254-08:00Come to Me....and RestIt's the Lord's desire for us to
find Him in all our situations and know that when life is good and when life is tough,
He is there for us.
This is a place to find encouragement to learn to rest in His presence in it all.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.comBlogger96125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-76384815250081995952017-07-02T06:12:00.001-07:002017-07-02T06:20:37.022-07:00Masks As a child, I dressed up in a costume that didn't require a mask. I didn't enjoy the smell of the inside of it or the way it blocked my breathing. I usually went as Cinderella, because deep within I wanted to be a beautiful princess discovered at the ball. The problem was my insecurities lived and breathed within my own belief system about myself.<br />
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With time I discovered the reasons I'm not a fan of masks are because they cover up our true identity and keep people at arms length. If we pretend to be someone so others like us, eventually we blow our cover and are discovered.<br />
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As painful as it may be, it is better to not be accepted from the beginning, then pretend, believe you're liked and accepted, and eventually be rejected. The best people in my life have been those who truly saw me and came along beside me on the journey to Christ healing and transforming me.<br />
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My favorite people in the world are those who remove their masks and allow me to journey with them to the heart of Jesus. Together we discover that our redemption clothed us with the righteousness of Jesus and we are the beautiful princess at the ball.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-31403580248434923242017-05-07T05:28:00.000-07:002017-05-07T05:28:15.149-07:00Sweet SpiritLife has loses. Disappointment stays away from no one. We can travel down the road of joy and peace, when a storm unexpectedly rolls in. When the clouds lift, and we assess the damage, we may suddenly find it hard to breathe.<br />
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In that moment, how we choose to respond reveals our place of trust. When we lift all the hurt and pain that comes with loss to Jesus, He uses our response to mold our inner character. Some of the sweetest people that live around us, have stories of deep loss.<br />
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Kindness, gentleness, humility, and meekness are fruit from the spirit of one who has learned to trust and rest in the truth of God's Word. Circumstances do not need to control our emotions. When laid into the loving arms of our Savior we can know a surpassing peace despite the difficulties of life.<br />
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May we lean harder today on the loving shoulders of Jesus, our Savior, and the King of Kings.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-40183050953168518222016-11-10T04:29:00.000-08:002016-11-10T04:29:10.701-08:00Five Daily Gifts<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">
Therefore </div>
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if there is </div>
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any encouragement in Christ, </div>
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if there is </div>
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any consolation of love, </div>
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if there is </div>
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any fellowship of the Spirit, </div>
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if any affection and compassion, Philippians 2:1 | NASB</div>
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Five amazing gifts have been offered here: encouragement, consolation, fellowship, affection, and compassion.</div>
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Consolation is defined in Webster as: <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">something that makes a person feel less sadness, disappointment, etc.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So all five of these gifts, freely offered from the Lord, are ours for the taking, but we need recognize them and be willing to receive them from Him.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Do we truly recognize the way in which the Lord has given these to us on a regular basis? I think we get so caught up in our day that we miss these daily gifts. How do we begin to open our hearts to recognize them?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1) Decide to look for them every day</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">2) Keep a journal of them</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3) Place sticky notes around reminding ourselves to look for them</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-21059571205694381272016-11-03T03:37:00.000-07:002016-11-03T03:37:17.808-07:00Faithfulness<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
For it is only right </div>
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for me </div>
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to feel this way about you all, </div>
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because I have you in my heart, </div>
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since both in my imprisonment </div>
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and in the defense </div>
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and confirmation of the gospel, </div>
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you all are partakers of grace with me. Philippians 1:7 | NASB</div>
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It makes sense to Paul to feel the way he feels about the Philippians, because they have proven themselves as brothers and sisters. They have been with him during his freedom, his imprisonment, and have worked in his defense.</div>
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Who comes to mind that brings tenderness to the heart because of their faithfulness?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-88974228264839480392016-11-02T03:44:00.000-07:002016-11-02T03:44:00.343-07:00His Work in Us<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
For I am confident </div>
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of this very thing, </div>
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that He </div>
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who began a good work in you </div>
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will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 | NASB</div>
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<br /></div>
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The work of Christ in us was sparked by the Heavenly Father. He created us, knew us, and when our hearts were ready to properly respond, He brought into our lives the flame that would ignite a desire for Him. We choose how to respond to the spark and when we say yes, the Lord runs with it! </div>
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On those days when we royally mess up, repentance opens the door for the Lord to flood His grace and mercy over us. His transformation in us breathes life into every part of our hearts and lives.</div>
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We must never give up, when we sin. Our hatred of sin and surrender to the Lord are evidence of His work taking root in our lives. We cooperate with His work when we honestly face those sinful areas in our thoughts, words, and actions that dishonor others and our Savior and seek His forgiveness.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-89132888194772817502016-11-01T04:14:00.001-07:002016-11-01T04:15:02.106-07:00Doing?<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
in view </div>
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of your participation </div>
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in the gospel </div>
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from the first day </div>
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until now. Philippians 1:5 | NASB</div>
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Paul is grateful for the heart of the Philippians who participated in the gospel on a continual basis. We need to not only be known as people who know the Words of Jesus but those who put it to practice. All around us are people who are dying without ever meeting Jesus. </div>
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What would Paul say about our participation in the gospel if he met us?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-69505165925507181502016-08-29T03:53:00.002-07:002016-08-29T03:53:02.795-07:00Always??<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
always </div>
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offering prayer </div>
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with joy </div>
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in my every prayer </div>
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for you all, Philippians 1:4 | NASB</div>
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"Always" is a high expectation but something Paul encourages the Philippians about in regards to his goal for them in prayer. His heart desire is to always be offering a prayer for them. He wants them to know he prays for them.</div>
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What does it do for your spirit when someone not only says they will pray for you, but you actually know they are doing it?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-64946849655741453082016-08-28T06:04:00.002-07:002016-08-28T06:04:30.681-07:00A Question?<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
I </div>
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thank </div>
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my God </div>
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in all </div>
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my remembrance </div>
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of you. Philippians 1:3 | NASB</div>
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<br /></div>
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As Paul thinks about the saints in Philippi, he is grateful. These saints have earned his respect. As we continue our reading through the book of Philippians, we discover the reasons Paul feels this way, but for now these few but powerful words stimulate one question. Do our words and actions stir others to gratitude?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-33594045748147841512016-07-26T04:19:00.001-07:002016-07-26T04:19:47.613-07:00Grace and Peace at a Glance<div class="p1" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 15px;">
Grace </div>
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to you </div>
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and peace </div>
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from God our Father </div>
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and the Lord Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:2 | NASB</div>
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Paul begins his letter with the Heavenly Father and Jesus' offer of grace and peace. In a fallen world where so much pain resides around us, we all need His grace and peace.</div>
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Grace is an undeserved and unearned gift freely offered for all. It's bestowed on us from the One who knew us from before time began. The Father and Son withhold it from none who truly seek after it.</div>
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Peace is the assurance of a relationship with our Creator who made us for fellowship with Him and one another. It means the enmity that once existed between us due to our sin has been removed because of what the Father provided through Jesus. It's about reconciliation and restoration.</div>
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Grace and peace, gifts, free and ready for all to receive.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-28058378191084513082016-07-04T06:00:00.002-07:002016-07-04T06:03:48.072-07:00Leave With Grace and Kindness<div style="color: #454545; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px;">
I recently handed in my resignation at my job. With it, I sat down with my manager and supervisor and gave them an explanation as to the reason this place of employment was no longer a good fit for me. I honestly but kindly voiced the areas that caused me concern and the reasons that I no longer felt comfortable working there. </div>
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During my three years of employment I've sat down with the leadership within and without my branch many times to discuss my issues with the way things were being done. Sometimes it resulted in the necessary changes or a compromise that was best for everyone. Other times the only adjustment necessary was with me and my attitude.</div>
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I made sure whenever I talked about my issues, I didn't degrade the person, even though I strongly disagreed with their methods in doing the job. I always treated my co-workers with kindness and respect even when no compromise took place.</div>
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When it came time to leave, <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I didn't butter my resignation with "God's leading" me away. The truth is, rarely will anyone seek a new place of employment when they love their present one. Dissatisfaction with the job or workplace </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">causes one</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> to look for something new. </span></div>
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Yes, I believe the Lord provided my new job, and it will be a better fit for me. Yet, I left because I wasn't happy there, and I accept full responsibility for my lack of contentment. I displayed honor in my explanation of my decision, and when I left I did it without burning any bridges in my relationships with the people there.</div>
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Honestly, it breaks my heart as a pastor's wife when the same consideration and kindness doesn't take place within our places of ministry. I understand the need for some to leave and seek a ministry they feel may better fit their preferences. What hurts is the way most choose to do it. </div>
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Some leave without ever voicing what they are unhappy about to my husband, and others <span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">voice their struggles but eventually leave. The decision to seek a different ministry is not the issue as much as what is done in the process of leaving or after they leave. Both groups described above, usually leave and proceeded to speak unkind words to others about my husband's personality, education, methods, and/or talents. Rarely do we hear they have </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">complained about his theology or doctrine.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I myself fell prey to this sin when it came to my problems with my job, and then the Lord reminded me that voicing my complaint about others behind their back dishonored Him. He showed me that if I was unable to work out my differences with others face-to-face, He wanted me keep my words to myself and choose to disagree in an agreeable and kind manner toward them and when speaking about them. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I realized since I was the one uncomfortable with the way things were being done at my job, I needed to seek employment that better fit my needs and preferences.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">People have never told my husband they were leaving, because they didn't feel it was a good fit for them anymore. Instead they have given false excuses while telling others the real reason. Others buried my husband alive in their cruel and angry words before leaving.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">My husband's conclusion after multiple exit interviews like these over the years was to no longer seek doing one with those who don't ask for it. He lets people leave without providing them with an opportunity to sin against him. The church is a voluntary place to serve and everyone has a right to stay or go. May we always choose to make our decisions in a way that honors the Lord and others at all times.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-85878472442824270562016-04-13T03:50:00.003-07:002016-04-13T03:50:26.827-07:00Ruffle Me Feathers<div class="s5" style="font-size: 18px; line-height: 2.4;">
<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> My panties ar</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">e definitely bunched in a wad. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">I accidentally and carelessly backed my Lacrosse into someone's car parked i</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">n my driveway, and my husband’s silence unraveled my emotional security</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Despite the minimal</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> damag</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">e to</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> both vehicles and no one</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> being</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">injured</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> by the incident</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">,</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"></span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">the</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> claim </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">increased our </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">insurance’s </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">monthly premium by 20%.</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">I understand t</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">he reason my husband lacked words for me</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. U</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">nfortunately I'm prone to these types of incidents when I'm behind schedule or rushing through a ta</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">sk. I don't intend to damage</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">property or even hurt the feelings of others when I'm in a hurry or preoccupied. </span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">In fact, I beat myself up when I realize the consequences o</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">f my actions. I</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">t really irritates</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> me</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">even more</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> that I can't undo it either. I </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">desperately </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">wish when we took responsibility for our actions and sought restoration that it instantly made a permanent erasure of the entire occurrence.</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Since the elimination of my mishap was impossible, I thought about it all the way to work the following day. I found myself mostly wallowing in the sorrow over my husband's irritation with me. As I prayed through my disappointed feelings with his resp</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">onse, I discovered how easily I </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">let others responses affect my mood. </span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">Suddenly the Lord brought to mind Ephesians 2:10</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> (NASB)</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">, a verse I read that morning. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk i</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">n them.” As I cried out</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> the Lord </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">with </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">my frustrations, He popped a</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">specific application</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> into my thoughts</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">In that moment I realized t</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">he </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">“</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">good work the Lord prepar</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ed beforehand</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">” for me</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to learn</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> was</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to not let others</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">’</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> choices steal my joy and peace.</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">I mu</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">st admit. Despite how easily those</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> words flow on </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">to </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">paper,</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> t</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">he</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ir</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> application to every</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">day living</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> present</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ed</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> a challenge</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to me</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. Even as I meditated on the Lo</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">rd's desire for my walk, I knew without a doubt that</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> the task in front of me would be</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> a moment-by-moment challenge of </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">obedience. </span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">The reality</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> of life is that we all face</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> days</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> when</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> we find ourselves</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">bombarded with</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">opportunities</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> respond to others who ignore us, speak rudely to us, or blame us</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> for their poo</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">r attitudes and actions. O</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">utwardly</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> we may</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> appear</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to h</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">ave responded correctly</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> to them,</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> but</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> inside we</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> may be seething. It requires e</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">very ounce of self-control </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">to</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> muster up a </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">desperate prayer to the Lord, seal our lips, and avoid blurting out</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> our real thoughts or reactions.</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">However, w</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">e experience tremendous freedom as we trust the Lord to enable us to</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> remain </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">obedient</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">in our </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">thoughts</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">. W</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">e</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> also</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> discover ho</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">w uncom</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">plicated our lives become for us</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">,</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> when we </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">learn to </span><a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">eat humble pie and</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> fight the battle</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> in our</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> head</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> in silence</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">.</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> It’s easier to face </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">the Lord with our sinful thoughts</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> than working out issues with </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">other</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s injured by our hurtful words and actions.</span></div>
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<span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">As I reflected on my husband’</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">s response, t</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">he Lord showed me that sometimes the “good work prepared” for me is acceptance of the gift of silence</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">.</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> My husband understood the way I personally beat myself up for my carelessness and didn’t wish to add to my pain with hurtful words. </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">In those moments</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> on my drive to work,</span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;"> I chose to </span><span class="s3" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 12px; line-height: 14.399999618530273px;">receive my husband’s gift with joy and peace.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-68769197975919637132016-01-01T16:09:00.000-08:002016-01-01T16:09:00.298-08:00Seeing His Heart for Others<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">I noticed through my office window, a customer leaving her home. A thought ran through my mind that I wish I could talk to her about my book. I knew the Lord would need to make it happen, because this customer usually only comes to our drive-up window. </span><br />
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I went on with my work forgetting all about my random thought. An hour passed when suddenly that same customer walked into our branch. The services she needed required me taking her into my office where I kept a supply of my books.</div>
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I instantly told her that when I saw her earlier I felt a desire to show her my book. She read the back cover, asked to purchase it, and informed me she just got back from the doctor's office with a depression diagnosis.</div>
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We both agreed that the Lord winked and provided me with the resources to give a story of hope and healing to her. I love when the Lord uses me and my past to help others.</div>
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Do you follow the leading of the Lord when He lays it on your heart to do something?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-30224752018066363972015-11-10T04:05:00.002-08:002015-11-10T04:05:30.422-08:00A Welcomed Visitor with a Word<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">"...a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home..." Luke </span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 23px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">10:38</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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Martha invited Jesus into her home. In fact, she welcomed Him into her personal space. Yes, she got distracted by all the preparations, but we must not lose focus on the fact that she wanted Him in her home. </div>
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When she spoke to Jesus over her concern with Mary not helping her, she once again invited Him into her life. She opened herself up for the opportunity for Jesus to speak into her life. She believed Mary needed correcting when in fact the attitude adjustment was her own. </div>
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Even though it must have been difficult to receive, she heeded the words of truth spoken to her by Jesus. Later when we see Jesus in her home again, we find her serving Him well.</div>
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Do we welcome Jesus into our lives and give Him permission to speak truth into our lives? Or are we too concerned over what we believe others should be doing for us that we miss His loving instructions?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-34904405634014700622015-10-22T04:33:00.000-07:002015-10-22T04:33:33.725-07:00Guidance with a PromiseSo you_______<br />
shall observe to do<br />
just as the Lord your God has commanded you;______<br />
you_________<br />
shall not turn aside to the right or to the left.<br />
You _________<br />
shall walk in all the way which the Lord your God has commanded you,_______<br />
that you ______<br />
may live<br />
and that it may be well with you,<br />
and that you may prolong your days in the land which you will possess.<br />
<br />
Deuteronomy 5:32-33 | NASB<br />
<br />
Fill in the blank first with your own name....seeking His heart, and then watch a Him keep His promises. It's His will for all of our lives that we....<br />
1). Obey His commands<br />
2). Stay on His path<br />
3). Follow His direction<br />
<br />
When we do, He promises:<br />
1). Life<br />
2). Success<br />
3). Longevity<br />
<br />
Will we take Him up on His Word and do what He directs us to do?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-25760452727403004762015-08-24T03:46:00.001-07:002015-08-24T05:12:43.988-07:00Man-made SolutionsSo he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would have gladly filled his stomach with the pods that the swine were eating, and no one was giving anything to him. Luke 15:15-16 | NASB<br />
<br />
His inheritance had been used up. Still too proud to admit his foolishness, the lost son hires himself out to a farmer in the land he lives. He discovers his solution doesn't work when no one will give him anything to eat.<br />
<br />
How often do we try to come up with our own answers to the messes we get ourselves in? Why do we have to take so long to turn to the Father for help? He waits with open arms for us to turn to Him.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-36654306407116530292015-08-23T05:45:00.002-07:002015-08-23T05:45:14.916-07:00Receiving Back Challenge<span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">The story of the Prodigal Son is filled with amazing life lessons regarding trust. One is ... Trust forgives the wrong decisions of others and receives them back. Trust restores. (Luke 15:21)</span><br />
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The father freely gave the younger son his portion of his inheritance and watched him leave. When he returned, the father celebrated his return. It's difficult to watch someone leave and make a mess of their lives, but how well do we leave the door open for them to return?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-89714849150169443582015-08-22T04:12:00.000-07:002015-08-22T04:12:14.215-07:00A Challenge from the Word<div style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0980392); color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.701961); font-family: UICTFontTextStyleBody; font-size: 21px; text-decoration: -webkit-letterpress;">
And He said, “A man had two sons. The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that falls to me.’ So he divided his wealth between them. Luke 15:11-12 | NASB</div>
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One outwardly demanded, but the father divides and gives each of them their portion. The younger takes off and squanders his portion on loose living, but the truth is, both sons need an attitude adjustment. The older son doesn't reveal his toxic character trait until his brother returns. </div>
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Challenge: Which son might we be like? Is there some attitude we need to honestly address with our Heavenly Father?</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-75030859618381627582015-07-02T18:51:00.000-07:002015-07-02T18:51:02.678-07:002nd Annual Freedom Conference, Info & Registration
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 21.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2<sup>nd</sup>
Annual</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 21.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Ladies’ </span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Freedom Conference</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">“Then you will know the truth, </span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">and the truth will set you free.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">John 8:32</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Cambria; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Saturday </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">September 26<sup>th,</sup>
2015</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">9 am – 4 pm</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Breakfast & registration</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>start at 8 am.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Grace
Bible Church</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Dallas City, Illinois</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Bookman Old Style"; font-size: 15.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NEW
THIS YEAR</b> – </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Free babysitting for children 2-8 years of
age will be available for those attending the conference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Indicate on the registration form the
ages of the children you will be bringing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">To ensure the highest quality of care for
your children, we must know if you are bringing children by September 1<sup>st</sup>.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Please send in your
registration form with payment to: </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David;">Ladies’ Freedom Conference</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>c/o Grace
Bible Church</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2880 N. State
Hwy 9 </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: David;">Dallas City, IL<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>62330.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Registration fees –</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">By</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> September 1<sup>st</sup>, 2015 –</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>only $22. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Registration fees received</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">September 2nd and after
are $30.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">If you register an entire
group of six people by September 1<sup>st</sup> (sending their
registrations and fees in <u>together</u> in the same envelope), the seventh
person may attend free.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><a href="mailto:Ladiesfreedomconference@gmail.com"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Ladiesfreedomconference@gmail.com</span></b></a><span class="object"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: darkblue; font-family: Tahoma; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></b></span></div>
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<span class="object"><span style="color: darkblue; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Are you seeking
encouragement from God’s word?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking for God focused truth? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Join Beckie at: </span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">HTTP//:www.cometomeandrest.
blogspot.com</span></b><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Facebook:
Come-Here And-Rest</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Please join the Ladies Freedom Team in praying for this
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Requests:</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God
to prepare the hearts of conference attendees.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God
to give our speakers, Beckie, Kathy, and Deanna His word to speak, health,
and safety.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">For
this time to be blessed and refreshing for all who come.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">God
to speak to your heart and impact your spiritual walk through this day.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Schedule: </span></u></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">8-9 am – Registration and Breakfast</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Session I – </span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Trust Heals
the Broken”</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Session II –</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“Rest
Empowers the Healed”</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Session III -</span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">“The Healed
Fly Free”</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Each
session includes music by our all ladies praise team, prayer, worship, and
a lesson.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">There
will be hands on activities in the morning and afternoon.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Meet our speakers:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 4.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our
keynote speaker, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Beckie Stewart,</b>
is the conference originator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is
a published author, mother, and pastor’s wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her new book will be available at the
conference.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Kathy Fowler</b> comes to us as a wife
and mother living joyously through Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Kathy has an exciting testimony of how trusting God empowered her in
overcoming a meth addiction.</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 8.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
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<span class="entity"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-no-proof: yes;">
</span><span class="entity"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Deanna Hartrick</span></b></span><span class="entity"><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> and her family have</span></span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"> been through the fire this
year, as her 16 year old son battled stomach cancer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She shares “In this cancer journey I have
learned that no one walks alone!!!”</span><span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Name:
____________________________________________________________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Address: __________________________________
Town: ____________________________</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Zip Code:
___________<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Home
phone: (_____)________________ Cell phone: (_____)__________________<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">e-mail
address: __________________________________<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Choose one
for lunch:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">_____
Turkey sub sandwich<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">_____ Ham
Sub sandwich</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Do you need
babysitting?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">______ Yes<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>_____No.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If yes, ages of children
coming:____________________</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Special
needs/accommodations:
____________________________________________________________________<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Come</span></i><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">“Trust, Rest </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 22.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">& Fly Free”</span></b><span style="color: #c00000; font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Saturday</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">September 26<sup>th</sup> , 2015</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Program: 9 am - 4 pm</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Registration & breakfast start at
8 am</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">At Grace Bible Church </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Rockwell; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">Dallas City, IL</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;">This day of spiritual
refreshment will focus on how trusting in God, allows us to rest in
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This resting in Jesus allows us
to fly free to be who</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma; mso-fareast-font-family: "MS 明朝"; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants us to be.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;">Bible lessons, praise and worship music,
prayer, and hands-on activities are all part of this God focused
event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The continental breakfast
starts at 8 am. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Tahoma; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Tahoma;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lunch
and snacks are included.</span></div>
</div>
</td>
</tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-66228015687299971532015-06-28T17:51:00.003-07:002015-06-28T18:28:23.450-07:00The Power Behind the Thought<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_09R0Dh5uEZn2GdYpmXY38pYaqeoRLyiXTy7CJWGWE9d6gkRvWzD-6L5Kn4F7Hyxw9KD8ZFMGYMCJQfS2iDbcr8M4lgOCGtPy_lB0Upg337Zo9pMskBqm_X3UNb637BvJt6kY3HnDew/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_09R0Dh5uEZn2GdYpmXY38pYaqeoRLyiXTy7CJWGWE9d6gkRvWzD-6L5Kn4F7Hyxw9KD8ZFMGYMCJQfS2iDbcr8M4lgOCGtPy_lB0Upg337Zo9pMskBqm_X3UNb637BvJt6kY3HnDew/s320/IMG_2244.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
winds began to pick up and lightning flashed through the sky. We bolted
everything down preparing for another storm, one of many in the last few
weeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This particular storm came with
the threat of tornadoes. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Suddenly,
the unexpected happened. Everything settled down, and when I looked to the
skies, it was an array of color. Even though the cloud gave a sense that a huge tornado was on the horizon, it
was only a funnel shape cloud with no power behind it.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">It
reminded me of the way we create storms in our thoughts. We have no facts
behind our assumptions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we mull it
over long enough, we can make ourselves sick to the stomach with fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we entertain a thought long enough, it
takes on a life of its own and becomes our reality.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">This
is the reason Paul instructed the Christians in Corinth to take control of
their thoughts. The Lord removes the power behind our imagination when we hand it
over to Him. When we surrender to Him, suddenly the storm in our head is just a
beautiful cloud formation in the sky...nothing else!</span> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-7679758166382842592015-06-03T15:25:00.003-07:002015-06-03T15:25:38.116-07:00Sneak Peek at Back cover of book...This will be the description on the back cover for my book....<br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"In an anxious world
where many are seeking rest, this book shares the author’s journey of healing
with vulnerability and truth. Though each new chapter builds on the previous
one, each also stands alone and can be read for individual nuggets of truth, inspiration,
comfort, and challenge.</span><span style="font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus wants us to
find rest for our weary and heavy-laden souls (Matthew 11:28-29). This book
invites the reader to find it in the comfort of the Savior’s arms."</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-27981939357569219172015-05-25T05:36:00.002-07:002015-05-25T05:36:21.111-07:00SNEAK PEEK #3....into Chapter 7
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chapter
7 Divine Appointment</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ever get the sense of being at the
wrong place at the wrong time? Circumstances go from bad to worse. Or maybe
you’ve experienced the opposite: good fortune comes when you least expected it.
When this happens, it reminds us how little control we truly have over our
lives. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We don’t plan to bump into an old acquaintance
and renew that long lost friendship. We drove carefully only to hit black ice
and end up in a ditch precariously perched atop a six foot culvert the opposite
direction we originally were headed. Whether planned or not, our days are
filled with Divine appointments, and it requires trust in the Lord when life
takes an unexpected curve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Scriptures tell us the story of a
woman who approached Jacob’s well outside of Samaria. She collected water at a
different time of day than the other women in town because of her unacceptable
reputation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Give me a drink,” the man sitting near
the well said to her. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">His request immediately caught her off
guard because he broke customary Jewish laws. He was a Jewish man speaking to a
Samaritan woman. In her conversation with Jesus she discovered he knew her past
and present living situation. By the time the disciples returned to the well,
she had discovered Jesus to be a prophet. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The woman returned to town to retrieve
others to investigate this man who knew all about her. Many believed in Jesus
that day. Their interest began with the woman sharing her story and ended with
what He did for them personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-32596600895366615952015-05-16T12:29:00.001-07:002015-05-16T13:17:09.124-07:00Second Peek at book...<style>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus says faith as small as a mustard
seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). The writer of Hebrews tells us that
faith believes in something that cannot be seen. Exactly how does faith work? When
I examined the Scriptures, this is what stood out to me:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Noah built an ark for when the rain brought the
flood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever rain is …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway. (Genesis 7-9)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Abraham packed up his family to go to the promise
land.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever that land might be …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway. (Genesis 12:1-4)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Isaac went to find a wife among his own people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whoever she is …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway. (Genesis 24)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Moses lifted his staff above the Red Sea.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever a lifted rod would do …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Exodus 14:12-31)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Joshua marched his army in silence around Jericho.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever that odd command might accomplish …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway. (Joshua 6)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By faith, Daniel still prayed three times a day against the
king's decree.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Whatever difference prayer would make …</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But he obeyed anyway. (Daniel 6)</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We never know what faith may ask of us, but it stirs us to obey like
those we read about in the Scriptures. Their courage and the faithfulness
remind us of what the Lord can do. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-3445857926723763242015-05-14T11:34:00.003-07:002015-05-14T11:34:44.161-07:00My Book....Sneak Preview#1<i>My book is weeks away from going to the publisher. I need help promoting it. Will you, my dear Readers, post links to your Facebook and any websites you may have to let others know. In the meantime, I plan on giving sneak previews.</i><br />
<br />
<b>Here is the first:</b><br />
<b> </b>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The first time I viewed the movie,
“It’s a Wonderful Life,” it left a deep impression upon me. Before George
Bailey made a suicidal jump off a bridge into the cold river waters, Clarence
the angel pretended to be drowning in them. After George rescued him, Clarence
offered George the chance to see the impact his life had on others. George sees
that all those seemingly insignificant moments of his life actually changed the
entire course of not only his life, but of those he knew. Would our outlook on
our lives change if we were given the same opportunity George had?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>For decades I lived in the world of depression, despair, and
hopelessness. My battle with the prevailing desire to die started at age seven.
As an adult, looking back over my life, I’ve often wondered how I even learned
the full meaning of the word “suicide”. I’m not sure how I entered that prison
cell, but I’m confident I never ended my life because of my belief in God, the
fear of not going to heaven, and the significant people the Lord had cross my
path.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My inner conflicts over my life stirred from a desire to have a family
similar to those on my favorite TV shows and in the homes of my friends.
Instead my life read more like Mother Goose’s “Humpty Dumpty” rhyme, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Humpty Dumpty
sat on a wall, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Humpty Dumpty
had a great fall. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the king’s
horses and all the king’s men </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Couldn’t put
Humpty together again.”</span></div>
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<br />
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<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-18767593508650114892014-12-07T05:40:00.000-08:002014-12-07T05:42:44.711-08:00Thought for Dec. 7th"So do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows."~~Matthew 10:31<br />
<br />
If the Lord cares for the birds and even knows the number of hairs on our heads, we never have any reason to question our value to Him. Yet, we do. We allow our circumstances to determine the way we think the Lord feels about us. We believe the lie that since life is difficult, He must not care about us. The enemy of our soul revels when we fall into this trap.<br />
<br />
We continue in the enemies deception when we say, "I can't help the way we feel." The truth is, we can. Our feelings are determined by our thought patterns and what we choose to dwell on there. It's the reason we're told to capture all our thoughts and bring them into obedience to the Lord. <br />
<br />
When we line our thoughts up to God's truth, then we actually change the way we feel. We gain His view on what is happening in our lives. The truth is: the Lord values us and proved it. Of all His creation, we're the only one He created in His image and sent His one and only Son to die for our salvation. We have no reason to fear, so may we live in this truth!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7632685107428609327.post-65924317596187321042014-12-06T04:21:00.003-08:002014-12-07T05:42:37.355-08:00Thought for Dec. 6th"You will make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are pleasures forever."~~Psalm 16:11<br />
<br />
In this short verse three promises have been bestowed to us. It's the Lord's desire for us to see them, to want them, and to seek after them.<br />
<br />
1) The path of Life<br />
2) Fullness of Joy<br />
3) Pleasures Forever<br />
<br />
Here they are made known to us, but they become our reality when we seek to be in the presence of the Lord. He wants us to pursue Him. He yearns for a relationship with us but will not force us to want one with Him.<br />
<br />
The truth is, whatever depth we seek to have with Him, He freely gives it to us. If we seek a shallow relationship with Him, we will get it. However, if we desire one that is filled with knowing and being known, we will get it too. The deepness and richness of our relationship with the Lord is entirely up to us. <br />
<br />
He promises so much when we seek Him with all our heart, soul, strength, and mind, but we only receive that which we seek after. <br />
<br />
What are you seeking with Him today?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00029638556923242558noreply@blogger.com0