tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74936927653600786492024-02-18T08:06:08.632-08:00Heart to HeartLeaving A LegacyJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-44965469766231064562022-09-28T20:50:00.006-07:002022-09-29T08:36:30.661-07:00TIPS ON HOW TO MINISTER TO THE SICK<p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvW3QZGbK0-S-W9MMw-WjDOh6PHah-tpkcSfEB1RobBSkh04xvwJQkmb7jvTLND31C1zRJ--o0VVVyVt_PWU-JXbb9gopI6HKbOBLCE368DOuNGPTb-fh50vCR8rnQypoYurGfVvyfvOgkHq_zaZqP3u6QNxb7m_xyCRRMi9wPoLN5RujPzfVZINGbg/s266/teddy%20bear.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="266" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvW3QZGbK0-S-W9MMw-WjDOh6PHah-tpkcSfEB1RobBSkh04xvwJQkmb7jvTLND31C1zRJ--o0VVVyVt_PWU-JXbb9gopI6HKbOBLCE368DOuNGPTb-fh50vCR8rnQypoYurGfVvyfvOgkHq_zaZqP3u6QNxb7m_xyCRRMi9wPoLN5RujPzfVZINGbg/w356-h214/teddy%20bear.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know </span><span style="text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">it's been a long time since I've written on this blog... almost 2 1/2 years to be exact. A lot has happened since then to keep me from writing. Well there was COVID and quarantines, my dad got sick and passed away, I got COVID twice, we bought a new house, I struggled with several episodes of diverticulitis requiring 4 different hospital stays, and eventually had surgery to remove the damaged parts of my colon. An error occurred during the surgery which disconnected my bladder from my kidney. As a result I will need a final surgery to repair it. That is coming in the next couple weeks. I think that brings us up to the present. LOL. </span></span><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-2d53347e-7fff-0740-dd12-f42f5cac2893"><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">With my recent hospital stay being 15 days (in a lot of pain) and about 45 days in the hospital this year so far, I thought I would share some insights I've gained on how to minister to the sick. Not only have I been sick a lot over the years, but I know a lot of people who struggle with their health and even some that are homebound.</span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><u>Side note</u>: For those who followed the online journey of my hospital stay recently. Thank you for the prayers. They were felt and made a huge difference. I also want you to know that God was faithful and very present in the midst of all of my suffering. He did unexpected miracles. I will share more about that at a later time.</i></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I thought I would share some helpful tips that may help as you minister to your friends or loved ones. This is geared toward the church going crowd, but can be adapted to fit anyone. If you are one of my friend’s who struggles with being homebound or have ongoing health issues, please add anything else that I may have missed or that would be helpful in the comments below.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><u style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></u></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><u style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: helvetica; font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;">TIP #1: REACH OUT PERSONALLY</u></span></h2><div><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: bold; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></u></span></div></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yXZ_52x9Pa4PS6HyytonaXxi05rCTR_GZqDwN_yDylSCqOkiZwOxxm4G1DlOEvJ6J92HCVJjIx2bfit_LDkeoFTGQKpCYuxqSL_Eo9YxTBmgUbUBQHT-NAqrnDpTGGmoAFmwWD5Wz8xXIhbc0tAnvIyPWlVEHEuHSvYcaQpVKgqa1UJxYbYGKe6tXw/s1500/friends.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7yXZ_52x9Pa4PS6HyytonaXxi05rCTR_GZqDwN_yDylSCqOkiZwOxxm4G1DlOEvJ6J92HCVJjIx2bfit_LDkeoFTGQKpCYuxqSL_Eo9YxTBmgUbUBQHT-NAqrnDpTGGmoAFmwWD5Wz8xXIhbc0tAnvIyPWlVEHEuHSvYcaQpVKgqa1UJxYbYGKe6tXw/w347-h231/friends.jpg" width="347" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Sick people can feel pretty lonely at times. Even though their health is up and down most of the time, they have quiet moments in between to think, to dwell on things, and wonder if anyone cares that they aren’t around or even misses them. Depression lurks in the shadows waiting to pounce on their hearts. That’s why it is so important to reach out when someone you know and love is sick. I know it may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but hopefully some of the things I share below will help you push past that to love them better.</span></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><h4 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">3 WAYS TO REACH OUT:</span></span></h4><div><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">MESSAGE THEM</i></b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">(Whether it be a text or direct message on social media)</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Send a text or message of encouragement to them. Keep it short and sweet. </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Thinking of you today”, “Praying for you”, “Love and miss you”,</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> etc… or you could simply send them an encouraging picture or GIF. When your loved one is in the hospital or extremely sick, sending written out prayers to them via text or direct message can be very impactful. It helps them feel your prayers even more.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Note</b></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>:</b> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Don’t send messages to them saying… “sending good vibes or happy thoughts”. Those feel like empty words to sick people. They need to know you are really praying for them. Prayer makes all the difference!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, don’t leave voicemail messages. Sick people don’t always have the opportunity to listen to messages or even call people back. In most cases, they can respond to a text or direct message a lot easier. When I was in the hospital, I responded to texts as I was able. If I was unable to do so, at times my husband would read them to me and respond for me. I remember when my dad was in the hospital (in a semi-conscious state before he passed away), that I read all the </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Facebook</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> messages that people sent to him out loud for him to hear one by one. I could tell he was listening and it really blessed him. The written word shared (from the heart) brings healing to those that are sick.</span></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">SEND A CARD</i></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Send those that are sick cards periodically to let them know you miss them, you are praying for them, and they are loved. I encourage you to don’t just sign your name to the card, write them a little note letting them know you are thinking of them and praying for them. It’s a visual reminder to them that people love them and really do care.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkc0tjx65YfClycFmoFJfAvb13CJPxQhXs6WHEpOxKvr9UY_IHTfLh5x8RcN1YitFgbSA5CmC6Il70UR7ZHiA-Absmibb-xZH7loBVz46c5aLLdC4Sxun-f7D-8nhaOkfgiAy4Cqk2Ct2iq72JuWnLRBXW0psgE-l2nai_Sus20BMUKGuVfOee77wAA/s2800/mailbox.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1867" data-original-width="2800" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkc0tjx65YfClycFmoFJfAvb13CJPxQhXs6WHEpOxKvr9UY_IHTfLh5x8RcN1YitFgbSA5CmC6Il70UR7ZHiA-Absmibb-xZH7loBVz46c5aLLdC4Sxun-f7D-8nhaOkfgiAy4Cqk2Ct2iq72JuWnLRBXW0psgE-l2nai_Sus20BMUKGuVfOee77wAA/w307-h204/mailbox.jpg" width="307" /></a></div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i style="background-color: #d0e0e3;">SEND A GIFT</i></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you feel led to do so, send a gift. Anything that will bring a little sunshine to their day and room. Life gets dreary when you are stuck in the same place all the time. Flowers, balloons, candy, etc… are great gifts. They help change the atmosphere for a moment and can bring a smile to the faces of those that are sick.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-line: underline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-size: large;">TIP #2: CONNECT WITH THE FAMILY</span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Stay informed. Check in with the family to see how things are going with the one that is sick and with their family members. Sickness takes a toll on everyone. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">Listen, watch, and ask if they have any needs you could help meet. In most cases </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">they </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">are weary. They just need some of the weight lifted for a while, so they can catch </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">their </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">breath and truly rest. They generally don’t know their needs, until you suggest </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">something. Think of things like bringing food or planning a food train, maybe they </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">need </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">a dog sitter, lawn care, or rides to doctor appointments, etc… Bless them as God </span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">l</span><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">eads you.</span></p><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: #fff2cc;">TIP #3: CARE BEYOND THE CRISIS</u></span></b></h2></span><span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">After you’ve prayed, sent cards, messages, and gifts, you might consider taking it a step further. Make a call or visit. Be sure you check with the family first to see if it would be a good idea. Timing is important. When it comes to visits, never just show up. Set up a time that would be best for the family and don’t go there empty handed. Bring something with you to give to them. It makes things less awkward when you arrive. Bring a card, food, gift, flowers, etc… Something to bring some more sunshine to their day. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLOuPdXgO3PGZAEuak7zARlLsClaL71W0daTSdr1wRRHxNWEqAI3vqKy9P4rXpTOh91ZKBmKKQUwI06XobU3-SPli9O3rorqhjRZQUBZZFK_qHM554b9Ng0V9XDKi6MHbtnO9cke0WMUOkvITaHwsrup0XJndJ9kL-aRqm5NttcV7mh_WLZw4TzTrKQ/s640/get%20well2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvLOuPdXgO3PGZAEuak7zARlLsClaL71W0daTSdr1wRRHxNWEqAI3vqKy9P4rXpTOh91ZKBmKKQUwI06XobU3-SPli9O3rorqhjRZQUBZZFK_qHM554b9Ng0V9XDKi6MHbtnO9cke0WMUOkvITaHwsrup0XJndJ9kL-aRqm5NttcV7mh_WLZw4TzTrKQ/w336-h225/get%20well2.jpg" width="336" /></a></div></span></div></span><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></i></b></span></p><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">VISITS</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></i></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Don’t stay long for your visit (20 minutes is a good goal, if you need a time limit). Stay just long enough to talk to them for a few minutes to see how they are doing and let them know you are praying for them. Be sure to ask them how you can be praying more specifically for them. If you get a chance, try to pray for them personally before you leave.</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good small talk questions to ask when you are there</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Is today a good day for you health-wise?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> How can I be praying more specifically for you?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> Is there anything I can help you with?</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Would you like me to come over and sit with you some time (watch tv, talk, etc…)?</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Note</b></span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>:</b> Don’t get too personal with your questions. They may not feel comfortable sharing some things with others.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Random small talk topic ideas to discuss</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><b><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Weather-</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> homebound and hospital bound patients don’t see outside very much. Sometimes sharing how the week has been weather-wise is an easy topic to discuss.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Food</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- ask what meal they like at the hospital or what favorite meals they like at home. If they are unable to eat solid food at all, avoid this subject altogether.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Events</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- share about recent events you’ve been a part of that they may have missed. It gives them a chance to ask you questions and feel like they are a part in some small way.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">TV</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- what they are watching on tv or favorite series they follow are always good topics. It lightens the mood and gives them something fun to talk about.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Your life</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- share what’s going on in your life. When the spotlight is off of them and on to you, it can make them feel more at ease. Share new things going on in your life… things you’ve done, places you’ve gone or plan to go to, your work, family, share stories, etc…</span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><span><span style="background-color: #d0e0e3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></span><span><p style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: medium;"><b><i style="background-color: #d0e0e3;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CALLS</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:</span></i></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Calls are actually harder I think to do than visits, because you can’t actually see them in person. It can feel more awkward at times. If you decide to call, keep it very short. Just let them know you’ve been praying for them and see if there is anything specific you can be praying with them about. Pray personally with them if you get the chance. Since you can’t really see how they are doing, it’s harder to carry on small talk. At most, you may be able to ask them if they have anything you can help them with or have any current needs.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div><span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></div></span><h2 style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: large;"> <u style="background-color: #fff2cc;">TIP #4: FIND WAYS TO INCLUDE THEM</u></span></span></h2><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Everyone wants to feel useful and like they have purpose. Look for ways to give those you know who are sick opportunities to be helpful. Find ways to make them a part of what is happening in some small way. I have a friend that was sick (and as a result homebound) who found purpose in a creative way. Since she couldn’t go to church in person and had to watch online, her church asked her to be a host for one of the online services. Her job was to welcome everyone, ask for prayer needs, and pray with people as God led her. What a blessing she was to all that attended with her online. The point is, look for ways to help give those that are sick value and purpose. Find a way to help them feel like they belong and have a place to serve. One way you could do this is by inviting them to help you do something that you could do yourself. Including them will help them feel a part in a small way, your company will encourage them, and the whole thing will give them purpose.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhNcQ-jSf6fK3MAIKOaKb2RV4EOSpCzf0PFMAuIDzx2JDhDMh7OdeCWDuOeZKis8MzIg04ZS8XATNeu0sTrz8qNXtJieoKWoNGsAf7okULSah3wwF5DzBIcae-JiV-f5t4-4HwJJxaoXlhrFvwkT_T4JdH-BuXMIpvx_IesFq2ebfXceAwKWoEenc4A/s450/hearts.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="450" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhNcQ-jSf6fK3MAIKOaKb2RV4EOSpCzf0PFMAuIDzx2JDhDMh7OdeCWDuOeZKis8MzIg04ZS8XATNeu0sTrz8qNXtJieoKWoNGsAf7okULSah3wwF5DzBIcae-JiV-f5t4-4HwJJxaoXlhrFvwkT_T4JdH-BuXMIpvx_IesFq2ebfXceAwKWoEenc4A/s320/hearts.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">I hope in some small way that all of this is helpful for those of you who have friends and loved ones that are sick. I know you love them. These simple tips are meant to help you know how to love them better while they are sick. Thank you friends and family for loving me so well while I have been sick. I love and appreciate each and every one of you.</span></p><br /><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: helvetica; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living to leave a legacy,</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: Satisfy; font-size: large;">Julie</span></i></span></p>Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-14338358866353279532020-04-26T19:35:00.001-07:002020-04-28T13:24:38.281-07:00 COVID-19: LOCKDOWN GUIDE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOW TO MANAGE MY TIME & EMOTIONS</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">*</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Portions taken from an article written by Aarti Gupta, PsyD </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">at the </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: xx-small; white-space: pre-wrap;">Anxiety and Depression Association of America)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Who would have ever thought when this year began that we would be facing a global pandemic; let alone one that would shut down the whole world in a matter of weeks. This is unbelievable! We are making history, friends. Some day we will be able to tell generations from now that we survived the great Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 and what a story that will be!</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I know it has been hard, to say the least. Being isolated under a mandatory quarantine can stir up a variety of unwelcome emotions. You may feel alone, anxious, stir-crazy, lost, not yourself, afraid, or overwhelmed to name a few. I want to challenge you, during this unexpected season, to make the most of your time of “waiting.” Waiting for things to change and doors to open. Good things can happen while we wait!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We have all been granted a </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">GIANT PAUSE</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to reexamine our prioritie</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">s, </span>make the necessary adjustments needed, and possibly attempt to simplify our lives.<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></h4>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This kind of opportunity is rare and it doesn’t come around every day</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you take advantage of it, it can be life changing! We have all been given a chance to alter the course of our lives and make a fresh start. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What needs to change? What do I need to stop doing or start doing? What should I focus my attention on? What matters most?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What COULD happen if we took time to assess our lives and pray about it? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are we where we know we should be? Are we doing what God has called us to do? If not, this is a great time to make some changes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">These uncertain times (living with so many “unknowns” that change by the day) can unfortunately trigger unhealthy emotions to rise up within us. When unchecked, they can lead to toxic thoughts, reactions, and behavior. Processing these emotions and surrendering them to God is key to experiencing His peace that passes all understanding in the midst of these crazy days. I want to share with you some tools that will hopefully help guide you, as you endeavor to push forward with God’s help during these difficult times.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>How can I manage my time & emotions...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">#1</span></b></span></span><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span></span><u style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">TAKE TIME TO FOCUS ON GOD DAILY</span></u></div>
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<u style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu6U0Tjp-Ul8yC5cnJY_9wQ2KJraGewi4eL4e-njES4gx7vxEEhzhm8Pb9nYEFsBLOI8nL_KmhzpkXAwG4txr1DKKNiDN8mWMez7q84lQppZT-SFFtyySQxVP_MTg8J3VezPOSq2bfb0U/s1600/Bible3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGu6U0Tjp-Ul8yC5cnJY_9wQ2KJraGewi4eL4e-njES4gx7vxEEhzhm8Pb9nYEFsBLOI8nL_KmhzpkXAwG4txr1DKKNiDN8mWMez7q84lQppZT-SFFtyySQxVP_MTg8J3VezPOSq2bfb0U/s320/Bible3.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></u></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Start your day with God. Before you do anything else each day, spend time with God. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Share your heart with Him</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">How are you feeling? What are you worried about? Who do you know that needs a touch from God today?</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Tell Him… and then </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">take time to LISTEN</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Listen to His heart. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">God speaks all the time, we just don’t always take time to listen.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then after that,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> spend time in His word… the Bible. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> The Bible is alive, active, powerful, and life changing! It’s food for our spirits and a light that guides our steps. When we read it, supernatural things happen! If you have trouble being faithful to read your Bible, I encourage you to follow a Bible plan. They have tons to choose from on the Youversion Bible app. (</span><a href="https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; text-decoration-line: none; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; vertical-align: baseline;">https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). You can even do this with a group of friends or family. This option gives you the opportunity to have everyone share what stood out to them from what they read. It’s very encouraging and a great way to keep accountable to reading daily. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another thing I would suggest you do during the day is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">spend time listening to worship music</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… you know, those songs you hear at church. I have noticed that when I play that kind of music (at home in the background throughout my day) that it feels more PEACEFUL in my house and inside my heart. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The last thing I want to encourage you to do, when it comes to focusing your heart on God, is to </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">write down a scripture each day. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choose a scripture that brings you peace and encourages you. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Find a special place to post them where they will be seen often. This will help you focus your heart more on God when you are feeling anxious. Here are a few of my favorites…</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 112:7, Psalm 62:1, Psalm 46:10, I Peter 5:7, Phil. 4:6-7, Matt. 6:34, Phil. 4:13, Rom. 8:28</span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">#2 </span></span></b><span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u>GET RID OF STINKING THINKING</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #eeeeee; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxUw-Xlym6BlBDObR08utocqj5Th2RgTNA9JoDNLW_jvQ-dnQri_IRwKq3-t03GwO3gfZ65tuRQ_UMTLZLNWICXVDAdaxz16jchjFl4jM8wXPbcS6tKPIhxiKU1q7hs3KB-Cv4OnGLTqT/s1600/stinky+feet2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxUw-Xlym6BlBDObR08utocqj5Th2RgTNA9JoDNLW_jvQ-dnQri_IRwKq3-t03GwO3gfZ65tuRQ_UMTLZLNWICXVDAdaxz16jchjFl4jM8wXPbcS6tKPIhxiKU1q7hs3KB-Cv4OnGLTqT/s320/stinky+feet2.jpg" width="320" /></a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instead of thinking... </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“I’m stuck inside”,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> focus on the fact that... </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Now you have time to give more attention to your relationship with God, those closest to you, and those postponed needs of your home.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Whether you are working from home, doing school work, or managing your household, good things can come out of this frustrating season... if you </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">change your perspective</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choosing to do </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">one productive thing each day</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can lead to a more positive attitude. Set your sights on long-avoided tasks, reorganize, or create something you’ve always wanted to make. Plan special family nights. Play games, watch movies, and take walks. Get outside together and build memories that will last a lifetime! Approaching this time with a mindset of feeling trapped or stuck will only stress you out more. This is your chance to slow down and focus on what is truly important.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When your family looks back on this season of their lives, </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">what do you want them to remember about your time together?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">#3 </span></span><span style="font-size: large; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><u><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">STAY CLOSE TO YOUR NORMAL ROUTINE</span></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Try to maintain some semblance of structure from the pre-quarantine days. For those individuals with children, sticking to a routine might be easier for you with managing their school days. However, for those that work from home, it could be very tempting to become lethargic and unmotivated. This can open the door to negative thinking. A suggestion would be to wake up and go to bed around the same time each day. Eat meals, shower, adapt your exercise regimen, and get out of those PJ’s. Do laundry on the same day as usual and continue to do the necessary household chores. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Sticking to your normal routine will help keep you active and make it less likely for you to spiral into unhealthy behavior. Not to mention, this will also help you be ready for when you are able to return to your previous commitments.</span></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">#4 </span></span><u style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">AVOID OBSESSING OVER ENDLESS CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE</span></u></div>
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<u style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_MGZwkxIEKM0-xoZUVCkEZDK1vtiBwQlbQGXVdYTITiUomZTdG9S0nUH1jbVZ4lRq9G2L34c0n6wu9vDRzq3Ji_kmToP4R4pml3gDJnreOXbvWb6UYfyZZN9JAoX2Gx_RRKGpwkraHoA/s1600/child-television_2322538b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="387" data-original-width="620" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_MGZwkxIEKM0-xoZUVCkEZDK1vtiBwQlbQGXVdYTITiUomZTdG9S0nUH1jbVZ4lRq9G2L34c0n6wu9vDRzq3Ji_kmToP4R4pml3gDJnreOXbvWb6UYfyZZN9JAoX2Gx_RRKGpwkraHoA/s320/child-television_2322538b.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Freeing up your day from work or social obligations gives you plenty of time to obsess, and if you have a tendency to consult Google for every itch and sneeze, you may be over-researching the pandemic as well. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choosing only certain credible websites</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(who.int or cdc.gov is a good start) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">f</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">or a limited amount of time each day</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(perhaps two chunks of 30 minutes each) </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">will be in your best interest during this time.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">#5</span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><u style="background-color: transparent; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">KEEP A TIDY HOME</span></u></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">With all the uncertainty happening all around us (outside of our homes), keeping the inside organized, predictable, and clean can bring a sense of calm to the crazy. Setting up mental zones for daily activities can be helpful to organize your day. For example, try not to eat in bed or work on the sofa (just as before), eat at the kitchen table and work at your desk. Loosening these boundaries just muddles your routine and can make the day feel very long. Additionally, a cluttered home can cause you to feel uneasy and claustrophobic in your own surroundings. Keeping your home tidy inside and out can relieve stress and bring a calm to your heart.</span><br />
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">#6</span> </span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">START A NEW QUARANTINE RITUAL</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u style="background-color: #f3f3f3;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY6TxFOzRttel4oe4CViUqxGZLs3EE81xefmr-h2P7zP5N8XljoYTXItshvvixuVYR4gq_w1Mxa-AqfcKZe4uJJ-GdDtEsktWHaJZ4h0gOeLmB5xi24tt6nbk_5rPdo_Lnq5D02b_W5bm/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="256" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheY6TxFOzRttel4oe4CViUqxGZLs3EE81xefmr-h2P7zP5N8XljoYTXItshvvixuVYR4gq_w1Mxa-AqfcKZe4uJJ-GdDtEsktWHaJZ4h0gOeLmB5xi24tt6nbk_5rPdo_Lnq5D02b_W5bm/s320/shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">With your newfound time, why not plan something special during these quarantined days? You could start a daily journal to jot down thoughts and feelings to reflect on later. Or you could take a walk every day at 4 pm. Plan special video calls with your friends, family, or church group each week. Or maybe you could start a weekly game night or fun competition. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having something special planned during this time will help you look forward to each new day.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">#7 </span></span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>GET HELP IF YOUR ANXIETY BECOMES UNMANAGEABL</u></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>E</u></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Telehealth is an option when you need to talk to a professional.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Many licensed therapists are offering options over HIPAA-compliant video chat platforms. One such company I highly recommend is </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pendleton Counseling Services. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They offer excellent quality counseling and addiction help. They just opened a new office and are currently taking appointments online. Please see the additional resources listed below for details and assistance. If your anxiety is reaching proportions that are unmanageable without professional assistance, please reach out for help.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are in this together friend! YOU are not alone! You got this!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living to leave a legacy,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Julie</span></span><br />
<u style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<u style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u>
<u style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">RESOURCES FOR ANXIETY & ADDICTION</span></u></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Pendleton Counseling Services</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(765) 221-9495</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Kelly Ricer,</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> LCSW </span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lindsey Lawrence</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, LCSW, LCAC</span></span></i><br />
<a href="https://www.pendletoncounselingservices.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><b>https://www.pendletoncounselingservices.com/</b></i></span></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Reclaimed Counseling</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(317) 537-7906</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(They offer individual, couples, and family counseling)</i></span><br />
<a href="http://reclaimedcounseling.evrconnect.com/" style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">http://reclaimedcounseling.evrconnect.com/</span></i></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">National Treatment Centers</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Call 1-866-745-2140 for IMMEDIATE treatment assistance. </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>24/7, 365 days (confidential)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Find a treatment center near you on the site.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.treatment-centers.net/" style="text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.treatment-centers.net/</span></i></a></span></div>
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<b id="docs-internal-guid-b93d4970-7fff-9166-1f70-ed761bb40fc3" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Aspire Indiana</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>24 HOUR CRISIS: 1-800-560-4038</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Make an appointment: 1-317-574-1254</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Division of Mental Health & Addiction: 1-800-901-1133</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>(Sliding scale fees available)</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://www.aspireindiana.org/" style="text-decoration: none;"><i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">https://www.aspireindiana.org/</span></i></a></span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-89116399306824472132020-04-09T19:48:00.001-07:002020-04-10T03:09:14.490-07:00“I’M NOT OKAY… I’m feeling hopeless”<span id="docs-internal-guid-0eeb6931-7fff-dc5c-7e05-09dae9c0765d"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3frb8tVTn581sgtM4aEgOI_eSVyUyfL8pRVWy6lonHrWNu2KC4Gbi3hCGCTP5IlgUEm-9ZsACoEsaz8iTpAqY-VItgfbGsbDbuDluowUiNh4lUPvi0PGtT2RPxHDKYoC1KPctliqO2Ot3/s1600/sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="159" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3frb8tVTn581sgtM4aEgOI_eSVyUyfL8pRVWy6lonHrWNu2KC4Gbi3hCGCTP5IlgUEm-9ZsACoEsaz8iTpAqY-VItgfbGsbDbuDluowUiNh4lUPvi0PGtT2RPxHDKYoC1KPctliqO2Ot3/s400/sad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does hope feel far from you today? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Does your heart feel in knots and your soul unsettled? Are you lacking PEACE and desperate for a change? </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> If so, I’m not surprised!! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is relentlessly saturating the airways of our world by every means possible. It is broadcast non-stop from our news stations. Have you heard the constant dings of news updates on your phone? It’s on the radio, in the newspaper, scrolling across our social media, in our “in boxes”, communicated in a multitude of videos, and topics of discussion with the rich and poor. It has </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">paused </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our schools, jobs, social gathering places, and lives. You can see it on the faces of the youngest to the oldest. Our heroes (the medical professionals) work endless hours to silence it, but they can’t. Fear is spreading like a wildfire!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">FEAR IS A LIAR!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KrsagGW4xq2oVoHApDH-b3eKsSwvGfINy2JK4c75AQtaR-1CksvkwzufYzmowy4dzIYnnvHyfHz0Q6LJOSd_jKQlAQt-l6H97datZ5LIflLaO6W3tqsmdpoptzU2Eeu2zNNaXSupmNND/s1600/perspective.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="540" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KrsagGW4xq2oVoHApDH-b3eKsSwvGfINy2JK4c75AQtaR-1CksvkwzufYzmowy4dzIYnnvHyfHz0Q6LJOSd_jKQlAQt-l6H97datZ5LIflLaO6W3tqsmdpoptzU2Eeu2zNNaXSupmNND/s320/perspective.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s mission is to MAGNIFY the negative, defuse the positive, and create toxic images in our minds building up the worst possible case scenarios of our circumstances. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then fear feeds and breeds anxiety, panic, and hopelessness causing us to react to those “perceived” toxic images </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>AS IF</u></span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> they were really going to happen. </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The problem with this kind of thinking (and reacting) is that it </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">leaves no room for </span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOPE</span><span style="background-color: #f3f3f3; color: #cc0000; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> or an opportunity to be rescued.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 34:4 says… </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“I asked the Lord for help, and He answered me. He saved me from all that I feared.” (NCV)</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 94:19 says… </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">“When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed HOPE and cheer.” (NLT)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You know what? I noticed something that I have never seen like this before the other night. </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As much as FEAR is being thrown at us at every turn, PEACE is right there beside it… waiting.</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Recently, I decided to limit my news intake to lower the stress of our present circumstances. Instead of feeding fear, worry, and anxiousness, I tried to focus more on my family and God. One night (church night for most places) I decided to browse Facebook for some worship music. I knew there had to be some church leading songs somewhere I could play while I worked on a few things at home. I was overwhelmed as I scrolled down the page on Facebook! There were more churches than I could count having online Bible Studies and worship services, a bunch of Christian music artists were having living room concerts in their homes sharing new songs, and friends were opening up their hearts to everyone on video trying to bring encouragement. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">PEACE was all over the place</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IhpNAnF8YVcUjEpMiWU_t3mt8dCL7Cr-A4G2oFOJVlra3tPOkxHnsU4afUEeGpySnSGqnqdcodvb8LTa64NttdgKk7A2er-M4yzOgDbGqSB6R60oaY-kP4KH11CyQsIm5VsQlaTz1Lsk/s1600/peace0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-IhpNAnF8YVcUjEpMiWU_t3mt8dCL7Cr-A4G2oFOJVlra3tPOkxHnsU4afUEeGpySnSGqnqdcodvb8LTa64NttdgKk7A2er-M4yzOgDbGqSB6R60oaY-kP4KH11CyQsIm5VsQlaTz1Lsk/s1600/peace0.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The internet isn’t just being saturated with FEAR, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it’s being saturated with PEACE!!!</span><span style="background-color: #efefef; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 13pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">More churches than ever are taking advantage of the internet and flooding it with the PEACE of God. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are feeling lost, afraid, overwhelmed, and fearful… look around for the PEACE of God. It’s all around you. He is near! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Watch one of those videos I mentioned that may be there when you are scrolling down your social media pages, listen to a church service broadcast online, or take the time to hear a friend’s heart as they share boldly and attempt to encourage you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You don’t have to walk in FEAR! God offers His PEACE</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that passes all understanding.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> When we work hard to focus our hearts MORE on God instead of our circumstances… we end up feeding our faith instead of fear. Faith believes God for impossible things! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Fear closes the door to HOPE</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The next time you feel afraid, </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Put your trust in God”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Psalm 56:3</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">). </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I love the promise God makes us in </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Isaiah 41:10..</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Don’t be afraid, for I am </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">WITH</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> you.” </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are not alone! God promises to walk through all the dark, scary seasons with us.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOLPHB0S6nAontQXM2kV3pAv_Vs7N4fjXrY8jmd8S_K_31fsm9HIqpC-UkpSkb9csQW2ppM9mg8Jgvz7WLAtSA60hXDbkD60k7mNUhiHzzlNIGof8s078uSASsulIyyHU_cRI8aeePnrN/s1600/DANCE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="770" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBOLPHB0S6nAontQXM2kV3pAv_Vs7N4fjXrY8jmd8S_K_31fsm9HIqpC-UkpSkb9csQW2ppM9mg8Jgvz7WLAtSA60hXDbkD60k7mNUhiHzzlNIGof8s078uSASsulIyyHU_cRI8aeePnrN/s320/DANCE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">There is a quote I heard years ago that has stuck with me to this day. It’s another definition for the word FEAR. It’s a definition I like a whole lot better!!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>F</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">-</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> ace</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">E</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">verything</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>A</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nd</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>R</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ise</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you feeling hopeless today, friend? It’s time to RISE... </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">above the fear and trust Him! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">HOPE again! The definition of hope is to </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“expect with confidence”</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Let’s expect with confidence that things are going to get better and that God is going to turn this horrible situation around to bring good out of it. Do you believe it? He can!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">If what I have shared has been speaking to your heart and you realize that you don’t just need peace, you need God in your life today, I want to encourage you to call out to Him right now. Invite Him to do life with you for the first time or once again. Surrender your life to Him and ask Him to fill you with His peace. His presence in our lives makes all the difference! It brings PEACE!</span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you surrendered your life to God today, please let me know so I can be praying with you.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">If you are doing your best to walk in God’s peace and know of some websites, good online church services, or resources you have used to help increase your faith that could help others, please leave a comment and share below. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This Sunday (</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>EASTER</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) is the perfect time to join a church service online. His peace will meet you there! </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you are looking for a church to check out, feel free to join ours online at the following link... </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="http://www.faithchurchonline.net/">Faith Church Online</a>. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Easter friends!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">God, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you that </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I don’t have to walk in fear</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. You are my rescuer! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You bring HOPE to hopeless situations!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing is impossible for YOU!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thank you that I don’t have to face anything alone. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">YOU are with me!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You comfort me, strengthen me, and carry me through when I struggle to go on.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Today, I lay my fear at your feet. The uncertainties of life scare me and make me feel anxious, but </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I put my trust in YOU</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">! </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You have never failed me yet!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> God, please help me to lay my worries down at your feet daily, so they don’t weigh me down and hold me back from all you have for me. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Let HOPE ARISE inside my heart to believe you for IMPOSSIBLE things</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">… miracles for my family, my church, my city, my county, my state, my country, and the world. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Nothing is impossible for you God!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #df0c0c; font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MY HOPE IS IN YOU!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Living to leave a legacy,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #cc0000; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Julie</span></span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-8749916330255188692020-03-28T14:33:00.000-07:002020-04-10T03:21:14.534-07:00LET’S CHANGE THE ATMOSPHERE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcPryopBa1QtrJ48D5BAiH5PYE78uMedQHxhhGuoh3g1zOMAh7bXOD1rRBCFvyrJe5OeRzYCD6o5vd7SIyYx8rKZY26oDpRtlYkoPP2is4B4lOZo-nzmNEvYic6y5m1KfFjNMXXwW2wc3/s1600/Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKcPryopBa1QtrJ48D5BAiH5PYE78uMedQHxhhGuoh3g1zOMAh7bXOD1rRBCFvyrJe5OeRzYCD6o5vd7SIyYx8rKZY26oDpRtlYkoPP2is4B4lOZo-nzmNEvYic6y5m1KfFjNMXXwW2wc3/s320/Change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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I know it’s crazy and scary right now. There is enough news coverage on all platforms on the COVID crisis that you could saturate yourself with it all day long. News is good and it’s important to be informed, but this new daily habit can be dangerous and toxic for your soul. This kind of atmosphere can fill our hearts and homes with anxiousness, fear, and worry… emptying it of all HOPE. I want to challenge you during this season to purposely do things to change the atmosphere in your homes for good.</div>
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Unfortunately, at this time we may not be able to change our circumstances, but one thing we CAN do is change our attitude. <br />
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<b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Our attitude affects our atmosphere!</span></b></b></h3>
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We can walk in an attitude of thankfulness for what we do have, thankful for what we can do, thankful for those serving selflessly to keep us safe, and thankful for those we have close to us to share in it all… or we could fill our minds and hearts with negativity, anxiousness, anxiety, fear, doom, and gloom. </div>
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<b>One attitude brings PEACE, while the other leads to hopelessness and despair.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl56qiA8W8dkI8Khg7E74I7fnt9JmkRGW5VSsa-BMoxC-kWk47CYsEQQTThOkfsUqqyGrJNC_sxVfsOxcJbREwfl07OT3m4V1UWB_T_sbnzLz_erBCsUvwtaqh9IHcKA3YOJnOXBCf87gV/s1600/pure-heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="473" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl56qiA8W8dkI8Khg7E74I7fnt9JmkRGW5VSsa-BMoxC-kWk47CYsEQQTThOkfsUqqyGrJNC_sxVfsOxcJbREwfl07OT3m4V1UWB_T_sbnzLz_erBCsUvwtaqh9IHcKA3YOJnOXBCf87gV/s320/pure-heart1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Let’s focus during this season on being people that “CHANGE THE ATMOSPHERE”!</b></div>
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There are people around you in your circle of influence that NEED you! They need you to speak HOPE, they need you to be agents of PEACE, and they need you to show them Jesus in how you respond and walk through these unprecedented times. Jesus brings peace to the storms of life. I know this first hand. If you don’t have a personal relationship with Him right now, I encourage you to seek Him. His personal presence in our lives changes the atmosphere of our hearts and minds!<br />
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<u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Take time to seek God FIRST</span></u> before you check the new reports or get all the updates. Read the Bible and spend time feeding your spirit. Spend time talking to God for you and others. Crank up the worship music and soak in His presence. <u><span style="color: #cc0000;">Then... start your day with a new attitude</span></u> that can change the atmosphere around you. Watch out, it's contagious!<br />
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<b>Will you consider joining me on my <span style="color: #cc0000;">“SMILE PROJECT”</span> journey? </b> Will you make an intentional effort to lighten the mood and create a pause in the crazy of these days to restore smiles, giggles, and memory making moments for those close to you.<br />
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<b>Check out my latest attempt </b><b>below</b><b> </b>(which was a HUGE success) ….</div>
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I started yesterday with “Christmas in March”. I decorated the house, played Christmas music, and woke some of them up with “Merry Christmas”. LOL. They were SO confused. There were lots of smiles, giggles, “You’re crazy mom’s”, and singing. It was fun!<br />
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We ended the day with a GAME NIGHT competition to see who gets to pick the family movie we watch tonight. We played RISK… a game I haven’t played in 10+ years. Guess who won? You guessed it, ME! Yay! I could have really made the boys suffer the loss with a girly chick flick choice, but instead we are watching Jumanji 2. You can do this friends! <i>“Take a moment to create a pause in the crazy to bring a smile to someone else’s face today.”</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUrwJhCDYSIhpq4v13fCFRSIgW86crEI7xPhZUSbau2-Sdg5z0MkjezSSmTDVoDIhlpBGpcHBwnSTimbTst3e3cl2IQaC2SY3lYeCVTWPNaSzaSoVzd5fPuz-tLbHSOy1flA1Rm0m4VjN/s1600/20200327_224149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUrwJhCDYSIhpq4v13fCFRSIgW86crEI7xPhZUSbau2-Sdg5z0MkjezSSmTDVoDIhlpBGpcHBwnSTimbTst3e3cl2IQaC2SY3lYeCVTWPNaSzaSoVzd5fPuz-tLbHSOy1flA1Rm0m4VjN/s320/20200327_224149.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMIBtXB5PgnfU1Y-p-lsF4sdBmp0RIWTvpKJK2okXap3brHsZbnpBVeV1AikLv88mkPirLj3lRECYYARtkbGcLET3jhyphenhyphenU2yd1Yt9VdglyYm8qE4RCrsivPPehfHuJPpKL5CB5nT7SIRVr/s1600/20200327_220221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMIBtXB5PgnfU1Y-p-lsF4sdBmp0RIWTvpKJK2okXap3brHsZbnpBVeV1AikLv88mkPirLj3lRECYYARtkbGcLET3jhyphenhyphenU2yd1Yt9VdglyYm8qE4RCrsivPPehfHuJPpKL5CB5nT7SIRVr/s320/20200327_220221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0g3VW_5MZ9fdnWEu12o8VwOuGtHVbIsBRv_Gj90YufqnpYHWyzaIZHsQILlDGnXQ4nzy4sQGtZSvjz8CeVa0aacCktzWCV9NMLFQCXrCy09RI6xdfSM6sXAR8INt2piLj_spTt98CBDP/s1600/Screenshot_20200327-121016_Photos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk0g3VW_5MZ9fdnWEu12o8VwOuGtHVbIsBRv_Gj90YufqnpYHWyzaIZHsQILlDGnXQ4nzy4sQGtZSvjz8CeVa0aacCktzWCV9NMLFQCXrCy09RI6xdfSM6sXAR8INt2piLj_spTt98CBDP/s320/Screenshot_20200327-121016_Photos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>Do you have any creative ideas? Don’t be shy, please share. The mission, if you choose to accept it, is to restore the smiles and giggles of those around you. The repercussions could be life changing and life giving moments. Will you accept?<br />
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Living to leave a legacy,<br />
<i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Julie</b></span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh1mhQar3xzNHrqfrheM7gGsUsjbi-1h9IVsiUaiDI0EWOlIB6rFUrEs4tvW9lDc8eQ3qoJcm6zjMD6eXnZLObvmhtEkTCqqMQ4LPTIOStrE8xFTahjFc5lUi1p8AA96KN5IDf73eE1ab/s1600/Kids+making+faces-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="485" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUh1mhQar3xzNHrqfrheM7gGsUsjbi-1h9IVsiUaiDI0EWOlIB6rFUrEs4tvW9lDc8eQ3qoJcm6zjMD6eXnZLObvmhtEkTCqqMQ4LPTIOStrE8xFTahjFc5lUi1p8AA96KN5IDf73eE1ab/s320/Kids+making+faces-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-72784990714861889652020-02-07T22:12:00.000-08:002020-04-10T03:17:59.458-07:00Can we PLEASE begin again?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrvC1IKiqx73HKCYgyOlkIrUynPDqg57Gzs4-5tcFf2wGmE8iJUCZYN5Jl8tGRxwQnXTNRcW4Z8EyRNS5AmzCY9HfJL3UdNMu-MAm4Sr_wAUe0b6DzEN-8rlS9abVgPHY_GcFnaVLcaio/s1600/dirty+feet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVrvC1IKiqx73HKCYgyOlkIrUynPDqg57Gzs4-5tcFf2wGmE8iJUCZYN5Jl8tGRxwQnXTNRcW4Z8EyRNS5AmzCY9HfJL3UdNMu-MAm4Sr_wAUe0b6DzEN-8rlS9abVgPHY_GcFnaVLcaio/s400/dirty+feet.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">an we please begin again? I NEED a do-over! Have you ever been there before, friend? Maybe you are there now? Was last year a wash for you? Are you a little anxious about this new year? Are you hopeful for a new beginning, a fresh start, or maybe a new page to be written in the story of your life? I don’t know about you, but I am!!! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year didn’t go as I had expected! It started out well, but… life can get in the way of our best intentions. I had goals I was processing, plans I was making, and things I was hoping to do. I was laser focused on being intentional, purposeful, and so forth. My “WORD” for the year was </span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">RELENTLESS</span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Word… What word? Some of you may be a little confused. Some people like to choose a word to focus on for the year to keep them moving forward toward their goals. RELENTLESS was mine. </span><span style="color: black; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">“Relentless” can be described as this…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i> </i>never ceasing, persistent, continual, </b></span></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;">unrelenting, </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;">determined, </b></span><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">unyielding, unstoppable, stubborn, and incessant. </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Yep, I guess now that I think about it, that could describe my last year. No matter how many times I felt knocked down, I kept getting back up. I kept moving forward. </span><u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">At times, I moved slowly, but FORWARD is the only direction I purposed to go</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why? Why did I not allow the seemingly challenging times I faced to paralyze me or turn me around in a different direction? </i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I believe it was God’s fault. I didn’t know any other direction to go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">When I look back across my life I see God’s fingerprints all over it. </span><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">He led me, guided me, comforted me, and encouraged me all along my journey with Him and continues to do so today.</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was never alone</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Since the day I invited Him to become a part of my story, things changed and definitely for the better! </b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He wrapped me in His love and filled my life with HOPE. He gave me purpose, direction, and a reason to look hopeful toward my future no matter how bleak it seemed to others.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>He doesn’t promise us </b></span></span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">a life </b><br />
<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">filled with rainbows and lollipops.</b><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Everything won’t be perfect from that moment forward (Even though I wish it would!). </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">His promise is that we will never be alone. We won’t have to do life alone! He will be there to walk through the ups and downs of life with us. He will carry us when we don’t have the strength to push forward, hold our hand when we feel anxious, and pull us close when we are afraid. God has never abandoned me! He</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> has ALWAYS been there for me </span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">in good times and bad.</i></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Last year was disappointing for me personally. Many things contributed to this... </b><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I had ongoing health issues… I struggled with side effects from medication, I found out that I had bone spurs in both heels (which caused excruciating pain as I walked), and I got a concussion from slipping on water on my living room floor (causing migraines, light and noise sensitivity, trouble processing things, sleep issues, and so forth). The concussion caused many limitations for me. I had to wear sunglasses all the time (inside and outside), I couldn’t be around noisy places or it made me feel nauseous (Going to Walmart was off limits… too bright and noisy for me. LOL), and I couldn’t sit in church during the sermon time, read, study, or watch any movies with any type of suspense in them. Basically anything I had to sit and think about or process triggered severe headaches. </span></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Needless to say, my time on my phone and computer was very limited too. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It was a very challenging season for sure! </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If that wasn’t enough, I had low iron issues which required minor surgery (lady stuff… TMI. Believe me, you don't want to know. LOL). Afterwards, as I was attempting to recover, I acquired a series of infections that lingered longer than normal. Over the course of my year, I had meltdowns, emotional challenges, and frustrating moments. I was spent. My family was beyond supportive and encouraging during everything, but sometimes that isn’t enough. </span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">When life isn’t going the way we hope and it feels like everything is crashing down </b><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">all around us, which way do we go? WHO do we turn to for comfort and support?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">One thing I have learned along my journey is that even </span><u style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">when my life feels very out of control, God has things under control</u><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">. He is there. I'm not alone. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i style="font-weight: 400;">When I don’t understand and things don’t make sense.</i> <u> </u><b><u>I trust HIM</u>! </b></span></span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When I can’t see an end in sight to relieve my pain, discomfort, or emotional heartache,</i><b style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> <u>I trust HIM</u>! </b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u>I keep moving FORWARD toward Him</u>. My pace may be slower or different (depending on the season or difficult time), but my destination is crystal clear to me. I'm moving FORWARD! I want to do my best to move closer to my greatest source of strength… My Savior! </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">To say in the midst of all of this that I don’t struggle is an understatement. I most definitely struggle. I just choose to struggle differently. </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I struggle through.</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>I push forward to the other side of my difficulty keeping my laser focus FORWARD on what God has ahead for me. </b></span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I do what I can at the time to stay connected to Him. If I can’t go to church, I try to watch a service online or listen to sermons on my phone. If I can’t read the Bible, I listen to it. If I can’t pray the way I want, I listen to worship music and soak in the songs of prayer being lavished on God. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">The point is this... don’t allow your struggle to become an excuse to walk away from God. I heard a quote years ago that still resonates with me today...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">“When you wonder where God is or why you can't hear His voice in the midst of </span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">your trials or difficulties remember this... </span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>T</u></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">h</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">e teacher is always quiet during the test</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is SO true! <u>Everything has always become more clear for me on the other side of my struggle</u>. Even though my year was not a stellar year in my eyes, God was there. </span></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">He met me in my moments of frustration (feeling helpless to fix things), He filled my heart with peace as I faced the next challenge ahead of me, and consumed me with His presence as I put one foot in front of the other attempting to move closer to Him (despite my obstacles). </span><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I walked in surrender </b><i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">(trusting Him with the outcome of my current frustration),</i><b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> He used each struggle or challenge I faced as an opportunity to open doors to expose His love to others.</b></div>
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<span style="font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 Corinthians 12:9-10</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> says this..</span><span style="vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">“My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, my power is made perfect in you. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">For this reason I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">sufferings, and all kinds of troubles for Christ. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><u>Because</u></b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>when I am weak</u></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>then I am truly strong</u></span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.”</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have found that God is magnified </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">MOST</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> through me, when I surrender my struggles to Him. </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-style: normal;">In my weakest </b><i>(surrendered moments)</i><b style="font-style: normal;">, people see God MORE clearly through my life and are drawn to Him. </b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> It’s not easy, but in the end God leverages all of our seemingly horrible moments in life for good. Nothing is wasted with God! </span><br />
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<i style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are you struggling today as you look back over the past year? Was it a year full of regrets and frustration over what could have been?</i><span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Let’s begin again, friend! Let’s look hopeful toward a new year full of possibilities. I don’t know about you, but I need a fresh start! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">Living to leave a legacy,</span><br />
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-75431224840888045382019-04-27T09:41:00.001-07:002019-04-27T09:47:11.442-07:00My Scars Tell A Story<br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">We
all have a story to tell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know… you
were born and then what?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What’s YOUR
story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you know that every story is
different?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not one is like another.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each story is sprinkled with a mixture of
good and bad times spanning the course of our lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bet if I took a survey today I would find one
thing that each of our stories has in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’m sure we have all experienced pain in one way or another in our lives...
whether it was in our past or currently in the present.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a part of our story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">Did you know that God wants to redeem every
part of our story?</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;">(Past, Present, and
Future)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">Let
me explain.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">No matter what season we are
facing in our faith walk, </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">God wants us to continue to surrender our lives to
Him</u><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">...</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">when it’s easy and </span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: red;">“in the
midst of”</span> </b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">the struggle!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There
WILL be struggles!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you haven’t faced
them yet, you will!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m sorry to
surprise you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>When they come, what
will we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How will we respond? Will we
CONTINUE to trust Him with our everything or give up all together?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Think
about it<i>… How have you responded in the past when you faced unexpected
circumstances or situations?</i></span><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">I have found that when I surrender “my
struggle” to God… </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(Whatever it is at the
time),<b> </b></span><b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">that He <u>ALWAYS</u>
leverages it for good.</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">What
I mean is that… </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">S<i>omething that may seem “bad” in my life, when placed in
the hands of God, always ends up having an unexpected outcome of good</i></u><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">.</i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">That’s
where the redeeming my story part comes in to play. </span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">I have struggled with an autoimmune disease for
almost 13 years now. It is a disease
that weakens my muscles. At its worst I
was bedridden for up to a year and lost 75 lbs in 4 months. At its best I was able to complete a 5K walk…
which is a big deal for those who struggle with muscle issues! I’ve had lots of ups and downs, good seasons
and bad, flare ups and remissions, but God has been faithful all the way
through.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">My
husband said this recently at a worship service we had with our young adults
and it totally caught me off guard…</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">“It’s sometimes our SCARS that draw people
to Jesus the most!”</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In
that moment the Holy Spirit hit me with the realization that one of my “SCARS”
is my sickness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I cannot even begin to
count the number of people God has touched as a result of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People identify with my struggle and it opens
doors for me to share God’s love with others freely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZws819ZldQYzKsr6KyyxlTs_hihgxwUtvdw0LN5Hb73ltOrHqfiWcbMrVRr1kIZjUWClXpK8YtDWn1pCZ0fTTHnCq3gpzNkJ3UaYQ2eIxQNi-w8XP_YFVsKE5l4xvuN11ks_k8ps6tVD/s1600/hope4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFZws819ZldQYzKsr6KyyxlTs_hihgxwUtvdw0LN5Hb73ltOrHqfiWcbMrVRr1kIZjUWClXpK8YtDWn1pCZ0fTTHnCq3gpzNkJ3UaYQ2eIxQNi-w8XP_YFVsKE5l4xvuN11ks_k8ps6tVD/s1600/hope4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Scars</span></u></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">– Whether visible to the
eye or hidden from others are something we all have in common.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
sure we have all experienced some kind of pain (whether physically or emotionally)
at some point in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">My
husband could entertain you for hours with stories about the variety of scars
he carries on his body… <i>you would hear about barns, chickens, pitch forks, surgeries,
horses, and the like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>I have scars
too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My most recent scar involves an
altercation I had with a new kind of curling iron I was attempting to use on my
hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say, we have decided
to part ways.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wrist has an
unforgivable mark to remind me to this day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;"> “The good thing about scars is that if they
heal up </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">properly, </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">they don’t hurt anymore. They may look </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">really bad, </span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">but the pain is all gone.”</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">I
bet a lot of us have scars on the outside, but how many of us have scars on the
INSIDE that others can’t see? </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">It
could be scars of abandonment, betrayal, fear, rejection, or low-self
esteem. Or it could be scars of
addictions, bad choices, broken relationships, or grief. These kinds of scars are more personal and
private. They aren’t the kind of things
we share with everyone.</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I
have experienced scars like this too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>SCARS…
of miscarriage, rejection, cutting words that hurt deeply, broken relationships
and the like.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">My
scars tell a story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">They are a reminder to me
that God heals on the inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">What
stories do your scars tell? Who have you
had the opportunity to minister to as a result of them?</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">“Scars in a sense are past hurts that tell a
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we surrender <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">our lives to God, our scars will amazingly
point people to Jesus!”</span></span></b><i><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus
had scars too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He faced excruciating
pain on the cross… the nails in His hands and feet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even imagine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Think
about the Easter story… <i><u>Jesus was raised from the dead</u> (experiencing
the ultimate healing) <u>yet He still walked away with scars!</u> </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="color: #202124;">The power of death
was conquered, but the SCARS remained. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span>God
didn’t take them away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were not
erased!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Why not?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Jesus
scars tell the story of salvation.</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">They are scars of HOPE!!!!</span></u><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">They are a reminder to
us that healing is possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
understands pain and He cares. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves
us!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through Him we can find life and He
promises to be with us through everything!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We are not alone!</span></i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Romans
5:8</span></i></b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> says…</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“But
God demonstrates his own love for us in this: </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">While we were still sinners, </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">Christ died for us.” (NIV)</span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">J</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">ohn
</span></b><st1:time hour="15" minute="16"><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3:16</span></b></st1:time><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">says…</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“For
God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him may not die but have eternal life.” (GNT)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoqf-xU4T_2par5-PzL7gVyj0-zmcvv-1WP3MphyphenhyphenEJhC4zlQcQm9JzMorcVg5QLXPsQ9G4rAXfyqctqQ9QYvcZuZ4r1jfQN0PKy7XEmFHGYRuAFyMCjNK1lhbTA2HKn9cIx9Bbdqq9XW/s1600/hope2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDSoqf-xU4T_2par5-PzL7gVyj0-zmcvv-1WP3MphyphenhyphenEJhC4zlQcQm9JzMorcVg5QLXPsQ9G4rAXfyqctqQ9QYvcZuZ4r1jfQN0PKy7XEmFHGYRuAFyMCjNK1lhbTA2HKn9cIx9Bbdqq9XW/s1600/hope2.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">My
scars tell a story</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">. It’s a story of salvation, deliverance,
freedom, life changing moments with Him, healing, and His faithfulness. He has redeemed my past and present scars
over and over again for good! <u>His
scars tell a story that changed my life!</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Where
are you at in your story?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you
surrendered your scars to Him or do you have open wounds that still need
healing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Maybe
you need to start with salvation… <i>surrendering your everything to God and
thanking Him for the precious gift He sent in Jesus to save you and bring life!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If
that’s you or you need to recommit your life to God now, tell Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Talk to Him like you would your best friend and
lay it all out before Him… the good, bad, and ugly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask Him to wash you clean and come be Lord of
your life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">My
scars tell a story, His scars tell a story, what story will your scars tell?</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">“Scars in a sense are past hurts that tell a
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we surrender <o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="color: red;">our lives to God, our scars will amazingly
point people to Jesus!”</span></span></b><i><span style="font-family: "segoe script";"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><u>Prayer</u>:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl6KRBfvVVAHNnK1QjC0PyMDfH4f9Ft7DQu8erWCt65NW_iHs25E1TnZhua5UKnbv6BQm-sKrJmAbMM3tyhWgbRUMqf89cEGFIcklDIjP8EMEFXMmkEMO7D5JvzSCeD2ArjEoPDp3yRed/s1600/list2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNl6KRBfvVVAHNnK1QjC0PyMDfH4f9Ft7DQu8erWCt65NW_iHs25E1TnZhua5UKnbv6BQm-sKrJmAbMM3tyhWgbRUMqf89cEGFIcklDIjP8EMEFXMmkEMO7D5JvzSCeD2ArjEoPDp3yRed/s1600/list2.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">God,
thank you for the gift you gave in sending your son to die for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t even imagine the pain He went through
to make a way for me to experience true life and that abundantly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today I surrender my life to you… ugly scars
and all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray you would leverage them
all for good to draw people to You.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Please redeem my story (past and present) for good.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray my story will inspire others to pursue
you more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you that I’m never
alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are forever faithful and all
over my story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></i></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-88984508154994717822019-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:002019-03-19T11:40:15.008-07:00What's in your wallet?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My boys LOVE basketball! They always have and probably always will! In fact, they both want to have some sort of career centered around it. Me... I never liked basketball so much. I didn't understand it. Too many details to figure out for me to play the game. I was the kind of girl who didn't like to play sports for fun ever. I did my time in P.E. class in school to get the grade and moved on.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NLmQHs4pgV6-e9vd48mDHsHdOoSpA-9j7aamw_eic7j79V1PQLZe8mvEiVtwCJ0AGd7HpzFoDr-xfZvy8CNKexP-hP_JYWnwRJA9lAtaMpRMJuQf5ZxjzofUCkhrwcXlLAUlvtC03SI2/s1600/sr+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="599" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8NLmQHs4pgV6-e9vd48mDHsHdOoSpA-9j7aamw_eic7j79V1PQLZe8mvEiVtwCJ0AGd7HpzFoDr-xfZvy8CNKexP-hP_JYWnwRJA9lAtaMpRMJuQf5ZxjzofUCkhrwcXlLAUlvtC03SI2/s320/sr+pic.jpg" width="198" /></a>When I met my husband in college, he loved basketball too of course. He loved to play and watch it. I was bored with it all. Once we got married, I told him when we had kids I would take the time to learn the game and he could be my teacher. That way I would know how to cheer appropriately for my team. LOL.<br />
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We have been a basketball family for 6 years now... well with me included this time. I love to watch my boys play and for the most part now I understand the game. This month marked my youngest son's last season of high school basketball. It was sad to watch him finish his last game. He has been a super star on the court.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXFVT1UDMwR8u_Sf30Ln8c868K4VqyQQRrUuuBHUNjtP94Nn1IaK9tNER8DC_7xfZ51Kn8sR8WSWdaa_QasNGlbWuVbtTdDwhtM_LwJLHQViEgijK1DF-CkoGyVbgCfp48ay7gKBVCitl/s1600/Trey+%2528poster%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXFVT1UDMwR8u_Sf30Ln8c868K4VqyQQRrUuuBHUNjtP94Nn1IaK9tNER8DC_7xfZ51Kn8sR8WSWdaa_QasNGlbWuVbtTdDwhtM_LwJLHQViEgijK1DF-CkoGyVbgCfp48ay7gKBVCitl/s320/Trey+%2528poster%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a>This month is March Madness. For those who aren't sports lovers, it's BASKETBALL month. There are games going on all the time. Everyone is trying to guess which college team will win the championship. I'm still not into watching it on television so much, but I know enough basketball lingo to hold a decent (sports intelligent) conversation with my boys... I think. Recently I ran across an article about an incredible basketball legend I had to share with you. His life is marked by the kind of character every man should possess. His motivation and call to live at a greater level wasn't from what you would expect. He was inspired by simple words scribbled on a piece of paper that rested inside his wallet as a daily reminder.<br />
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Wow! What a powerful message for all of us! That piece of wisdom was there for almost 90 years as a reminder to him. What a legacy! This reminds me of the credit card commercial that says... "What's in your wallet?" If you could hold a paper full of encouraging words to inspire you for a lifetime in your purse or wallet, what would it say? Be encouraged as you read these words of wisdom.<br />
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Living to leave a legacy,<br />
Julie<br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial";">Why
I keep this late basketball coach's </span></h1>
<h1 align="center" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 20.0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">7-point creed in my wallet</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></h1>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial";">(By Paul Batura)</span><span style="font-family: "arial";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">“Coach Wooden” as he was known, has been gone
for almost 9 years. When he died in June of 2010 at the age of 99, the
highly-acclaimed basketball genius was lauded and feted as a sage of the sport,
and rightly so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">But even nearly a decade following his death,
the remarkable life of John Wooden can still teach us, and especially now in
the midst of culture’s madness. Up until his death, the collegiate hall
of fame coach kept a folded-up index card in his wallet. On it was a
handwritten 7-point creed that his father had given him as a graduation gift
from elementary school.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">How instrumental of a role did that small piece
of cardstock play in the life of UCLA’s coach? According to friend and
NBA executive Pat Williams, it was instrumental. <i>“I believe,” wrote Williams, “the
character and achievements of John Wooden can largely be traced to [that] piece
of paper his father gave him on the day he graduated from the eighth grade at a
little country grade school in </i></span><st1:place><st1:city><i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Centerton</span></i></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">, </span></i><st1:state><i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Indiana</span></i></st1:state></st1:place><i><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">.”</span></i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Almost 100 years later, as political, economic,
sociological and even spiritual battles rage white hot, we would be wise to
also heed the adages of this 7-point creed:</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">1. <u>Be True to Yourself</u>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Are you living someone else’s plan for your
life? Nothing can stifle creativity like conformity and uniformity. What’s
“your thing” – your unique ability? Nobody is here by accident. Everybody was
placed on earth for a purpose. Be comfortable in your own skin and chase your
dream.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">2. <u>Make each day your masterpiece</u>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">It almost sounds like a cliché, but everybody
has the same amount of time each day (24 hours, 1440 minutes). Do you treat it
like a rare gift? On average, over 150,000 people die every day. Don’t
take these hours for granted. The late Bil Keane, creator of the Family Circus
cartoon, once poignantly observed, <i>“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is
mystery – but today is a gift, that’s why we call it ‘the present.’”</i>
Don’t waste the day.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">3. <u>Never leave until tomorrow what can
be done today</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Charles Dickens once called procrastination the <i>“thief
of time”</i> – and he was right. We so often think tomorrow is going to
be an extension of today, but it’s usually not. Rather than treat time like a
blank check, think about it in finite terms – because today is all we’ve got.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">4. <u>Help others</u>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Narcissism is destructive. Care about
others and practice blessed self-forgetfulness. As Dr. Tim Keller says, <i>“Don’t
think less of yourself – just think about yourself less.” </i> Call a
friend, visit someone in the hospital, pick up trash in your neighborhood or
volunteer in your community.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">5. <u>Drink deeply from good books,
especially the Bible</u>.</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">The late pastor Dr. Adrian Rogers used to say, <i>“What
goes down in the well comes up in the bucket.</i>” Be mindful of what
you’re reading and watching. The apostle Paul probably put it best of all when
he advised, <i>“Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right,
whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything
is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things and the God of peace
will be with you.”</i></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">6. <u>Study friendship and make it a fine
art</u>. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">It’s been said we become the product of the five
people we spend the most time with. If that’s the case, are you picking your
friends or letting your friends pick you? The popular writer C.S. Lewis
wrote about the origin of enjoyable company. <i>“Friendship ... is born at the
moment,” Lewis noted, “when one man says to another ‘What! You too? I thought
that no one but myself . . .’”</i> If you want to have good friends, take the
time to be a good friend.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">7. <u>Pray for guidance and count and give
thanks for your blessings every day</u>.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "arial";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">Cultivating a discipline of prayer and a spirit of gratitude will
transform your life. It was Albert Einstein who once opined, <i>“There are only
two ways to live your life: as though nothing is a miracle, or as though
everything is a miracle.” </i>We are living in an age of daily miracles and
many of us don’t even realize it.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">As the curtain fell on his near century-long
life, Coach Wooden reflected that while he tried to live up to his father's
creed, he had nevertheless fallen short, saying he was more like the guy who
once said, <i>"I am not what I ought to be; Not what I want to be; Not
what I am going to be, But I am thankful that I am better than I used to
be."</i></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">A devout Christian, Wooden saw basketball for
what it was – a game that pointed to something of greater significance in his
life.<i> "I have always tried to make it clear that basketball is not the
ultimate. It is of small importance in comparison to the total life we live.
There is only one kind of life that truly wins, and that is the one that places
faith in the hands of the Savior."</i></span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 11pt;">A slip of paper with Wooden’s wisdom is now in
my wallet, and it likewise reminds me that all the madness of this world is
manageable – because all the madness is ultimately managed by a God who loves
each one of us.</span><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-size: 10pt;">Paul J. Batura is vice president of
communications at Focus on the Family</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-62383258340612827492018-12-19T08:41:00.001-08:002018-12-19T08:41:24.321-08:00The ONE gift everyone must have!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Christmas is just
a week away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can you believe it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Time has just flown by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m not
even finished Christmas shopping yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m usually on it, but not this year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve been shopping later than usual and as a result I’ve been bumping
into a lot of grumpy shoppers and drivers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everywhere I go I’m
afraid of getting hit… by other cars driving wildly, by shopping carts being
rushed through the store to grab last minute deals, or actual shoppers who are
pushing their way through the aisles unaware of those around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t seem very fun or festive to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Gifts… what do
you get those hard to buy people?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever you end up getting is never what they like, want, or need.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You know those second hand stores, thrift
shops, and Good Will stores have to be flooded after Christmas with unwanted
items… or maybe everyone waits until their spring cleaning days to unload it
all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What a waste!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9vqIisd1cjNq0Bc1DWyxH6HCBaEDJuIcqsIbR9vJR2R5H6xljrWNaSvBpSZ8Kjs0rNMle0Zzn7carMqe8kD1LtVAL3ZkxBSyIGJdYNmwnhjA5lruGB1wpm9nZTS9pombcevc22DquTXG/s1600/shopping2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="500" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi9vqIisd1cjNq0Bc1DWyxH6HCBaEDJuIcqsIbR9vJR2R5H6xljrWNaSvBpSZ8Kjs0rNMle0Zzn7carMqe8kD1LtVAL3ZkxBSyIGJdYNmwnhjA5lruGB1wpm9nZTS9pombcevc22DquTXG/s320/shopping2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I’ve been
thinking hard on this and I think I have come up with one gift everyone will
like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a must have item for
everyone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So… be sure to add it to your
Christmas list if you haven’t done so already.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s something that will make a long lasting impact on all who receive
it, yet it cost us nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>What is it? </i> It’s something we can all do that is free and
easy for most if they try… <b><span style="color: red;">BE KIND!</span><span style="color: red;"> </span></b> I
know it sounds silly, but how many of us look around while busying ourselves
with the holidays to notice those around us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>Do you see the
lonely ones who are celebrating this season with out a loved one this
year?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see those families who are
being ripped a part by divorce?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christmas will never be the same for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see the sick who are struggling
through wondering if this year will be their last?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you see the overwhelmed people looking for
the perfect gifts all the while drowning in a sea of debt?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The broken, the hurting, the hopeless, the
grieving, the lost… they are all there.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>What can you do
to reach them, love them, see them this holiday season?</i> <span style="color: red;"><b>BE KIND!</b><b> </b></span>
Ask God to help you be engaged in what is going on around you instead of
being consumed with your list of things to do before Christmas comes. Ask God to put people on your heart to pray
for, send an encouraging note to, buy a meal for, visit, or call. <b><span style="color: red;">BE KIND</span></b> every chance you get! During this season especially kindness is
rare. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 16.0pt;">“In a season filled with
selfishness, <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Choose to <u><span style="color: red;">BE KIND</span></u>!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Recently I went
to the post office to mail out some Christmas packages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping to mail them sooner, (because I
knew the lines would be long at this time of year) but I got sick with the
flu.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Normally it probably wouldn’t be a
problem for most, but our post office is very small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lobby area is pretty much a narrow
rectangle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are a bunch of individual
post office boxes around it and a window where one lady sits to assist you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While we wait for our turn in a single file
line (that runs from the check out window to the door) people are coming and
going like crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are checking
their mail boxes (in front or behind you), grabbing boxes or envelopes to
purchase, and dropping off mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Space
is invaded often.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not a place for
grumpy people to congregate… that’s for sure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9o_lN0mLiCtrrNWMMxRON1gHyT3SjFXmAn_rTeYVE9Zu7-Yzv4tKuxddVWHZDlFUtTP03rVIRu_tzqNowqoPJ3tz-nrRIAmA4IewQkJJZ-__W1_8_SEJAoCUZQz9tCa2p7KMvjorQWu4/s1600/u.s.-post-office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="737" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH9o_lN0mLiCtrrNWMMxRON1gHyT3SjFXmAn_rTeYVE9Zu7-Yzv4tKuxddVWHZDlFUtTP03rVIRu_tzqNowqoPJ3tz-nrRIAmA4IewQkJJZ-__W1_8_SEJAoCUZQz9tCa2p7KMvjorQWu4/s320/u.s.-post-office.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I may have been a
little grumpy that day from being sick.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
I didn’t act on my grumpiness, I just held it all in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was frustrated!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mind was going wild with silent comments …
“This is taking WAY too long!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Isn’t
there anyone else back there who can help us?” “How dare that lady send out 8
boxes now!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“Ugh!!!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I didn’t feel good and I was feeling very
impatient.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">After a few
moments, I noticed a stir at the front of the line.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A young adult was ushered to a table near by
to finish getting his box ready to go out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He had a book he was trying to mail and nothing was ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was completely unprepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was shocked to see the people in line jump
into high gear to assist him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One lady
gave him bubble wrap, another packing tape, and the man in front of me offered
to help him wrap it all up to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
surprised at their <b><span style="color: red;">kindness</span></b> and a little ashamed at my grouchy demeanor.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though I was sick, I still needed a lot
more <b><span style="color: red;">KINDNESS</span></b> in my heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Did you know that
<b><span style="color: red;">“kindness”</span></b> is a fruit of the spirit?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
we grow in our relationship with God, <b><span style="color: red;">kindness</span></b> should naturally flow out of our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you are short on <b><span style="color: red;">kindness
</span></b>lately, you might want to check in with your heavenly father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is a great gardener of our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows just what to do to get things
growing right inside of us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: justify;">Galatians 5:22-23</b><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: justify;"> says…</i></div>
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<span class="textgal-5-22"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></span><span class="textgal-5-22"><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";">“But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our
lives: <b>love, joy, peace, patience, <span style="color: red;">KINDNESS</span></b>, <b>goodness, faithfulness,</b></span></i></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><b> </b><span class="textgal-5-23"><b>gentleness, and self-control.</b>” (NLT)</span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><span class="textgal-5-23"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<span class="textgal-5-23"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAAZnU3G0jGwfPOYSN9gYWpb3p3cNK7NcdZH0W7oeW9eobAI0b56l5no-CM4Zv7addMfzkyQXWmjeFyOmRh1sABIM8ott4kYXtZRr3yJ35Dj-y0026u9AH8dq6361uv1LyIvrV1q90ghs/s1600/gift4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimAAZnU3G0jGwfPOYSN9gYWpb3p3cNK7NcdZH0W7oeW9eobAI0b56l5no-CM4Zv7addMfzkyQXWmjeFyOmRh1sABIM8ott4kYXtZRr3yJ35Dj-y0026u9AH8dq6361uv1LyIvrV1q90ghs/s320/gift4.jpeg" width="213" /></a><span class="textgal-5-23"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Century Gothic";">Did you notice how <b><span style="color: red;">KINDNESS</span></b> is packed in their
between patience and goodness?<span style="color: black;"> </span>I don’t
think that was by accident.<span style="color: black;"> </span>I don’t know
about you, but sometimes it takes a lot of “patience” to <b><span style="color: red;">be KIND</span></b>.<span style="color: black;"> </span>What about goodness?<span style="color: black;"> </span>What does that mean? It can be defined as an
“uprightness in heart and life”.<span style="color: black;"> </span>If each
fruit builds on the next (one naturally leading to the other), then we can assume
that we can’t truly be good until we are first patient and <b><span style="color: red;">KIND</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Do you want to
see a spiritual revival break out in your city?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Stir up <b><span style="color: red;">KINDNESS</span></b> and let it grow in your heart and overflow to
others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let’s be Jesus with skin on this
holiday season!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give the gift of <b><span style="color: red;">BEING
KIND!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-87847014493359210732018-09-23T19:55:00.000-07:002018-09-24T06:22:49.719-07:00I Miss Her.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYsLbzPpck_ORaFz1bJmwSavncxiaJKPX3kizj6iGJUlhIss7OOiOusmnnnV_5sGJaNYc7il05-JjM1oyi4XpTuNs-Qk82FRvirI5yQTBuGKrbJVf4RLqFO39MgsDSKvZupaAu3yTb9CM/s1600/grandma1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1600" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmYsLbzPpck_ORaFz1bJmwSavncxiaJKPX3kizj6iGJUlhIss7OOiOusmnnnV_5sGJaNYc7il05-JjM1oyi4XpTuNs-Qk82FRvirI5yQTBuGKrbJVf4RLqFO39MgsDSKvZupaAu3yTb9CM/s320/grandma1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Recently
I attended the funeral of an incredible woman.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Even though she lived a full life, we all still mourned her death.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Why?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">…Because
she had left an imprint on our hearts and made a profound difference in each of
our lives.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">With her gone, each of us
would experience our own kind of emptiness.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Life would not be the same.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">She
lived to be ninety-three years old which is a huge achievement in and of
itself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Anna Patricia (Singmaster) Creek
was married 47 years before her husband passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She birthed 6 children… 4 boys and 2
girls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was grandmother to 13
precious angels, great-grandmother of 19, and great-great grandmother of 2.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">She
wore many hats and was called by many names. Some called her mom, sister, cousin,
aunt, friend and more.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To me she was my
grandma and to my boys their granny.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even though she was ninety-three and I was… ahem a lot younger, we had a
lot in common. Two things that come to mind immediately are the shapes of our
faces (specifically the curves of the lower part of our cheeks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have to see a picture to really
understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LOL) and the variety of
ailments we struggled with daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">In
the last couple years she struggled a lot with her health.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Something was always aching or giving her
fits.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I know because we lamented
together.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I’m not as old as grandma was,
but I struggle daily with an autoimmune disease that alters my life, interrupts
my days, and begs for my attention constantly.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKymadcEiWQn3ipQf4-2hyphenhyphenay9k5tIzHtPFnFigZSBvmb0yb4t7aNMWrab1M5ZLA7CMldfC7KNpjgVn7LAYZmVrtyEihl3Fk9ZdIpvuDF2Pv52CVP8LfF2D2ULPFY2d9nSNbmeSA5O45UB/s1600/IMG_20180920_172002965.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJKymadcEiWQn3ipQf4-2hyphenhyphenay9k5tIzHtPFnFigZSBvmb0yb4t7aNMWrab1M5ZLA7CMldfC7KNpjgVn7LAYZmVrtyEihl3Fk9ZdIpvuDF2Pv52CVP8LfF2D2ULPFY2d9nSNbmeSA5O45UB/s320/IMG_20180920_172002965.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I
think she told me all about her frustrations, because I truly understood.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt her pain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could relate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called her a lot to check on her and
encourage her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Battling with sickness
can be lonely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People get tired of
hearing what ails you each day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
awhile it can sound like a broken record… or at least we (the sick people) feel
like it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s refreshing to be able to
share with someone who really understands.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
prayed together a lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed for
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her before I ended my phone
calls with her if there was anything I could pray with her about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was always something… her blurry eye,
her swollen legs, her numb fingers or toes, or sometimes she simply had no
words to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In those moments I
prayed God would wrap His arms around her and hold her close.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said she had no tears.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She couldn’t cry, but wished she could.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">She
always closed our time of prayer with a big “Thank You” and “I love you!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I treasured our moments together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wish I could have seen her daily, but I
lived 7 hours away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The best I could
give her was a weekly call to check on her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplusbd0NS1qRwbVF4Shw8ijKZsOPM0sgjioMjGo7fLy9mZhVvM4_k3lkuR7bq9Ci7E2JsRCh_2Pb9EJRvJcC3Tdzv9juUT4zx63KGEnmq0aQOh2g0jrOsxuRJsTNh_aB6troL_ePlVpRJ/s1600/cousins2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="696" data-original-width="960" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgplusbd0NS1qRwbVF4Shw8ijKZsOPM0sgjioMjGo7fLy9mZhVvM4_k3lkuR7bq9Ci7E2JsRCh_2Pb9EJRvJcC3Tdzv9juUT4zx63KGEnmq0aQOh2g0jrOsxuRJsTNh_aB6troL_ePlVpRJ/s320/cousins2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I
remember calling one time and asking Grandma how she was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She said nothing had changed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wished she had something new to tell
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyday something different bugged
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She didn’t know what to tell people
when they asked how she was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
told her I had a secret phrase I used for those who asked me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a basic phrase that would work no
matter what was going on with me health-wise that day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each day I ailed in a different way (the same
as she did) so it was a hard question to answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When people asked how I was doing, I would
always return their question with “I’m Hanging in there!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really liked that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She repeated it several times with
giggles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think she even wrote it down
so she wouldn’t forget.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Even
though my grandma struggled with her health, I don’t remember her always being
this way.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">When I was little she babysat me and my sister while my parents worked.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I remember the special walks we made to the nearby mall to visit my mom.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I walked beside my grandma as she pushed my sister in the stroller.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I remember Easter Egg hunts, coloring eggs, and on snowy days her giving me ziplock bags with rubber bands to put over my shoes so I could play outside.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lpKlr7eih_JRGa5fv4gv_1yAGhyphenhyphenkU5Vp9zEW_39QE55yCY68goVzD6D8mT-LJPu-YtPAQ9T9QoC32r9nd-173cSWs9qlVODt-Tc_HI1ITJCR-P2Qwbgfa4Wwd4Eoo7JskniuEH9NZLB1/s1600/gmagav.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8lpKlr7eih_JRGa5fv4gv_1yAGhyphenhyphenkU5Vp9zEW_39QE55yCY68goVzD6D8mT-LJPu-YtPAQ9T9QoC32r9nd-173cSWs9qlVODt-Tc_HI1ITJCR-P2Qwbgfa4Wwd4Eoo7JskniuEH9NZLB1/s320/gmagav.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;">I remember the rain hats she wore… Where do you get these things?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;">I found some at an estate sale this summer and bought them.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;">Not that I am going to follow in her footsteps and wear them on rainy days… LOL.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 15.3333px;">I just wanted a reminder of her lying around the house.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">…
I remember hearing about her pocket book, her stories she liked to watch on TV,
and oh how she loved those word books!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">She
was always so good at keeping up with everyone’s special dates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved to send cards for birthdays and
anniversaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She really got upset at
the end when she couldn’t keep up with everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I
loved to hear my grandma get tickled and giggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some thing that really tickled her was when
we talked about Betty White.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved her!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were close in age so I often suggested
that she could be acting too like Betty if she wanted to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would giggle in response.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another giggle moment I would bring up
randomly was when my husband danced her down the aisle at my sisters
wedding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He even spun her around.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a long aisle… LOL.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hearing that high pitched squeal of delight was
priceless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBC79qbEN2gGz7G33G3JcMEiZ9TiW20JyR7ZATI0TAjEUgW-WowFnsz3V-b6I4Ye3shEYO_-eGpo0MUKE6cZ8ZirsgeHqeuCsS9QiYayK1uLcMxQAfuTIBDJvRBsE1oVQDEijzP6qO4p-/s1600/grandma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="526" data-original-width="296" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifBC79qbEN2gGz7G33G3JcMEiZ9TiW20JyR7ZATI0TAjEUgW-WowFnsz3V-b6I4Ye3shEYO_-eGpo0MUKE6cZ8ZirsgeHqeuCsS9QiYayK1uLcMxQAfuTIBDJvRBsE1oVQDEijzP6qO4p-/s320/grandma.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">One
year my husband was asked to speak at a church in </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Kansas</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a quick trip up and back to minister
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We made it a family event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On our way home, we passed through a part of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">St. Louis</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> (where my grandma
lived).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were in a hurry to get home
because the kids had school in the morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was late.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I begged my husband
to go a little out of our way to be able to stop by to see my grandma.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to give her a quick hug and kiss before
we headed home. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It had been a long time
since I had seen her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He obliged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I called her to make sure she was home and
asked if we could stop by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was
shocked!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved the surprise on her
face when we arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later she told my
uncle how we had stopped by to see her unexpectedly and he wouldn’t believe her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well… not until he saw the picture I posted
of our visit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 11.5pt;">We
threw a surprise party for her 80<sup>th</sup> and 90<sup>th</sup>
birthdays. I loved seeing her expression
as she became the center of attention. She
didn’t like it, but it blessed her. For
her 93<sup>rd</sup> birthday I decided to send her a bouquet of flowers. I didn’t know what else to get her. She had everything. I found a small floral place nearby her house
and ordered a reasonably priced bouquet of spring flowers. I was hoping it would be a good size. I had no idea when I ordered it that it would
be SO huge! It practically filled a
whole table and barely fit into the vase.
She was overwhelmed and went on and on about them for weeks. I’m so glad they brought her joy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">One
memory toward the end of her life that still sticks with me today was our last
prayer together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in the
hospital.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She struggled to eat, drink,
and could barely talk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her voice was a
whisper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was weak all over.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I called someone had to hold the phone
up to her ear for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked her how
she was doing and she said… “I’m really bad Julie.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked if I could pray for her and she said
yes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I prayed blessing, favor, healing,
and peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was finished praying
she spoke up louder than she had in days and said… “Thank You!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I told her I loved her one last time as we
closed our time together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was our
last moment together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will treasure it
forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
grandma had a life FULL of great memories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At the funeral, we all sat and savored our own special times with
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was truly beautiful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNVNn3BC8zZY3rMZqtEyUVvY0eE3MnVRgH7ksbcmjQS4BMO-Nw7208CR5srWmj3EGNRkRjl2u8dHENeduJzVbau8dQRFjDd4Qn1EurgxKR8_-B4nF8shY9dfFn8QFEHGv7SZknhuFJYkw/s1600/gmawedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="373" data-original-width="280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJNVNn3BC8zZY3rMZqtEyUVvY0eE3MnVRgH7ksbcmjQS4BMO-Nw7208CR5srWmj3EGNRkRjl2u8dHENeduJzVbau8dQRFjDd4Qn1EurgxKR8_-B4nF8shY9dfFn8QFEHGv7SZknhuFJYkw/s320/gmawedding.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">You
can’t attend a funeral without becoming introspective about your own
mortality.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Think about it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">What
kind of life do you want to live?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What
kind of legacy do you want to leave behind for others to follow?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you want others to say about you at
your funeral?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>How do you want to be
remembered?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Our choices today influence the
memories left behind tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">James
</span></b><st1:time hour="16" minute="14"><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">4:14</span></b></st1:time><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> says…<br />
<i><span style="color: red;">“…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For you are a mist that appears for a little
time and then vanishes.”</span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">We
aren’t promised tomorrow. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
capture the gift of each day and spend it well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hug people more, speak words of encouragement, lavish love on others, give
grace, forgive quickly, say “I love you” often and “I’m sorry”, and spend
countless hours savoring the moments you have with the ones you love. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Live a life with no regrets… Cherish the
memories made, the lives impacted, and the journey traveled. A life well spent
is a life well lived. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Let’s
make it our goal to become intentional about loving others well this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Living
to leave a legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white;">
<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">God
thank you for all of the special people you have placed in our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are such a blessing to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray today we would realize the treasure we
have in those around us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help us to
savor our moments with all of our loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help us to live in such a way that others would remember us well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for the blessing of today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help us to live a life with no
regrets.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We love you fiercely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i><span style="color: red;"><b>Amen.</b></span></i></span></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-90086529954875761802018-08-01T10:51:00.000-07:002018-08-01T19:24:59.983-07:00“Have you asked Him what HE thinks?”<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEeJEWWClsPyEs54ivddXAt5NznNlqeMutwPy0MgQtNxYGWksu9ZoNSKpcxxK0pNxR24dLfbCX-5dBTEE_MOaqad8ynp53xa5KjpY2XX1lshBpwSC3whV6cRjxJK1Lqrsb7ZF5atU46ae/s1600/shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="144" data-original-width="256" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEeJEWWClsPyEs54ivddXAt5NznNlqeMutwPy0MgQtNxYGWksu9ZoNSKpcxxK0pNxR24dLfbCX-5dBTEE_MOaqad8ynp53xa5KjpY2XX1lshBpwSC3whV6cRjxJK1Lqrsb7ZF5atU46ae/s320/shoes.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Have you ever
met someone who was super indecisive? Every single decision they made was overwhelming
for them. I mean I, myself, struggle
with the big decisions, but when it comes to simple things like <i>where to eat</i>
or <i>what kind of ice cream flavor I want</i>… it’s really no big deal!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Making decisions
can be hard at times. I get it! There’s really no special training when it
comes to decision making in life. We
learn as we go on the spot from our own bad choices or from those of
others. It’s a live and learn kind of
process. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">When I was
little, I remember learning quickly that touching a hot pan on the stove top
hurts a lot and guess what? I didn’t do
it again after that. Well… not intentionally. I also
learned that walking barefoot through a bunch of dandelions in the yard could open
up the possibility of me stepping on a bee… which hurts too. Hmmm… it seems like a lot of my life lessons have
been gleaned from moments of pain.
Interesting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The decisions we
make on a daily basis really do matter!
As a matter of fact, sometimes our bad choices (if we aren’t careful) can
turn in to life-long consequences that we have to live with forever! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 15.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">The decisions we make today <u>can</u>
affect our future tomorrow!</span></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 8.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">As
believers, we should live differently when it comes to decision making.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">We should want God to be smack dab in the
center of our lives… at the core of who we are and everything we do.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">That includes asking Him to help guide us to
make “</span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">right</u><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">” decisions.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Many
times we rush ahead making decisions</span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> about things</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">on the spot never
even considering what God might think about it all!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friend, I don’t know if you realize it or
not, but God wants to be involved in our decision making process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I know, for many
it seems a little crazy to ask God’s opinion about our decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean how can we really know what He is
thinking?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we hear His voice or
even expect to know His will for our lives?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Is there a “Learning to hear God’s voice” book for dummies anywhere I
can buy?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpAZ0BmguQ7yADO3pj58Q_gSgL624_I6l8W251j-5gZI2YEj_bEs9YE6cCpecIkwSLBC_ZQdLB26VV1fbncSN4DaXz869YTtCMN7c38yamz3qXx_O3IghuOaEbT6nliLyrIcZ7ZXWpRdk/s1600/choices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUpAZ0BmguQ7yADO3pj58Q_gSgL624_I6l8W251j-5gZI2YEj_bEs9YE6cCpecIkwSLBC_ZQdLB26VV1fbncSN4DaXz869YTtCMN7c38yamz3qXx_O3IghuOaEbT6nliLyrIcZ7ZXWpRdk/s1600/choices.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I hear you
friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been there too, but believe
it or not God really <i>can</i> actually speak to us personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s done it for me time and time again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Rarely is it ever in an audible voice, but
there are lots of other ways God can speak to us and help direct our steps in
the right direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The first thing
we need to do if we really want God’s help in making better decisions is … get
to know Him better.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We need to
recognize His voice above others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can
say confidently after twenty five years of marriage that I can recognize my
husband’s voice in a crowded room.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
a unique sound to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have talked
often and I have listened intently to him…. So I am familiar with his voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(It helps that he is really loud and outgoing
making his voice all the more undeniable!)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Connecting with
God and growing a stronger relationship with Him takes time and effort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you aren’t spending time with Him, I will
guarantee you that you won’t hear His voice or sense His leading when it comes
to the choices you make.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>James 4:8</b></span><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> says…</span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Come close to God, and God will come close to
you...” <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As we draw
closer to Him by reading His word (The Bible), praying (talking to Him like we
would a friend), and going to church (surrounding ourselves with others who
love God), we will begin to discern His nudges, sense His promptings, and follow
His leading in making right choices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="color: red;">God speaks in
many ways. Here are a few He has used
with me….</span></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qUbrEdU90EcdB_gI0jOszoFrIgNQIbJdcTIxMeuxQjhgNNpwUD4MLCAPwgAVNqLmJEwli672BB0RO3yUrBaEAjEBr_lZV-WqpcCzPP2J6Wl10nbvYYFv-l6ygFlYvJ7eTMJeebrS_XK8/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qUbrEdU90EcdB_gI0jOszoFrIgNQIbJdcTIxMeuxQjhgNNpwUD4MLCAPwgAVNqLmJEwli672BB0RO3yUrBaEAjEBr_lZV-WqpcCzPP2J6Wl10nbvYYFv-l6ygFlYvJ7eTMJeebrS_XK8/s1600/images+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a><b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The Bible</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
uses His word to speak truth to our hearts for our everyday lives as we read
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like to read the book of Proverbs several
times a year (one chapter a day over a month).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a book of wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God’s
words placed deep inside of us help us make wise decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>“</i></span><span class="textps-119-11"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (<b>Psalm
119:11</b>)</span></i></span><span class="textps-119-11"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "verdana";">.</span></i></span><span class="textps-119-11"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "verdana";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><b> </b></span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Memorizing scripture
helps us make wise decisions as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whenever
I have been struggling in the past, old scriptures I have memorized have always
come back to my mind to encourage me at just the right time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Whatever decision we are seeking guidance on, we need to involve God in
the process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask His opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray over all of the details involved for an
extended period of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For major
decisions I might pray a week or a month before deciding.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t be in a hurry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t allow your emotions to lead you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“…when He, the Spirit of truth, is
come, He will guide you into all truth…” (<b>John 16:13a</b>).<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--></span></i><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII82Ag2xZwsB_7NDf99C695sXjjxS8oT-Qy-RGAyyJJ4XuHpZLNRiIAFQ-ApB8Ab2uz54oBima92HJLRASlbB8bwnNaM-FocEby52L2SXLEFNuSy1Np-u0jCvo3ztEv_GtsqZvzN3t0cN/s1600/prayer6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="136" data-original-width="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjII82Ag2xZwsB_7NDf99C695sXjjxS8oT-Qy-RGAyyJJ4XuHpZLNRiIAFQ-ApB8Ab2uz54oBima92HJLRASlbB8bwnNaM-FocEby52L2SXLEFNuSy1Np-u0jCvo3ztEv_GtsqZvzN3t0cN/s1600/prayer6.jpg" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">The goal at the
end of your focused prayer time should be a sense of God’s <u>peace</u> when
you think about your decision</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">. If you feel
uneasiness it may be God directing you AWAY from that particular decision. </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">“The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of
righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever” (<b>Isaiah 32:17</b>).<br />
</span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Other People</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">: God
uses other people as instruments to encourage us, speak wisdom into our lives,
and tell us the truth in love. It is
always good to have two or three people in our lives that we trust (that are godly
examples to us) to confide in and confer with when we need wisdom.</span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“</span></i><span class="textprov-15-22"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Plans fail without good advice, but they succeed
with the advice of many others.” (<b>Proverbs 15:22</b>).<o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As we are seeking God’s direction in a
particular area of our lives, w</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">e need to be open to asking those closest to us for wisdom
and direction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't just tell them what
you are thinking about doing and ask them to pray.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask them the following question(s)… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a friend or mentor
in my life, do you feel any hesitation or reservation in me doing <i><u>this</u></i> particular thing?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If so, why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What wisdom do you
have to offer me in <i><u>this</u> </i>particular situation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What are your thoughts
about <i><u>this</u> </i>area of my life? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Ask them to be completely honest with you. Be ready to receive,
open to correction/godly wisdom, and prepared to love them no matter what they
say.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">In major
decisions involving transition, our goal should be 100% positive responses. </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">If you get a variety of responses that aren't
all positive, then you need to go back to your prayer room and seek God's face.
A sense of peace should be the outcome in the end.</span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">Wisdom from others should only <u>confirm</u> to us what God
has already </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">been directing us to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God’s direction should be our primary goal.</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Circumstances:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Sometimes circumstances can help lead us to right
decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me give you an example…. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Years ago my
husband and I were serving at a church as youth leaders while in college.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were heavily involved… practically the
unpaid assistant youth pastors.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Before
we graduated we were offered a job as just that, but part-time. The only
stipulation was that we would have to work as janitors for the church as well
until they could afford to pay us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
weren’t at a place to be able to hire us full-time.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It was an
awesome church and we were up for the challenge, but we wanted God’s will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We decided to pray for a week seeking God
intently concerning all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We knew
even though it looked like an awesome opportunity,</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: red;"><u>the right thing at the
wrong time was still the wrong thing</u>. </span><span style="color: #141823; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>We prayed separately
and determined to share our thoughts with one another the following Sunday
night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That morning at church as we
glanced down at the sermon title for the evening message, we were shocked at
what it said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title was… “When God
says GO!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>With that
message, plus our prayers, and the wisdom of others, God was beyond clear in
His direction for us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was time for us
to seek a full time ministry position even if that led us away from the church
we loved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Even though it didn’t make
sense to us at the time (in the natural), we were committed to follow God’s
leading.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">As I look back
today, I can see His hand guiding us specifically to each place we went after
that and all the people we encountered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am overwhelmed at God’s faithfulness to see
us through and use us in ways we never dreamed possible for His glory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">“Circumstances”</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">…<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
guess God likes to use this one a lot for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Maybe it’s because many times I’m too busy DOING things for Him that I
don’t take time enough to really LISTEN.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><b>James 1:2-3</b></span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> says…</span><span class="textjas-1-2"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="textjas-1-2"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">“…</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="textjas-1-2"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for
great joy.</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span class="textjas-1-3"><i><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></sup></i></span><span class="textjas-1-3"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">For you know that when your faith is tested, your
endurance has a chance to grow…”</span></i></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span></i></span><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">The decisions we make today <u>can</u> affect our future tomorrow!</span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I have had Christian
friends who have made horrible choices that have landed them in jail, led them
into affairs (that have destroyed their families), and gotten them wrapped up
into a lifestyle of drugs and alcohol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
the end, they discovered (after all of the consequences of their actions hit
them) that it’s not where they really wanted to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I think about it all, it baffles my
mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">How did they get to that dark place when </span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: "ink free"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">at one point they seemed so close to God?</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">It’s not something
that happens overnight, friend!</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">It’s a
slow process of us deafening our ears to God day by day.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">It begins with us choosing to allow </span><i style="color: #141823; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">other
things</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> to come </span><u style="color: #141823; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">before</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> Him or </span><u style="color: #141823; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">replace</u><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> our time with Him in our
lives.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">The end result is that our hearts
become far from God and our lives become centered completely on ourselves.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">That’s a dangerous place to be!</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I challenge you
to draw close to God today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Invite Him
into every area of your lives (let nothing be off limits with Him).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make the decision to keep Him first place in
your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask for His help to make
“right” decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask others around you
for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The decisions we make really
do matter!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you trust Him with the
details of your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I dare you to try
a new way of living… <i>“Making decisions with God in mind”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is one decision you will never regret!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Living to leave
a legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Prayer:</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt sans"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">God, I thank you
that you want to be involved in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know You really do care about me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help me to make you a priority in my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to spend special time with You daily…
reading your word, talking with you, and listening to your heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to draw closer to you and learn how to
recognize your voice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God please help me
to use wisdom as I make decisions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
pray your spirit would guide me daily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Help me also to look to other godly people in my life to guide me in my
big decision making times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that your
peace would guide me in all that I do and that my decisions would honor you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for your patience with me as I
learn.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you with all of my
heart!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-34260620452625553822018-07-10T13:08:00.002-07:002018-07-10T16:10:50.498-07:00“Yucky…That’s the only word to describe it!” <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNNyL-dJsZOUL4LKdqt217RvtOUYAVasZ3Yjng3muKUP2PTQaNEqzIxqqt1ZWn9V15rFReBR9jIcusN1fBPxsh0B6O0CTlDI4Z78ULSuH1ZpcSyxDbgNQIy61DqIUntqT-wFmX0qtHmKt/s1600/tongue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKNNyL-dJsZOUL4LKdqt217RvtOUYAVasZ3Yjng3muKUP2PTQaNEqzIxqqt1ZWn9V15rFReBR9jIcusN1fBPxsh0B6O0CTlDI4Z78ULSuH1ZpcSyxDbgNQIy61DqIUntqT-wFmX0qtHmKt/s1600/tongue.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Have
you ever looked at your tongue before? It’s definitely not the prettiest part
of our bodies. Our tongue is the organ of taste and speech. The Bible talks
about how hard it is to control our tongues in James Chapter 3… one minute we
are speaking good and the next evil. One minute we are encouraging others and
the next minute we are tearing them down. It’s a mystery. I learned when my
boys were little that they struggled with this immensely. I immediately set out
on a mission to “fix” their ugly talk and teach them to speak words of life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
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<span style="background: white;">I determined that the best way to teach my boys
how to control their tongues would be with a visual reminder of its ugliness.
My tool of choice was vinegar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared with them that every time they chose
to speak ugly or yucky to others that yucky stuff was going to be put in their
mouths as a reminder that we shouldn’t talk that way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="background: white;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODO8b8UbQ2CSF6O8zf4O_673G5q81uhILwvqIFZJv4xJ29Zv5Rwlxfv4qGy_j0gHkJyomzl4hFPbEoqfi0zlKc5EU9gsmLaKWWeF-h9phVuzrj_lvD4za9Ez_YOciKmvWFKh8FEvBJZny/s1600/vinegar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiODO8b8UbQ2CSF6O8zf4O_673G5q81uhILwvqIFZJv4xJ29Zv5Rwlxfv4qGy_j0gHkJyomzl4hFPbEoqfi0zlKc5EU9gsmLaKWWeF-h9phVuzrj_lvD4za9Ez_YOciKmvWFKh8FEvBJZny/s200/vinegar.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">My
slogan was…</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="background: white; color: red; font-family: "segoe script";"><span style="font-size: large;"> Yucky
talk = Yucky taste</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">It
seemed to work to some degree for awhile. I threatened vinegar often and they
would “try” to do better. The taste lingered in their mouths as a reminder of
their bad choice of words. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">To this day, the
boys want nothing to do with <span style="background: white;">vinegar. Once I was
at the grocery store and needed vinegar for a cooking project.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I asked one of them to get me some from the
shelf and they said, “No, mommy we don’t need anymore vinegar… PLEASE! We
promise to talk nice!” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Another
time I was cooking in the kitchen and had a bottle of white vinegar set out on
the counter. It was turned so you couldn’t see the label. I didn’t realize how
much it looked like a water bottle until my boys came in hot and thirsty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One went to grab it to guzzle it down (I
guess the bottles did look a little similar, but taste very different!) I
stopped him just in time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Vinegar…
a visual reminder that </span><em style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Yucky
Talk = Yucky Taste</em><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">I wonder
what God would choose to use with us. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">What
if every time we spoke </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">negative, harsh, or ugly words</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> God gave us
vinegar? It doesn’t taste very good by itself… just ask my boys. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">I surely
wouldn’t want to have it all the time. Sometimes I think we need a visual
reminder to help us guard our mouths and season our speech with sweetness.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqacPhtaxx3L1s0Ez9zgsJ3d1gs4FAEgH6bLNTydRNUGq67qaEfXF7ZMKZ1DTKjmo6I92Wasdkf8yO5ZRhEeZMDbDEp0cJpLkYgfcEccb6PUDhsjocMd6D7o5g2Y_XgWSRwWntPOJeuc4_/s1600/sour4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="171" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqacPhtaxx3L1s0Ez9zgsJ3d1gs4FAEgH6bLNTydRNUGq67qaEfXF7ZMKZ1DTKjmo6I92Wasdkf8yO5ZRhEeZMDbDEp0cJpLkYgfcEccb6PUDhsjocMd6D7o5g2Y_XgWSRwWntPOJeuc4_/s1600/sour4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">How others respond to our words are determined by several factors:</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">As we speak to others we need to consider…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><u><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">How</span></u></i><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> we say it, the <u>tone</u></span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">, <i>the <u>attitude</u> behind the words,
the specific <u>words chosen</u></i>, and the <i><u>timing of it all</u></i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">I
don’t know if this is true for you, but I’ve noticed that ugliness seems to fly
freely most with family. Why is
that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why are we the most hateful to
those closest to us?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe it’s because
we feel like we can really be ourselves around them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But, what is that saying about our true
selves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"><b>Luke 6:45</b> says...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks…”</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">What
do the words that come out of our mouths say about our hearts?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">(Ouch!)</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Hmm…
think about it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If your speech had a
taste, what would yours taste like?Would it be <u>sour</u>, <u>bitter</u>, or <u>sweet</u>?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw82l0cbeOQEy-c_2gX4NKpHiY-M9ialAKPNt80NnVFmpfDciHOY9LxllQYSN85bp0qdisbxMvKE5wmm2X4w_GXAageveqtF7pZehyphenhyphencaAIzJn1vqyX2xq6v25sXAEbajxrnZ7S-83c4tQv/s1600/tongue2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "times new roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="129" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw82l0cbeOQEy-c_2gX4NKpHiY-M9ialAKPNt80NnVFmpfDciHOY9LxllQYSN85bp0qdisbxMvKE5wmm2X4w_GXAageveqtF7pZehyphenhyphencaAIzJn1vqyX2xq6v25sXAEbajxrnZ7S-83c4tQv/s1600/tongue2.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"></span><br />
<b style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="background: white;">Psalm 119:103</span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> says</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
<em><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">“How sweet are
your words to my taste, they are sweeter than honey.”</span></em><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’ve learned over time t</span><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">hat our words and habits
are transferable to our children. Some families are yellers and they produce
children that yell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others communicate
quietly and have children that have probably never heard their parents argue in
front of them. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Negative parents produce
negative kids and positive parents produce positive kids. With God’s help, you
can stop the transfer of negative qualities and pass on a fresh, healthy, and
godly heritage to your family.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
<br />
<span style="background: white;">With that in mind, I want to be my family’s biggest
cheerleader!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I strive to speak words of
life to my family daily. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some days I win
at this and other days I fail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t
know about you, but this is a struggle for me at times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The good doesn’t always want to come
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some times my timing is off, the
tone isn’t right, and I have a bad attitude.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It’s a good thing that I have God to help me with this.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Awhile
back I posted a note on my mirror as a reminder of all of this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It says… “Choose </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">today </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">to be a Life Giver.” It may sound crazy, but I will catch myself in the middle of sentences realizing… maybe the </span><i style="font-family: "century gothic";">tone,
attitude, or timing is off</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> on this conversation with my family member. Allowing
God to help me guard my tongue, watch my attitude, and choose my words wisely
makes a huge difference.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">I’m
on a journey of trying to become more like Christ in this area of my life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the process, here are some things that may
be helpful to you as you endeavor to gain control of your tongue:</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br />
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<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Bite your
tongue! </span></strong><span style="background: white;">(Prov. 21:23)</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">You’ll never be sorry for the hurtful words
never spoken. Sometimes the best thing to do is to say nothing and pray. Let
God guide your tongue.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Be
positive!</span></strong><span style="background: white;"> (Phil. 4:8-9)</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Being positive is a part of having faith. Faith
is believing God for what seems impossible. The Christian walk is a walk of
faith. We need to believe God for the things we cannot see. If we are
constantly looking at things through a negative, critical lens, our Christian
walk will become a defeated one. If you have been raised in a negative home,
this is something that will take time, but with God’s help you can do it!
Positive people rub off on to others. Make friends with some positive people or
marry one like I did. It makes all the difference!</span><br /><br />
<strong><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Be
purposeful!</span></strong><span style="background: white;"> (I Thes. 5:11)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Look
for opportunities to build others up (especially your family). A lot of people
have low self-esteems because they are torn down so much that they can’t lift
their heads. This world is an ugly place. I want my home to be a safe,
refreshing, and encouraging place for my family to be. Don’t withhold speaking
words of life daily to others. Say, “I love you” often. Use words like <i>please</i>,
<i>thank you</i>, and <i>I’m sorry</i>. Live a life with no regrets when it
comes to your words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Be purposeful and intentional about building
others up! </span><br />
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<b><span style="background: white;">Matthew </span></b></span><st1:time hour="12" minute="34"><b><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">12:34</span></b></st1:time><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";"> says…<em><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“Whatever
is in your heart determines what you say.”</span></em></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Fill your heart and life with more of God and
you will have words of life to give to others. Remember it’s a journey. It’s
not easy, but with God’s help and lots of practice we can tame this ugly
tongue.</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Choose to speak words of life today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give someone else the gift of a kind word,
build self-esteem, and learn to sweeten your words. You have the ability to
change your world, one <i><u>word</u></i> at a time. Be intentional today!</span><br />
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<span style="background: white;">Living to leave a legacy!</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe script";">Prayer:</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic";">Lord,
please help me to set my heart on You today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I know that “Out of the abundance of my heart” I will speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me to guard my mouth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to speak sweet and encouraging words
like You do to others. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My family sees me
at my best, worst, and knows just how to push my buttons to make me upset. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please help me to control my tongue at home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know if I can control my tongue at home, I
should be able to control it anywhere. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to learn to bite my tongue when I
need to and become intentional about speaking life giving words to others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In a world where it’s cool to cut down others,
help me to be an encourager of the soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Lord, help me to reflect You well with my words today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Thank you for the words of life that you have
given me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to make time and take
time to read them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you today and
forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-22833500777117151582018-07-03T07:13:00.000-07:002018-07-03T07:13:33.982-07:00“Can I have a Band-aid please… Life Hurts?”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">When my boys were little they had
this weird fascination with band-aids. I don’t know why, but I couldn’t keep
them stocked enough in our house. We were constantly running out. I decided to
investigate this mystery. I discovered in my search that my boys had a unique
philosophy about band-aids. They thought that anytime they hurt that the
band-aid would immediately heal them and take all of the pain away. It was
amazing.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBLeRCUh4pWcgkqSGenFJOUh3Fj7i-XPekMPgp4md4kDZ31rDe8_jxcDaiKT3cIqxQeMeRIt-I_0hJh_kbDYH7fEFXP0a2nfdVkGJ31KVd4ZUwBkyYyXaWbf0-4N3cppGzsZbUtWxNgkS/s1600/Band-aid+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfBLeRCUh4pWcgkqSGenFJOUh3Fj7i-XPekMPgp4md4kDZ31rDe8_jxcDaiKT3cIqxQeMeRIt-I_0hJh_kbDYH7fEFXP0a2nfdVkGJ31KVd4ZUwBkyYyXaWbf0-4N3cppGzsZbUtWxNgkS/s320/Band-aid+girl.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I tested the theory several times to
be sure. When they would get a bump, bruise, or scratch, they cried their eyes
out and immediately stopped the minute the band-aid was placed in position.
Wallahhhh… they were healed. I wish it were true! This concept seems a little
silly, but some of us see God in the same light. We hurt and therefore we want
Him to immediately put a band-aid on it and take away all of the pain.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">There have been many times in my
life’s journey that I wished this concept was true. If only I could put a band-aid on it and see it
immediately be healed. It would be awesome to see all the hurt go away in a
moment. It’s a nice idea, but doesn’t always happen that way. God doesn’t
promise to take all of the pain away, but He does promise to walk through it all
with us. We are not alone! He has been there and knows what it means to hurt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">John 16:32-33 says…</span></strong><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt; font-weight: normal;">“But I'm not abandoned. The Father is with me. I've told you all this
so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In
this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take
heart! I've conquered the world."</span></i></strong><b><span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">It is inevitable that we will face
pain some time in our life time. It could be the pain of a broken relationship,
hurtful words, a miscarriage, financial hardship, disease, death, an injustice,
or a physical pain that won’t go away. When we face pain, we can most relate to
Jesus and how He felt on the cross. He was willing to suffer to do whatever it
took to build a bridge for us to get to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I’ve faced various types of pain in
my lifetime, but a few years ago I experienced extreme physical pain like
never before. I had severe stomach pain that wouldn’t go away. I went to every
doctor imaginable and each one kept saying we don’t see anything wrong and refer me on to the next. I felt
like I was being sent in circles and nothing was helping. After awhile, my
patience ran out. I was vomiting because of all of the pain and on strong pain
killers that barely cut the edge off. I remember lying in bed in severe pain
one night thinking… Why me???? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I didn’t blame God, I just didn’t
understand what He was doing. In that moment, I decided that regardless of how I felt that I
was going to choose to be thankful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was thankful to be alive and thankful that I could be
with my family. I determined that if I had to live with this horrid pain forever that I could
do it with God’s help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">After SIX MONTHS, we finally
discovered the problem!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of the
medicines I was taking for the autoimmune disease I have had a side-effect (in
very few people) that caused abdominal pain. A slight change in the dosage
fixed it all. A lesson in patience for me I suppose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I don’t know what kind of pain you
are facing today in your life, but the main thing you need to realize is
that God has not forgotten you. YOU are not alone!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is near and wants to walk with you through
it all. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No matter how hard things may
get, Run <u>TO</u> Him. Keep running to Him when you are hurting, battered, and bruised. Even when your inclination is to run the other direction entirely (<u>AWAY</u> from
God) don't do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He loves you dearly friend and
wants to be there for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I read this quote recently and it
really stuck with me...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<em><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">"When you come to the end
of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.”</span></b></em><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;">~Franklin D.
Roosevelt<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">I remember feeling at times (when
I’ve been sick or struggling in the past) like I was hanging from a rope. It
felt like it was wearing thin and I was just hanging by a thread. In that
moment God reminded me of something.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
was not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was holding on to the
other end of the rope. I was safe as long as I held tightly on to Him. No
matter where you are in life or what you are facing friend… run to God!
Hang on tight and let Him carry you through. With God nothing is impossible!
Pray, trust Him, Hang on, and let God take care of the rest. He is faithful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><em style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Life's challenges are not
supposed to paralyze you,</span></b></em><em><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></b></em></div>
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<em><b><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">they're supposed to help you discover who you
are.”</span></b></em></div>
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<em><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></em><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;">~Bernice
Johnson Reagon</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">May God bless you richly today as you face
life’s difficulties with His peace, presence, and patience for the journey.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Living to leave a legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "Segoe Script"; font-size: 11.0pt;">Prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">God, thank you that you are always there for me
no mater what.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know in this world I
will face trouble and difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is inevitable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Regardless of what is
happening around me or to me… When I am struggling, hurting, and feeling
overwhelmed help me to always run to
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to trust you with all of my
pain, hurts, and heartache.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to
surrender my fears to you today and rest in your peace.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Help me to remember that I am not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU are there to comfort me, heal me, and
restore me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sink my faith roots deep in
You so that I am always ready for whatever comes my way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hold tightly on to you God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are my anchor through all of life’s
storms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I pray that whatever life may
bring me that in the end I am drawn closer to you and become stronger as a
result.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love you today and forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Amen.</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-80394804119707875732018-06-26T05:37:00.000-07:002018-06-26T05:48:07.597-07:00“It’s All About Perspective!”<br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Sometimes I can get caught up in things that don’t really
matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t know how or why it
happens… it just does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my family was
here right now they would definitely be shouting a loud “AMEN!” to that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ha, ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Have you ever been there before friend?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope I am not alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have you ever fixated over trivial
meaningless tasks that don’t really matter?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have you ever gotten wrapped up in situations or circumstances that
threatened to consume your life?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may
not really matter a week, a month, or a year from now, but it matters to you
today. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">What we don’t realize is that when we allow these things (the
trivial and meaningless things) to consume our time, our thoughts, our energy, and
our lives… we can lose our perspective.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yesterday,
God gave me a lesson in what really matters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">It seemed like a typical day from the start. The boys got up and about their day slowly... as usual of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Being the task master mom that I am, I gave
them a specific time frame to be dressed, teeth brushed, and ready in the
living room for our family meeting. We were going to discuss the plans for the day. They had exactly <i>one hour</i>
to get ready at their leisure. That seemed like a reasonable amount of time to
me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKviaWAMYUvmZpE-nNzPkkurFpVDOB3N7bUkRciu3aVQdu5rsME6F_qk9q4OSTGokMKbDlgBcOPAJQqC47qUQUMUgcRojgdb08kAkOvrQugfUtTeLwn4LGI-ymfydjiLfVKXzwMf7YR_kC/s1600/boys+baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="402" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKviaWAMYUvmZpE-nNzPkkurFpVDOB3N7bUkRciu3aVQdu5rsME6F_qk9q4OSTGokMKbDlgBcOPAJQqC47qUQUMUgcRojgdb08kAkOvrQugfUtTeLwn4LGI-ymfydjiLfVKXzwMf7YR_kC/s320/boys+baseball.jpg" width="211" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW16aB545HwSoQTQvY1eM4FSZkEtEqIONsFOrfjanIzRWkeAOx1fdfIh3YwmOAYIPKI4jFZt3BwDs3RkMMQRpQVsqeXFjs8ThyEe2Ep_BnXKzJVEIOhijL7dLGXXBys-q7vs0xQdK8kTs/s1600/boy+watching+tv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="300" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeW16aB545HwSoQTQvY1eM4FSZkEtEqIONsFOrfjanIzRWkeAOx1fdfIh3YwmOAYIPKI4jFZt3BwDs3RkMMQRpQVsqeXFjs8ThyEe2Ep_BnXKzJVEIOhijL7dLGXXBys-q7vs0xQdK8kTs/s200/boy+watching+tv.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">They had plenty of time to get ready and enjoy their special shows
if they managed their time wisely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>However I have one child who likes to wait to the last minute to do
everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He generally ends up way
behind schedule as a result. So, when I saw him enter the living room to watch
TV, I thought… “Why isn’t he dressed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
doesn’t take much effort to put some clothes on… he only has 30 minutes left to
do it before THE DEADLINE!”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I proceeded
to lecture him on why he should have already gotten dressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Needless to say this caused him to have an
attitude with me leaving us both feeling a little on edge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Feeling defeated and out of sorts, I immediately retreated to my safe place to consult with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I turned on the worship music and began
cleaning the kitchen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t long until the songs began to penetrate my heart and God got
my attention. He whispered quietly to
my spirit… <i>“Did you see that little boys face? What do you want him to
remember about the encounter you just had with him? Is it that he should follow
YOUR SCHEDULE… Do you want him to remember your angry expressions, harsh words,
or bad attitude? What impression do you want to leave with him about this
moment?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What do you want etched into his
mind forever?”</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The words weighed heavy on my heart as I replayed the encounter
again in my mind.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Whoa!!!!!!!! Wait
a minute… this was NOT my plan for the day!
I need to fix this and fix this now!”</i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I immediately called my son into the room to
rectify the situation per God’s instructions.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">I started talking before he could even say a word… “Will you
please forgive me? Mommy sometimes gets caught up in things and forgets that
everything doesn’t always have to been done HER WAY. I’m sorry. Will you remind
mommy next time this happens that you will do it (whatever it is), but you want
to do it YOUR way and in YOUR time?” He gobbled me in a hug, smiled, and said “OK mommy, I love you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">I’m so glad that God helps us in this journey called life. When we
mess up, lose focus, or get caught up in the trivial things this life has to
offer… God is there to rescue us and bring us back to where we need to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m also thankful for sons that are quick to
forgive a mom who tends to lose her focus more often than not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The struggle is real!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God help me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Colossians 3:1-2</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"> says <i>“So if you're serious about living this new resurrection
life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides.
Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in
front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's
where the action is. See things from His perspective. “<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pcn3iEDy1yocQt4F-vSDkVr-EkXyrfqWj7CQGn-XhkeuaS95xOXN2mcXcK1sZm6qMo5606SmuD6CqMdI9LFozeVVq0d0c9XSOGLkZtu9NHqzAqHPd-eequ7Fc7UK9_i8851iiTPiRaSb/s1600/heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5pcn3iEDy1yocQt4F-vSDkVr-EkXyrfqWj7CQGn-XhkeuaS95xOXN2mcXcK1sZm6qMo5606SmuD6CqMdI9LFozeVVq0d0c9XSOGLkZtu9NHqzAqHPd-eequ7Fc7UK9_i8851iiTPiRaSb/s1600/heart1.jpg" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Lift your head friend and choose to see things from His
perspective. What image do you want to leave etched in the mind of
someone else from their encounter with you </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">today</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">? </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Surrender your heart and day to God.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It’s all about perspective!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a legacy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: red; font-family: "segoe script";">Prayer:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God,
please help me to focus all of my attention on You today.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don’t want to get wrapped up in things that
don’t really matter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Today, I set my
heart on YOU!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to have Your
perspective as I enter my day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Direct my
steps, fill my mouth with Your words, and help <span style="color: black;">me to live
in such a way that others see You in me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I want to make you proud!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I love
you today and forever. Amen.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-28111603113410982452018-04-20T19:53:00.000-07:002018-04-23T20:28:16.113-07:00Infused with HOPE!<br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“We are out of options...” </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This is </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">NOT</u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> the kind of thing you want to hear from your doctor when you are having a rough year health-wise.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Good grief… it was only March!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I can’t say this hasn’t happened before because unfortunately it did.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This time it was
an upper respiratory infection and pneumonia that knocked me down quickly.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My body just wasn’t recovering like it
should.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The on-going sickness only
exasperated the autoimmune disease (</span><span style="color: red; font-family: "century gothic";"><a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2012/07/side-effects.html">read more details about my struggle here)</a></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I was in
the midst of a flare up that wasn’t getting better!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My neurologist
had ordered the traditional go to IVIG treatments to get me back to normal
quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they didn’t work, we
jumped to the next best step to re-charge my immune system in a sense...
steroid treatments.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing was working
and I only seemed to get worse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Muscle
weakness, fatigue, trouble speaking, the list goes on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was in a full blown flare up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yay me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’m thankful I
have an aggressive neurologist who cares deeply about his patients.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He researches alternative options, talks to
specialists, and weighs all options before presenting what he feels would be
best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My option at this point was to
have a treatment I had six years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At that time, I was bedridden most of the day with this dreaded illness
with no quality of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The risks
involved in the treatment seemed like a sensible trade for the <u>hope</u> of
better days ahead. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">HOPE… I like that
word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For me, it means there is
“potential” for something good to happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>That’s better than <i>despair</i>… which means to lose all hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’d rather not <i>despair</i> the days ahead
for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“To lose hope”… where did hope go?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was it ever there?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where did we lose it?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyySVUxr6eNNLIjCK18TGV2cxUsPVrbObjvUO-46-6UgvbvywLT8F9gWUSdQhMN9kQJTUKh1mgR1nlAhgl3Gwlf7xxPl2oHNKs5_yRelc2yqv-K7zEZlNisiCuxJ-wkgF9rjGBhY-6Wx52/s1600/hope2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyySVUxr6eNNLIjCK18TGV2cxUsPVrbObjvUO-46-6UgvbvywLT8F9gWUSdQhMN9kQJTUKh1mgR1nlAhgl3Gwlf7xxPl2oHNKs5_yRelc2yqv-K7zEZlNisiCuxJ-wkgF9rjGBhY-6Wx52/s1600/hope2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I have faced a
lot up’s and down’s in my lifetime.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
of which could have stripped me of all hope, but they didn’t! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They don’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Why? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me tell you my secret… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>I choose to put my HOPE in God instead of
dwelling in a pit of despair.</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Have
you ever been there before?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s
really hard to climb out of that pit when everything is going wrong in your
life<i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>Believe me, I know!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I remember a
particularly dark season where I got to the end of myself health-wise and I
didn’t know what else to do.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I was so
sick and nothing was working.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I was skin
and bones, not getting better, and I had no options at the time to do anything
else.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">There were no words.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I cried out to God broken inside... nothing
would come out of my mouth.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">All I can
say is that God met me right where I was and helped me keep pushing forward…
trusting Him all the way.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I read the
verse below recently and it describes what I felt at that moment to a tee.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This speaks volumes to my heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“Strength in my
soul”</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">… It was a strength
I didn’t possess on my own. To be
completely transparent with you (if I haven’t already), I don’t know how I made
it through this season. It really felt
like God was carrying me the whole way.
He was faithful!!! </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">For
those of us who might feel stuck in that “Pit of Despair”. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">The verse below sounds
like someone is giving themselves a pep talk.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">
</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">We can see it all the way throughout chapter 42.</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">I love how it says in verse 5… “</span><u style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "Century Gothic";">YET</u><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";"> I
will praise him.”</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";">This person is
believing for better days ahead… so am I!</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Psalm 42:5</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> (NIV)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt;">“Why, my soul, are you downcast? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt;">Why so disturbed within me? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt;">Put your hope in God,</span></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">For I will <u>yet</u> praise him,<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv"><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">My Savior and my God.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: "segoe print"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Instead of choosing
to dwell in a pit of despair… Put your HOPE in God!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">He has always been my ever present, constant
source of strength to pull me through... and He will be that for you!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When I faced
difficulties or challenging seasons of life, I could have walked <u>AWAY</u>
from God and blamed Him like others do and have, but I didn’t.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I choose to run <u>TO</u> Him in the midst of
my struggles and I have never, ever regretted that decision.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His peace has been immediate as He has
carried me through some of my darkest seasons of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Here we are again
after six years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The treatments I had before
put me into remission for 4 years which was awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I felt like I came back to life in a
sense!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had a fresh perspective and a
new way of living.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I determined to live
differently from that day forward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But…
as I think back over the past six years (4 really good and 2 struggling
health-wise), I wonder.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Has anything
changed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What have I accomplished in my
six years?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYYaf2RkP8O_nBVrRlubtQUVfyqpJqX821nqTh9T-xIZVsrpoALJPuHMTXOkE5C1PcmzmN2GCnXPWalXo2jBjxNxvr8NjgTQc3r1iB2Pxznphoyi3C2AvrOI4cDzFTLiIR2FGh9OTbfjy/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuYYaf2RkP8O_nBVrRlubtQUVfyqpJqX821nqTh9T-xIZVsrpoALJPuHMTXOkE5C1PcmzmN2GCnXPWalXo2jBjxNxvr8NjgTQc3r1iB2Pxznphoyi3C2AvrOI4cDzFTLiIR2FGh9OTbfjy/s400/family.jpg" width="225" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’ve been very
introspective lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve written
special letters to my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In case
my health declines drastically and those so called “risks” involved with this
treatment conquer me, I want to be ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’ve pondered my life and asked myself a lot of questions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Has my life
impacted others for good?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Are they better
for having known me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I spending more
time “living” life (making memories) instead of just “doing” things (I have
been known to get lost in a ‘to do' list… LOL)?</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Have
I created memory making moments with my family?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Do they know I love them fiercely?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Have I been intentional?</i> <i>Have I done what God would have me
do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Have I reflected Him well to those
around me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Am I pointing people to Jesus
by my life choices (actions and reactions)?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ4iwO3NqhUzYW36LbBqsM5utB4t4ahRk4BF5Ad3PQ_B_FCdXXXxXQeOfUWt3Ph3ulok61n0WZgwYG1jT5ORKeyU6DDF-fic3720jtdFjtjYjsSYEGi3pNj9GMRP_k0U9Z-Qy3IYYf7R1/s1600/my+guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJ4iwO3NqhUzYW36LbBqsM5utB4t4ahRk4BF5Ad3PQ_B_FCdXXXxXQeOfUWt3Ph3ulok61n0WZgwYG1jT5ORKeyU6DDF-fic3720jtdFjtjYjsSYEGi3pNj9GMRP_k0U9Z-Qy3IYYf7R1/s320/my+guys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">These are just a
few of the many questions rolling around in my head lately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Today I finished my last treatment (or
infusion)</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now it’s all about the
recovery process.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am infused with
HOPE!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Hope… that these treatments will
lead me right into remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is
“potential” with these treatments to go into an indefinite remission.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will you pray with me that happens?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Have you lost
your HOPE and fallen into a “Pit of Despair”? </span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Put
your hope in God, friend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>We have <u>YET</u> to praise Him!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>I’m believing it, do
you?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-83764982676883089302018-04-13T11:59:00.000-07:002018-04-13T13:24:31.451-07:00What does God think of ME?<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If you
struggle with your self-esteem, care too much what others think, have daddy
issues, or relationship troubles, you will want to keep reading…</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Recently I had
the chance to speak at my boys’ school for their Spiritual Emphasis days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually did two workshops for girls
only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title of my session was <b>“She’s
Beautiful!”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emphasis was on how
to build a healthy self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
wanted to help them answer the following questions before we finished our
session…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Who
do others say that I am?</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What do others think of
ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Who
does God say that I am?</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What does God think of
ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>Who
do I say that I am?</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What do I think of ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I thought I would
take a few moments to share with you some of what I did with them on that
day.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The teaching itself was way too
long to put it all into one post so I have broken it up into several
parts.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">This is part three</u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You can read the
other two posts here…<i>“She’s Beautiful” </i>(<a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2018/03/shes-beautiful.html"><b>Part One</b></a>) and <i>“What if Barbie was a
real woman” (</i><a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2018/03/what-if-barbie-was-real-woman.html"><b>Part Two</b></a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We tackled the
first question in my last post… <i>Who do others say that I am?</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We looked at the world’s view of beauty and
discovered that we can never really measure up to their standards.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s totally unattainable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Besides, ultimately we should only care about
one person’s opinion in the long run… God’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx7yDdht1BZgORJTayMmx6EQ0Wg3TASBRG-ezQ0WM8dEmPzjvU6g9vJKn-a2aKDLmkwtAa5BasCewR2eh1aBJ9WFWmcic_btQryjO9YIzu8zYRdoSJhlutyIUIvxH6k82KyMHtfSE8DlG/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDx7yDdht1BZgORJTayMmx6EQ0Wg3TASBRG-ezQ0WM8dEmPzjvU6g9vJKn-a2aKDLmkwtAa5BasCewR2eh1aBJ9WFWmcic_btQryjO9YIzu8zYRdoSJhlutyIUIvxH6k82KyMHtfSE8DlG/s1600/heart.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I Sam. 16: 7</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> says… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“<span style="background: white; color: black;">People judge by outward appearance, but
the <span class="small-caps"><span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span></span> looks
at the heart.”</span></span></i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"> (NLT)</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God looks beyond
the surface of our lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees beauty
inside and out! </span><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You don’t have
to convince Him to love you with <u>fancy clothes</u>, <u>perfect skin</u>, <u>pretty
make up</u> or <u>the perfect body</u>.</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><b>He loves you for
YOU… inside and out!</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">He doesn’t want
you to be like everyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God loves
VARIETY<u>!</u><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants you to be YOU…
the best YOU, you can be and me to be the best ME… I can be!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Different isn’t a bad thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s a God-thing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">“Just because you
aren’t like everyone else doesn’t mean <o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">you are any less of who
God created you to be.”</span><span style="color: #e06666;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God want you to
be YOU!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He made each of us different,
unique, and special in our own way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
were no accident.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were made on
purpose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are unique!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is not another YOU out there in the
whole wide world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU are an original
made by God… a masterpiece!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Psalm 139</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> is one of my favorite passages in the Bible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It reminds me of God’s love for me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OaWvukghAjitHw6zQlc5ldTNeId6XG8e9SRQtn5ukVkzYJIdThqNBZI7tMX_uYJJI-bvxNhFxBIKOQx1YBa0UtqETPex1VMf9iAuVJD9P6kvFdsqN5Ekkgnwd3uIKkvI17Hq_AURUtmK/s1600/surprised+baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OaWvukghAjitHw6zQlc5ldTNeId6XG8e9SRQtn5ukVkzYJIdThqNBZI7tMX_uYJJI-bvxNhFxBIKOQx1YBa0UtqETPex1VMf9iAuVJD9P6kvFdsqN5Ekkgnwd3uIKkvI17Hq_AURUtmK/s1600/surprised+baby.jpg" /></a><span class="textps-139-13"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">You created every part of me; you put me together
in my mother's womb. </span></i></span><span class="textps-139-14"><i><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">14 </span></sup></i></span><span class="textps-139-14"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is
strange and wonderful. </span></i></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"><span class="textps-139-14"><span style="background: white;">I know it with all my
heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></span></i><span class="textps-139-15"><i><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">15 </span></sup></i></span><span class="textps-139-15"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my
mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there— </span></i></span><span class="textps-139-16"><i><sup><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">16 </span></sup></i></span><span class="indent-1-breaks"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></i></span><span class="textps-139-16"><i><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">you saw me before I was born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The days allotted to me</span></i></span><i><span style="color: black; font-family: "century gothic";"><br />
<span class="textps-139-16"><span style="background: white;">had all been recorded
in your book, before any of them ever began. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="textps-139-16"><span style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "century gothic";">(Vs13-16)(GNT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God KNOWS you
and me and LOVES us still! </span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It blows my mind! God’s love is unconditional, fierce, and all
consuming! He chases after us and never
wants to let us go. We are always on His
mind and in His heart. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For some of us
this is hard for us to comprehend because we haven’t experienced a relationship
like this before.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe our
relationships have been one-sided, conditional, or self-centered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may be, but the relationship we have
with God should be different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Did you
know that if we don’t have a <u>proper view of God</u>, it can hinder our
relationship with others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Let me explain…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Some of us have
been blessed with amazing fathers here on earth which is awesome, but others
haven’t been as fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When they
think of a dad, a good, happy image does NOT come to their mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those images are attached to pain, rejection,
hurt, and brokenness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3IxNOnUAdFnQG3KPdT3d3vWBITViA10kqFx-Cnpk6ODK7NUHNNQYgewNiUdYLGASZpUceFcMJWpwisbWB5V9PyYvHdrkNoKl0U7UkWBv1bvs1StTHG7HcX7wdvR2cjQhPWEDZ_0o97HX/s1600/parent-and-child2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1049" data-original-width="1600" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr3IxNOnUAdFnQG3KPdT3d3vWBITViA10kqFx-Cnpk6ODK7NUHNNQYgewNiUdYLGASZpUceFcMJWpwisbWB5V9PyYvHdrkNoKl0U7UkWBv1bvs1StTHG7HcX7wdvR2cjQhPWEDZ_0o97HX/s320/parent-and-child2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Because of this without
realizing it, those with “bad dads” can begin to relate to God as they do their
earthly fathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>If their earthly
fathers are: judgmental, angry, tear them down, and rarely show them love, then
they can begin to expect their heavenly father to be the same way!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When bad things
happen, things don’t go their way, or they face adversity, they may feel that
God doesn’t care about them, they are unloved, or rejected by Him in some way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2tjV3D3fObKKY1uDmBKYzHJMZRpld_94KVpY2eXeMGYK6QU0yoHAQe97keSW9o1lEOHxDjdxUQCFHtLiqIcJ7AEbKc3jMpR5-nbGd4r1usN8mCbtxyff66ML8OSGy7PHwjpaq29HQFU8/s1600/girl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="396" data-original-width="595" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2tjV3D3fObKKY1uDmBKYzHJMZRpld_94KVpY2eXeMGYK6QU0yoHAQe97keSW9o1lEOHxDjdxUQCFHtLiqIcJ7AEbKc3jMpR5-nbGd4r1usN8mCbtxyff66ML8OSGy7PHwjpaq29HQFU8/s320/girl2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">But, God is nothing
like our earthly fathers!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the best
daddy you could ever imagine!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you
have been fortunate enough to have an incredible godly dad, you may see things
differently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your dad has been able to
be a small reflection of God to you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has probably helped you see God in a loving, approachable way which is
awesome!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Imagine what you
would see if you weren’t as fortunate to have a godly dad in your life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>How would you relate to God in view of an
abusive, unloving dad as your reflection?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span></i>If we don’t have a proper view of God, it will affect how we live
our lives and every other relationship we have in a negative way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I mean if God doesn’t really care about us,
then what is the point of trying to “be good”?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When our view
of God is wrong</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> <b>our
relationships and our view of what is truly beautiful can become distorted! </b>We
can begin to <u>seek attention</u> and <u>value</u> from others instead of God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We can
begin to think…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Pretty is
showing our skin to get attention</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">(Dressing immodestly
isn’t pretty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may turn the heads of
others, but not for the reason you are thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You are attracting the wrong kind of person
and not someone you would want to some day marry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can promise you that!)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Letting others
do whatever they want with our bodies is okay and expected</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">(No it’s
not!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants you to save your purity
and the viewing of your body for your future husband!)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KAYF84Fiqw7QfliiFLtkpTynu0D_dWNdlfg6QP3HaJFfSmR3Br_Aa64-FVdWWpWl8DFiE8kGWyjMGiG8khv7sFfIlCl-q9Ge6u6IvOF3BLTntFeL4gf8JxCB6VxuPuaKFer6SY6Td14X/s1600/crown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="300" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2KAYF84Fiqw7QfliiFLtkpTynu0D_dWNdlfg6QP3HaJFfSmR3Br_Aa64-FVdWWpWl8DFiE8kGWyjMGiG8khv7sFfIlCl-q9Ge6u6IvOF3BLTntFeL4gf8JxCB6VxuPuaKFer6SY6Td14X/s200/crown.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i><b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You are a daughter of the King so…</span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Walk</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> like it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Talk</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> like it<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Dress </span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">like it<i> <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">…and wait for a Godly man who will <u>treat
you like it</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaLdZABQ32s5hMM4jTOdD2q5MHJCPWHKkSHxwLyjoYcILTEqMbi8jx2jZB9FwM1qE4Lek9PRzq2yNj-6swf9oAnqFOS6OC2J4BL8z4Nr9hOxCLiyqwOjDlcXqW2u-DB0kNk_BSbnn4Q17/s1600/Love+Story.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaLdZABQ32s5hMM4jTOdD2q5MHJCPWHKkSHxwLyjoYcILTEqMbi8jx2jZB9FwM1qE4Lek9PRzq2yNj-6swf9oAnqFOS6OC2J4BL8z4Nr9hOxCLiyqwOjDlcXqW2u-DB0kNk_BSbnn4Q17/s400/Love+Story.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God wants us
to find our value, worth, self-esteem, and identity in Him!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We are loved,
accepted, forgiven, wanted, and cherished.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Believe it today!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If you have been
struggling with comparing God (your heavenly father) to your earthly father, I
want to challenge you to search the scriptures.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make a list of all of the qualities you find in God as your father as
you study.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then compare them to your
earthly father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask God to help you to
see Him for who He truly is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will be
life-changing for you!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXsxSmWJwYhFZlnawjY2UEZjn8DLPKS6ZiL32clW8-QoziKxOFiawC1or5356NiA2q0eYE9kyFRdnsATax191DR1z6x5DW4uQcFIVZicYcU-8bCLT2OqEru6sy0z7QohV90rWnjZwjmNO/s1600/list2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKXsxSmWJwYhFZlnawjY2UEZjn8DLPKS6ZiL32clW8-QoziKxOFiawC1or5356NiA2q0eYE9kyFRdnsATax191DR1z6x5DW4uQcFIVZicYcU-8bCLT2OqEru6sy0z7QohV90rWnjZwjmNO/s1600/list2.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When we have a
proper view of God, it changes things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There is a song I love that paints such a beautiful picture of who God
is to us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s called… <b>“Good, Good
Father”</b>.<b> </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can listen to
the song <a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=good%2C+good%2C+father%2C+zealand&vid=fcc01edde75906170175df7ff31ebcf0&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP.iRaXu_c-XgO4sj3XLYnjNAHgFo%26pid%3D15.1%26h%3D360%26w%3D480%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dyib_kBJ9r10&tit=Good+Good+Father+-+Lyric+Video+%28Zealand+Worship+version%29&c=15&h=360&w=480&l=218&sigr=11bpqtf7b&sigt=11os8m04h&sigi=12r2f51e5&ct=p&age=1460253682&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&hsimp=yhs-prodege_001&hspart=prodege&type=search_6&vm=p&param1=20119384&param2=36904698&param4=1745235062&tt=b"><b>HERE</b></a>. When we have a proper view of God, it changes our
perspective on life and our relationship with others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When I
discovered for myself what kind of father God was to me… </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It changed
things.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It changed ME!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’m not sure what
your daddy issues might be, but I encourage you to give them to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let Him be that daddy you’ve always wanted
and dreamed for.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My goal through
my teaching was to help the girls answer 3 questions before we finished…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">1.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who do others say that I am?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My answer to this
is… <u>Who cares</u>?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their opinion of
you and me doesn’t matter.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">2.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who does God say that I am?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You are a
beautiful masterpiece, one of a kind, made on purpose!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to find our value in Him not
anything or anyone else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to
see Him for who He truly is… our heavenly daddy who loves us fiercely!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The last
question was one for them to think about on their own to some degree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have to decide this for themselves…</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">3.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><u>WHO DO I SAY THAT I AM?<o:p></o:p></u></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Or… what do I
“think” of myself?<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyJ-D46Kr4FCQc8uPPnuCQO-juqIX-9JFtnT9b-e2EAQAEX6xQiCIQ5M35H_qe7biAxguBpCNyTrzI_X-KrKuW9j4fVJv1yhsUbHtpx_oaWiQI-nnVFgJhN07isZvQD4U1hIOMU_4opuY/s1600/poisoned_heart_by_uploathe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="625" data-original-width="825" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOyJ-D46Kr4FCQc8uPPnuCQO-juqIX-9JFtnT9b-e2EAQAEX6xQiCIQ5M35H_qe7biAxguBpCNyTrzI_X-KrKuW9j4fVJv1yhsUbHtpx_oaWiQI-nnVFgJhN07isZvQD4U1hIOMU_4opuY/s320/poisoned_heart_by_uploathe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If I don’t like
me, it can cause me to go to great extremes to get others to like me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But… when I discover <b>WHO I am in God</b>
and that I don’t have to try to measure up to the worlds ideal view of who I
should be, that sets me free to just be ME… <u>the “me” God created me to be</u>!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I hope you have
been challenged in some way by the teaching I shared at this workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would LOVE to hear your feedback!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>YOU are beautiful friend and God loves you
fiercely!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t you ever forget it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-31523102322306270982018-03-23T20:13:00.000-07:002018-03-23T20:17:30.795-07:00“What if Barbie was a real woman?”<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If you
struggle with your self-esteem, care too much what others think, have daddy
issues, or relationship troubles, you will want to keep reading…</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX4L9UINEsHXQU14nv2t5Zh4ApoGMhLZbjPvromXNv2Ir-gBL8oGmwSVRJw_rwfCQjnjFE8h5HXIi5jZ6CWMnSxkHyJA3JmKfaYvTfd_Xb36vylH5lGUOGmAqNTFI1ctwrDE89MklCjVT/s1600/Woman+holding+ball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="184" data-original-width="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiX4L9UINEsHXQU14nv2t5Zh4ApoGMhLZbjPvromXNv2Ir-gBL8oGmwSVRJw_rwfCQjnjFE8h5HXIi5jZ6CWMnSxkHyJA3JmKfaYvTfd_Xb36vylH5lGUOGmAqNTFI1ctwrDE89MklCjVT/s1600/Woman+holding+ball.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Recently I had
the chance to speak at my boys’ school for their Spiritual Emphasis days.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I actually did two workshops for girls
only.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title of my session was <b>“She’s
Beautiful!”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The emphasis was on how
to build a healthy self-esteem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to help them answer the following
questions before we finished our session…</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: center;">1. </b><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;">Who
do others say that I am?</u></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;"> (What do others think of
ME?)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><b>2. </b><u style="font-weight: bold;">Who
does God say that I am?</u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">(What does God think of
ME?)</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">3. <u>Who
do I say that I am?</u></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><b> </b></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic;">(What do I think of ME?)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;">I thought I would
take a few moments to share with you some of what I did with them on that
day.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;">This is Part Two from my original
post “She’s Beautiful” </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;">(</span><a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2018/03/shes-beautiful.html" style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: left;"><b>You can read Part One</b> <b>HERE</b></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: left;">).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">YOU are
beautiful!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Is that hard for you to
believe?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Well… it’s true!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Say it out loud for all to hear, “I’M
BEAUTIFUL!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The idea of being
“beautiful” is a big deal to us whether we realize it or not.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We really do care what others think about us
on the outside.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">But, </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">what makes
someone “Beautiful”?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We could ask a
million people today this same question and probably get a million different
answers.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It really comes down to how “we”
define beauty.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For some
Beauty is defined by the <i>perfect shaped body, the right color hair, a
perfect complexion, or lightly tanned skin</i></span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">. For
others it’s all about personality, smarts, and what’s in the heart.</span><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Did you know that
there are “tools” that help us measure outward beauty?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Three come to mind for me… </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">a mirror, a scale,
and measuring tape.</i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Have you ever
looked into a mirror and not liked what you saw?</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> I
have!!! It seems that the larger the
mirror we look into, the MORE imperfections we find. <i>“I’m too fat, my nose is too big, my hair
is too frizzy or too straight, my eyebrows are growing together… yikes! This body is out of control!”</i></span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">We never seem to
be perfect enough when we look into that magic mirror, do we?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">But, think about it…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"><b><i> Who decides what
the </i></b></span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; text-align: center;"><i><u>perfect reflection</u> should look like?</i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Have you ever
gotten onto a scale and not liked the number you saw? </span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I have!!! Maybe you avoid scales like the
plague or only check it at the doctor’s office.
Nobody ever seems to be skinny enough when they stand on it. That special number recorded on the scale can
be a good thing or a bad thing... depending on the person. For most it’s a secret number never shared
with others. But, why?</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> Who decides
what weight is the </span></i></b><b style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><u>perfect weight</u> for everyone?</span></i></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Have you ever
used measuring tape to determine how small or big an area of your body is
compared to others?</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> I have!!!
Some of the girls in my workshop didn’t even know what a measuring tape was
when I held it up. I explained that it
was used to help measure every nook and cranny of your body to see if you are
the perfect size… and it’s used for sewing too of course. But, think about it…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"> </span></div>
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<i style="font-family: "Century Gothic"; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"> Who decides what
that <u>perfect size</u> should be?</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I don’t know
about you, but when I was a kid, “Barbie” was our role model.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Everyone wanted to grow up to be like this
little doll.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">She was skinny, had
long, beautiful blonde hair, perfect white teeth, an amazing wardrobe, a cool
pink car, a horse, a fancy house, and a hunk of a boyfriend named Ken.</i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></div>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> The big problem with Barbie is that an
“Unrealistic Image” </span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">was placed in our minds as children that we could never
attain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The perfect <u>reflection</u>,
<u>weight</u>, and <u>size</u> of Barbie is totally impossible for anyone to ever
accomplish!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We can NEVER measure up to
it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let me explain…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Check out the comparison of Barbie’s measurements to those of an average woman below.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Barbie’s size and measurements do not add up
to balanced proportions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If she was a
real woman, the closest comparison would be to that of someone who is severely
anorexic.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p><br /></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="color: red;">What would life be like
if a REAL woman had Barbie's body?</span></span></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvJdQOIVyc7gARLfSEWfUSTHKAKOhv_gj7DYF0P3a2TVBKVxKCzwxnoQBkqJk0ZrjXa4AUoDcKuUwjPLSFv9c-jVN3ct0On5P_qmbyZAGtgUMKGi-zPGJMgyk-soaJnXLDHf-ynebDMzT/s1600/Barbie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1004" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvJdQOIVyc7gARLfSEWfUSTHKAKOhv_gj7DYF0P3a2TVBKVxKCzwxnoQBkqJk0ZrjXa4AUoDcKuUwjPLSFv9c-jVN3ct0On5P_qmbyZAGtgUMKGi-zPGJMgyk-soaJnXLDHf-ynebDMzT/s200/Barbie.jpg" width="125" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Based
on her measurements, her bones would be frail causing lots of problems.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Her head would be two inches larger than the
average American woman's resting on a neck twice as long and six inches
thinner.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Because of this she'd be
entirely incapable of lifting her head.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">She would have to walk on all fours to get around because her feet are
so disproportionately small and her legs are so long.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">She would have trouble standing because her
chest would pull her forward onto her toes.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">To top it all off, her head would be the same circumference as her waist
meaning she would only have room for half a liver and few inches of
intestines.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The result would be chronic
diarrhea and death from malnutrition.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">This is not what every girl dreams of </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">when she imagines being like
Barbie when she grows up. </span></div>
<br />
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<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> Did
you know that 3 Billion women on the planet don’t look like Barbie?</span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Only 8 women will ever
come close.)</span></i></div>
<br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "arial narrow"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "segoe script"; font-size: 18.0pt;"><span style="color: red;">Barbie vs. Average</span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Barbie Average Woman<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<tbody>
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<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Height<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">5’9”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">5’5”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Head<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">22”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">20”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Bust<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
39” (FF)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
36” (B)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Waist<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">19”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">34”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Hips<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">33”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">40”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
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<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Weight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">110 lbs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 10.5pt;">(35 lbs underweight for
her height)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 117.0pt;" valign="top" width="156"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">140 lbs<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.2in;" valign="top" width="115"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Shoe Size<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Size 3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Size 8.5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">These
measurements are totally impossible!!!</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"> Nobody could ever accomplish this with out <u>paying
a lot of money</u> out for plastic surgery and/or <u>becoming severely anorexic</u> in
the process.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TVglhCwRE6gafZC5CiqxsR2Mk9cvnk5DN_WLfiRS4ibpa1QoBLE_q0VQI7U90xKY84HB7YoKaYDsLdHE1_OSD9UcWsfTwqMKvitldKd9G0pirPm1dRTtUuBlGZYA4MT8HdH96nUg8Xb4/s1600/barbie+doll.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3TVglhCwRE6gafZC5CiqxsR2Mk9cvnk5DN_WLfiRS4ibpa1QoBLE_q0VQI7U90xKY84HB7YoKaYDsLdHE1_OSD9UcWsfTwqMKvitldKd9G0pirPm1dRTtUuBlGZYA4MT8HdH96nUg8Xb4/s1600/barbie+doll.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God did not
create each of us to look like ONE person here on earth.</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God likes variety!!!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The world
has fooled us into believing that we have to change ourselves to become this
PERFECT ideal of Barbie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But nobody can
do it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The rules aren’t
fair when they make the “perfect ideal” so out of reach for us and they use
Photo shop among other programs on all of the images they show us of skinny,
perfect people in magazines and on TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Even the models who are in the pictures don’t measure up to these Barbie
standards.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Do you remember
those initial questions I was hoping to answer in my workshop for the
girls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first one was…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Who do OTHERS
say that I am? </span></b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">(What
do others think of me?)</span></i><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My answer</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Who
Cares? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s not worth my time or energy.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’m sure glad God
doesn’t see us the same way the world does.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He looks beyond the surface of our lives into our hearts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He sees beauty inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFgjIs45sQKHU7-T1-z7GbpDCpefMlaWA2kQXFiu0eGtHhwGeQo2DUqSsy7vDJboK0if3Z-3yWo4cnUKt5o4-4KHQR4JjeBDo22rw2qTCeU6WgQkkP7RCGHMWbTiz15Oyl-D1MOGKyLXY/s1600/heart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTFgjIs45sQKHU7-T1-z7GbpDCpefMlaWA2kQXFiu0eGtHhwGeQo2DUqSsy7vDJboK0if3Z-3yWo4cnUKt5o4-4KHQR4JjeBDo22rw2qTCeU6WgQkkP7RCGHMWbTiz15Oyl-D1MOGKyLXY/s320/heart2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I Samuel 16:7</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> says…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“People judge
by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Be watching
soon for my next post in this series of notes from my workshop for the girls
called… “What does God think of ME?”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I hope if nothing
else you have learned from this blog post that we can NEVER measure up to the
world’s standards of beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
totally unattainable and a waste of time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>God made you the way you are for a reason!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He adores you and thinks YOU ARE
BEAUTIFUL!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Believe it friend!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s true!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-37796327277948099202018-03-03T18:10:00.001-08:002018-03-15T16:44:59.656-07:00"She's Beautiful!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_Pw4lkxexr4YUm8mYwMZms7q_Cmy54DN3bM9BmRxeSqvVHFJ_C9qUFPY3oj4gpbZL2NGnuxzZRKSWoqZ7ZnZYkEtlUNOFx2kcXtyAlGURuJ5ma4P_BTKuTY5W-SZs68as7BKskMKJUyn/s1600/cinderella2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="490" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_Pw4lkxexr4YUm8mYwMZms7q_Cmy54DN3bM9BmRxeSqvVHFJ_C9qUFPY3oj4gpbZL2NGnuxzZRKSWoqZ7ZnZYkEtlUNOFx2kcXtyAlGURuJ5ma4P_BTKuTY5W-SZs68as7BKskMKJUyn/s320/cinderella2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Recently I had
the chance to speak at my boys’ school for their Spiritual Emphasis days.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I actually did two workshops for girls only.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The title of my session was </span><b style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“She’s
Beautiful!”</b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The emphasis was on how
to build a healthy self-esteem.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I started
drafting my thoughts a month in advance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I had awesome props, great ideas for group involvement, and a dynamic
presentation prepared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All went well
until half-way through my first workshop.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In the middle of sharing my voice became weak and my speech began to
slur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed I was having trouble
putting my words together.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This was all
too familiar for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was having a
flare up and this was a bad one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHxAodmynjI/Wo8Atps4oQI/AAAAAAAAHiA/Swhv8_AOh4QdGyGabyGPNwigqvOEIz6VQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180222_122320686_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHxAodmynjI/Wo8Atps4oQI/AAAAAAAAHiA/Swhv8_AOh4QdGyGabyGPNwigqvOEIz6VQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180222_122320686_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I explained to
the girls what was happening to me and that I needed their help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They jumped right in to assist me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had different ones read scriptures I
prepared, some parts of my notes, and even lead out in song (I was never
planning to do that!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nobody would ever want
to hear me sing!).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The song was
beautiful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The girls
listened closely as I attempted to share what God had put on my heart.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">They had such sympathetic and caring
hearts.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I felt bad, like I ripped them
off on their workshop even if I couldn’t do anything about it.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It was frustrating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I had a two hour
break before my next session so I thought I might be okay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was hoping it would give time for my voice
to recover.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had no such luck.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I could tell before beginning the second workshop
that I would have trouble so I improvised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I found a dry erase marker and wrote tons of stuff on the board behind
me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were main ideas I wanted the
girls to take home with them if I couldn’t present things very well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I was done, it was covered with truths
I hoped some how landed inside their hearts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoPfyYocTAc/Wo8A16SHNkI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/kwsO7CcghksU1HT58KwUKsim27WzcUiAgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_20180222_124133715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eoPfyYocTAc/Wo8A16SHNkI/AAAAAAAAHiQ/kwsO7CcghksU1HT58KwUKsim27WzcUiAgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_20180222_124133715.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For the second workshop
I started off explaining my dilemma.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The
girls seemed very sympathetic and wanted to help me as well. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For this one I couldn’t get very far into my
teaching before my voice started falling apart.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I had many different girls assist me in reading main points in my notes,
scriptures, and this time we sang the whole song together of <i>“Good, Good
Father” </i>(<span style="color: red;">Listen to the song</span> <a href="https://video.search.yahoo.com/video/play?p=good%2C+good%2C+father%2C+zealand&vid=fcc01edde75906170175df7ff31ebcf0&turl=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DOVP.iRaXu_c-XgO4sj3XLYnjNAHgFo%26pid%3D15.1%26h%3D360%26w%3D480%26c%3D7%26rs%3D1&rurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dyib_kBJ9r10&tit=Good+Good+Father+-+Lyric+Video+%28Zealand+Worship+version%29&c=15&h=360&w=480&l=218&sigr=11bpqtf7b&sigt=11os8m04h&sigi=12r2f51e5&ct=p&age=1460253682&fr2=p%3As%2Cv%3Av&hsimp=yhs-prodege_001&hspart=prodege&type=search_6&vm=p&param1=20119384&param2=36904698&param4=1745235062&tt=b"><b>HERE</b></a>).</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It was SO beautiful! I wish I could have recorded the girls singing for you to hear.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">After each point
we discussed, I would have the girls say out loud… </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>“I AM BEAUTIFUL!”</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The first group was very quiet all along when
they said it like they didn’t believe a word they just said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The last group (with more of the older girls
in it) said it loud and proud.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They even
shouted it at the end for everyone to hear down the hallway in the other
workshops.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was powerful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">At the end of
each workshop I had the girls share something that stood out to them from my
teaching time.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I wanted to verify in
some way that something I said got inside or at least they heard it.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">From what they shared, many of them had been
impacted by my attempts to communicate with them.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">What God had put on my heart had gotten into
theirs in bits and pieces!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God is
faithful!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I headed to work immediately
after my last workshop to finish up paperwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was lucky to even get off to be there this year to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The minute I hit the parking lot at work I
called my doctor’s office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If I didn’t
get this flare up under control, things would get out of hand quickly.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By the time I got home that night my voice
was pretty much gone and I was very weak.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The dreaded autoimmune disease strikes again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Boo!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(<a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2012/10/seven.html">To read more about my condition click <b>HERE</b></a>).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">As I got home, I
began to re-play my day in my mind… mainly those workshops.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">I prayed the girls got something out of it
despite my personal issues and limitations.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">Just saying that frustrates me.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">Each workshop had about 17 girls in them.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">The first group had more of the
middle-schoolers and the second one had a good mix of middle and high school
girls.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I thought back
over the day… I started each workshop off by giving the girls a sheet of paper
to fill out while we waited for everyone to arrive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was entitled, <i>“5 things I like about
ME”.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some of the girls did a double
take.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They thought it said “<u>didn’t
like</u>”.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They were hoping it said that
because that was a much easier list for them to write.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I walked around the room, I saw many blank
pages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They couldn’t think of anything
they liked about themselves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was sad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For many of
us, this would be true of us too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
struggle is real.<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Once they all
arrived I introduced myself and jumped right into my teaching time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I shared how if God was here in the flesh
today beyond a shadow of a doubt I know He would brag on you and say… <i>“That’s
my daughter isn’t she BEAUTIFUL!”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I told them that we
were going to talk about <u>Beauty</u>, <u>Barbie’s</u>, <u>Boys</u>, and the <u>Best
daddy</u> <u>ever</u>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I wanted to help
them answer 3 questions they might be asking themselves</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;">1. <u>Who do others say that I am?</u></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What do others think of
ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;">2. <u>Who does God say that I am?</u></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What does God think of
ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;">3. <u>Who do I say that I am?</u><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(What do I think of ME?)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Since this post
is getting long, I’m going to push PAUSE.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I want to be able to share with you all of the specifics I did with the
gals on that day.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It was powerful and life
changing!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><o:p> </o:p></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Be watching soon
for more details to come in my next post called, “What if Barbie was a real
woman?”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If you
struggle with your self-esteem, care too much what others think, have daddy
issues, or relationship troubles, you won’t want to miss this post.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If God was here
in the flesh today beyond a shadow of a doubt I know He would brag on you and
say… <i>“That’s my daughter isn’t she BEAUTIFUL!” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">(and for the guys
reading he would say…”That’s my son, isn’t he HANDSOME!”)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Believe it,
its true</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God is bragging on you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-47857064888497243822017-12-03T13:17:00.000-08:002017-12-03T16:55:13.316-08:00“An Old-Fashioned Hello”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The
Christmas season has officially begun. I
turned on the Christmas music yesterday.
I don’t know why, but it just seems wrong to begin celebrating before
Thanksgiving! </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 14.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">I
guess people were pretty excited in my town this year. The week before Thanksgiving you could view
Christmas lights and trees up everywhere. We could have taken a car tour around town and
had a full night of viewing if we wanted to!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Don’t
you just love all the holiday spirit…“Christmas movies, Christmas music playing
on your favorite radio station (everyday, all day long), special holiday beverages, bells ringing, and
decorations galore. Not to mention all
of the Christmas cards you get in the mail from those close to you and far away
spreading their Christmas cheer. It’s a
fun time of year!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO-F93fhYy7nfVvyTgGDZKbRUhf5CDBL9BR9JGdGkU9xj5ESieIKEB06xDNOR7jiII7vdg0GfDRffHL-TmE7oFR1Y0sPaSyzO7HMYVePoi_jP40P71PNfVf9-OskStH46x0NDj5_ArNpV/s1600/list2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="300" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO-F93fhYy7nfVvyTgGDZKbRUhf5CDBL9BR9JGdGkU9xj5ESieIKEB06xDNOR7jiII7vdg0GfDRffHL-TmE7oFR1Y0sPaSyzO7HMYVePoi_jP40P71PNfVf9-OskStH46x0NDj5_ArNpV/s320/list2.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I
like to get the Christmas cards where it says more than just a “Merry
Christmas” or “love so and so”. I like it
when people take the time to write a little note inside. It adds something special to the card. It says… I was thinking about you as I sent
this BEYOND just writing my name out.
It’s more personal that way. At
least, I think so.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’ve
been trying to teach my oldest son the art of the “Thank You” card. He is going on a special mission’s trip with
his senior class in May to </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Costa Rica</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> and he is raising funds
to go. He has sent out several letters
asking for prayer and support from friends, family, church folks, and the
like. As a result, several have
sponsored him to go.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Each
time we hear of a new sponsor, I have him send out a “Thank You” card. At first, he acted like it was a chore I was
making him do until he heard a recent response from a recipient. It was a lady from our church that said… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“This
is the first time I have EVER received a personal thank you from anyone I have
given money to for a trip at your school.” </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It
really meant a lot to her. My son was
impressed. I reiterated to him that a
“Thank You” card is a personal way to show how much you appreciate what someone
else has done for you. It means a lot more
when you send it out in the mail… even if you could hand deliver it. It shows you planned ahead, thought of them,
and care. Sometimes the extra effort to
do the snail mail route says more. It’s
a nice surprise!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; text-align: center;">Have
you ever received an “Old-fashioned Hello” in YOUR mailbox? Something besides a Christmas card? Was it a “Thank You” card or maybe even a
hand-written letter. My husband and I
wrote letters to each other for a whole summer that we were apart in
college. I still have those special
notes and cards. I couldn’t wait for the
mail to come each day, hoping there was a special surprise for me!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqTgU3jy-m7Voa80qy1-TuyRvbGBALPhxxRtXkTI4t5vda3mOTJUOm4iYxVRgz1DsEFH1KRfmmT1ResChXmgPe44BxY8P23hkrtZb_yiohf3ZBcIJIjfGx89QeKTYh3XvdGZP5jCDdyi2/s1600/IMG_20171107_003646814_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlqTgU3jy-m7Voa80qy1-TuyRvbGBALPhxxRtXkTI4t5vda3mOTJUOm4iYxVRgz1DsEFH1KRfmmT1ResChXmgPe44BxY8P23hkrtZb_yiohf3ZBcIJIjfGx89QeKTYh3XvdGZP5jCDdyi2/s320/IMG_20171107_003646814_HDR.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Recently
I opened my mailbox to find a surprise.
It was an old school, handwritten letter (on lined paper and everything
with more than one page attached) from my cousin. I think she sent it to me as a challenge to
write her back in the same fashion. She
COULD have written me via Facebook message or email, but she chose this route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I
left the hand addressed envelope and letter beside my computer for days to
remind me to write her back. It
tormented me. She lives in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Germany</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> now and it was so much
easier to just catch up online, but it wasn’t as personal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When
the letter arrived, it brought a flash of memories of her and me writing one
another as teenagers. We lived two hours
away from each other. It was our way of
staying connected. Long distance phone
calls were way too expensive back then. We
shared our life with one another on paper and it was special!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I
think somewhere along the way we have lost something with the progression of technology. I’m not saying all technology is bad, but
something is missing… and I think that something may be the art of the “Thank
You” card and the “Old-fashioned Hello”.
The personal touch that says I really care. It’s time we bring it back!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">With
that in mind, I have a challenge for you.
<b>Last year my family decided to keep up our Christmas cards. </b>We left them hanging from the doorway
well past new years so we could <u>pray for each family who sent us a card</u>. It was amazing and so powerful! We even sent a picture of the card some sent
us months later to show them we prayed for them that night. It was awesome!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My
challenge is this</span></b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">…
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I
dare you to send me a Christmas card this year.
But…not just any card. Send me
one with a special, personal note inside.
Of course put the “Merry Christmas” and the “from so and so” too, but
also write me a note of how we can pray for you this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This
gives you the chance to step out of your comfort zone and do something
“Old-fashioned. It also gives me the
chance to surprise my husband (Shhhh!!!). I want
all cards from this post to be sent to him at work (</span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Faith</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Church</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkIvWWX3ka1lsgZKsHwaNFICpNadyb_6xCLycJitqzU_hjqmDtnQ1ciHi7sfjK3LmxDqW8TDXZ12HfkIQLLT23Y0g85meeM4PbuNvWsemWtwoTGRvzPTWWM3Yo_t9QS_FQ0PsAcIpFzKzY/s1600/thCA015JBU.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Century Gothic"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Send
cards to</span></u><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Al
& Julie Davis<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<st1:street><st1:address><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">2817 E. 53<sup>rd</sup> St</span></i></st1:address></st1:street><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<st1:place><st1:city><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Anderson</span></i></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">, </span></i><st1:state><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">IN.</span></i></st1:state></st1:place><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> 46013<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I
dare you to get more personal when it comes to showing your love and
appreciation for others this year. Add a stamp and
make it special. The “Old-fashioned
Hello” never gets old. I promise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living
to leave a legacy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-589228880923283782017-10-12T07:44:00.000-07:002017-10-12T07:44:01.282-07:00Are you feeling “STUCK”?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZRnF0oLu3kBxxdcoC-QPS2fm6qlw7TaU-S55_s5MhP0iGemuHoiCQO2qZPOInLaj77fr9mNcq8dA_GXganVlFc_u8bWY7ovRPWS2E_Bd9eY0ud0BOt92S2_2qUFiNyguYjmzMNOmKyTO/s1600/stressed-mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="414" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpZRnF0oLu3kBxxdcoC-QPS2fm6qlw7TaU-S55_s5MhP0iGemuHoiCQO2qZPOInLaj77fr9mNcq8dA_GXganVlFc_u8bWY7ovRPWS2E_Bd9eY0ud0BOt92S2_2qUFiNyguYjmzMNOmKyTO/s320/stressed-mom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you need a break thru? Are you seeking direction for your life? Do you feel “stuck” in your walk with God? Do you not know what to do next or how to accomplish what God has put before you? If so, have you ever thought about fasting?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Last week I did something crazy. I fasted NETFLIX! I know… it doesn’t sound like a big deal. I’m not addicted or a binge watcher or anything, but it had become some what of a distraction for me. For that reason and the fact that I want to push past the rut I’m in and move closer to God, I decided to take a break from it. The results were awesome!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHY should we fast?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Fasting or putting something aside for awhile (while focusing MORE on God during that time) can do amazing things! When we give God MORE attention He brings… Break thru, we can hear His voice better, feel His nudges better, His word becomes alive to us as we read it, what our priorities should be become clearer to us, and so much more. Not to mention mediocre relationships with God become radical!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-BPszduVAshRcQ2IxXhk7Wx_tcZX5fHtvO_F_Tlkxdo6D_l15uNpp1pZZnX8Hkiqq8LXgFXgP0UjMPnoDusQkb0N1hxUQYAqvQwWcN-1O40fRDn5X36x1fkKr_tA07lrVScz1M8jUWWy/s1600/kid-with-binoculars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-BPszduVAshRcQ2IxXhk7Wx_tcZX5fHtvO_F_Tlkxdo6D_l15uNpp1pZZnX8Hkiqq8LXgFXgP0UjMPnoDusQkb0N1hxUQYAqvQwWcN-1O40fRDn5X36x1fkKr_tA07lrVScz1M8jUWWy/s320/kid-with-binoculars1.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When we fast, we choose to take the focus off of “us” for a specific amount of time and purposely place our focus on God. Fasting helps us gain perspective, learn self-control, softens our hearts, gives us direction for the future, opens up our schedules, realigns our priorities, clears out the clutter, silences the noise, and unclogs the blockage in our lives. What kind of blockage am I speaking about? Well… it could be writer’s block, but many times it’s those things blocking fresh vision for your life, or God dreams for the future. <br /><br />As you take the time to fast and focus more on God, it’s almost like a “Spiritual Drano” is poured deep down into your spirit. I can almost hear it bubbling, fizzing, and popping like peroxide in a wound. It’s eating away at all of the “ugly” inside of us. Once all of it is broken up and pushed out of the way, there is more room for God’s spirit to flow freely in our lives.<br /><br /><i>What could happen in and through you if you chose to set all distractions aside and focus more on God for just ONE week?</i> I think you would be shocked at the results!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>WHAT could we fast? </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">I’ve heard it said before… “No pain, no gain!” That is totally true when it comes to fasting. Whatever you decide to fast, you need to choose something that will be painful for you to lose for a week. If it isn’t hard or a sacrifice for you to do, you won’t see the results you were hoping for. Here are some ideas for you to try…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Food- </b>There are a variety of ways people do this. They fast ALL food and drink only drink water. They might only eat fruits and veggies or just fast a meal a day. When it comes to fasting food, make sure you are doctor approved if you have any health issues or risks. Don’t feel like you are missing out if you can’t do this particular type of fast. There are so many other ways you can fast something for God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Note: </b> If you are fasting food and you aren’t replacing that time with MORE time with God then you are just dieting.<br /><br /><b>Other things we could fast are…</b><br /><i>Social Media, a Sport, a Hobby, Video Games, Chocolate, Listening to certain music, Pop (or soda whatever you like to call it… LOL), TV, computer, phone, reading certain things, going to the movies, hanging out with certain people, Spending money on certain things, Wearing Make Up (I know someone who actually did this. They were touched powerfully through this fast!).</i> I think you get the point. <b>Fast whatever God lays on your heart!</b><br /><br />The results come as we obey God’s leading, stay committed to follow through, and set all distractions aside.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>HOW do we fast?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">First off I would say… you need a plan! Determine WHAT you are fasting and for HOW LONG you will be doing this. Share this with a close friend or family member to keep accountable. Sometimes it’s easier to skip out on your commitment to following through when nobody else knows. Accountability helps.<br /><br /><i>How long should you fast?</i> I would suggest you plan your fast for at least a week. You don’t really see the full benefit of your fasting otherwise.<br /><br /><b>The whole idea of fasting is to spend MORE purposeful time with God.</b> If you are fasting a meal… spend that time praying and seeking more of God. If you are fasting secular music… replace that time with playing Christian music and more time with God. If you are seeking God’s direction for your life or having trouble making a big decision… set aside specific times to pray and spend more time with God. Give God your complete attention during this time.<br /><br /><u>It’s hard to really seek God when there are so many distractions all around us</u>. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFKgLrXAPT9px7qa_YLa2sTa1AOJXdShAqDazyvKVCQYVuW9JwdPc9JqNdwc1F-FeyND2R2ko04gGLU3XipugUryrFFuuU1y5UASbgVul1px_krCZpCxZP_bafPgSCJtwSnMYBMw2GLcK/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFKgLrXAPT9px7qa_YLa2sTa1AOJXdShAqDazyvKVCQYVuW9JwdPc9JqNdwc1F-FeyND2R2ko04gGLU3XipugUryrFFuuU1y5UASbgVul1px_krCZpCxZP_bafPgSCJtwSnMYBMw2GLcK/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="175" data-original-width="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFKgLrXAPT9px7qa_YLa2sTa1AOJXdShAqDazyvKVCQYVuW9JwdPc9JqNdwc1F-FeyND2R2ko04gGLU3XipugUryrFFuuU1y5UASbgVul1px_krCZpCxZP_bafPgSCJtwSnMYBMw2GLcK/s1600/prayer.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><i>How do we do it? </i> I have a few ideas for you that may help… </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Find a private place you won’t be interrupted to be with Him.</b> Seek out some place where you won’t be distracted (or at least you are distracted less). It may not be the same place each day, but find somewhere to steal away moments with God. You could pray in the shower, in the car, on a walk, in a closet, in your bedroom, pretty much anywhere you can get alone and won’t be distracted.<br /><br /><b>Choose a special time to meet with God.</b> If you choose a specific time, there is a better chance it will happen. Choose a time that fits best for YOU so it happens. <br /><br /><b>What should our time with Him look like? </b> It can be different for everyone. I would suggest you put on some worship music… (Music that will focus your heart on spending more time with God) and start to pray. Get hungry for more of God. Pour your heart out to Him… the good, bad, and ugly. He isn’t surprised by anything. Take time to surrender every area of your life to Him. Ask for forgiveness, pray for fresh vision for your life, pray for break through in your life and others, start a prayer list, etc... Then after you have prayed awhile, open your Bible and begin reading. Choose a specific book of the Bible to read during this week Esther is a good one. Powerful things happened when she fasted and prayed! (One chapter a day is a good start). <br /><br /><b>Continue the conversation all day long!</b> Prayer is NOT an event we do each day to mark off of our “to do” list. It’s taking time and making time to connect with our heavenly father and best friend. Sometimes it will be connecting randomly throughout the day like I do with my spouse and kids (through texts, calls, and little notes) and other times it will be setting aside special, purposeful time to be together. The quick and easy connecting with my family is great, but when we have time to have a family night together or my spouse and I are able to have a date night our relationship has the opportunity to grow deeper.</span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Supplies Needed:</b></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What do you need for this special fast? Well, I would suggest getting a notebook. You could do the basic spiral bound school type notebook with lined paper. They are pretty cheap. Bring it with you wherever you go to spend time with God. Take time to talk with Him, but also make time to listen. Write down scriptures that stand out to you as you read the Bible, specific things you want to pray about, and anything else that comes to mind as you seek Him.<br /><br /><b>Be purposeful in your pursuit of MORE of God! </b><u>When your fast is over… if you have been faithful to what God has asked you to do, you should feel different!</u> <i>You should be more sensitive to His voice and obedient to His nudges. You should have clarity, feel peace, and have more self-control just to name a few obvious changes.</i><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRAuoHNmcqNdVOG3BHBkGTJCR03JPkyc8k5GZ7364UDedGz3zFrfdyWgAjNQhQdAyern4t2bFV1caFyoKIz1D31yYGLTFZkoMdqJzmepIAC-HizLtEo_eLY49zM_HOQwUFB81XuUvvNQA/s1600/prayer3.png" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="500" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRAuoHNmcqNdVOG3BHBkGTJCR03JPkyc8k5GZ7364UDedGz3zFrfdyWgAjNQhQdAyern4t2bFV1caFyoKIz1D31yYGLTFZkoMdqJzmepIAC-HizLtEo_eLY49zM_HOQwUFB81XuUvvNQA/s320/prayer3.png" width="320" /></a><br />Two scriptures come to mind when I think about fasting…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Philippians 4:6-7 </b>says<br /><i>“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus<span style="font-weight: bold;">”</span> </i>(NIV)<br /><br />Fasting is a time to lay your requests at His feet trusting Him with the outcome. When we do, He promises to wrap us in His peace… hearts and minds! <b><br /></b></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">James 4:8</b><span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"> says…</span></div>
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<i>“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.”</i> (ESV)</div>
<br />As we spend MORE time with God during our fast… drawing closer to Him, this verse promises that HE will draw near to us. I love that! <b>Regardless of whether we get our answer during our fast, we will feel closer to God by the end! That alone is worth it all!</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b>I don’t have all the answers when it comes to fasting, but hopefully I’ve given you some ideas so you can test it out for yourself.<br /><br />In case you just stumbled upon this blog post accidentally… and you don’t have a personal relationship with God (or you have strayed from a previous commitment), I don’t want to leave you hanging.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><i>Maybe you were hooked by the whole idea of needing a change or wanting a break through. If so, I want to let you know that the change or breakthrough you are looking for comes through a personal relationship with God. He makes all the difference!</i><br /><u><br />I challenge you to take a moment today and connect with God</u>. Share your heart with Him… all of it! He wants to hear the good and the bad. When you are finished invite Him to come into your heart and life. Start a fresh life with Him today. After you do so, be sure to message me. I want to hear all about it! It’s life changing!!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Fasting… it’s a whole new adventure! Try it some time!<br /><br />Living to leave a legacy,<br />Julie</span></div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-34006902467869402812017-09-28T06:35:00.002-07:002017-09-28T06:35:56.072-07:00The ONE thing I forgot…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrkVvvfjlcIBegnpdEAMTdPVC-ZW7zPeW1k50ou9yenY_qomvQGDeHGkI0l39lHOIfLfVHUhoAahyMzQcdbC48I89HYE2_wC6BBgjHVPeZrQN1RW6xh9jzdr3ydBXZlatdS4ompoZ8-QQ/s1600/Journal-Writing-Diary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="567" data-original-width="847" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrkVvvfjlcIBegnpdEAMTdPVC-ZW7zPeW1k50ou9yenY_qomvQGDeHGkI0l39lHOIfLfVHUhoAahyMzQcdbC48I89HYE2_wC6BBgjHVPeZrQN1RW6xh9jzdr3ydBXZlatdS4ompoZ8-QQ/s320/Journal-Writing-Diary.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I made a
list. I’m a list maker. I can’t help myself! This list isn’t the normal grocery list, Christmas
list, mailing list, or “to do” list I regularly write. It’s a list that’s even MORE important.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It’s a special
list just for my boys.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I like to call it
my “Mentoring to Manhood” list.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It’s a
list of things to sort of help prepare them for the future… and for life!</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">(…or at least I hope it does!!)</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">On this list you will
find a variety of things… How to change a tire, How to sew on a button, Cooking,
Cleaning, and the like… It covers many
categories. It’s filled with all of the things I think my boys need to know to
be ready for life. Well… life on their
own that is.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwUukCMHKNiEitG57WGNoV2_6JXSybdFz_lT6nOq-27j6Cf6JUNzsnrdL9M_Ha7E9ogLKi9p9VPq6ir1Mwv8niOXysLpLUQDIH3StGwgs2WchPPhx9SiCIh9QrolRb4xU5CdvqwlW5ugh/s1600/IMG_20170928_084958021+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlwUukCMHKNiEitG57WGNoV2_6JXSybdFz_lT6nOq-27j6Cf6JUNzsnrdL9M_Ha7E9ogLKi9p9VPq6ir1Mwv8niOXysLpLUQDIH3StGwgs2WchPPhx9SiCIh9QrolRb4xU5CdvqwlW5ugh/s320/IMG_20170928_084958021+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It wasn’t until
recently that it hit me that I was missing something pretty important on my
list! I’ve got a lot of things on my
list mind you so it was quite eye opening for me. I have:
<i>Household goals, Financial goals, Car Maintenance goals, Home
Maintenance goals, Professional goals, Social goals, Character goals, Spiritual
goals, and </i></span><st1:city><st1:place><i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Reading</span></i></st1:place></st1:city><i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> goals.</span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> That’s all good and
all, but this missing category has the potential to throw off all the rest if
it isn’t in check. I some how failed to
factor in setting <u>EMOTIONAL</u> <u>GOALS</u>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The missing
category probably stood out to me more because my boys were both dealing with
emotional issues.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Needless to say they
weren’t reacting the way I had hoped.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Their reaction to hurt, offense, and the like has caused me to ask
myself some hard questions:</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><i>Am I
helping prepare my boys in <u>HOW</u> to “process” life? Am I teaching them <u>HOW</u> to emotionally
handle the ups and downs that life may deal them? </i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I guess I kind of
hoped they would just watch my life and their dad’s (who handles things so much
better than me) and follow suit. But… as
I look back across my life, I have to ask myself a question… </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">“Have I handled
things properly?” “Have I ever or do I
now carry around emotional baggage from the past?”</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSChKewiULfA-qDCxXRIJsyudwpWbhvAjCEhMwqnZFbpQcIFgHnJ5FDKfXwgJtidyZX11VQH6KiUR9ygtu8IS8ALRUyj11svjBEpSU-8NDhR-uoCKSCEjWCZ0nE0AsW3qr0PYZuWizwnD/s1600/my+guys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGSChKewiULfA-qDCxXRIJsyudwpWbhvAjCEhMwqnZFbpQcIFgHnJ5FDKfXwgJtidyZX11VQH6KiUR9ygtu8IS8ALRUyj11svjBEpSU-8NDhR-uoCKSCEjWCZ0nE0AsW3qr0PYZuWizwnD/s320/my+guys.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I visited a small
group recently that was full of broken, hurting people. Life had hurt
them. People had hurt them. They had been hurt A LOT over their lifetime. As a result they carried emotional
baggage. They wanted to be free! Some have experienced freedom in the group while
others are in the process of getting there.
Healing is a choice, friends!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2zF55qp_egeo1lRWHUJgyDX1KHWGb3RTQ9z-xt-KjbA4yjgi1KqrmfRLE5k0im6XmezCt7qEvSmTQUKOA6Pu0whahQSzafIQQ3B-IqPCWRncwnE6T_LX9frYz22mI11d2VeZFFd0xnYD/s1600/waiting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="500" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI2zF55qp_egeo1lRWHUJgyDX1KHWGb3RTQ9z-xt-KjbA4yjgi1KqrmfRLE5k0im6XmezCt7qEvSmTQUKOA6Pu0whahQSzafIQQ3B-IqPCWRncwnE6T_LX9frYz22mI11d2VeZFFd0xnYD/s320/waiting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">When we are
hurt, what do we do? </span></i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I witnessed my boys’ reactions first hand
and learned quickly that I haven’t been a good teacher. Well… maybe I have dealt with things in the
proper way personally, but I haven’t <u>taught</u> them well HOW to do the
same. Their preference when hurt by
others is to get mad, shove the offense under the rug (not dealing with it), try
to forget it ever happened, and move on with their life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century Gothic;">Whoa</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">! This is definitely not the way to handle
hurt! Actually this pattern is NOT setting
them up to walk in freedom, but rather lends to ADDING “baggage” to their lives
at a young age. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Following this pattern will only cause
you to (1)</span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">hold on to the offense</u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">, (2)</span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">feed it by talking to others</u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
(which only makes things worse), and then (3) </span><u style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">bury it inside of your hearts</u><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
for safe keeping… thinking all is well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The result is that <i>offense</i> begins to grow like a cancer undetected inside of you. The fruit of this cancer becomes roots of <i><u>un-forgiveness</u></i>,
<i><u>bitterness</u>, and <u>anger</u>.</i>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Check out the chart below I found that shows the destructive path of offense. Some of us may have traveled this way before.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv-EtCppSioWT1NKT4_nl07Ue2JQ6P0FGW-Xz6MB0iUw6lMwuFWiTrEj1pSLMk_coFgQ7TUVHg4VA8jH_18vGv7m0lWJlpRJKBgoZKdDRqWbxSOKMWMcuUMeDuqXQB_77d85rZUgbXKHQ/s1600/Offense.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixv-EtCppSioWT1NKT4_nl07Ue2JQ6P0FGW-Xz6MB0iUw6lMwuFWiTrEj1pSLMk_coFgQ7TUVHg4VA8jH_18vGv7m0lWJlpRJKBgoZKdDRqWbxSOKMWMcuUMeDuqXQB_77d85rZUgbXKHQ/s640/Offense.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">The scary thing
is that those who are sick with “offense” have no idea it is there growing and
festering inside of them until they explode unexpectedly without warning!</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I haven’t even mentioned how deadly this can
be to the spiritual LIFE of the individual.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It creates distance between them and God.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">It gets harder to hear His voice and feel His
presence because the heart is sick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">I do NOT want
this for my boys! So… with just a short
time left for my oldest and another year or so left for my youngest I am <u>adding</u>
to my special list a few more things…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to deal
with offense<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to truly
forgive someone<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to deal
with disappointment<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to deal
with conflict<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to say
you are sorry and mean it<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How deal with
pride and have humility<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">-How to deal
with toxic people and be a good judge of character…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"><br /></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOTxb2xdA4Cfh4WeytQCldtxdQ-q21eYVIyXJW6bPMUFJgisbSY3UJqGRguofLtrrkB7g3XokViRFW-l5HXzGQF8uvYSh5_cuNRoESVXdwVDOUUtg_LlzKriIekQnl8E3Y_YuEJFJq4So/s1600/Trey%2527s+baptism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="482" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOTxb2xdA4Cfh4WeytQCldtxdQ-q21eYVIyXJW6bPMUFJgisbSY3UJqGRguofLtrrkB7g3XokViRFW-l5HXzGQF8uvYSh5_cuNRoESVXdwVDOUUtg_LlzKriIekQnl8E3Y_YuEJFJq4So/s320/Trey%2527s+baptism.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">By no means am I
finished yet with my list. I’m trying to
think outside of the box and pray about this… allowing God to reveal things to
me to share with them… for “us” (my hubby and I) to share with them. I realize I can’t shelter my boys from
everything! I know they will get their
feelings hurt at times and be disappointed.
It’s inevitable, but if I can save them some pain or help them better
prepare for what’s ahead in life then I want to do so. After all, they are my babies and what else
is a mom to do!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Have you made a
list for your kids?</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">If not, I challenge
you to do so.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Are you carrying around
emotional baggage from a horrible past?</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">If so, I want to encourage you to give it to God.</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">He is the only one that can truly set you
free!</span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Choose today to walk in freedom!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-66648696416549197102017-08-31T19:40:00.000-07:002017-08-31T19:44:00.720-07:00An open letter to all of God's wandering children <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzxurndJFh2W5NlJlhpJPf_3qJkufAeKa53VVE-2wwo1wAE8SVS9WC95ppFeOzGMPACCTnjzP4_VE_r_AD1-SUGy5ThOLmN_nrl1vzVwVThvjTu7allOdHJJ9noNtRxgfWwFvtA3kiu5W/s1600/typewriter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzxurndJFh2W5NlJlhpJPf_3qJkufAeKa53VVE-2wwo1wAE8SVS9WC95ppFeOzGMPACCTnjzP4_VE_r_AD1-SUGy5ThOLmN_nrl1vzVwVThvjTu7allOdHJJ9noNtRxgfWwFvtA3kiu5W/s400/typewriter.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">This was posted on 7/21/15, but still rings true in my heart today...</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Hello Prodigals. </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">In case you were wondering... You are LOVED and missed dearly! </span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">It’s been awhile since we’ve talked or even seen each other. I have so many fond memories of our times together. I understand why you left, but things haven’t been the same without you. I hope you are doing well. The last time I saw you, you seemed so lost. When I looked into your eyes it felt as though I could see into your soul and it was empty. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">My heart ached to fix things for you, but there comes a point when this God thing has to become real and personal to you. You have to own it! God is amazing and oh so real! I know this first hand. He has met me at my lowest moments and in my darkest hours. He has carried me through so many things. I don’t know where I would be without Him. He has filled up all of the empty spots of my life. He has wrapped me in His love and overwhelmed me with His peace.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I have shared my life with you (in good times and bad). My faith in God has been messy, but genuine. I have been available to answer questions, pray for you, and be there when you needed me. You have been in my thoughts and prayers. Regardless of my efforts, ultimately the choice was yours. I understand your decision, but I beg you to change your mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtJhckDqCkpi6EXAQkOf2i8bzafJ4GhMLLGT6zv3jUtiaiT8rZnzhZeS5kOa16_ADtFKGFrQaFrsIlDr6uTUCrfPRfZ1QaVnkwiZJG1aMbYliEfw7MpFywtOmNlOVlzs1ztbDBpARgpxB/s1600/miss+you.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtJhckDqCkpi6EXAQkOf2i8bzafJ4GhMLLGT6zv3jUtiaiT8rZnzhZeS5kOa16_ADtFKGFrQaFrsIlDr6uTUCrfPRfZ1QaVnkwiZJG1aMbYliEfw7MpFywtOmNlOVlzs1ztbDBpARgpxB/s200/miss+you.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">You were hurt, felt judged, disappointed, and confused. You felt forgotten, unappreciated, and unnoticed. You felt far from God while you made efforts to move closer to Him. Enough was enough. Things did not pan out the way you expected and you gave up… you walked AWAY from God. When you needed Him most where was He? You never felt Him, yet others did. You felt all alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I beg you to “remember”. Remember when you experienced Him for the first time. Remember how you felt when you first sensed His presence wrapping around you. Remember the peace He poured over your heart during those difficult times. Remember when you read the Bible and it came alive to you. Remember when He answered your prayers and used you to touch someone else for Him. Remember the youth retreats, camps, conventions, radical worship times, and powerful services. Remember the people around you that inspired you by their own walk with God. He was real to you at some point. You were drawn to the reality of God and you wanted more. You were hungry for the things of God. Remember?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBdLptnXzKrIYfQRaC8MhcO00Zk7Z03SCVB-KioO6xUpxn02aO40cW5DsX3FsDVuBss-Nhli8dblYoUz8gjRTrz-ZIK5aIkoPkMFtF42-Gk6I-cdYT4yVZSljsv_7EOMnjRmKgjZnurnS/s1600/heart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBdLptnXzKrIYfQRaC8MhcO00Zk7Z03SCVB-KioO6xUpxn02aO40cW5DsX3FsDVuBss-Nhli8dblYoUz8gjRTrz-ZIK5aIkoPkMFtF42-Gk6I-cdYT4yVZSljsv_7EOMnjRmKgjZnurnS/s1600/heart.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">When I think of you and remember my heart is sad. I don’t want you to walk around empty, lonely, and hopeless anymore. I want you to find your purpose in God and experience His life-changing touch. I want you to be all He desired you to be and more. I want you to walk in His destiny for your life. I want you to be happy again… to have that inner joy down deep that circumstances can’t steal away.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Your time with God was one of the happiest times of your life. Remember? You felt the most fulfilled during this time. It’s because God was filling up all the empty crevices of your life with His presence. His peace poured over you and His love was so tangible in your life. Everything felt right with Him at the center of your heart and life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I don’t know what pushed you over the edge enough to walk away <u>for good</u>. Maybe it was adversity, difficulty, or unexpected circumstances that occurred beyond your control. Difficult times <i>can</i> cause anyone to give up. Bad things happen. I know that full well. My life hasn’t been perfect. I have faced unexpected circumstances beyond my control on numerous accounts that have stretched me beyond my limits. It was tough. I felt weary, spent, and overwhelmed. I was at the end of my rope. In the midst of my pain, I didn’t know where else to go, but <u>to</u> God. I reached out His direction and I was surprised by His response.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBnEJjZNGRtyK-I0wdHjQOSlKENhqaPw1hNcL_Dwa0joe13gshHfoKUBDJ6B4qsl_5Y6VTVihKLjA9Taw_grXdKpXyvdbblqILfUdF61QZL1xuNpJhoW2OAPaLZrcRYXgzbQAVwqLL6cG/s1600/come-back-home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZBnEJjZNGRtyK-I0wdHjQOSlKENhqaPw1hNcL_Dwa0joe13gshHfoKUBDJ6B4qsl_5Y6VTVihKLjA9Taw_grXdKpXyvdbblqILfUdF61QZL1xuNpJhoW2OAPaLZrcRYXgzbQAVwqLL6cG/s320/come-back-home.jpg" width="283" /></a><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Each time I ran <u>to</u> God in my moments of despair and heartache God’s peace immediately followed. It’s what I needed most. His presence was felt instantly and His love surrounded me. Even though I didn’t understand the Why’s of life, I ran to my constant source of strength, God, to see me through. I have faced a lot of adversity over the years and I must confess that God has <u>never</u> disappointed me each time I have chosen to run <u>to</u> Him instead of AWAY from Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I know you have been AWAY from Him for awhile, but I challenge you to come home. Reach out to Him… He misses you so much! I know it will be hard. You will feel weird. You are scared, but imagine your life turned back over to Him. How different would things be and for the better? How much <i>more </i>peace could you feel? Just think about it… your heart full and overflowing with God’s love. Hearing His voice, feeling His presence, His destiny played out in your life… your life completely fulfilled in Him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">I know the world hasn’t treated you well. You have experienced pain, heartache, and despair. I know you might feel broken, abused, or used. You aren’t the same person as you were before. That’s okay. He wants you to come to Him as you are anyways. I know your life is riddled with trails of bad choices and a life time of regrets. It’s okay. Lay them all down at His feet. All He wants is <u>YOU</u>… as you are, completely surrendered to Him. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Each day is a fresh start, a clean page with no mistakes… a day full of endless possibilities. Choose well my friend. I beg you to “remember” and make a bold step closer to Him. He is not standing with arms crossed in judgment. Adjust your spiritual lens. He is standing expectantly with arms wide open waiting to run to you the minute you turn your head His direction. He loves you fiercely friend. Run <u>to</u> Him today. Pour out your heart to Him. It may not be pretty, but in a raw and real way connect your heart with His today.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "tahoma";"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">Run <u>to</u> Him when you are confused and it feels like your world is falling apart. Run <u>to</u> Him when you are grieving from a great loss or celebrating a victory. Run <u>to</u> Him when you feel all hope is gone and life is pushing you under. Run <u>to</u> Him when your relationship is falling apart and your heart is broken into a million pieces. Run <u>to</u> Him when your body is full of sickness and you are fearful of the outcome. His peace is waiting to envelop you and His presence is waiting to comfort you. He is as close as the mention of His name… Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";">James 4:8</span></b><span style="font-family: "tahoma";"> says this…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "tahoma";">“Come near to God, and God will come near to you.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">I pray today you will take a step CLOSER to God and watch Him draw near to you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">I love you prodigals and miss you dearly.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Please know I am still here for you.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">I’m available to answer questions and pray for you too.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Please consider coming home to God today.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">We both miss you terribly.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Love & prayers,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "tahoma";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-1368330739009663872017-07-31T12:26:00.001-07:002017-07-31T12:29:39.830-07:00Life, Lemonade, and Burnt Biscuits<br />
This was one of my very first blog posts from when I started blogging seven years ago. It still rings true today! Well all but the "Burnt Biscuits" part that is... I learned my lesson. NEVER leave anyone else to care for your baked goods. It doesn't end well... LOL. Enjoy!<br />
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7/31/10<br />
I’ve heard it said before <i>“When life deals you lemons, make lemonade.”</i> I guess it’s all about perspective. Life can be unpredictable at times. It doesn’t always follow the natural pattern we lay out for it. It can bring many unexpected and sometimes unwanted surprises along the way. I faced a recent challenge in the kitchen which caused me to come up with my own mantra for life… <i style="text-align: center;">“When life gives you burnt biscuits, </i><i style="text-align: center;">peal off a layer </i><i style="text-align: center;">and it’s all good!”</i><br />
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I was making dinner recently and left biscuits baking in the oven, with a timer on in the care of another. I was only planning to be gone for a few minutes, but when I returned the biscuits had already burned. They weren’t just a little brown, they were BLACK. What a predicament… two packages of biscuits burnt and none left to bake. I couldn’t bear to throw them in the trash, so I cut off the bottoms and did what any mom would do, served them up. Maybe the boys wouldn’t notice, after all one was jumbo style and the other was the layered kind of biscuits! Maybe the sheer height and many layers would cover over my mistake. To my surprise the boys loved the biscuits and said they were the best ever… they didn’t even notice the bottom part was missing.<br />
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<i>Have you ever felt like life was taking over and not cooperating with your pre-scheduled plan?</i> Things haven't gone as expected. The loss of a job, a shaky marriage, financial hardship, family squabbles, a death of someone close to you, broken relationships, and unfulfilled dreams… the list could go on and on of all of the hurts we have faced in this thing called life. Sometimes we can’t necessarily change our circumstances, but we can change our attitudes. It has been said before that “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it.” Ouch! If you are like me, I don’t always react in the way I would like when life throws me curveballs. But with God’s help, I can learn to have the right attitude and perspective no matter what comes my way.<br />
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Matthew 6:34<strong> </strong>says...<br />
<b><i>“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today." (NLT)</i></b><br />
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I have learned some lessons from my burnt biscuit escapade that I hope will help you on your journey.<br />
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<strong>Lessons Learned from Burnt Biscuits:</strong><br />
(God perspectives from the kitchen)<br />
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<b>1. Look for the good in every situation!</b><br />
There is always something to be thankful for no matter how small. I guess at least the biscuits didn’t catch fire and set off the smoke detector. And we were able to eat them… all good reasons to be thankful I suppose.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>2. Go with the flow!</b><br />
Things won’t always go as planned. Look for a back up plan. There are usually many options in each situation you face. Look at them all and choose the best option with God's help. I chose to keep the biscuits!<br />
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<b>3. Set the tone!</b><br />
<i>Have you ever noticed how when something goes wrong there is always someone there to watch how you will react to it?</i> It never fails! Most people <i>normally</i> tend to react in negative ways when things don’t go their way. I could have gotten angry, irritated, and set a negative, tense tone in my house, but I chose the high road (at least on that day). You have an opportunity to set a positive tone for those around you by your reaction to things. I challenge you to go with the flow and look for the good in it all! You won't regret it!<br />
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<b>4. Give it to God and trust Him!</b><br />
Some things just happen and you have to go with the flow. Learn to trust God with the outcome whether it’s good or bad. He has it all under control even when things feel out of control.<br />
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Remember it’s all about perspective… seeing things differently. Change your outlook and you will change the atmosphere around you. You can’t change your circumstances, but you can change how you react to them.<br />
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I pray you will be challenged this week to face your circumstances with a “different” perspective. You have the ability to make a positive difference in your world no matter what comes your way. Choose the high road and watch what God does!<br />
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Living to leave a legacy,<br />
JulieJuliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-46019743454048420952017-07-13T13:38:00.000-07:002017-07-13T13:43:31.364-07:00Nothing is Wasted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
name is Julie and this is MY story. We
all have a story to tell. Mine is a
story of HOPE in the midst of darkness.
I still remember the day it all happened. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">It
was February of 2006, eleven years ago.
I was driving home from visiting family.
A trip that should have taken me 8 hours ended up taking 14 hours to get
home. I grew weaker mile by mile. I had
no idea that I was gradually losing control of the muscles in my eyes, mouth,
and neck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">As
I drove down the highway, not only was I getting weaker, but I also began
having double vision. It was a blurry
mess attempting to discern where the road might be found in the midst of the busy
weekend traffic. If that wasn’t enough
trouble, my eye lids started getting heavy threatening to close and my neck
started weakening making it difficult for me to hold my head up. I felt helpless. Nobody was with me on this trip, so I was all
alone dealing with this until I could get home.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">When
I finally made it home, I dropped into my bed in complete exhaustion. When morning arrived I thought I would wake
up rested, but was shocked to discover that I could barely move at all. In fact, I needed assistance to get out of my
own bed. Something was seriously wrong,
but I didn’t know what!!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEFDFHkPaHme7HWGekvGIIciJhoUV_Zx3cgHhalxE-cikcSQxaNyMXSgISRioHqsGlbYH1Rb47YpUSqEqjcmU8limYtWDLAD4H4UDqh80CBxcXsJyEkI2u16rvCg6KK4RtxQGiJ1OBhPS/s1600/pumpkin+patch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigEFDFHkPaHme7HWGekvGIIciJhoUV_Zx3cgHhalxE-cikcSQxaNyMXSgISRioHqsGlbYH1Rb47YpUSqEqjcmU8limYtWDLAD4H4UDqh80CBxcXsJyEkI2u16rvCg6KK4RtxQGiJ1OBhPS/s320/pumpkin+patch.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
husband jumped into high gear right away when he could see I wasn’t getting
better. He took care of our boys (who
were in Kindergarten and first grade), the house, made all meals, and worked a
night job so I wouldn’t have to worry about the boys while he was gone. He was amazing!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">In
the meanwhile we visited doctors; had tests done, and met with specialists… attempting
to figure out what was making me so sick.
The double vision continued. My
speech slurred as I spoke. It was difficult to both understand and hear me when
I spoke because my voice weakened as the day went on to a faint whisper. I had
trouble swallowing. I could barely
eat. I choked on solid food… even on water
at times. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">My
husband got creative in feeding me. He concocted
special shakes for me to drink. He
filled them with whatever he could find in the fridge to blend up that might help
me gain weight and feel stronger. I was
dropping weight quickly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini Marathon</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">After three months they finally diagnosed me with
an autoimmune disease called <i><a href="http://myasthenia.org/">Myasthenia Gravis</a></i>. It affects everyone
differently and mine was a worst-case scenario.
MG weakens the muscles all over your body. The best way I can describe it is like this…
it’s similar to MS in the way it affects the muscles, however it doesn’t get
progressively worse. It also has ups and
downs, remissions and flare ups kind of like Fibromyalgia. This is a disease
that is not necessarily life threatening, but definitely life altering.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">At
its best in a sense of remission I was able to walk a mini marathon and
complete it. At its worst I was
bedridden during one flare up for a whole year struggling to talk, eat, walk,
and care for myself. I could only get
out of bed for four hours a day and I lost 75 pounds in 6 months. I struggled to gain weight. I dropped under 100 pounds quickly to just
skin and bones. It was a scary season.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I cannot talk about being sick without sharing my
inner struggles with it all. I had
moments of doubt, fear, despair, and disappointment. When I was the sickest, my bedroom became the
place where I lived most of the time. To
say I had a lot of down time is an understatement. I had time to… <i>think, worry, get lonely, wonder where God was, and be frustrated.</i> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">During
a very dark season, God and I had a conversation. He was there in the quiet of my
thoughts. He and I talked often, but
this time was different. If I have ever
felt close to death this was it. I felt
useless and a burden to my family… both physically and financially. I couldn’t help with anything… homework with
the boys, making their lunches, helping get pj’s on before bed, or anything
around the house. I had absolutely NO
energy. I felt helpless and hopeless as a mom.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">When
I looked into my husband’s eyes I saw sadness... helplessness. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, I
could see worry and a hint of fear behind his smile. He was filling the roles of both mom and dad
with the boys. I could tell it was
taking its toll on him. He did his best
to keep me involved with the boys regardless of my limitations. Each night they would come see me before bed. Our time was filled with cuddles as they told
me about their day. Their giggles, hugs,
and kisses would make my heart smile. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Despite
my love for my family, I struggled to watch them hurt anymore because of
me. My husband looked so tired. I felt like the kids were missing out on so
much because everyone was so concerned about me. It wasn’t fair! </span></div>
</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">“It
would be better…”</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> I thought.
<i>“…if God just took me home.”</i>
I didn’t want my family to suffer any longer. I had put them through so much already. I begged for God to take me. I had settled things in my spirit and I was
ready.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I remember sharing with my husband one night that
I was done. I told him… <i>“I have no
more energy to fight.”</i> He was very
upset. He said, <i>“If nothing else, you
need to FIGHT for your family… for your boys!
They would be devastated if anything happened to you.” </i> I could tell he was on the brink of
tears. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ9-BdLhu2tQEG_jZFBTwQt9AS_xapaEGdHDt_w-oI_HcCOzvK2VRve55MPUHXtKXHSUQHUnAh6trFFqE53NBprZgxbxnkhCGqfOHmVVW2jeuLQH8WeaDtB_MhEUa0f-QEyWlCNtRjZqb/s1600/fam1-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="423" data-original-width="573" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihZ9-BdLhu2tQEG_jZFBTwQt9AS_xapaEGdHDt_w-oI_HcCOzvK2VRve55MPUHXtKXHSUQHUnAh6trFFqE53NBprZgxbxnkhCGqfOHmVVW2jeuLQH8WeaDtB_MhEUa0f-QEyWlCNtRjZqb/s320/fam1-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">In that moment something broke inside of me and
urged me to fight. I sensed God’s
presence wrapping around me filling me with His peace. I was not alone. He would be fighting with me too. I was determined to hang on a little bit
longer, but I felt so dead… inside and out. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I was at the place where I realized that I couldn’t
fix <i>it</i>, my husband couldn’t fix <i>it</i>, my doctor couldn’t fix <i>it</i>,
and the prayer warriors at my church couldn’t fix <i>it</i>. It came down to me and Jesus. He was all that I had left!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I had to learn to trust Him <u>completely</u> no matter what happened.
I could have walked AWAY from God during this season, but instead I
chose to run TO Him. God was REAL to
me! He had always taken care of me in
the past, why should now be any different.
I NEEDED to trust Him! Hope was ignited
within me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">It wasn’t long after that dark night that I got a
new doctor who was appalled by my condition.
Within weeks he had me on a series of treatments that helped me become
90% better than I had been the previous year.
I guess God wasn’t finished writing my story. With this new doctor my health improved and
with it doors opened for me to share my story with others. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I
have faced many hurdles with my health over the years. We have tried various treatments to manage my
condition. Some worked for a while and
then eventually all the symptoms would come back again. It’s an ongoing battle of ups and downs. Needless to say it hasn’t been easy for me or
my family. With medication and a lot of
prayer, I have moved forward.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVnE2MyvJO9mA7Is_xVGtn6d-m0JmrCI8BhrqdUubb8SPdK_62goT4v2Vqbok55-7wQEa7Li9ghq5R-2JH43d4VtX1L5VSgbYXpBxGstu_iEOcOUorwqmvXHQ9mU3lUG_G-SiA8VOMFM4/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="960" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXVnE2MyvJO9mA7Is_xVGtn6d-m0JmrCI8BhrqdUubb8SPdK_62goT4v2Vqbok55-7wQEa7Li9ghq5R-2JH43d4VtX1L5VSgbYXpBxGstu_iEOcOUorwqmvXHQ9mU3lUG_G-SiA8VOMFM4/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Over
the years I have prayed that none of my time struggling with this dreaded
disease would ever be wasted. When I
think about all the time I spent stuck in my house, my prison of sorts, it
troubles me. Who has a whole year of
their life to throw away? I didn’t think
I did! I want God to redeem every moment
of waiting, worrying, and wondering. I
pray my story inspires others to keep pushing forward trusting God when their difficulties
come.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">God
never ceases to amaze me at how He uses my story as a tool to minister to
others. He has taken me behind doors to
places I never thought I would ever go.
I have met people I never thought I would ever encounter. Divine appointments and open doors have been
in abundance as I have trusted Him with the details of my life. My story of pushing through and trusting God
in good times and bad has echoed God’s love to… Nurses, doctors, medical
professionals, the old, the young and hurting.
I’ve found that it’s in the messy
moments of life that people are drawn to Christ <u>in</u> us the MOST! God knows my life has been beyond messy… for
sure!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">I
haven’t been completely healed of this yet, but I trust Him! </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">My faith has grown as I have learned to surrender and believe God for
impossible things! There is one truth
that has settled deep into my spirit from that dark season of my life. When I came to the end of myself and realized
that nobody else could help me, I discovered this…</span><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;">“W</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;">hen
you have nothing left <u>BUT</u> God <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;">you
find out quickly that He is <u>ALL</u> you really need!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 13.0pt;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">If
my messy, faith walk of trusting God with this sickness can help inspire others
to trust Him more, then I surrender. He
is the writer of my story and my inspiration for living. May my life in good times and bad reflect Him
well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><u>Challenge:</u> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Have you been there before friend? …in that place you don’t really want to
be. Have you ever felt like something
was WASTED in your life? I felt like my
whole year was wasted. What <i>could </i>I
have done during that time if I had the chance? Only God knows. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Wasted! You
can’t help but feel defeated when you think about it. My “wasted” relates to days spent being
sick. For you it may be something else
entirely. I have a question for you
friend… whatever “wasted” is for you, will you trust Him? Will you surrender the reigns of your life
over to God and trust Him in good times and bad? He is faithful friend. I promise.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><u>Prayer:</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">God,
I pray you would be with my friends today… those who are struggling with
trusting you with the details of their lives and those who are doing their best
to push through. Help their faith roots
to grow deep as they learn to surrender to you.
Help them to cling to the good, focus on the positive, and see the
opportunity for a miracle to happen in every situation. I pray all fear would be diminished as they
step out in faith believing you for impossible things. Instead of running AWAY from you when facing
difficulties, I pray they would run TO you.
Be their greatest source of strength today. Shine your light upon their life in such a
way that others are drawn to you in them.
Thank you God that you aren’t finished writing our story… The best is
yet to come! We love you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Living
to leave a legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;">Julie<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.5pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;">P.S. If you would like to see an abbreviated video version of my story, you can check it out at the link below. Thanks for reading!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20src=%22https://player.vimeo.com/video/216486869%22%20width=%22640%22%20height=%22360%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20webkitallowfullscreen%20mozallowfullscreen%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" mozallowfullscreen="" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/216486869" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="640"></iframe></a><br /></span></span></div>
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Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-76639702313251762422017-06-30T21:31:00.000-07:002017-07-01T08:03:21.358-07:00It’s time to SHINE!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5poGmV9MMm6s6OW4KaJ_EF6Sg7MV8ZhmcQGSPNSKUGIVrKibbU5jAwc8RRmjYnvkFmc4RD5KzRSsMMourUcRTJ19qtluxMR5PZ9sVcwa4jtvy_akANLzUDWx4LlIqnxI1EyRSbVei-mi6/s1600/kid-with-binoculars1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5poGmV9MMm6s6OW4KaJ_EF6Sg7MV8ZhmcQGSPNSKUGIVrKibbU5jAwc8RRmjYnvkFmc4RD5KzRSsMMourUcRTJ19qtluxMR5PZ9sVcwa4jtvy_akANLzUDWx4LlIqnxI1EyRSbVei-mi6/s320/kid-with-binoculars1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Did you know that
people are watching YOU? I’m serious…
they really are! I remember discovering
this for myself when I got my first job as a teenager working at the mall. The only job I could land as a 16 year old
was at a fabric store. I knew nothing
about fabric, sewing, crafts, or the like, but I figured I could learn for a
paycheck, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">On my breaks and
lunches I would wander across the mall snacking on food from the food court
while looking for bargains. Do you know
what I noticed as I did this? People
were WATCHING me! In the olden days,
when I was a teenager, they called those kind of people… “People Watchers”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">These special
“People Watchers” would go to the mall, sit on benches, and watch people… for
fun! It was kinda creepy! I’m from </span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Missouri</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">… you know… the “show me” state. Maybe that’s why people found this SO
exciting or entertaining there. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I guess if you
think about it, we are all “People Watchers” in a sense whether we realize it
or not. We watch to see if people are
really going to be WHO they say they are to others, or if they are a
phony. If they call themselves a
Christian, <i>do they follow <u>ALL</u> of the Bible or just some of it? Do they really love people or just say they
do? Do they have flaws like everyone else
or are they perfect</i> (which is unattainable so why even try this Christian
thing if that is the case)? You get the
point… people are watching. YOU are
watching others too. Maybe that’s why
when people mess up or fail in a sense in an area of their lives we are so
devastated… we are watching!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I love what <b>Matthew
5:14-16 </b>has to say about how we should “represent” while we are being
watched by others.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrO-Z1PyULvm6CTIofLrqQsIesUbJc3tQRn1Dz8S34jb-TDx4-D1R8HbRMUIxcRH8nBwrXHxJ3xH1-QZDO-a1ERT12IrPFYvECqv2axUi2D2jV0lZG-2XwpSxUAmftzDMi43fy0H5zDm5/s1600/light2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="196" data-original-width="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFrO-Z1PyULvm6CTIofLrqQsIesUbJc3tQRn1Dz8S34jb-TDx4-D1R8HbRMUIxcRH8nBwrXHxJ3xH1-QZDO-a1ERT12IrPFYvECqv2axUi2D2jV0lZG-2XwpSxUAmftzDMi43fy0H5zDm5/s1600/light2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11pt;">“You’re here to be light, bringing out the
God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public
with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you
don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a
light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine!
Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll
prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” </span></i><i><span style="font-family: "century gothic"; font-size: 11.0pt;">(MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God’s intention
for us as Christians is to SHINE… represent Him well to others. Let His light shine through us. When we do this, others will be drawn to God
in us as a result.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Our church’s
mission statement is...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">“Love God, Love
People, and be a Bridge connecting the two”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When we truly
love God and love people the way God would have us to, our life becomes a
bridge connecting lost, hurting, and broken people to God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: "century gothic";">How can we SHINE
brightly for God…</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Love God.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Commit to daily
spending time with God. I try not to
leave the house until God and I have spent some time together. I need God’s heart to touch mine before I can
connect with people. If I don’t, the
grouchy in me rises up and offends others.
That definitely doesn’t help me shine brightly for God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IlIGNK3M4Oiso16BUczqdUWB2281VaqLNZKLVprjJxtu2K5vpyhJ-RJ_PWyt1cUOjPYEpl7nHaAK7dx0kxSSfG5BU640bcabsm6wjgxUUgfEatztDzDOuVkvvV43B981_Tk43_wmYYpg/s1600/heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1IlIGNK3M4Oiso16BUczqdUWB2281VaqLNZKLVprjJxtu2K5vpyhJ-RJ_PWyt1cUOjPYEpl7nHaAK7dx0kxSSfG5BU640bcabsm6wjgxUUgfEatztDzDOuVkvvV43B981_Tk43_wmYYpg/s1600/heart1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Choose a special
time to meet with God each day so it happens.
Do what works best for you. Find
a place that works for you to meet where you won’t be interrupted. Have a plan.
Where will you read in the Bible?
What do you want to pray for?
Make a list. See this time with
God each day as a “date”. Look forward
to it. Talk to God like you would a
friend and take time to listen too. I
think you will be surprised at what He might want to say to you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="font-family: "century gothic";">How can we shine
bright for God…</i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Love People.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Be Jesus with
skin on for others to see. Don’t just
talk about God’s love with others, show them!
Let them see God in you without you saying a word by the way you LOVE
others. Be different. Love unconditionally. Don’t hold grudges. Forgive quickly. Let God’s love flow through you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArT5qdNHVDa8aF5fo39870beR6sSXuXaBN4erY1g9QFyBlSvk0NQhoopXCGfAwDE70bKb9cxIgn8udcWxmIRGGggA_YiMz1kUGwYT4amC4hZ34m-HGgcLnDGuqnkdyfO5xoREHIwEc53r/s1600/choices3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArT5qdNHVDa8aF5fo39870beR6sSXuXaBN4erY1g9QFyBlSvk0NQhoopXCGfAwDE70bKb9cxIgn8udcWxmIRGGggA_YiMz1kUGwYT4amC4hZ34m-HGgcLnDGuqnkdyfO5xoREHIwEc53r/s1600/choices3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">People are
watching.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Be who you say you are all the
time.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Show God’s love every day… not
just on Sundays.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">How can we do
that?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Think about all of the places you go
often.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Do you see the </span><i style="font-family: "Century Gothic";">same</i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> people
a lot?</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">… at the gas station, the grocery
store, the bank, the gym, the school, your workplace, etc…</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You should if you are paying attention.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When we are
spending time loving on God (before we come face to face with people) and
showing God’s love to others daily… eventually God will give us opportunities to
help build a bridge to Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><i>How can we shine bright for God…</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Be a bridge connecting the two.</span></b></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It all starts
with us stepping out of our comfort zone to connect with others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Think about those
people you see often in your life. I
challenge you to start talking to them. Get
to know them better. Learn their names,
ask questions, and be friendly. Remember
the things they say to you and ask them about it the next time you see
them. Show them you care. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">If you recognize
their face, chances are you look familiar to them too. Start “building a relationship” with them. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQQGl7xObwhV3kIMjOQJVUO7XcCAAEWHpPaMtt32Z0l4sxZqdbgdC5Xe0KiQsn0nJn4BxMoJScZd8w7YdEnT8S-2QhWDUav7ZoD08mcyb6_uPfqZuNFfZ-dPC6jIXLO7SxT9tho6xaDuT/s1600/CHECKOUT-LINE-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAQQGl7xObwhV3kIMjOQJVUO7XcCAAEWHpPaMtt32Z0l4sxZqdbgdC5Xe0KiQsn0nJn4BxMoJScZd8w7YdEnT8S-2QhWDUav7ZoD08mcyb6_uPfqZuNFfZ-dPC6jIXLO7SxT9tho6xaDuT/s320/CHECKOUT-LINE-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Recently I found
two people that I have seen a lot in “my” world. One works at a store I frequent often for
home supplies. I noticed him at first
when he started. They seemed to have a
huge turnover of employees and this guy stuck around. Every time I went in there, he was
there. I started being friendly at
checkout making small talk. Eventually I
learned his name. Then I noticed he
became one of the managers. I
congratulated him. Eventually at some
point, I will share God with Him as doors open in conversation and bridges of trust are built. Who
knows what will happen then?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The other person
I connected with recently works at Bath and Body Works. I frequent this place every few months to
stockpile on wallflowers (air fresheners) to neutralize the “boy stink” in my
home. (If you need help with this, check out a previous blog post I made on tips on how to get rid of the STINK in your home <a href="http://leavingalegacyonline.blogspot.com/2014/11/it-stinks.html">here</a>.) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When I went there last time, I
remember meeting a lady who was a new employee.
She had just moved to the area. We
talked for quite awhile. She shared some of
her story with me. </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I went back in
recently and saw her again… or at least I thought it was her. I brought up things she had shared with me
before and asked if she was “the lady” I had talked to a few months back. She was!
I love how God brings things to mind right when we need them. It’s not that I remember everything or that
I’m perfect. God just helps me remember
things when I need to for His purposes.
It’s awesome!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv0ctVn8bTYhqd_oX3uLYQxqhP0s8yc6GmFpKqeFAQgsZnHflU4bhQmYYKV9EOgNfWV2FxpfuoWGGpmCbQQSa-L9waVgmoyCpCpRWGFcv8EHxoLRII6wh83pvwbX3wKYhVORXdCX_9IF-/s1600/sparklers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="910" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsv0ctVn8bTYhqd_oX3uLYQxqhP0s8yc6GmFpKqeFAQgsZnHflU4bhQmYYKV9EOgNfWV2FxpfuoWGGpmCbQQSa-L9waVgmoyCpCpRWGFcv8EHxoLRII6wh83pvwbX3wKYhVORXdCX_9IF-/s320/sparklers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It’s time to
SHINE friends. It’s time for us to be
purposeful about loving God, loving others, and building bridges for others to come
to know Him. I believe in YOU! You can do this and it’s SO much fun! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Ask God today to
open your heart to love lost people, your eyes to see them all around you, and your
ears to hear their hearts cry. Let’s
become bridge builders for Jesus today.
Who’s with me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7493692765360078649.post-6112914285573881782017-05-31T09:22:00.000-07:002017-05-31T18:37:44.295-07:00The ugly truth about the last two months…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eRlWIThjvujBp-ap3-4bllbYn8Xwk29cWc_x5PGOZxF1GUX46eiAaE7PoA6pcEzC9zvdkZa72j81ZBpMJ2Xp1VhR5JCkMYuufe14lWU0tX3p5OwgQKx9M_-8wt1brUHBazdoPy7N7Cw_/s1600/heart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="160" data-original-width="240" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9eRlWIThjvujBp-ap3-4bllbYn8Xwk29cWc_x5PGOZxF1GUX46eiAaE7PoA6pcEzC9zvdkZa72j81ZBpMJ2Xp1VhR5JCkMYuufe14lWU0tX3p5OwgQKx9M_-8wt1brUHBazdoPy7N7Cw_/s200/heart1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Hello faithful
readers. Sorry for the delay in posting
the last two months. You have been on my
heart regardless of my silence. There
have been LOTS of things I have wanted to say, but didn’t… couldn’t. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The ugly truth is
that I’ve been busy and sick… more sick than busy I guess. I hate posting about being sick. It seems like it is never ending at times.
Sharing about sickness doesn’t seem very encouraging in my opinion. However every time I do for some reason
people feel inspired. Not sure why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It seems it is in
the messiest and ugliest moments of my life… when I feel I am not at my best
and everything is going wrong… that people are touched the most by my
efforts. God shines through the
brightest for all to see in our darkest of hours when they are surrendered to
Him. If sharing my struggles out loud
for all to hear helps inspire you to keep moving forward trusting God, then buckle
your seat belts and get ready for an earful.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHaelxK6YOpRPzgk0UoYGS1uXJGP4vbMMXFEgDKc6R8_wYlcijblWSDOiEFN-7GVyd4XoDLQGyTYMF0bFtRHE8830oGJa_rFX-BmEEFp4SPCOaPZsyRSOASJgRMpyf8HEhy8lCHY3Fmbf/s1600/muddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="369" data-original-width="640" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPHaelxK6YOpRPzgk0UoYGS1uXJGP4vbMMXFEgDKc6R8_wYlcijblWSDOiEFN-7GVyd4XoDLQGyTYMF0bFtRHE8830oGJa_rFX-BmEEFp4SPCOaPZsyRSOASJgRMpyf8HEhy8lCHY3Fmbf/s320/muddy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">So… I guess it
all started with me feeling BETTER in March.
I had gone to my regular check up with my neurologist and shared how
good I was doing. I was sleeping better,
my autoimmune disease seemed under control, and I was feeling stronger. I had just gotten over a winter flare up
caused by an upper respiratory infection.
It felt like I was on the upswing finally… or so I thought.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My doctor
agreed. I was doing much better. As a result, he lowered my medicine. I was excited! It’s weird to say I was excited about my
medicine being lowered, but you have to understand at high doses of some of my
medicines side effects accompany them.
If you have ever experienced side effects with long term medicines, you
know they are NO fun! I left the office
feeling encouraged by the outcome of my visit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">It wasn’t even a
week later and for some reason my symptoms started to flare up again. I got weaker and weaker as each day passed by. I was hoping I would get better, but instead
I got worse. I assumed it must have been
from the lower dosage of my medicine which really frustrated me. That was pretty quick to go down hill…
errrr. Finally I gave in and called my
doctor. He scheduled outpatient IV
treatments immediately to try to boost my immune system and get me back to
normal. Normally this helps, but not
this time.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">For the first
time in all my years of having IV treatments, I left the hospital feeling worse
than when I started.</span></i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> I couldn’t figure out why. The whole time I had the treatments I had
side effects… hives, fever, migraines, and the like. This wasn’t normal for me. I researched online to discover what the
trigger might be. The only thing I could
figure out was that the Tetanus shot I had at my family doctor the day before
my treatments had caused all my random reactions. In fact it seems as if it completely negated all
of my treatments. In my research it had
happened before to others. I wish I
would have known this <i>before </i>my treatments or at least my doctor’s
office would have known. The weird and
rare things always happen to me… It’s true.
I’m not kidding!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">So… I got home
after my treatments and hoped this was just a freak thing. I thought I was really going to start getting
better, but I didn’t. I gave it a full
three days to see, but nope. I only got
worse. I called my doctor again.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">In the midst of
all of my medical frustrations I tried to maintain normalcy for everyone
involved. I continued working part-time,
picking my boys up from school and running them around to their various
activities, and serving at church in the kid’s ministry or wherever else I had
made a commitment. I continued to do
life as it had always been sick or well.
At times, I had to rest more or slow down, but I kept pushing forward. I had to.
I don’t know how to do anything else.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My favorite verse
that has always seen me through many a trouble is… </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><b>Philippians 4:13</b>. The way I memorized it says it like this… <i>“I
can do ALL things through Christ who gives me STRENGTH.” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I used to focus
on the “doing the ALL things” part of that verse. You know… God helping me get everything done
I need to do, but now I see the significance of the “Christ giving me STRENGTH”
part as well. The autoimmune disease I struggle
with weakens my muscles (Myasthenia Gravis)…ALL the muscles in my body are
weakened when it flares up. It takes all
of my strength away in a sense. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This verse
reminds me that when I am struggling (or feeling weak) if I will go to God, He
will give me the strength I need to accomplish all that I need to do. Maybe not all I “want” to do each day, but
what I “need” to do at that moment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">God has been
faithful to see me through many adversities as I have continued to run to Him
in the midst of my struggles. I have
learned that no matter WHAT I am struggling with, I need to run to Him! He is my greatest source of strength.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">So… to finish my
story, I called my doctor again when I noticed I wasn’t getting better after my
initial IV treatments. <i>He scheduled
three days of high dose steroid treatments.
</i>They seemed to work. I
finally started feeling better.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Amid all of my
medical drama, I was asked to share MY story on video for our upcoming sermon
series at church.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My pastor was beginning
a series entitled “Ink”… talking about scars.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The catch phrase was “Scars are tattoos with better stories”.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Each week he shared an inspiring story from
each of our staff pastors on how they overcame a difficult season in their
lives with God’s help.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Mine of course
was all about the struggles of my illness zeroing in on my darkest hour.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My husband and I were both interviewed.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFg4LUg4C14LbED1LLUKptA8M2-Rq6yB40uWTdFmKFDusAbMNUhpkUzHBgkfNM4hMDpngtde8iaNn3RZcznBdn_Gx5S8NjjFIz6SHEXywoKK1nKwbMmb5x5LRstEAlk54L8cQ8hwrNVQ5/s1600/IMG_20170429_163359871_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFg4LUg4C14LbED1LLUKptA8M2-Rq6yB40uWTdFmKFDusAbMNUhpkUzHBgkfNM4hMDpngtde8iaNn3RZcznBdn_Gx5S8NjjFIz6SHEXywoKK1nKwbMmb5x5LRstEAlk54L8cQ8hwrNVQ5/s320/IMG_20170429_163359871_HDR+%25281%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">This whole video
thing was a real struggle for me. I
guess I just wanted to “feel” well when I shared my story with others… and at
that moment I didn’t. I also struggled
with sharing my dark moments with everyone.
It was a very hard time for me and I didn’t want to lose my composure on
camera breaking down into tears for all to see.
I wanted others to be encouraged, feel inspired to keep trusting God,
and be filled with hope… but it was just really hard right now to do this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">The day we video
taped MY story I prayed non-stop. I
wanted to say the “right” things God wanted me to say and feel well enough to
say them. I can’t say I was feeling the
best that day, but I can say I did my best to share what was on my heart. You can check out the video <a href="https://vimeo.com/216486869">HERE</a>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">You can check out
the other videos from that series <a href="http://faithchurchonline.net/wordpress/media/videos">HERE</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Our video doesn’t
even come close to telling the whole story… however it does tell a good part of
it. Telling the full story would have taken
up the whole Sunday morning leaving no time for Pastor’s sermon. It was the perfect length for what Pastor
needed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqgJXvfShpGfP5ETE5OBpUaf7LR89Xih5fPZrH8J2FPw9KxJgQWF3po66CYfDN_-1IWv8oH3koj5WJ1E97R2Ir2az5F6bDC__h_0OOm4E6ZBKtTSbwFsOMcRssmG7U0hL2cnb6I5fuo_G/s1600/ink+series.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="854" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfqgJXvfShpGfP5ETE5OBpUaf7LR89Xih5fPZrH8J2FPw9KxJgQWF3po66CYfDN_-1IWv8oH3koj5WJ1E97R2Ir2az5F6bDC__h_0OOm4E6ZBKtTSbwFsOMcRssmG7U0hL2cnb6I5fuo_G/s320/ink+series.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">My husband
promised to make me another video some time soon (a longer version) of our
story to keep. I’m holding him to that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">When we showed
the video I couldn’t hold back the tears.
It was so raw and real to me still to this day. At the end of the service we were able to
come forward to pray with people. It was
SO powerful to hear people say how much “our story” inspired them to keep
trusting God for their break through. Thank
you Jesus! I’m so thankful God can take
the seemily horrible moments in our lives and use them for good to touch
others. That in itself helps my time
spent being sick not feel as wasted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">So to sum up my
last couple months in a nutshell… I got sick.
I called the doctor. I had IV
treatments. They didn’t work. I got worse.
I called the doctor. I had
Steroid treatments. They worked. I video taped MY story. We showed it on a Sunday morning in May and
lives were impacted. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">P.S. My oldest son got his driver’s license and
his first official job at McDonalds during this time as well.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"><br /></span></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1I9X35ZJipZ_uN8cGX9wC2fs_DpXlkZgnG9aMu72cuqhVVwvBZN8uCjhMEW_ymYE5ntuOZC-7-POG-EMkmFrfb-DwXFr1eLMbu8V3_QkrvJvzcJt-7K5ktNUfEZN_fkcvLOPI3jDP28w/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_20170416_201134771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG1I9X35ZJipZ_uN8cGX9wC2fs_DpXlkZgnG9aMu72cuqhVVwvBZN8uCjhMEW_ymYE5ntuOZC-7-POG-EMkmFrfb-DwXFr1eLMbu8V3_QkrvJvzcJt-7K5ktNUfEZN_fkcvLOPI3jDP28w/s320/Copy+of+IMG_20170416_201134771.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my amazing nurses</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Now just a couple
weeks later my symptoms have flared up again and I had to have more IV
treatments.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Not sure why.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">That makes 11 treatments in 6 weeks.</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Yikes!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">
</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I’ve never had that many before so close together!</span><span style="font-family: "century gothic";"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">I talked to a few
of the nurses while I was at the hospital this week and explained that I have
no idea what is causing the flare up this time.
“It just doesn’t make any sense unless God sent me here to see you
gals. Do you need anything?” I think they were taken back a little. Sometimes God does that to me… uses me to
speak into the lives of others randomly.
I was so blessed while I was there to be able to share MY story on video
with some of the nurses. By their teary
eyes, I could tell they were touched deeply.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Thank you God for
divine appointments and tender hearts! I
pray you will continue to use my story (and the lives of my friends reading
this) to inspire others to keep trusting you, following you, and believing you
for impossible things. YOU are faithful!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Who knows why I
got sick again or who I might have been there to see? All I know is that I am finally starting to
feel better… and just in time for summer break!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Woohoo! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Living to leave a
legacy,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "century gothic";">Julie</span></div>
Juliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08447062654437413435noreply@blogger.com0