tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4269900407221975762024-03-28T04:20:29.998-07:00Just a ThoughtPeghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.comBlogger771125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-60118750295988442582024-03-28T02:00:00.000-07:002024-03-28T04:19:57.903-07:00Marriage 302: Further Ways to Tend a Marriage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vqRNJjo4fASlZ7vn6zB5f7jNF6DoWtnv41X4GyjmSdPuTMSCNML4RDPFNW15ykCIARby170TqYtvB0gIT4l0sRnFp5oPJebZM0XrCZ27hop4ZC1Ag6gus1iPWwIodOY8pLkUO8ukmiIGPFKy0-A5L7OY8FXKjiBT_7_u6IEx4I8pYMcS_l8G5z9ERb6Z/s2161/81V+O9RDS6L.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2161" data-original-width="2062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-vqRNJjo4fASlZ7vn6zB5f7jNF6DoWtnv41X4GyjmSdPuTMSCNML4RDPFNW15ykCIARby170TqYtvB0gIT4l0sRnFp5oPJebZM0XrCZ27hop4ZC1Ag6gus1iPWwIodOY8pLkUO8ukmiIGPFKy0-A5L7OY8FXKjiBT_7_u6IEx4I8pYMcS_l8G5z9ERb6Z/w381-h400/81V+O9RDS6L.jpg" width="381" /></a></div><p>I love Charleston (we're here for a board-recommended, wee vacation before moving on with our ministry trip). </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwu-rcqeAkFlAYSCauqBR50OOPDi0zZpxw4RFRcUgaJtQ-xE1SjJNANRK2DaoFc40Wn1pcv4mYinZxP4sESOEy1iG1tu6X9M9YqLGKKluEKgNyJr1j6nHPHbVTQFPOqA-MmQpJmt14X9FxPMr_Y4IITJvHwdcqijxehar6u_S1e5ZjCoXBDobfFI05aVcM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2460" data-original-width="2931" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwu-rcqeAkFlAYSCauqBR50OOPDi0zZpxw4RFRcUgaJtQ-xE1SjJNANRK2DaoFc40Wn1pcv4mYinZxP4sESOEy1iG1tu6X9M9YqLGKKluEKgNyJr1j6nHPHbVTQFPOqA-MmQpJmt14X9FxPMr_Y4IITJvHwdcqijxehar6u_S1e5ZjCoXBDobfFI05aVcM=w400-h336" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>We visited here about ten years ago, and I fell hard. </p><p>If I believed in reincarnation (I don't), I'd think that I might have once been a Southern Belle. </p><p>Charleston is rich in history; masterful architecture; warm coastal breezes; splendid, colorful, southern flowers; and, don't even get me started on the food (if I were once a Southern Belle, I was a chunky, "robust" girl)...</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPa-9a0xqu2kyf4mzh3Cf46CC6Gf-oTf-ZGjL-L4tqKsNh35v6Zy9qkwGp0azV7awpVx0ftznVqwzmHmACKGiTkPSRFhENVcrw-CIa5eLzOX4h-OqDhVlKUAZwGs0OomeCI7lmVGArP1_bBChpOavmTJir9Cw4dLlAcuLE4F7vjjF9PQ2lagW0pCL9K6yJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPa-9a0xqu2kyf4mzh3Cf46CC6Gf-oTf-ZGjL-L4tqKsNh35v6Zy9qkwGp0azV7awpVx0ftznVqwzmHmACKGiTkPSRFhENVcrw-CIa5eLzOX4h-OqDhVlKUAZwGs0OomeCI7lmVGArP1_bBChpOavmTJir9Cw4dLlAcuLE4F7vjjF9PQ2lagW0pCL9K6yJ" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>So, speaking of food, on Tuesday we toured downtown, then ate lunch at Hyman's Seafood Restaurant. </p><p>Built in 1890, Hyman's newest owners boast being 5th generation descendants.</p><p>The restaurant, itself, brags about being #6 on the list of Taste Atlas' 150 most legendary restaurants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq6TNp-Jt5VT1JzJ-9hZ4un19nShf4AP-uJAB5tquRSdUCra5JP1EFRtHxURgSsbhwEVg9IySuM4UFgqbY82462wss3SBJshn_kPc7vkbdx1xjhti1HtZRgToBVM5L1pdkQWtQQ8jp5mdtdgBcxW1I_It1y7i41N6poX-jJKyvysYCQ9lAhnA8dcYX72Y/s456/HymanSkeletonFish.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="456" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVq6TNp-Jt5VT1JzJ-9hZ4un19nShf4AP-uJAB5tquRSdUCra5JP1EFRtHxURgSsbhwEVg9IySuM4UFgqbY82462wss3SBJshn_kPc7vkbdx1xjhti1HtZRgToBVM5L1pdkQWtQQ8jp5mdtdgBcxW1I_It1y7i41N6poX-jJKyvysYCQ9lAhnA8dcYX72Y/s320/HymanSkeletonFish.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>We sat at a table where Kevin Costner once enjoyed a meal. </p><p>Eli Hyman, the current owner, came over to our table to greet us and make certain everything was to our liking - he stood and visited some bit before moving on to another. </p><p>That's good service - and probably why we made sure to come back. </p><p>As he walked away, he asked if we would add Israel to our prayers. </p><p>Done ✔...as in we would do so right then before our meal, but we already pray on a regular basis for the peace of Israel.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHp2JbL5omarU2No9B3ThTun6979NwX6aFoqKFuoGSJH8ENBUumVbbFs-Pync8xvtNmLwrdLNA7frdN7l6tD0z-Fh-LseUkmEyqv1mF1TsZUbI-Tft1mW3hUgh7EKWfznDpMi6d_3OWE0Kr4XFqlJsyL1MaK9hG-hmFgb7z3d2HdgyWSfWUVxeXdVDbBu-/s500/DM1M_04V4AAzXLf.jpg" 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/AVvXsEhHp2JbL5omarU2No9B3ThTun6979NwX6aFoqKFuoGSJH8ENBUumVbbFs-Pync8xvtNmLwrdLNA7frdN7l6tD0z-Fh-LseUkmEyqv1mF1TsZUbI-Tft1mW3hUgh7EKWfznDpMi6d_3OWE0Kr4XFqlJsyL1MaK9hG-hmFgb7z3d2HdgyWSfWUVxeXdVDbBu-/w320-h320/DM1M_04V4AAzXLf.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>You're probably wondering where all this is going and how it relates to marriage.</p><p>Well, in the center of our table sat a small box with different colored cards in it - </p><p>Each one distributed great advice, and I collected them all to save.</p><p>One of those cards shared 40 different marriage strategies. </p><p>Since I'm writing this blog while on "vacation," these thoughts seem appropriate and they are time-savers (yes, I'm taking the lazy-girl's-method-of-blog-writing this week).</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQyJKcYUmTvDBdLu2MBUee02i4qkCfwei0ADzVZiSKp38vN3yF8Gh4v7LqHb_iTSZvGjF1jGJE6qSXbJW0YPeThKF0VcVXhQaVxr5DAL-m2vuWewH_kYGz-Serw3XxDUA91y93lkAuLsQy2gH_Hs__Mxe5ICYtmZADjlLzk3vTDLw9gv3-HVXWQT2ZP_ET" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQyJKcYUmTvDBdLu2MBUee02i4qkCfwei0ADzVZiSKp38vN3yF8Gh4v7LqHb_iTSZvGjF1jGJE6qSXbJW0YPeThKF0VcVXhQaVxr5DAL-m2vuWewH_kYGz-Serw3XxDUA91y93lkAuLsQy2gH_Hs__Mxe5ICYtmZADjlLzk3vTDLw9gv3-HVXWQT2ZP_ET" width="180" /></a></div><p></p><p>They are good, though, and there are some I know I need to adopt.</p><p>They also fit the theme of last week's edition of <i>"Just a Thought"</i> and might give you another idea, or two, or three, to institute as a marriage-discipline (of course, there are a few repeats).</p><p>Here they are:</p><p>Start each day with a kiss.</p><p>Wear your wedding ring at all times.</p><p>Date once a week.</p><p>Accept one another's differences.</p><p>Be polite.</p><p>Gift gifts.</p><p>Smile often.</p><p>Touch.</p><p>Give back rubs.</p><p>Laugh together.</p><p>Send a card for no reason.</p><p>Do what the other person wants before he or she asks.</p><p>Listen.</p><p>Encourage.</p><p>Know his or her needs.</p><p>Fix the other person breakfast.</p><p>Compliment one another twice a day.</p><p>Call during the day.</p><p>Slow down.</p><p>Hold hands.</p><p>Cuddle.</p><p>As for one other's opinions.</p><p>Show respect.</p><p>Look your best.</p><p>Celebrate birthdays in a big way.</p><p>Apologize.</p><p>Forgive.</p><p>Set up a romantic getaway.</p><p>Be positive.</p><p>Be kind.</p><p>Be vulnerable.</p><p>Respond quickly to the other person's request.</p><p>Reminisce about your favorite times together.</p><p>Treat each other's friends and relatives with courtesy.</p><p>Send flowers for Valentine's Day and your anniversary.</p><p>Admit when you're wrong -</p><p>Be sensitive to each other's sexual desires.</p><p>Pray fore each other daily.</p><p>Say, "I love you," frequently.</p><p>Seek outside help when needed. </p><p><i>(accredited to Steve Stephens)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGvAqRe8LbCvQa3eyOTQtf9G40WNmcH_tvvlHayWasLn0dEvedCCmuYCrHMzNu85jAanmCtv4vu2NOzWYHQtbZ1VYFPrjOTWil4olUxtuOl-lbYBhbhJmAbuYbTlE61gS71XKDUfFGTEhBwjEoR_WQPFF0wUYhPFjpSRbRYTwrD4pNgsDPxYOWJ94NqJl3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGvAqRe8LbCvQa3eyOTQtf9G40WNmcH_tvvlHayWasLn0dEvedCCmuYCrHMzNu85jAanmCtv4vu2NOzWYHQtbZ1VYFPrjOTWil4olUxtuOl-lbYBhbhJmAbuYbTlE61gS71XKDUfFGTEhBwjEoR_WQPFF0wUYhPFjpSRbRYTwrD4pNgsDPxYOWJ94NqJl3" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>If I have to leave with just one thought for today - it's this: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OpPK6MXWiwJpv6J9u76iBNv8iXcedokINaZsmMZ5RgrDwmuVMBNcXFxre6e-Lx20526Yd8Od4AfJad8WpW5Z7d51Z8DXGcTmqmlqc1-ziwmw4ggJF3hnU1tM1_qcKnwmM1j-USI7ISZYVCqnv93danS1Z5lvKpDp6uQbtbprf8Il2AFF-wvyq7seCpuY/s640/4133e2355d1b95cfa6c1086811bd3ac2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-OpPK6MXWiwJpv6J9u76iBNv8iXcedokINaZsmMZ5RgrDwmuVMBNcXFxre6e-Lx20526Yd8Od4AfJad8WpW5Z7d51Z8DXGcTmqmlqc1-ziwmw4ggJF3hnU1tM1_qcKnwmM1j-USI7ISZYVCqnv93danS1Z5lvKpDp6uQbtbprf8Il2AFF-wvyq7seCpuY/w400-h400/4133e2355d1b95cfa6c1086811bd3ac2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Marriages last because </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><u>TWO PEOPLE </u></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">work at it - forever. </span></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-large;"><i>Be intentional. </i></span></p><p><br /></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-23647033713783401332024-03-21T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-21T04:48:44.859-07:00Marriage 301: Marriage is Not a Waxed Amaryllis<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1HWRB4cDkzYG1bb7fVZxAFY1zhxvtoTzc4V6kbWQA64FRvz7thtJj78XdTKCxBJ55ALgiMrv1jLKsm2W0FK0PaG4MVXZFlvlwUp-eZsodkz-oMyYrii2-0Xoaq89Sf7PGgS51iKywdKXPm5XJprv_nu3OSu8Z7QHXo0PWApD4JS4O1IZ3T2riL21RMBCy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1HWRB4cDkzYG1bb7fVZxAFY1zhxvtoTzc4V6kbWQA64FRvz7thtJj78XdTKCxBJ55ALgiMrv1jLKsm2W0FK0PaG4MVXZFlvlwUp-eZsodkz-oMyYrii2-0Xoaq89Sf7PGgS51iKywdKXPm5XJprv_nu3OSu8Z7QHXo0PWApD4JS4O1IZ3T2riL21RMBCy=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just before Thanksgiving, my sweet sister-in-law, Sherri, gave me a waxed Amaryllis bulb she purchased at Trader Joes. That was my kind of a flowering plant. Other than making sure it had some good indirect lighting, I didn’t have to tend to it. I put it in the sun, and let it be. It blossomed around Christmas producing 5 gorgeous flowers. After almost two weeks, it lost those blooms. Still it sat in my window as we headed to Arizona mid-January.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From AZ, we traveled on to the Philippines, arriving home just before heading to a marriage conference where we were speaking the first of March, and when I walked into our home, I noticed my Amaryllis produced a second time with six more blooms.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> A pleasant surprise, indeed!</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNKRO4NM5M4neHAgwfDb1G4Ql7AVuFdQClPzt22IYs0xaNs0ts-qIOkJjkOZXGm66smUDysHNlrEaDgCxQalhX8tSuPDk2PP9nFqwO5fBFxL8nfMo1onRdf9EeyBaMVqeQhRoik7HTRJNv9VhCFh39DuHKT_TUalg1Cirj8inB-i-uvpCrFu6q7LutM3Pm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNKRO4NM5M4neHAgwfDb1G4Ql7AVuFdQClPzt22IYs0xaNs0ts-qIOkJjkOZXGm66smUDysHNlrEaDgCxQalhX8tSuPDk2PP9nFqwO5fBFxL8nfMo1onRdf9EeyBaMVqeQhRoik7HTRJNv9VhCFh39DuHKT_TUalg1Cirj8inB-i-uvpCrFu6q7LutM3Pm=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As we left on this current trip, there were two more buds ready to burst forth again. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If only our lives were like that beautiful Amaryllis and needed no tending (though truth be told, eventually it will run out of carbohydrates stored in the wax and will have to be thrown in a compost pile).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes, I wish I could just simply go about the day, and all things “my life” would be taken care of like my spiritual growth, my friendships, my weight, the whiteness/cavity-free-ness of my teeth, my family, and my marriage. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yet, no matter how much I might “want,” those "wishes" will forever remain simple “wishful thinking,” unless I put feet to my desires. </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF5iVd6hS7cVGM7JUPSCBa8yM6VyEAQ6yOCcY-zK7rvzxeULUSQd-LuJbuvq6QqESss2l7ZXdZB-xQnzHhIRZ1tXAgScJpMviWGWYnnTQTxHFvq6rR7LUMuKuC-ZsJMj6Tdu4hzgvvJ2Czs45HxRLgMLuPcZjp02Ob9wSegeKAwJJT89bR6auDlVOfPws/s1200/Dm_pYbBVAAASN6o.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifF5iVd6hS7cVGM7JUPSCBa8yM6VyEAQ6yOCcY-zK7rvzxeULUSQd-LuJbuvq6QqESss2l7ZXdZB-xQnzHhIRZ1tXAgScJpMviWGWYnnTQTxHFvq6rR7LUMuKuC-ZsJMj6Tdu4hzgvvJ2Czs45HxRLgMLuPcZjp02Ob9wSegeKAwJJT89bR6auDlVOfPws/w400-h210/Dm_pYbBVAAASN6o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">From the time of our “littleness,” most of us were taught physical disciplines. Things like the need for a certain amount of sleep, cleanliness (showers, tooth-brushing, clothes-washing, etc), exercise (ugh)… Our parents taught us these <i>healthy habits</i> so our bodies could keep ticking along to “old age and gray hair (Psalm 71:18).”</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP-febCNwpCYVt94re8nPhbwuvNEJDTGyddO0lhTSAHjC3z1XgdBbA_d2ev4GYQM_kd6VPvGqf1_QKzWPyEBULNYQVVF_CXiGemUKLE-cJYXjj7ppF7qeCVoBC4N2xVHykUB8ccD4lTfQTF03sDqBoux0qHMsr_bOME2ZXUytR_I6klXrEbAuet1Yth0t/s894/71TpTPbx1SL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="462" data-original-width="894" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghP-febCNwpCYVt94re8nPhbwuvNEJDTGyddO0lhTSAHjC3z1XgdBbA_d2ev4GYQM_kd6VPvGqf1_QKzWPyEBULNYQVVF_CXiGemUKLE-cJYXjj7ppF7qeCVoBC4N2xVHykUB8ccD4lTfQTF03sDqBoux0qHMsr_bOME2ZXUytR_I6klXrEbAuet1Yth0t/w400-h206/71TpTPbx1SL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the years, the Lord’s convictions led me to spiritual disciplines. The following put feet to my desire to grow spiritually and more intimately with Jesus: morning quiet time, bible study, personal prayer time, journaling, and gratitude lists. In recent years, I’ve added the “holy habits” of lament, Lectio and Visio Divina, paying attention, and the old practice of Examen. Spending time each morning putting these things into play, keep my soul experiencing God on a personal level.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAELU9N4vQktigTd6jvMatttjgKWh5_3Dv1DOJI1C4GmxhFCSxYUjWsHfKcfR0YnfB9PMczkjaV80KwwVpl3jOm3Rn_pHJX9oLzHVz50Y5p63QRw3SRCyKz1tHSpdM9Mj12SEGhldSQZL74-Bs_Wr89lHdi7mhVQujS2MeizpzXsvQPFhhs387kVob7hCE/s980/4105fa_1e6db8658d33426c9bf474e78c26f3b7~mv2.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="980" data-original-width="980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAELU9N4vQktigTd6jvMatttjgKWh5_3Dv1DOJI1C4GmxhFCSxYUjWsHfKcfR0YnfB9PMczkjaV80KwwVpl3jOm3Rn_pHJX9oLzHVz50Y5p63QRw3SRCyKz1tHSpdM9Mj12SEGhldSQZL74-Bs_Wr89lHdi7mhVQujS2MeizpzXsvQPFhhs387kVob7hCE/w400-h400/4105fa_1e6db8658d33426c9bf474e78c26f3b7~mv2.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In my teen years, I learned the value of tending to friendships that required time spent together, deep conversations, good communication skills, honesty, vulnerability, and selflessness for “healthy friendships.” Oddly enough, developing these habits prepared me for dating…and, eventually became a starting place for marriage.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are a few of the things I committed to when I said “I do,” and repeat over and over and over again each new morning.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These are the actions I walk out to “do the work” of marriage daily.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>The fact is there really are marital disciplines/holy habits/daily rhythms that help our marriages to keep ticking to “old age and gray hair” (til death do us part).</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Unlike my lovely Amaryllis, my marriage needs tending, and I <u>MUST NOT </u>let it bloom, then shrivel up, only to throw it away. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">But, there are other "disciplines" for marriages.</span></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><b><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">What are some of the other holy </span>habits<span style="font-family: inherit;"> that help us keep our love fresh? </span></i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve thought about the answer to this question a significant amount, because this topic became part of the marriage retreat where we spoke recently.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">What I’m giving you are some of ours, and some that belong to friends of ours - </span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">- you are more than welcome to </span>borrow<span style="font-family: inherit;"> some of these, but...<b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">...only you can determine what things breathe oxygen into the fire of your marriage...</span></i></b></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. <b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Intentionally speak life to one another</span></i></b> - words of affirmation (which has to do with your spouse's character) and </span>appreciation<span style="font-family: inherit;"> (a simple thank-you is more important than you may realize).</span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4OO6iuwiq0fx4QOtp_l06FrWPX1xw0RMo9tWDfNiiH2EvB3JunFLLXEy3RYSxvsWAV3WUtP09Ohm0rGBTJUt_wUAC83k7PiPd_S5Pu7Ezzoi8tu3HhiMDgjWfKA9b7cdU7CSA6l7VrKTc4MNVj6DjMTl6TdUsV2cV8wXBsiGHWDAlpfsngCzQ13Qy529/s320/48546bd34462ea8cd031bcdfcd5a85a6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="289" data-original-width="320" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ4OO6iuwiq0fx4QOtp_l06FrWPX1xw0RMo9tWDfNiiH2EvB3JunFLLXEy3RYSxvsWAV3WUtP09Ohm0rGBTJUt_wUAC83k7PiPd_S5Pu7Ezzoi8tu3HhiMDgjWfKA9b7cdU7CSA6l7VrKTc4MNVj6DjMTl6TdUsV2cV8wXBsiGHWDAlpfsngCzQ13Qy529/w400-h361/48546bd34462ea8cd031bcdfcd5a85a6.png" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">2.<b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;"> Regularly touch base to share Jesus together: </span></i></b>what God is speaking into your life, to pray, and to worship together.</span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRozBk73zVjlr4DALQ35tXvxIGKG-K90fjoyolTv_m_i1KMlumSB0dAHs4wj7M9eX-6zORBpjMe1rwaq2YeV85vCMUc26LgyhyR0IaYGCmMzFAFFFc0fcxj7aFvJdlocjS0g_fbNeQIJuC3pYE4-PjFULgrYAoegHA4v_T1IeGJDUhhdriSVLALbWVRmYz/s640/b2e8b6a1aebfef6a89f5836afa180e9e.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRozBk73zVjlr4DALQ35tXvxIGKG-K90fjoyolTv_m_i1KMlumSB0dAHs4wj7M9eX-6zORBpjMe1rwaq2YeV85vCMUc26LgyhyR0IaYGCmMzFAFFFc0fcxj7aFvJdlocjS0g_fbNeQIJuC3pYE4-PjFULgrYAoegHA4v_T1IeGJDUhhdriSVLALbWVRmYz/s320/b2e8b6a1aebfef6a89f5836afa180e9e.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span><br /></span><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. <b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Date nights</span></i></b> - you determine the frequency....but, sometimes couples are just too busy to carve these sweet, special times into their schedule. Your marriage will suffer all the more if you don't eliminate the busy, and simplify your lives to spend time together without the kids.</span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90hrhnmdZPbv90nZPaY7UY56feCSDgIey6qMNi2o37DsDk2KUmcKOedk5Qy5VPwLQt60u-FrLKOFyPIk_oyTlIOBWzjNd1V93ceq3ccAEyZNXoIN0yUJmoy1OlMk5P7TEx3hYQDxa966puAq8PL9ih-YvOIrY1W06IUpJTEYPvPNfS5o0UxyedfGJjb-n/s487/27384137319_9b0d03cf31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="485" data-original-width="487" height="399" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg90hrhnmdZPbv90nZPaY7UY56feCSDgIey6qMNi2o37DsDk2KUmcKOedk5Qy5VPwLQt60u-FrLKOFyPIk_oyTlIOBWzjNd1V93ceq3ccAEyZNXoIN0yUJmoy1OlMk5P7TEx3hYQDxa966puAq8PL9ih-YvOIrY1W06IUpJTEYPvPNfS5o0UxyedfGJjb-n/w400-h399/27384137319_9b0d03cf31.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span><span style="font-family: inherit;">4.<b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;"> Monthly marriage meetings</span></i></b> - intentionally discuss the answers to questions like: How are we doing in our </span></span>marriage? What are we doing right? How can I serve you better? Here's what I think I could do better (this is a great opportunity to confess and own mistakes)...</p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">5. <b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">SERVING ONE-ANOTHER.</span></i></b> This is nothing more than basic thoughtfulness... I can't tell you how many times a day, my dear husband will ask: "Is there anything I can do to help?" Generally, there isn't, but the fact he cares enough to check in means the world to me!</p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPEMX8GFAHJD_bjvUmUp4AvXFgc8KtqVKLIAfY9TV54U_-fAVbsySgA3Vl4rxNaSQ3GsoYb0mRfTqjO0bRarCuvT4sy3Rxwjprx_f9qJ0PRmFlSFWAUgHIt6KrBQLrbZrx1d6-IMMiK7D03CGTiMfzRwlYDSj4BfeJ8Hc9uGS7syA-D5ZXYBWP9f2fx39/s1000/e57ed2c56335f5a3505da177f5fcee28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="786" data-original-width="1000" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPPEMX8GFAHJD_bjvUmUp4AvXFgc8KtqVKLIAfY9TV54U_-fAVbsySgA3Vl4rxNaSQ3GsoYb0mRfTqjO0bRarCuvT4sy3Rxwjprx_f9qJ0PRmFlSFWAUgHIt6KrBQLrbZrx1d6-IMMiK7D03CGTiMfzRwlYDSj4BfeJ8Hc9uGS7syA-D5ZXYBWP9f2fx39/w400-h315/e57ed2c56335f5a3505da177f5fcee28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">6. <b><i><span style="color: #76a5af;">Intimacy.</span></i></b> Yes, sex. Nothing is as sacred than this gift from the Lord, nor leads to deeper connection at the soul level.</p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2QfiLS5lSEP8lP8FwaldKuRaB7TCesZrqlHnmZjtVYg3Pj9PtgRMMKq39ZbLFXwJjNHsz2e-CrWu6h2B3_uela-jX2IDGhRmEg20a4JMQBkYOJCiPDE_9ZrR2_hYjhhgV37NGTBmBX8_jn4II4-5Z20FbdPR8oYV6yrieBXcxQ2YODcv92Yk2YK8QTHC/s3000/bible-verses-marriage21-1609783716.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="2000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV2QfiLS5lSEP8lP8FwaldKuRaB7TCesZrqlHnmZjtVYg3Pj9PtgRMMKq39ZbLFXwJjNHsz2e-CrWu6h2B3_uela-jX2IDGhRmEg20a4JMQBkYOJCiPDE_9ZrR2_hYjhhgV37NGTBmBX8_jn4II4-5Z20FbdPR8oYV6yrieBXcxQ2YODcv92Yk2YK8QTHC/w266-h400/bible-verses-marriage21-1609783716.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;">7. Seven seems to be the magical biblical number, so let me just close with several under this number: </p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>go on adventures together (this has been huge in our marriage, and we combine it with our ministry...but life has never been dull and always keeps us on our toes, leaning into one another. </li><li>eat meals at the table together</li><li>Sabbath together (go to church together - a non-negotiable)</li><li>vacation together (you'd be surprised how many couples DON'T!)</li><li>laugh together (I, personally, love this one...I have a tendency to be serious about life, but Bay has a way of keeping things light and fun and I love him all the more for it).</li><li>play, hike, kayak, ski, snow shoe, go for a walk, tennis, pickle ball...just get outside!</li><li>work around the house together (divide the chores and get 'er done...together).</li><li>board games</li></ul><p></p></blockquote><p> I'll close with this - make a plan for moving forward with some marriage-disciplines; because unlike a waxed Amaryllis, your marriage needs tender, loving care. </p><p>AND.....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Nothing </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Changes</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">If</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Nothing</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Changes</span></i></b></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL3aFtdZvISj7slAWM_RWnczaKh7lkq-e9uEskW1zK7bs8QDOczB2KVFXIk-ju3R4w38l7d7x4obSzC-_-kVQsB0mx16SXgBNUSS8huAbG-T7TDfF1wx4yoAyAkwv-IPOD3y_vWkpWQ8op8bxxA6-7MYdH7bQsUJNGoavjQ3o4h0Z24eSMMwQIGcFpJhY/s900/nothing-changes-if-nothing-changes-inspirational-quotes-lab-no-4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="765" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRL3aFtdZvISj7slAWM_RWnczaKh7lkq-e9uEskW1zK7bs8QDOczB2KVFXIk-ju3R4w38l7d7x4obSzC-_-kVQsB0mx16SXgBNUSS8huAbG-T7TDfF1wx4yoAyAkwv-IPOD3y_vWkpWQ8op8bxxA6-7MYdH7bQsUJNGoavjQ3o4h0Z24eSMMwQIGcFpJhY/w340-h400/nothing-changes-if-nothing-changes-inspirational-quotes-lab-no-4.jpg" width="340" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-51843318195625144012024-03-14T03:00:00.000-07:002024-03-14T03:00:00.168-07:00Marriage 202: Conflict<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Be not quick in your spirit to become angry,</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>for anger lodges in the heart of fools.</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ecclesiastes 7:9</b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhKUcYFzWeM43YuJf0vDVhRYLBkO197arfjwsMzmPBdjlzHOEkaR9GqW_tkMlOfl7UuQrF3nhJtcJMQavdD0fiLo9y-NZn3BQ9aQCO-MdBHF4KgL92oGtLXUoJOQJnkfzJRlFG7PrKLYgwv4RsbMl6JIGkaTreNZQneU7zJB7BGRFfnKHCvtXZ3hUkeVt/s862/21_Ecc7_9-862x862.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="862" data-original-width="862" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUhKUcYFzWeM43YuJf0vDVhRYLBkO197arfjwsMzmPBdjlzHOEkaR9GqW_tkMlOfl7UuQrF3nhJtcJMQavdD0fiLo9y-NZn3BQ9aQCO-MdBHF4KgL92oGtLXUoJOQJnkfzJRlFG7PrKLYgwv4RsbMl6JIGkaTreNZQneU7zJB7BGRFfnKHCvtXZ3hUkeVt/s320/21_Ecc7_9-862x862.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i><br /></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil.</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ephesians 4:26</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i><br /></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>James 1:19-20</b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgOdpBm_MWqQShz4qwJrHx_aL0qceAUFuXebcWUwVfrmDMNGxK9E3j8_l835bt3MAtoWnkS1_PyyduoGBVL8uqMQwQRyU5HWWLXsWZ8Ep85h0DVD7zXSTkAqVxH60qALKP7i4al8j3ah2FBqESiKt1viC2ktSPTi6r6oJWIS4t6Iq9h-Ug1BdwdfEobBM/s1200/2023-08-20_jame119.803d1953cb98577a0df4036c793a467a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTgOdpBm_MWqQShz4qwJrHx_aL0qceAUFuXebcWUwVfrmDMNGxK9E3j8_l835bt3MAtoWnkS1_PyyduoGBVL8uqMQwQRyU5HWWLXsWZ8Ep85h0DVD7zXSTkAqVxH60qALKP7i4al8j3ah2FBqESiKt1viC2ktSPTi6r6oJWIS4t6Iq9h-Ug1BdwdfEobBM/w400-h400/2023-08-20_jame119.803d1953cb98577a0df4036c793a467a.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></i></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i><br /></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>A soft answer turns away wrath,</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>but a harsh word stirs up anger</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Proverbs 15:1</b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThUiw8lwr4G1KBpBTx73Akr0Ws-cFODLL7I3mge1HYYK_zhUDFyZnwCLtuLlihIvn4FfjLCc9PkMhGN1aY2SEavmup0Y-aOioZNe-OcKZeo5PZdT-Ufi35UwKe0VmiKwcdLvjOXi5tzaIDMmZgm-RUmmEyNnpwE1IQdEN6BSW-sFccYRqgAGA9SEKcarK/s320/1280x1280.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhThUiw8lwr4G1KBpBTx73Akr0Ws-cFODLL7I3mge1HYYK_zhUDFyZnwCLtuLlihIvn4FfjLCc9PkMhGN1aY2SEavmup0Y-aOioZNe-OcKZeo5PZdT-Ufi35UwKe0VmiKwcdLvjOXi5tzaIDMmZgm-RUmmEyNnpwE1IQdEN6BSW-sFccYRqgAGA9SEKcarK/w400-h400/1280x1280.webp" width="400" /></a></span></i></div><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></i><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i></i><br /></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b>Ephesians 4:31-32</b></span></i></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i></i><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXX</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I type, we are on the road for a 30-day trip through the South to meet with supporters (a thank-you-tour-of sorts), speak at several incredible venues along the way, and spend a few days in South Carolina at the beach for a quiet vacation (hopefully not over-run by those on spring break). The original itinerary had us closer to 6-weeks out, but we recalculated and shortened the length (grateful). Because we are driving long days and many hundreds of miles, we sort of sit in a petri dish for marital-conflict.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Not to worry, we’ve learned how to manage this well, over the years, so I am convinced we’ll have a great trip. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXX</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, we are enjoying scenic New Mexico. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am stunned by the beauty of what increment weather, the baking of sun, and the length of days created for us to enjoy along the way.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPUOTEgfE36NPjJOdJfscz4pZ50ZshfYQ2NrBxXBRxvIAZ5mieptBiMQX5nCmwQSnigTFd7huIUn5wrIsLUSt8AY2QJV_IhWf5YRRUz3vhVmbxi9ivuUtML-sh-PRKzLaM-mydtHzMTjGBDmBoi2xd1cc14OQZ9cK_Napi4p7C9IElG9c9_8-8DQZeYBZT" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2359" data-original-width="3383" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPUOTEgfE36NPjJOdJfscz4pZ50ZshfYQ2NrBxXBRxvIAZ5mieptBiMQX5nCmwQSnigTFd7huIUn5wrIsLUSt8AY2QJV_IhWf5YRRUz3vhVmbxi9ivuUtML-sh-PRKzLaM-mydtHzMTjGBDmBoi2xd1cc14OQZ9cK_Napi4p7C9IElG9c9_8-8DQZeYBZT=w400-h279" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If the rocks could speak, they’d no doubt attribute their uniqueness, and wrinkly layers, to the work of “conflict.” </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXX</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Just yesterday I chatted with a friend of mine who is in-training to be a Resident Assistant (AKA: House Mom) in a safe-house for rescued women from sex-trafficking. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As part of her training, she joined in recently on a live and "hot" situation, in order to observe how other personnel in the facility handle these dear ones with care. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These precious gals (the rescued) need help learning everything from how to use a toothbrush to learning to drive a car. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, you can imagine how important instruction into such a crucial life skill as conflict will be.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this facility, they work to help these women understand the difference between toxic me-centered, fight-to-be right-conflict and healthy fight-to-understand-and-work-together-conflict. </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPhgHiYm8mF1wHQ1oYIJpqyy6rKkzZNgT1Pj2bWB3fw6jLxceHbxEFLT25V0h1SuqdKRnhXsmtq7vCx2X07e5Cle4U8jJklwcDLvDZDoq_CQUO-Y1htHbuGeSJPxaEBWrB_1X5_SJ8vroC5Rg-sD-_cSbdnI775Hw1gJhm5yT1x-KqDIHTQc6bHEesWdp/s600/ronaldreagan1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRPhgHiYm8mF1wHQ1oYIJpqyy6rKkzZNgT1Pj2bWB3fw6jLxceHbxEFLT25V0h1SuqdKRnhXsmtq7vCx2X07e5Cle4U8jJklwcDLvDZDoq_CQUO-Y1htHbuGeSJPxaEBWrB_1X5_SJ8vroC5Rg-sD-_cSbdnI775Hw1gJhm5yT1x-KqDIHTQc6bHEesWdp/w400-h210/ronaldreagan1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXX</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">These women aren’t alone.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Oh-so-many-couples marry never learning the difference. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truthfully, even Bay and I needed instruction years ago, as most of us do. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why? </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Easy answer - we all love to set up our own Kingdoms, where we are the King or the Queen, and everyone else lives by our rules.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Conflict occurs when our spouse doesn’t live by them.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, <b>when</b> trust is established (and I know my spouse is FOR ME), <b>when</b> I agree to eliminating rats in the walls, and <b>when</b> I commit to doing the work of marriage, healthy conflict comes easier with a ready resolution promised.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvObuqWb8loXmduGw9RbNTXJqbsRuXKzWeoQ_9eQVKejLWvxP-PmfPZyhFWlBBG3bQDJjhs0TFKm7NSdcVR9aagQdwKLV2VtqCMAf3dA6vEDRdFh5F1dcG3nIbvx6sqJBB5sVD-ECPKMUf66nq5uD6RwVq8LH8Kp2gWtjNGTigYc16PqB9BjIWnqNXBCB/s3840/Quotefancy-1895039-3840x2160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCvObuqWb8loXmduGw9RbNTXJqbsRuXKzWeoQ_9eQVKejLWvxP-PmfPZyhFWlBBG3bQDJjhs0TFKm7NSdcVR9aagQdwKLV2VtqCMAf3dA6vEDRdFh5F1dcG3nIbvx6sqJBB5sVD-ECPKMUf66nq5uD6RwVq8LH8Kp2gWtjNGTigYc16PqB9BjIWnqNXBCB/w400-h225/Quotefancy-1895039-3840x2160.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The verses above need embedding on our hearts before we can even address conflict. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">They give us a base theology of how to gift our spouse with healthy conflict.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>Anger isn’t the sin - what we do with anger determines the sin.</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW3yeFqSy53UlMli6zT7g6UWEfMFX59NmJPVQVEDHZOzFaQfq3PKOfzRvLghaWNnM55GtNg575tc3q7qrN5KRSu610Ue-knFniMNk62HKqqnQB4E7QxS9HM6ABLv2I7SmqTmI0tVYOH28Vc_Kpc_Pnvv2yHmmPJpfUTeBvPn74Z1C-vzS9GIMUKtSnemk/s3840/4762405-John-C-Maxwell-Quote-Conflict-is-like-cancer-early-detection.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKW3yeFqSy53UlMli6zT7g6UWEfMFX59NmJPVQVEDHZOzFaQfq3PKOfzRvLghaWNnM55GtNg575tc3q7qrN5KRSu610Ue-knFniMNk62HKqqnQB4E7QxS9HM6ABLv2I7SmqTmI0tVYOH28Vc_Kpc_Pnvv2yHmmPJpfUTeBvPn74Z1C-vzS9GIMUKtSnemk/w400-h225/4762405-John-C-Maxwell-Quote-Conflict-is-like-cancer-early-detection.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Even still, we must be slow to explode…and, then…</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">…we deal with the problem as quickly as possible (note: attacking the problem, never the person).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">…we take enough time prior to conflict-engagement so we never enter the situation when emotions are running high and tensions are tight.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At this point, we are able to truthfully, gently, kindly, present our perspective and explain how things brought us to the heat of differing opinions. </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_2ZMXGjrTxMNQD474n0M9ZmIf0VI1W4z26wwFuRut1vvgSxj77iGXYsRtsuI1B7m824Px_8kcaZCb-vc9mgLwscCmhUPV5yQY8KhiNgILKnAYx9sFfwhEeeLTv3z4povgpNfWy8ofP_QQJ7JleVUIdHPmjvZv7jDdaPAcrk14VRypBit9VEmIN1Tu5wh/s713/il_570xN.826979765_oxdw.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5_2ZMXGjrTxMNQD474n0M9ZmIf0VI1W4z26wwFuRut1vvgSxj77iGXYsRtsuI1B7m824Px_8kcaZCb-vc9mgLwscCmhUPV5yQY8KhiNgILKnAYx9sFfwhEeeLTv3z4povgpNfWy8ofP_QQJ7JleVUIdHPmjvZv7jDdaPAcrk14VRypBit9VEmIN1Tu5wh/w320-h400/il_570xN.826979765_oxdw.jpg.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There are always two sides…so instead of just pointing fingers and placing blame at “the other,” we have to pay attention, examine our own hearts, and take ownership for where we are at fault.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Being quick to ask forgiveness and even quicker to forgive are essential. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I remind you what forgiveness looks like? It looks like keeping no record of wrongs - never bringing the issue up again to ourselves, to God, to our spouse, and of course, never to others. Forgiveness looks like wiping the slate clean, and granting one-another a do-over. There are thousands upon thousands of begin-agains in every successful marriage.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There will always be potential for anger in relationship resulting in conflict…but…the Lord gives us a ready, strong, Biblical model that keeps us steady in conflict and much more able to come to a greater understanding of one another. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXX</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>The result is a hopeful journey through life with incredible beauty formed in each of us. </i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvoCVCf9GHZIu7c_7kQFrKGnYvm1seHjD7U47Y-DoTvMw-77uOIRkT3TZQUJSKP-81bgqUbyIlvqyIVK1NwSG20mZNMO1IrFTC7v92w7DUshTglz1xe7A2AaxsZmYxSS6d0dr4s7wUgeityGjM9jwm5Utjyih2bzpTXvCDA0E4BC-I37-h8MEkzklpPLi/s1500/SL_PeaceQuotes_2-e1580f128dd14bb3a53fcd8a04d57b85.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1500" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIvoCVCf9GHZIu7c_7kQFrKGnYvm1seHjD7U47Y-DoTvMw-77uOIRkT3TZQUJSKP-81bgqUbyIlvqyIVK1NwSG20mZNMO1IrFTC7v92w7DUshTglz1xe7A2AaxsZmYxSS6d0dr4s7wUgeityGjM9jwm5Utjyih2bzpTXvCDA0E4BC-I37-h8MEkzklpPLi/w400-h266/SL_PeaceQuotes_2-e1580f128dd14bb3a53fcd8a04d57b85.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-8468692785215124152024-03-07T05:32:00.000-08:002024-03-07T06:01:27.922-08:00Marriage 201: WHEN I SAY "I DO"<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuCyhUk8i78enWDhucxTU-ZgHRxA8_6TSC1Sz7a8SSxmhxZwK0kNjc53BqkZ_5fT1J6OTFGPBo9y-tGHqKjq4-fYyHsuYr7l8ndvU5UpQ77_D6_4gzX7pemXe_mE0pQF80WpI9gNpXAUSHJxXrXsJBoY-TWVXwe3zv9kddELwssN3t0MsmwXsixocj91/s822/bibleversesformarriage-1585077922.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="822" data-original-width="548" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidEuCyhUk8i78enWDhucxTU-ZgHRxA8_6TSC1Sz7a8SSxmhxZwK0kNjc53BqkZ_5fT1J6OTFGPBo9y-tGHqKjq4-fYyHsuYr7l8ndvU5UpQ77_D6_4gzX7pemXe_mE0pQF80WpI9gNpXAUSHJxXrXsJBoY-TWVXwe3zv9kddELwssN3t0MsmwXsixocj91/w266-h400/bibleversesformarriage-1585077922.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p></p><p>The weekend marriage retreat is behind us and we have a few days at home before we are off and running again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhgw5kgaE68Nn87NqUsY2_w_fswHyfFhGbR78JZ8dg5CJPmku8AABl_muxyAGMIH7IhviQJLxbMj2wpIEAQN5JFlpPCtWwQg36HooL-ZKNbjuzbXID0jqr7pDAEKEtorbvyvPHH9VEiF12RQ2vkZu45-QJ8avR2CLEJeqYdbf5jt_uY5jLGznVi8lL_Hzs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhgw5kgaE68Nn87NqUsY2_w_fswHyfFhGbR78JZ8dg5CJPmku8AABl_muxyAGMIH7IhviQJLxbMj2wpIEAQN5JFlpPCtWwQg36HooL-ZKNbjuzbXID0jqr7pDAEKEtorbvyvPHH9VEiF12RQ2vkZu45-QJ8avR2CLEJeqYdbf5jt_uY5jLGznVi8lL_Hzs=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>I think I'll take the next couple of Thursdays to finish my thoughts on marriage --- for better or worse. 😉</p><p>Whenever Bay and I share at a conference, like the one this past weekend, I find myself reflecting on our wedding day, looking back at the things I loved about the day, the things I might have changed, and some of the more memorable moments.</p><p>One of those came in the middle of our wedding vows, when Bay's dad (performing the ceremony) mixed up the first letter of our names and asked: <i><span style="font-size: medium;">"Do you Payard take Beggy..." </span></i></p><p>It's a memory that still makes me smile, and I wonder if this was some kind of Freudian slip...did I seem rather desperate-like ("Beggy")?</p><p>As I look back, I think what babies we were when we got married. </p><p>We really didn't have much good sense, and certainly no one sat down with us and gave us pre-marital counseling (was that even a thing back then???).</p><p>If you'd cornered us and asked how we planned to survive marriage for 50 years, I'm not quite sure what our answer might have been. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKD81eIqgiihLULwtkxm2ljTNkHM6NWDQL1GZrXs-I5XcCAxCAygQJeOVSr5ilwvjFup_NX3yHjj4coK8REqs26ukjCctAe8MILmaMeaHZjoPM85NQi3S4TuyVAf1k_IP98B_ZGvfNbmVMrQIDoFGGYX1U2N99aqG5AR7NMUHkJurFm0wAEX5Q8K1moKmZ/s1376/matthew-19-4-6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1376" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKD81eIqgiihLULwtkxm2ljTNkHM6NWDQL1GZrXs-I5XcCAxCAygQJeOVSr5ilwvjFup_NX3yHjj4coK8REqs26ukjCctAe8MILmaMeaHZjoPM85NQi3S4TuyVAf1k_IP98B_ZGvfNbmVMrQIDoFGGYX1U2N99aqG5AR7NMUHkJurFm0wAEX5Q8K1moKmZ/w400-h209/matthew-19-4-6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Possibly we'd have turned to the "L" word, mentioned two weeks ago in blog #1...</p><p>Important for sure, but not the foundation on which to build a marriage.</p><p>Maybe we'd have responded with the good, old-fashioned, Sunday School answer: <i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><b>Jesus </b></span></i></p><p>After all, Jesus is the answer to everything; and, while there is TRUTH to this statement, we each must have ownership in this God-ordained-institution for it to last.</p><p>That's why <i><span style="color: #e06666;">TRUST </span></i>and a <i><span style="color: #e06666;">determination</span></i> to eliminate RATS IN THE WALLS are so crucial; and, it is why we speak those vows to one another in the first place.</p><p>We PROMISE to love, honor, cherish above all others and and all circumstances...no matter what...</p><p>We, uncompromisingly, declare our faithfulness to one another from this day forward...</p><p>When we speak those vows, we're <i><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>COMMITTING</b> </span></i>to life-long learning, loving, laughing and leaning on one another til death do us part...</p><p>But those vows are <b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666;">far more</span></u></i></b> than a simple commitment; we are cutting a <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">covenant</span></i></b> that is spoken to one another <b><u><i><span style="color: #e06666;">before</span></i></u></b> God - and a covenant is serious business. </p><p>The thing is that when we say, "I do!" <b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">we are promising we will not stop doing the work</span></i></b> it takes to woo, to treasure, to care for, and to fight for our spouse. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBf5cXoHJm2VF8gr-SXoL-NSn0E5K3KvO4nzzs92iDFh78TMhJ4wYnH0Oq4HCUzzLApUvpXORX1Mzu-SUKRFlzVLlOtiE7fYhaJaNSIJ1vLAvaxT6GQfOEes-3d1ZjxZZqouXjUSIL4L7JOJuWIcW4M-19SmVi8XBq1uKlQX1pZ6keRCZpK4bpuXBohMiD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2360" data-original-width="1640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBf5cXoHJm2VF8gr-SXoL-NSn0E5K3KvO4nzzs92iDFh78TMhJ4wYnH0Oq4HCUzzLApUvpXORX1Mzu-SUKRFlzVLlOtiE7fYhaJaNSIJ1vLAvaxT6GQfOEes-3d1ZjxZZqouXjUSIL4L7JOJuWIcW4M-19SmVi8XBq1uKlQX1pZ6keRCZpK4bpuXBohMiD=w443-h640" width="443" /></a></div><p></p><p>Years ago, I had an AHA-MOMENT in the middle of Prince Charles and Princess Diana's wedding (yes, that was a VERY LONG TIME AGO). </p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury, Robert Runcie, made the following remarks to the Royal Couple:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">"Here is the stuff of which fairy tales are made, the Prince and Princess on their wedding day. But, fairy tales usually end at this point with the simple phrase, 'And they lived happily-ever-after.' This may be because fairy tales regard marriage as an anti-climax after the romance of courtship. THIS IS NOT THE CHRISTIAN VIEW (emphasis mine). Our faith sees the wedding day not as the place of arrival, but the place where the adventure begins."</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWuF2zDvNUxA25Xf8yDcf_qg9kC9jacIwVB7WDvvzLjlYyvzPE0ujNBqK9nMD4EX2ZVoYVFsCPvro80-pEVvNGEudIYXDAJ9fO3cP2NByebnMmb6mYEnSS7oBD11x6CyWTPRd-OTwDoi4D5uaH_KZ4i3wl92Cr1-RR1IBq308ORTJadtjNdAuxXPKHk6v/s1500/prince-charles-princess-diana-wedding-1-40c8318d06064689be519d80a599af4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWuF2zDvNUxA25Xf8yDcf_qg9kC9jacIwVB7WDvvzLjlYyvzPE0ujNBqK9nMD4EX2ZVoYVFsCPvro80-pEVvNGEudIYXDAJ9fO3cP2NByebnMmb6mYEnSS7oBD11x6CyWTPRd-OTwDoi4D5uaH_KZ4i3wl92Cr1-RR1IBq308ORTJadtjNdAuxXPKHk6v/w400-h300/prince-charles-princess-diana-wedding-1-40c8318d06064689be519d80a599af4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>There it is - those last six words tell the whole story and take the boring out of the mundane work of "doing the vows." </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Marriage is THE PLACE WHERE THE ADVENTURE BEGINS.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWSEOURxHoxp6ot5exsOFyCL05lgCkyfZWvEIIJmhlbg415hcPBECovU_eIPBMFo9RUidkByFt4OZqsgXccMjACBXTl4s1yeks68rSGda0aR7N8jaQBDY31O_2UcBX9WW3017y_haCxC6-H-HjF6VNT7un_RlfLQySprv635VfbZ9FRGIG_wU9ZL2GI0cL" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWSEOURxHoxp6ot5exsOFyCL05lgCkyfZWvEIIJmhlbg415hcPBECovU_eIPBMFo9RUidkByFt4OZqsgXccMjACBXTl4s1yeks68rSGda0aR7N8jaQBDY31O_2UcBX9WW3017y_haCxC6-H-HjF6VNT7un_RlfLQySprv635VfbZ9FRGIG_wU9ZL2GI0cL=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>We adopt this perspective: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Every morning when I wake, I will grab hands with my spouse, walk into the "wardrobe,"and enter Marriage-Narnia with a sense of awe and adventure.</span></i></b></p><p>Like all adventures, our relationship will have its ups and downs, its ins and outs, its joys and sorrows, gain and loss, wellness and sickness, easy and hard, life and death...</p><p>No adventure is all butterflies and roses, beauty and ease...</p><p>In Marriage-Narnia, we live abundantly, together, with the Lion of Judah, who may not be safe, but who is <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">ALL GOODNESS.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5_vLcD5UaPTEiKLlaQAlYHKZCDW5y4Ks-wghL45v2nugqaIlR-NkFC-ftM47hDCt15bUcg_iXTDE3Lbsx_NWLYXDqf2bmxFNDcjmw1GgqSVwlbXNCw0-D0anuz7Y0fiWXKPx1YsCMYSHZiUOTuyxjLaYvLb2hkcUtIApyibk3f4qLMNQ-cFb2j1AMhSg/s1200/Not%20a%20tame%20lion.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5_vLcD5UaPTEiKLlaQAlYHKZCDW5y4Ks-wghL45v2nugqaIlR-NkFC-ftM47hDCt15bUcg_iXTDE3Lbsx_NWLYXDqf2bmxFNDcjmw1GgqSVwlbXNCw0-D0anuz7Y0fiWXKPx1YsCMYSHZiUOTuyxjLaYvLb2hkcUtIApyibk3f4qLMNQ-cFb2j1AMhSg/w400-h210/Not%20a%20tame%20lion.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>When we adopt this attitude, this perspective, that marriage is an adventure, we're more apt to awaken each morning saying, "I Do" again and again, forever and ever, til death do us part.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm159Mp8zQKMDUIQ7jn5h9bFuWEoDWnfuYi1FPwMC87Kuy1XC73D793xyFZzl9v1Z-kS_xIupGecT9JIwPUttKbZaNRA9yka45IO_Ax0V6z7NT_hwwc9GNi1eQzCpeb7BwJiRSNSmESlWJQTBCkZtFuY9EFvDb_TFoacVpHH4FBa09VaFzS7SddKk3HDum" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="524" data-original-width="539" height="389" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgm159Mp8zQKMDUIQ7jn5h9bFuWEoDWnfuYi1FPwMC87Kuy1XC73D793xyFZzl9v1Z-kS_xIupGecT9JIwPUttKbZaNRA9yka45IO_Ax0V6z7NT_hwwc9GNi1eQzCpeb7BwJiRSNSmESlWJQTBCkZtFuY9EFvDb_TFoacVpHH4FBa09VaFzS7SddKk3HDum=w400-h389" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">And...not even a mispronunciation of names can dampen the spirit of enthusiasm or weaken the covenant. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">💜</span></i></b></p><p>I'll choose adventure any day! Every day! Forever. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF0nyLgA8GcWUnyupoMh7q4ARFBthJsbnN_TGEsjxeZg4KGmnrYjsKwEM5lkEaM6KDv5H5f1biDApEXS6gPmiauiWSIEPZsOLwN18j4BebOvvxAdRhs4FOm4Zpm2TXoMc3Sy5eT9KKMcxD8tAW5MpLHwxgphbNJJUm32ELMQJ2ZsRqxDGSHssknzJ3zUc/s640/8146b281e76215f7c86f5eefecf049de.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHF0nyLgA8GcWUnyupoMh7q4ARFBthJsbnN_TGEsjxeZg4KGmnrYjsKwEM5lkEaM6KDv5H5f1biDApEXS6gPmiauiWSIEPZsOLwN18j4BebOvvxAdRhs4FOm4Zpm2TXoMc3Sy5eT9KKMcxD8tAW5MpLHwxgphbNJJUm32ELMQJ2ZsRqxDGSHssknzJ3zUc/w400-h400/8146b281e76215f7c86f5eefecf049de.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-45806493868567550862024-02-29T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-29T10:44:36.692-08:00Marriage 102. Rats in the Walls.<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6SrFdc281LyonHygx0FTy9NlOR6PeXuzv16gz8umthWrcco_rsxsc66nGwqm4Yp3n5Qy0hK6cdmpnSAq1DujdfqTshEkbUaseubxKYcbkekAXJgCRVjiq8rhPXwhkpRcQKMyPtykiPTG03oBfvtIF4pw9tYoBjNB6ST1RaM9jWeEh5AvJFD_pSf4lufsE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1087" data-original-width="1170" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj6SrFdc281LyonHygx0FTy9NlOR6PeXuzv16gz8umthWrcco_rsxsc66nGwqm4Yp3n5Qy0hK6cdmpnSAq1DujdfqTshEkbUaseubxKYcbkekAXJgCRVjiq8rhPXwhkpRcQKMyPtykiPTG03oBfvtIF4pw9tYoBjNB6ST1RaM9jWeEh5AvJFD_pSf4lufsE=w320-h298" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(This meme has been floating around FB for a bit. I don't know with whom to credit it, but it makes me laugh - For certain, marriages can be most complicated.)</span></i></div></i><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>When Bay and I share at marriage conferences, we almost always share a story that happened to us shortly after we built our first home in Pagosa Springs.</p><p>We had just moved in, when one night as we were lying in bed attempting to go to sleep, we heard rustling in the walls behind our headboard.</p><p>The first night, we shrugged our shoulders and ignored it. </p><p>After several nights of this, we realized what was happening, as there was "sign" everywhere ---- we had rats (not just mice, RATS!) in our walls, and they were probably nesting, producing lots of baby rats. </p><p>Being the "big game hunter" that he thought he was in his mind, Bay determined to eliminate them all by putting his hunting skills into play.</p><p>He tried everything - traps of various nature, Decon (c), anything anyone has ever suggested for getting rid of rats in the walls; but, as he says, they must have been Ninja rats, because nothing worked.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEPskH7PnBmmUGEpZhIUqMZ2mftcPdD4YmKl4_TCw_BaifkTlGlk8YQ8ql5rTGpo8kBXeAVzPQ-QdUcu5F38m7rP61qFrLp2cgHUdRlHZpRzAaR0cxug6WV22ktn0mIVVxeWN4OZUbPsRlca-DMXHbmAeNLEVsiJ4mCt8ATr8dWQe5w-zDdrx0QiT5kRd/s1092/how-to-get-rid-of-rats-in-your-walls-529016.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="1092" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwEPskH7PnBmmUGEpZhIUqMZ2mftcPdD4YmKl4_TCw_BaifkTlGlk8YQ8ql5rTGpo8kBXeAVzPQ-QdUcu5F38m7rP61qFrLp2cgHUdRlHZpRzAaR0cxug6WV22ktn0mIVVxeWN4OZUbPsRlca-DMXHbmAeNLEVsiJ4mCt8ATr8dWQe5w-zDdrx0QiT5kRd/w400-h239/how-to-get-rid-of-rats-in-your-walls-529016.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p>Finally, in frustration, he asked his dad to help.</p><p>Nelson came up with, what we considered at the time, a GREAT IDEA.</p><p>He cut a hole in the sheetrock in the garage basement of our house, and connected a hose to the exhaust of his work truck. Then, he pumped that exhaust right into the walls to poison the rats. </p><p>Yep, it worked, perfectly.</p><p>That night - we heard nothing but the crickets outside. </p><p>All was well for about three days. </p><p>Somehow, my wise father-in-law forgot the natural rule of decomposition, and within a few days the smell was horrible - no matter how many candles I lit, or how much air-freshener I sprayed.</p><p>Then, disgusting as it is to even type the words, came the maggots - I found them crawling on the floor of my kitchen and out of the burners of my stove. </p><p>Of course, eventually that was all taken care of, the wall patched, no more smell, no more maggots and life returned to normal.</p><p>For a season, our house looked incredibly beautiful on the outside, but inside was frustration, death, and decay.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>Some marriages are like that. </p><p>Goodness, do they look perfect on the outside...but, inside there is frustration, anger, conflict, and all of this is leading to nothing more than death and decay of the marriage. </p><p>I've known several marriages just like this...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>Why and how does this happen?</p><p>I think I've boiled it down to two main things; no, three. </p><p>We'll just look at one for this week, and do the other two later for sake of space and length. (😉)</p><p>Key #1 for preventing rats from getting inside the walls of our marriages:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">START WITH EXAMINING OUR OWN HEARTS</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0LfckDNbEnG742cLq-KoRx8Qgi2a9baZ1QMjC3Oyhyphenhyphenffzz5eHhFM25iLW0qwe8PjsOxtH5JOh48f5PSO72kWX_cVbRGeIxVcCN3bKhqoPtfO43vhXwG4qfu2m9vN5MxyruocjKnT3r7sOoO9ygtrX6hBh7y1e0330v2vhPk0kcu0W56cFhUrO0lN_HnM/s450/360_F_246887532_qHRyLyYvvbBcGM5ISXqAvRfAMFXZnOxT.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="450" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge0LfckDNbEnG742cLq-KoRx8Qgi2a9baZ1QMjC3Oyhyphenhyphenffzz5eHhFM25iLW0qwe8PjsOxtH5JOh48f5PSO72kWX_cVbRGeIxVcCN3bKhqoPtfO43vhXwG4qfu2m9vN5MxyruocjKnT3r7sOoO9ygtrX6hBh7y1e0330v2vhPk0kcu0W56cFhUrO0lN_HnM/w400-h320/360_F_246887532_qHRyLyYvvbBcGM5ISXqAvRfAMFXZnOxT.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>There's a great verse I stumbled on several years ago as I was studying through the Song of Solomon preparing to speak to a group of pastor's wives.</p><p>It’s found in chapter 2, verse 15 and reads:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Catch for us the foxes (translation: rats), the little foxes that ruin the vine...</span></i></b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(in SS, the <b><u>vine</u></b> is allegorical for the love between the bridegroom and the bride)</i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqn9fbL6iWuIPIWPvRBHQfGX0g3-50DhegI4AyrGG9AtxJckYAJ8KDykQetrwgg2dZrGq1_wLEUg9WY98v4l2Zt7UyUrCRGrX93WUoUA-USoPimwilCxyAwDNj2BbuzhBJIaDzmjDK7jtgSgZb2Qvcq5RfqVDxENqjQyh51iAxOdX5suvWZEdUJ4beo8D/s1200/4084ffc01d4e57d1ef8cf29dbf969246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqn9fbL6iWuIPIWPvRBHQfGX0g3-50DhegI4AyrGG9AtxJckYAJ8KDykQetrwgg2dZrGq1_wLEUg9WY98v4l2Zt7UyUrCRGrX93WUoUA-USoPimwilCxyAwDNj2BbuzhBJIaDzmjDK7jtgSgZb2Qvcq5RfqVDxENqjQyh51iAxOdX5suvWZEdUJ4beo8D/w400-h209/4084ffc01d4e57d1ef8cf29dbf969246.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">Solomon is saying, take care of the little things that annoy and irritate as soon as you see the "sign." </p><p style="text-align: left;">Don't let those things grow into big things from which there is no turning back. </p><p style="text-align: left;">But...it starts by looking inside ourselves, before we ever address anything with our spouse. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Nothing shows us more what is in our hearts than conflict with our spouse.</p><p style="text-align: left;">One thing is for sure, marriage reveals to us that we weren't born with angels wings and a harp in our hands.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Perhaps the opposite is true, and we come complete with horns and pitch-fork.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Somehow, the Lord uses our marriages to show us the rough edges of our own hearts, the things that need to be smoothed out and filed away.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Scripture calls it sin...and, a lot of the problem is just plain pride!</p><p style="text-align: left;">According to author, Gary Thomas in his book, Sacred Marriage, <i>"God wants to use our spouses to make us holy, not just happy." </i>What a great thought to reflect on:</p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgO7JldYNz6N06h1Xy82EnKE2X3E4cfp1TB-Tb_ZovbLPM5K3GtphNq-SiRR-PxeAluPlofdMwm9PpgUsemT1tO2X1z4KjntVmXEFPKduRzJCOeXKAakXtTbMhaU2r_krqKCixTeBTvNgRJf1_e9krU_uYBW3VAJ6fOejTtBeQk8EJm7fTtgmYgEhr4Il/s1024/20140928-201913.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfgO7JldYNz6N06h1Xy82EnKE2X3E4cfp1TB-Tb_ZovbLPM5K3GtphNq-SiRR-PxeAluPlofdMwm9PpgUsemT1tO2X1z4KjntVmXEFPKduRzJCOeXKAakXtTbMhaU2r_krqKCixTeBTvNgRJf1_e9krU_uYBW3VAJ6fOejTtBeQk8EJm7fTtgmYgEhr4Il/w400-h300/20140928-201913.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I'd also add...not just happy, holy and HUMBLE!!!!!</p><p style="text-align: left;">That process is not always an easy one (again, ask me how I know... 😓)</p><p style="text-align: left;">While I married a sinner, the bad news is - so did he; and, I am constantly having to ask the Lord to "Search my heart and show me the ways I am off the highway to holiness..."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9xHsztXBbVF3ZKOh1Va9MAo0yOPfT3pIlxwqh_J7DhEMV4LvRZDg9WTEXgDZ9-su8wae4Jp8inDKyUeJQtkqq_m0OKqq-QbyVx2S_KFgNqvM3rbd7TJd8i73GotO-Bm6PwP8Ulit6VGqmhFl8DyH0IcKM1Z1EmI9g7mMiRQCYKkP03rFV0abIUSHS258/s750/f0414bb39cf06b56452664d75c02578b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL9xHsztXBbVF3ZKOh1Va9MAo0yOPfT3pIlxwqh_J7DhEMV4LvRZDg9WTEXgDZ9-su8wae4Jp8inDKyUeJQtkqq_m0OKqq-QbyVx2S_KFgNqvM3rbd7TJd8i73GotO-Bm6PwP8Ulit6VGqmhFl8DyH0IcKM1Z1EmI9g7mMiRQCYKkP03rFV0abIUSHS258/w320-h400/f0414bb39cf06b56452664d75c02578b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">More than anything, the Lord desires for His followers to be holy as He is holy as we journey heavenward, where we will, ultimately, be completely transformed into His likeness...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOFm0WywFogYE7vsNjekLOwAI_cKV9mRvPtGF9T0-BWdojfKtbW47FNUdmkArNmhEfVyr4-SfHi6pXc3676prnkzkFpadl6nJo8PxRK3Czh0rkQ6gySp9-4FhQveLoEkfoYtJlnKwCxWDW9VJgIHjtciBOXfQsZdSXwin85iOJEpY9bINWGlIg1PtAF0g/s1376/1-peter-1-15-16-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1376" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFOFm0WywFogYE7vsNjekLOwAI_cKV9mRvPtGF9T0-BWdojfKtbW47FNUdmkArNmhEfVyr4-SfHi6pXc3676prnkzkFpadl6nJo8PxRK3Czh0rkQ6gySp9-4FhQveLoEkfoYtJlnKwCxWDW9VJgIHjtciBOXfQsZdSXwin85iOJEpY9bINWGlIg1PtAF0g/w400-h209/1-peter-1-15-16-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt092H5Qxcq2WynhaSleSUUeM-mAfTA217jGVYVHglBfG1L4gC4KfkQVoUgLCV1u3qw5n3l334U2hywa6s5lYsWvGq-RsAElFKz_SwjcgYKnp8LNXsBFR6hn7VyjHOgu18jwUEQAFrQ_rDCgJd262KZ9WmKwLwZGN_Qocf9LThf2OM2QmDcJC5dyZoyLDo/s720/87332674-326c-4f7d-e21d-b27ab601f76a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="720" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt092H5Qxcq2WynhaSleSUUeM-mAfTA217jGVYVHglBfG1L4gC4KfkQVoUgLCV1u3qw5n3l334U2hywa6s5lYsWvGq-RsAElFKz_SwjcgYKnp8LNXsBFR6hn7VyjHOgu18jwUEQAFrQ_rDCgJd262KZ9WmKwLwZGN_Qocf9LThf2OM2QmDcJC5dyZoyLDo/w400-h250/87332674-326c-4f7d-e21d-b27ab601f76a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I close this thought for today, take a look at the following two quotes and ponder them in light of your marriage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xQZ9j_Q51vRg3X7T6RizYr20B-BcBGY203_RDMtnrvE2AoMBB96kJ5BLzdF20kOQsVz_VcoWEpLUOK-T2u7G0b56sYGWDntoqCOvAdsuqcXAjasBHEJzdW-Egkmvk8-kj4jKRozYswEyT0zVKOnLVs8B2H3WrMB7P9nl37IxMaMCtIrKcGFVJP-Hw8bJ/s3840/1540674-Gary-L-Thomas-Quote-If-you-want-to-be-free-to-serve-Jesus-there-s.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0xQZ9j_Q51vRg3X7T6RizYr20B-BcBGY203_RDMtnrvE2AoMBB96kJ5BLzdF20kOQsVz_VcoWEpLUOK-T2u7G0b56sYGWDntoqCOvAdsuqcXAjasBHEJzdW-Egkmvk8-kj4jKRozYswEyT0zVKOnLVs8B2H3WrMB7P9nl37IxMaMCtIrKcGFVJP-Hw8bJ/w400-h225/1540674-Gary-L-Thomas-Quote-If-you-want-to-be-free-to-serve-Jesus-there-s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVly2AKOgDRpjIUb0A0hwfFhvc-KFMtRx0j9X7Dq3gZYFvsy9hyphenhyphenl1yvaHdU5Bx8pyBfm69uxNZ7M1Kc3BvTTiZGy6b1VlFGJLAM9AZ-0WjbNOIihAQfalhyphenhyphenU2QtOSg5OLHzhHDyXwHbbA6UZOKIglBp1aoMUZsPHHTOtvygAVN_Y1vL4I-muIlqPr62wB4/s3840/1540669-Gary-L-Thomas-Quote-I-wouldn-t-be-surprised-if-many-marriages-end.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVly2AKOgDRpjIUb0A0hwfFhvc-KFMtRx0j9X7Dq3gZYFvsy9hyphenhyphenl1yvaHdU5Bx8pyBfm69uxNZ7M1Kc3BvTTiZGy6b1VlFGJLAM9AZ-0WjbNOIihAQfalhyphenhyphenU2QtOSg5OLHzhHDyXwHbbA6UZOKIglBp1aoMUZsPHHTOtvygAVN_Y1vL4I-muIlqPr62wB4/w400-h225/1540669-Gary-L-Thomas-Quote-I-wouldn-t-be-surprised-if-many-marriages-end.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-82475105673145936382024-02-21T16:48:00.000-08:002024-02-21T17:43:39.728-08:00Marriage 101<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEOEl7XevJIyPN56Le3AsLIhIkoCucFGXzqXUNJicsU6pApJ0sy48ZFfoKK0V87e-igR-a70nP1OrHFnxMaLUCvPpMt7GZMFqWY97uvAG3HChBdGwgMU-GjhrtSoqt4ABguNso9-kBE9XxA-y0UGTro2tpyzmI437ILRASsPWhzh-muP1009AVDKZuQ9f/s2360/IMG_0540.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1329" data-original-width="2360" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhEOEl7XevJIyPN56Le3AsLIhIkoCucFGXzqXUNJicsU6pApJ0sy48ZFfoKK0V87e-igR-a70nP1OrHFnxMaLUCvPpMt7GZMFqWY97uvAG3HChBdGwgMU-GjhrtSoqt4ABguNso9-kBE9XxA-y0UGTro2tpyzmI437ILRASsPWhzh-muP1009AVDKZuQ9f/w400-h225/IMG_0540.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";">We are currently sitting at the airport in Daraga, Philippines waiting on our first leg of the journey home.</span><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue";"> </span></p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ-gYZ89bFlDMqiCjLlAat1FiETFfHmjfxvl40kNiPteHxLuICpXOpqJZgcXMxqMCyZMQvbCht5_jCiYgBaG7cqL5HHybRmAlCOWTqWxyoSvaosF7lCeyhm00UZUmJ8p_JrekY34yDL4U6wOnXjDxEHU1zl-DYKTYtZDhd_3fSIoddsMEjlHmReNFRfBn/s4032/IMG_6734.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoQ-gYZ89bFlDMqiCjLlAat1FiETFfHmjfxvl40kNiPteHxLuICpXOpqJZgcXMxqMCyZMQvbCht5_jCiYgBaG7cqL5HHybRmAlCOWTqWxyoSvaosF7lCeyhm00UZUmJ8p_JrekY34yDL4U6wOnXjDxEHU1zl-DYKTYtZDhd_3fSIoddsMEjlHmReNFRfBn/w400-h300/IMG_6734.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tonight we will make it to Manila and stay the evening in a hotel, leaving for San Francisco fairly early tomorrow…then, on to Phoenix. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The crazy thing is that we arrive only three hours after our departure time, even though it’s a good 24 hour journey.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you’ve followed social media at all, you have seen pictures and know that this has been a great trip - ordained and appointed by the Lord for such a time as this. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U5haKm6pXk4n_xjoLM8kXw-C0S5ruGFVypbpkPFgu8ihINwvZs5mm4k0cIw_CbCkq9KfbShX0UK9MNhdnY3aI_C9z4IAh2jtFQ-xTkb_-2uA6xCB2o1TbTTnBd_Efmp0AYf8__jtgWgtHf2NId0kBaniWRi1g7OymgdAYVT9_QvxW7kz4V9hQE97qO_q/s4032/IMG_6335.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4U5haKm6pXk4n_xjoLM8kXw-C0S5ruGFVypbpkPFgu8ihINwvZs5mm4k0cIw_CbCkq9KfbShX0UK9MNhdnY3aI_C9z4IAh2jtFQ-xTkb_-2uA6xCB2o1TbTTnBd_Efmp0AYf8__jtgWgtHf2NId0kBaniWRi1g7OymgdAYVT9_QvxW7kz4V9hQE97qO_q/s320/IMG_6335.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kfgwNR2pdiOZYJM4E1cDzR-28tWPemF7gUi-2eecG0LZqqNJ4C-mX4-_WGQ7kCBxYIwLLcU08Fu6ed1GWoNasbAzJUUQ9aIdedkcE2HCe44VUEDMERcqGTa7NPEIxkMDmw2Raqqt6KnVe4VhEQll3nepThQS2Dfyhffg1Ewz39AJI54HCDKfFPX2IVXY/s5167/IMG_6672.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2531" data-original-width="5167" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0kfgwNR2pdiOZYJM4E1cDzR-28tWPemF7gUi-2eecG0LZqqNJ4C-mX4-_WGQ7kCBxYIwLLcU08Fu6ed1GWoNasbAzJUUQ9aIdedkcE2HCe44VUEDMERcqGTa7NPEIxkMDmw2Raqqt6KnVe4VhEQll3nepThQS2Dfyhffg1Ewz39AJI54HCDKfFPX2IVXY/s320/IMG_6672.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I love being a part of God’s plans and seeing them unfold.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, now that this trip has come to a close, our hearts, minds and prayers turn toward the next step on our adventures with Jesus - </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Come next week (Wednesday), we will be heading to Idaho to speak at a marriage conference for 42 couples in a little resort community. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">You’d think with almost 50 years of marriage under our belt (this coming June 1), and having spoken at multiple marriage conferences over the years, we’d be feeling pretty confident about those things that have kept us ticking along year after year. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HGJCq6iV1ZxdQK_tU4fOApropHvSNeasEibil-vSOVp_za1gYp-oEHOdoS-6By8lu9J4GnyBnlb87IaIylBAw73iQ8W2PA1pn0JJkT_SdWVkHFJTyprRNv8N9YI_e146ycQLCoyOIvKrvIBpxqMQi9EssvxxkiaJftp5Y9gVeY-zFTriOfE-n5zT4sqY/s4032/IMG_6712.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3HGJCq6iV1ZxdQK_tU4fOApropHvSNeasEibil-vSOVp_za1gYp-oEHOdoS-6By8lu9J4GnyBnlb87IaIylBAw73iQ8W2PA1pn0JJkT_SdWVkHFJTyprRNv8N9YI_e146ycQLCoyOIvKrvIBpxqMQi9EssvxxkiaJftp5Y9gVeY-zFTriOfE-n5zT4sqY/s320/IMG_6712.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWBzoxCHUE-QqV-PgsRxjHpA3Iz_kjWFSTA535cum4VJNrj5ny6sdG6XHJaeJuJXHTel3nbhu9v8lJ4BoR9rB1ff92et9p2CIo3UYuea9H4U7_Wqt68kmiIR_dfLRJZOCr-zsVr036z3KtdWGcWIWqw42Dj_7iYfBVi5VgdsgEQ9h3XP0Shg1-3QHFY-/s4032/IMG_6726.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0FWBzoxCHUE-QqV-PgsRxjHpA3Iz_kjWFSTA535cum4VJNrj5ny6sdG6XHJaeJuJXHTel3nbhu9v8lJ4BoR9rB1ff92et9p2CIo3UYuea9H4U7_Wqt68kmiIR_dfLRJZOCr-zsVr036z3KtdWGcWIWqw42Dj_7iYfBVi5VgdsgEQ9h3XP0Shg1-3QHFY-/s320/IMG_6726.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">However, I find myself struggling a little bit with this upcoming conference, and it has hit me: </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Does anyone ever feel like they have this institution called marriage down pat? </span></i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Isn’t it ever-changing, ever-growing, and we, as marriage partners, ever-learning? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Each year, there are new seasons - some glorious, some gory!</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It also dawned on me that I have never written a blog on marriage, and seldom have I discussed parenting. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Again, it’s a question of who am I that I should be discussing these two incredible gifts from the Lord, when I still feel like I’m learning?</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wvm05hWCq3BZsYRTchfb5of1OMEbs9kTkNtZ7vTWvoN7v6Yy5XW2ocorY-NXEQsekAatdNSU75fPkn6dQ77L1vXxmmHdw-qXBO_mXOY736JxjTRPfhItEKYlytBzClgIhbY_YOuP2Fw4LZOivGu_XxLWllnrT3VryqOSqua7AsXGvEVlQ593GTY9oGXy/s4032/IMG_6554.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wvm05hWCq3BZsYRTchfb5of1OMEbs9kTkNtZ7vTWvoN7v6Yy5XW2ocorY-NXEQsekAatdNSU75fPkn6dQ77L1vXxmmHdw-qXBO_mXOY736JxjTRPfhItEKYlytBzClgIhbY_YOuP2Fw4LZOivGu_XxLWllnrT3VryqOSqua7AsXGvEVlQ593GTY9oGXy/s320/IMG_6554.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">However, blogging often helps me process, so maybe it’s time to take a look at some of the keys that have kept us standing firm for the last 50 years. (Smile)</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is the question I’ve asked myself: </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b><i>What has kept two sinners with self-centered natures waking up each morning, re-committing themselves to “I do?” </i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Forever and ever, I do!</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">When asked this question, so many Jesus-followers answer with one word: love!</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course they do…it sounds spiritual, most couples all have the “love chapter” in 1 Corinthians 13 quoted at their weddings, and the all-wise, famous guy-band, The Beatles assured us that “All We Need is Love…”</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rHFjQaEVBoHAGlf5nd3V626VrvCQR6dyAYCALBgT_Tqm3dYGcUFctI5uvRx9Q7g7JLnDfYD7zNW19OmUil1pTPtDfHTOy-mycvizs-rSBaMzWoDbYPtlaeQ5n79MBf_L3GECbmkSxnVvfB-KsUX9ai-ZWdilUIqSfsLv4UVSyxIOZUZINS_PgvIqE6oY/s911/IMG_0541.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="906" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0rHFjQaEVBoHAGlf5nd3V626VrvCQR6dyAYCALBgT_Tqm3dYGcUFctI5uvRx9Q7g7JLnDfYD7zNW19OmUil1pTPtDfHTOy-mycvizs-rSBaMzWoDbYPtlaeQ5n79MBf_L3GECbmkSxnVvfB-KsUX9ai-ZWdilUIqSfsLv4UVSyxIOZUZINS_PgvIqE6oY/s320/IMG_0541.jpeg" width="318" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">However, somewhere along the way, it dawned on me that this is one of the greatest myths of marriage.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Love is not the all-we-ever-need.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It’s not even a thing we need.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At some stage of our relationship, I recognized that I could only truly love my husband to the extent that I trusted him…and, it also followed that I would only allow him to love me to the extent that I trusted him. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAq9h_uHtY3khJpXSV6zd2XP-EFWz1LZ3VO-uWoFvQP4o2jd1GpHfS6DQb40_C-H08y9vjcpQQYdLmrZfJ-FUtHL4w3ZN44jj3expPa1n0X9HTIGCI5H1VBLLzcNzAl3-wmsf3IXZiSTgWUejnCkyXiTV1_78sqQktSHSZZbNZr6K_yJzMnnPeGh6Kt9b/s4032/IMG_6499.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghAq9h_uHtY3khJpXSV6zd2XP-EFWz1LZ3VO-uWoFvQP4o2jd1GpHfS6DQb40_C-H08y9vjcpQQYdLmrZfJ-FUtHL4w3ZN44jj3expPa1n0X9HTIGCI5H1VBLLzcNzAl3-wmsf3IXZiSTgWUejnCkyXiTV1_78sqQktSHSZZbNZr6K_yJzMnnPeGh6Kt9b/s320/IMG_6499.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The two go hand in hand; but love flows out of trust. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">No trust, no love.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In fact, Scottish author, George MacDonald once said:</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">“ To be trusted is a far greater compliment than to be loved.”</span></i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Without trust, we start our marriages stiff-arming our spouse, never actually allowing them get to know us. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Trust is developed in a myriad of different ways.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">The beginning of trust is found in Christ.</span></i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Without the direction for life that comes from a relationship surrendered to Christ, we’d be floundering down different paths, always trying to find our way to one another. </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkyrMJNggNued2t-i7CH-rY25gVTdSGvc9qes4nsc-z8638B-MBRih_rxmtMAtkAyoG2cXdmvlufbClCXadhh1BmeP_S0BoD_Y9sgYzTsoSlAHT5xtVzuaqePUnECbhEddqP_ypbo6t_HQzj1aqnblXi3-uBVV4idcuOWpxTNNr24Nuxqbr89JPGUrHJt/s1220/IMG_0566.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1220" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXkyrMJNggNued2t-i7CH-rY25gVTdSGvc9qes4nsc-z8638B-MBRih_rxmtMAtkAyoG2cXdmvlufbClCXadhh1BmeP_S0BoD_Y9sgYzTsoSlAHT5xtVzuaqePUnECbhEddqP_ypbo6t_HQzj1aqnblXi3-uBVV4idcuOWpxTNNr24Nuxqbr89JPGUrHJt/s320/IMG_0566.jpeg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Because Bay trusted Jesus, just as I trusted Jesus, I knew our commitment to Him would be the one plumb line that we would always measure our relationship against, and it had the power to steady us in every storm.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, there were other things that caused my trust to grow through our dating and early marriage years:</p>
<blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Bay did what he said he’d do…</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">He followed through on promises…</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">I knew when we scheduled our priorities, he included me in the discussion, valuing and wanting my opinion.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">He trusted his hopes and dreams to my care.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">There was never (!) a question that when he was away from me, he carried me with him in his heart. I never worried, not once, that he would be unfaithful to me in any way.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">We were best friends, constant companions, and enjoyed one another’s company over any other.</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">He was a safe space for me to be vulnerable, knowing he was always “for me.”</span></i></li><li><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Both of us were comfortable being quick to seek forgiveness and to ask for forgiveness, when an offense occurred.</span></i></li></ul><p></p></blockquote>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Do we continue to do these things perfectly?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course not!</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1g9WtSYQq4B8Scnf1vy9SF4nEdxAKdWKiLLsNB9rA2ltT3lMljFixheSIzcmiY51BRu4IQ-zM4jVcI52ioLQGnhOFWnrb-m5_xa1B_Krz2rtblsad2uQCKcAzJzDa5SZSjnblgzVU2H7k-7Cp-2NiPzreB-OBJF66TMWD7rPqzYPQpqLMrGyUX_rWgj/s4032/IMG_6483.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfb1g9WtSYQq4B8Scnf1vy9SF4nEdxAKdWKiLLsNB9rA2ltT3lMljFixheSIzcmiY51BRu4IQ-zM4jVcI52ioLQGnhOFWnrb-m5_xa1B_Krz2rtblsad2uQCKcAzJzDa5SZSjnblgzVU2H7k-7Cp-2NiPzreB-OBJF66TMWD7rPqzYPQpqLMrGyUX_rWgj/s320/IMG_6483.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But, we are both committed to keeping cracks from occurring in the foundation of our marriage.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After all, problems with foundations of houses immediately begin causing stress fractures in the walls of our marriage…and the protective walls around our home are bound to crumble (ask me how I know about foundations of houses)… 😌</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The same holds true for marriages. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDlhwu5hJBhn5GiTboxibCmn_xhGH2xQGASRlsdkIU15e9TZO3VUG8i_48c_mx17ne5F9c3rOMnEyJj_qYb5U4KmVqbZuKOntLrExY76MBXP8glkulddoRSSEXomawHIyXGNwlqOannhyphenhyphen86OUX45ndm-etcCuq0rLgtRpARB5rfwqxPGGVGwWXZu3aCk/s4032/IMG_6490.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuxDlhwu5hJBhn5GiTboxibCmn_xhGH2xQGASRlsdkIU15e9TZO3VUG8i_48c_mx17ne5F9c3rOMnEyJj_qYb5U4KmVqbZuKOntLrExY76MBXP8glkulddoRSSEXomawHIyXGNwlqOannhyphenhyphen86OUX45ndm-etcCuq0rLgtRpARB5rfwqxPGGVGwWXZu3aCk/s320/IMG_6490.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Just a word of warning, though, and I’ve seen this prove true, time and time again in other relationships:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">“Trust is easily broken and extremely costly to restore.” </span></b></i></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Paul Tripp, “What Did You Expect”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><br /></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-29835275912433263762024-02-15T04:28:00.000-08:002024-02-15T18:49:49.434-08:00A Random Thought on Raising Children 😏<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfyN6YpA2e2WzD2hlqLfXLLgpp2M_lK-4zbvqUpqe5qI5ECj_4SGQCMWfzZp2t_nakoKT727wz4GoE3ypU07ylHLVu3ZUGk_NWiwOWIJfEZY1HX20XYG4NK1mtBugg3rYEH-jKbWoqSRFfq7Z7LRaFSGWGP2bLEZtuthWznynXn4qSGSJNCT9RovZ5_-L/s612/IMG_0530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLfyN6YpA2e2WzD2hlqLfXLLgpp2M_lK-4zbvqUpqe5qI5ECj_4SGQCMWfzZp2t_nakoKT727wz4GoE3ypU07ylHLVu3ZUGk_NWiwOWIJfEZY1HX20XYG4NK1mtBugg3rYEH-jKbWoqSRFfq7Z7LRaFSGWGP2bLEZtuthWznynXn4qSGSJNCT9RovZ5_-L/s320/IMG_0530.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once again, Bay and I are in the Philippines 🇵🇭 serving at a variety of venues: Sunday church services, leadership training conferences, evangelistic outreach events, university evangelical ministry, a women’s conference (in which we are partnering with Compassion International), and connection with government officials for a possible large future crusade. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrqo7LXfa82DcNFWeH_YHPyBkzRDj3f-6jrUHEHCrVJFfJNUOkbrkymALGUolULjQ93aCxzLSBtAGmif2l2JDvzgSNS2IjR-okpxImUwVWFAIAfkmQZ4b5laGsK3pW_KtwkZBQ9RkKd_yZixughQyN_tGdGdvTus7v0NyFilO-7nBZidnKlyEaUeE1ox/s4032/IMG_6334.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLjrqo7LXfa82DcNFWeH_YHPyBkzRDj3f-6jrUHEHCrVJFfJNUOkbrkymALGUolULjQ93aCxzLSBtAGmif2l2JDvzgSNS2IjR-okpxImUwVWFAIAfkmQZ4b5laGsK3pW_KtwkZBQ9RkKd_yZixughQyN_tGdGdvTus7v0NyFilO-7nBZidnKlyEaUeE1ox/s320/IMG_6334.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This trip, we brought friends, who pastor a church in Greenfield, IN. What a blessing to have them share responsibilities with us…</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlwxIIs58PlYI6HaSak2th19i5HsrnILMGWbWyj7byVZbNNZO8B5ddDdZ75NJRQs4OPeyoUXL_pb5NUof2Z56_eCSNrYB_hw4h799ssReEDNFlFA9YF7m7FzWZJioURE1qgACe9ZGhZSqCxswVgBniMoCIW8bDsyxbddV-Z99zPw51U_uoi8LS5xXZgU0/s2048/IMG_6451.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKlwxIIs58PlYI6HaSak2th19i5HsrnILMGWbWyj7byVZbNNZO8B5ddDdZ75NJRQs4OPeyoUXL_pb5NUof2Z56_eCSNrYB_hw4h799ssReEDNFlFA9YF7m7FzWZJioURE1qgACe9ZGhZSqCxswVgBniMoCIW8bDsyxbddV-Z99zPw51U_uoi8LS5xXZgU0/s320/IMG_6451.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(Pastor Theo and Randy Griffin)</div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">…and, what a gift to experience what Paul expressed so well:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><i>It is right for me to feel this way about you (full of thanksgiving)…for you are all partakers with me of grace in the defense and confirmation of the gospel.</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Partakers</span></i></b>, by definition, are companions who help achieve more together than either could “doing the work” alone. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We certainly saw this in action this week (Theo and Randy left us this afternoon to head back to Indiana, and we will miss partnering with them).</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At the leadership conferences, we zeroed in on the biblical purposes and character of those who are called by God to serve Him among His people. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the leaders assigned to me was Samuel - one of the greatest prophets Israel has known!</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwx2HibwtwVRed8KJgeL0lAhr3wUGtxKTLIyqpbzteG2Kr1wENF85uaMjor9ytrlDVOrQVNW6zARtjTgn7PtEwVPap7p9NvftpZm1bXPpn7ozn620Wi6Ti0cg_-q3VrpvxioEj4X_k14g9iKgd8bibu9tqfjy-rciV6XmWOlSNk82Mji8c2_bEOyVxTNg/s1920/IMG_0527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1080" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwx2HibwtwVRed8KJgeL0lAhr3wUGtxKTLIyqpbzteG2Kr1wENF85uaMjor9ytrlDVOrQVNW6zARtjTgn7PtEwVPap7p9NvftpZm1bXPpn7ozn620Wi6Ti0cg_-q3VrpvxioEj4X_k14g9iKgd8bibu9tqfjy-rciV6XmWOlSNk82Mji8c2_bEOyVxTNg/w225-h400/IMG_0527.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">At different times of my life, certain aspects of Scripture hit me in diverse ways depending on the current season in which I find myself.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So as I reviewed Samuel’s story, I was taken back to a quiet time where God spoke to me years ago.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Steph, Adam, and Mandy were quite young. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bay and I were waiting on raising the support we needed to head to Africa.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our home had sold. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All our earthly possessions, except for Bay’s grandmother’s piano and his saddle, were safely ensconced on board the ship heading to Kenya. 🇰🇪 </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We were staying with my brother-in-law and sister-in-law as we looked expectantly toward our future in Africa. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This particular morning, the words from a letter that had arrived in the mail from my parents, played like a recording over and over in my brain. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>“Why would you take your children so far away to a primitive country where there is so much disease, potential danger, and lack of amenities? What about the things you can’t give them there that are prevalent here in the US? How are you going to feel if they want ice cream and you can’t get them something as simple as ice cream?” </i></span></p><div><br /></div><div>Of course, it occurred during the middle of the night when things always seem bigger and “badder” than they ever do in the day light.</div><div><br /></div><div>What is it about night that causes our brains to shut down and not think the thoughts of God as easily?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdw9HKJcypM_GsskoSRvE_zHZXZDFiiraDW1CPSiB4XngocXh_0wtH9shh16W9_3x7PXkyGTmgWNFh0sU-8HXDpEZiyxR32qpo3upJy1BQpMJTurXQPJIPA4mxWswKhjCfhB6MjrOmtdzMbfiZtkJwrb-rVMjZCu__PVcjckeNpoy9idM-3hIpB-0UbFR/s553/IMG_0534.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="553" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitdw9HKJcypM_GsskoSRvE_zHZXZDFiiraDW1CPSiB4XngocXh_0wtH9shh16W9_3x7PXkyGTmgWNFh0sU-8HXDpEZiyxR32qpo3upJy1BQpMJTurXQPJIPA4mxWswKhjCfhB6MjrOmtdzMbfiZtkJwrb-rVMjZCu__PVcjckeNpoy9idM-3hIpB-0UbFR/s320/IMG_0534.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Yet it happens to us all.</div><div><br /></div><div>For me, those words translated into “What kind of parents are we?” “What kind of future life were we giving our children?” “What if they grew up to resent us for taking them away from the life they had in America?” And, most of all…”What if our act of obedience in saying ‘Yes” to the Lord had damaging repercussions and they chose not to follow Jesus because of us?”</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">😟😟😟</div><div><br /></div><div>The next morning in my quiet time, I was slated to read the first few chapters in the book of 1 Samuel. Here’s the back story:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Samuel’s mother, as we know, was Hannah.</li><li>Hannah was one of two wives to Elkanah.</li><li>While his first wife bore him several children, Hannah was barren and it grieved her heart.</li><li>When the family went to Shiloh to the temple to sacrifice, as was their custom, Hannah went into the quiet of the temple in the early morning to pray.</li><li>Her desperate tears; her crying aloud to the Lord, caused Eli the priest to think she was drunk.</li><li>As he approached her to rebuke her, he listened to her petition, and prophesied that, indeed, she would have a son before the next year.</li><li>She did. </li><li>Her declaration to the Lord upon Samuel’s birth proclaimed that she would “<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">give her son back to the Lord”</span></i></b> once he was weaned. (I can’t imagine!)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NLQaXq7knNzUsLUfDmR-nwrgwGeYui_4CZEK5SPEFiN9Swx2D72KfHFtjK10HcUnSDvGk_AvClCHMxzcKrVsEQJnTor9l6rHQAv2xXtRz34RlaY12LNfrkcAv3XT9hB69LhEEC12HuWRAz2oiazsXu4bJFDXfYXqRkU0rZuO3TOmF_EO3pKUXuseXsfz/s669/IMG_0528.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="515" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_NLQaXq7knNzUsLUfDmR-nwrgwGeYui_4CZEK5SPEFiN9Swx2D72KfHFtjK10HcUnSDvGk_AvClCHMxzcKrVsEQJnTor9l6rHQAv2xXtRz34RlaY12LNfrkcAv3XT9hB69LhEEC12HuWRAz2oiazsXu4bJFDXfYXqRkU0rZuO3TOmF_EO3pKUXuseXsfz/w308-h400/IMG_0528.jpeg" width="308" /></a></div><div>Here’s the thing…</div><div><br /></div><div>Hannah took Samuel and left him with Eli, the priest. </div><div><br /></div><div>What Eli lacked in parenting skills (“<span style="color: #45818e;"><b><i>Now the sons of Eli were worthless men…1 Samuel 2:12</i></b></span>”), he also lacked in the priesthood - a terrible father and, perhaps, an even worse priest. </div><div><br /></div><div>Because of this, the Lord rejected the house of Eli and revealed that He would strip the priesthood from this family.</div><div><br /></div><div>However (!) the Lord also told Eli, He (God, Himself) would “raise up for himself a FAITHFUL PRIEST, who would do according to all that is in God’s heart and in His mind (1 Samuel 2:35)”</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Lpd2Krn0KT4eJUhn5QwTvq6mfmRzLBUAWZxKJWEICyYzurkeQ_kA6YZC_CaY4DHJV07ncHclU8vuSljjDOrH8rVPP-U31Xkjkxyp20kPIN-1ZcWr0VRYQP9hnqanRfDpxWA23JA29I6l0qBP2IauoGQHc2Onj-586Hs4ZiwOHNAmoTAEhin6vnowSQr/s1584/IMG_0529.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg70Lpd2Krn0KT4eJUhn5QwTvq6mfmRzLBUAWZxKJWEICyYzurkeQ_kA6YZC_CaY4DHJV07ncHclU8vuSljjDOrH8rVPP-U31Xkjkxyp20kPIN-1ZcWr0VRYQP9hnqanRfDpxWA23JA29I6l0qBP2IauoGQHc2Onj-586Hs4ZiwOHNAmoTAEhin6vnowSQr/w400-h400/IMG_0529.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These words from the ancient books of the Old Testament comforted my heart from God’s Holy “Rhema.”</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Lord, in spite of Eli, raised Samuel up to be a great man of God, a faithful servant, a minister in the house of the Lord.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Like Elkanah and Hanna, Bay and I dedicated our children back to the Lord as babies.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We covenanted with God to raise them the best we knew how with the education and information we had in those days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRitYKVvQ8hzwc_YGDE69TANQz5Pdqo4RrcM2Tq1KhCMGO23ztfRzCPvKsv3E2Au7tBXU8ZrMl-MyCoA96v7LP6RQs9XDGgNebijveCWffDP6g1sfFZhKsJLyATCgtQR3ay1Fcrt1DyEQc8K1Ewnhborh8mVM_DQn0s2phZZ3434UOtilix2EcOP7fxKt/s2048/IMG_6527.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKRitYKVvQ8hzwc_YGDE69TANQz5Pdqo4RrcM2Tq1KhCMGO23ztfRzCPvKsv3E2Au7tBXU8ZrMl-MyCoA96v7LP6RQs9XDGgNebijveCWffDP6g1sfFZhKsJLyATCgtQR3ay1Fcrt1DyEQc8K1Ewnhborh8mVM_DQn0s2phZZ3434UOtilix2EcOP7fxKt/w400-h400/IMG_6527.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Were we “perfect?” </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ha! Far from it…but our hearts were committed to do what we believed was best, all the while serving the Lord ourselves, as we placed our children into His loving hands. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here’s what the Lord spoke to me that morning following my “long night” - </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If the Lord could do a great work in the heart of Samuel under the tutelage of a worthless priest, who wasn’t even a good father figure, I could surely trust Him to ‘raise up’ my children, as well - no matter where He might lead us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Hannah’s example held the keys: desperate praying and total surrender of her child into God’s hands.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><b><i>XXXXX</i></b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This was simply a random reminder to me this week.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I honestly don’t know who needs to read this…if anyone…😏</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, I was thankful to reminisce that the Lord is (no matter how old) still THE ONE who does the “raising up” of my adult children (even to old age and gray hair) and my grand kiddos…as well as, future generations to come!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In this, I continue to trust His sovereign hand.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1pbzYO2qmgxZaebIUuPU7Peoe078pErs8U3El2w-v1bRgr9bDFhiNL6CGKHw6gV0rdEqT4oTjNkCqQKSMyRUKJIt2U5EEWC1tgNEm1zd659urxL_0r4U6_K5vDSTklsy1fkixwATOkbJ8fxkrV_bngxNPUIo4bMT4BK_Z-GvsXDRPorMUmm3ZR2pw4gi/s528/IMG_0533.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="528" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1pbzYO2qmgxZaebIUuPU7Peoe078pErs8U3El2w-v1bRgr9bDFhiNL6CGKHw6gV0rdEqT4oTjNkCqQKSMyRUKJIt2U5EEWC1tgNEm1zd659urxL_0r4U6_K5vDSTklsy1fkixwATOkbJ8fxkrV_bngxNPUIo4bMT4BK_Z-GvsXDRPorMUmm3ZR2pw4gi/w400-h309/IMG_0533.png" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-25608133600822202762024-02-07T07:17:00.000-08:002024-02-07T10:31:17.088-08:00Survival Guide for the Wilderness <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5dERH7mwnOV050E-r6lMmUKW2shm6HT2SHtydR9N8qtvIc4WWfYZ1MzSgDs81fKqrc6oJTLOxVRe6Rf5i5n8r4xaImWm8BjkCq-_XTUBiguewQ0X4iRerRsfRfyVvF-Z9iwTVsQS7gHpPj2DddgOiq0OUIRjYw8UM9mCqHYqxwa7KHdBStTlOGX0jkPV/s3840/2619110-Oliver-Wendell-Holmes-Quote-Memory-is-a-net-one-that-finds-it-full-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg5dERH7mwnOV050E-r6lMmUKW2shm6HT2SHtydR9N8qtvIc4WWfYZ1MzSgDs81fKqrc6oJTLOxVRe6Rf5i5n8r4xaImWm8BjkCq-_XTUBiguewQ0X4iRerRsfRfyVvF-Z9iwTVsQS7gHpPj2DddgOiq0OUIRjYw8UM9mCqHYqxwa7KHdBStTlOGX0jkPV/w400-h225/2619110-Oliver-Wendell-Holmes-Quote-Memory-is-a-net-one-that-finds-it-full-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A while back, Bay and I followed a survivor-type-televison series on the History Chanel.</p><p>I'm pretty sure we watched about 7 seasons in a row, and I found it informative and interesting.</p><p>However, I'm hoping I never, in my lifetime, have to use the skills with which I became acquainted, because I am alone and trying to survive... </p><p>Titled<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;"> "ALONE,"</span></i></b> the series tracked 10 individuals dropped off in various locations out in the wild. </p><p>Each person chronicled their journey (via videos) for the program, all in diverse situations with limited equipment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVSuhLtvmiN3i_Pl47uv9YdaUoZcDS-kGHp_usBQcrY3kQUXQQHV0ve56IzSxofF8BnTgO4kkMzQA3FV4-6cm4blIDdhoVF9mnoeUn2IKoBt0MBvhfjXQBMeclPVQ6f9_Z7d5rIoVAMSdG0WnFBlGhpdDoIXsWcrBxTIMjSKq1CzY1uLodjlaEtriesBw/s348/Alone_show_logo.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="151" data-original-width="348" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfVSuhLtvmiN3i_Pl47uv9YdaUoZcDS-kGHp_usBQcrY3kQUXQQHV0ve56IzSxofF8BnTgO4kkMzQA3FV4-6cm4blIDdhoVF9mnoeUn2IKoBt0MBvhfjXQBMeclPVQ6f9_Z7d5rIoVAMSdG0WnFBlGhpdDoIXsWcrBxTIMjSKq1CzY1uLodjlaEtriesBw/s320/Alone_show_logo.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Truly, it was an exercise in endurance. </p><p>One of the ways contestants attempted to provide food for themselves was fishing with a "gill net."</p><p>The net was placed in the down-running-current of a river and as the water rushed through, the fish (hopefully) get trapped. </p><p>Assuredly, it often seemed that the winner of the contest ($500,000) ended up being the one who ate the best. </p><p>In fact, in one of the seasons, a fellow caught a tremendous amount of fish, dried them, hung them about his self-constructed-shelter, and all appeared as if he was destined to win.</p><p>However, he ended up being forced to leave the show when the doctors (who check in on participants at regular intervals) discovered he was "starving to death."</p><p>He had all the food he needed to survive...he simply didn't eat!!!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>Last weekend I spoke at a women's conference in Dallas, TX.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-o5r8AJKEkNpSDBV3iW3mZrQatasVlFkqNIyM1b4PvMER7o5WSwvJr3NCqTjZYryqsRcAy1uFTv8LMYJF6bkYF2YpvPs4Cx_P48qy6Q3zSXRadqa5cTb8Vu539TH9P9rTOJ2SGJyA129hskVLv404ib2ID34cuIzBo3vJvXuJCsD2iVBQLrAFcdFXbT2A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-o5r8AJKEkNpSDBV3iW3mZrQatasVlFkqNIyM1b4PvMER7o5WSwvJr3NCqTjZYryqsRcAy1uFTv8LMYJF6bkYF2YpvPs4Cx_P48qy6Q3zSXRadqa5cTb8Vu539TH9P9rTOJ2SGJyA129hskVLv404ib2ID34cuIzBo3vJvXuJCsD2iVBQLrAFcdFXbT2A=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The theme of the retreat was "reset."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7sehxjtAx-mcXYv4CC0j-kwjJN7eWPah0xew7xKsAEWfyvUjhLc__HbItFfSvbHD6aenT2tgbMufno2vD9MyvMBtnZpoNsDA-CMDyb6LCYwhpzQYsGuwBbxAeBYBmwoMehuX4cgq8IG1YdcmUlB86ydj6EojtfupdNkyCto7mg4wlO0Eojy2Cgb8sHU1/s386/360_F_84414732_yINLjwPITwl6YqR4mkmGQkjH36ns2MXr.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="386" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv7sehxjtAx-mcXYv4CC0j-kwjJN7eWPah0xew7xKsAEWfyvUjhLc__HbItFfSvbHD6aenT2tgbMufno2vD9MyvMBtnZpoNsDA-CMDyb6LCYwhpzQYsGuwBbxAeBYBmwoMehuX4cgq8IG1YdcmUlB86ydj6EojtfupdNkyCto7mg4wlO0Eojy2Cgb8sHU1/w200-h186/360_F_84414732_yINLjwPITwl6YqR4mkmGQkjH36ns2MXr.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><p>The goal: to provide some tools that can be utilized at any time of year to do a "hard reset" in some aspect of life with a begin-again in mind (while this could be any type of reset, primarily I focused on spiritual do-overs). </p><p>We all need them from time to time. </p><p>In the first session we talked about rest.</p><p>Scripture is scattered with instructions to rest.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMjsM6LSxaZocClnkbeSTPLyYTLtLoC0HWg0FnF8He_JkvZ4ApQ2KWTZO33FS-aU7kgy9yT93B7xI-uJTDwn-0EPxwOiNAI1aCtrfU3XXzux8LjRADLu2oWg8AfTeonCVOLEYq1iJKdnv1ECPJKQ6302dz0AodGIQrW-eJrVdWenCRXwfPgZUieTB0oTv/s414/52db23433b14a74992415d21fdea45cc.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="395" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiMjsM6LSxaZocClnkbeSTPLyYTLtLoC0HWg0FnF8He_JkvZ4ApQ2KWTZO33FS-aU7kgy9yT93B7xI-uJTDwn-0EPxwOiNAI1aCtrfU3XXzux8LjRADLu2oWg8AfTeonCVOLEYq1iJKdnv1ECPJKQ6302dz0AodGIQrW-eJrVdWenCRXwfPgZUieTB0oTv/s320/52db23433b14a74992415d21fdea45cc.jpg" width="305" /></a></div><p>In fact, the fourth commandment is just that - a directive to take the time every six days to rest (<a href="http://peg-justathought.blogspot.com/2023/12/ready-rest-go.html" target="_blank">see this blog published on December 28</a>.)</p><p>The Lord is pretty clear:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">There is no reset without rest.</span></i></b></p><p>Period.</p><p>Exclamation mark.</p><p>I've also blogged recently on this next tool, which is "remember," however, I want to add a P.S. to those posts.</p><p>When the fourth commandment is repeated in Deuteronomy, the Lord adds a one-more-thing to our "resetting:"</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7FfMOPdQ5CsMb8p2CrVqG-QJFTllu2zZ_yLjWgt0DgpBkA9ffAvFOsUfR5jbe4zbKvEsvK6ukhhJ_0Fb_3t87X-BV4uzR6rCsu_ILhg8SlKbefyot8pW-leW2dB7pnJ3_7B4hRojDXlV2N463tBhjIF1LjanPBZDDMofZCe7w095gbHkjr5nsnxnOFI4/s700/Deuteronomy-5-15-WEB-You-shall-remember-that-you-were-a-servant-in-the-I05005015-L01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7FfMOPdQ5CsMb8p2CrVqG-QJFTllu2zZ_yLjWgt0DgpBkA9ffAvFOsUfR5jbe4zbKvEsvK6ukhhJ_0Fb_3t87X-BV4uzR6rCsu_ILhg8SlKbefyot8pW-leW2dB7pnJ3_7B4hRojDXlV2N463tBhjIF1LjanPBZDDMofZCe7w095gbHkjr5nsnxnOFI4/w400-h400/Deuteronomy-5-15-WEB-You-shall-remember-that-you-were-a-servant-in-the-I05005015-L01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER!</span></i></b></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">1) Remember where you were and what you were without the Lord's intervention.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">2) Remember who your God is (YHWH) - the I AM EVERYTHING YOU NEED!</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">3) Remember how He came alongside and rescued/delivered/redeemed your life.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">4) Remember His mighty hand and outstretched arm (metaphorical reminders of His power, love, mercy and grace) in the middle of your stories...</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">REMEMBER!!!</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSEfOxW6na1RsRyBIaBgsrmOVVBwhwc3w13fE_6cmSXBTeZI-md76lz2NlDpeDGDR2HgMK0UCMvQY_4hQYXavF0Oqrri7x86539UzZ0zgYmsGly3snxKFd3gy7mr50tCO47UVnUN6FWfH171AoxDWFWgwkutZrEmVjQTL68hRoNezoaynMz8SWJZfGyNh/s400/Deuteronomy%208-2%20Remember%20How%20The%20Lord%20Your%20God%20Led%20You%20ALl%20The%20Way%20In%20The%20Desert%20windows09-17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSEfOxW6na1RsRyBIaBgsrmOVVBwhwc3w13fE_6cmSXBTeZI-md76lz2NlDpeDGDR2HgMK0UCMvQY_4hQYXavF0Oqrri7x86539UzZ0zgYmsGly3snxKFd3gy7mr50tCO47UVnUN6FWfH171AoxDWFWgwkutZrEmVjQTL68hRoNezoaynMz8SWJZfGyNh/w400-h300/Deuteronomy%208-2%20Remember%20How%20The%20Lord%20Your%20God%20Led%20You%20ALl%20The%20Way%20In%20The%20Desert%20windows09-17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">It's so important in every reset. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i>There's no reset without rest.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i>There is no reset without remembering these very important things about our relationship with the Lord.</i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTQFIl92Epx_cbmYdKECqxMETQThIArdLks7RA6lsX9rIzDfNJwyWBPDJx5Ssu5q1DOEAQf9oXsH3lQhyphenhyphenrnNTZ3LEqiX50BNksmfjLELQgBmgMyFSL36p2hKEHG80CF4T1qKXDIohOd4Czd1z-r6QUohnfSJDADiMwtitaKhyphenhyphenGe76dVwp9HNYL6M0vmnJ/s700/Psalms-77-11-KJV-I-will-remember-the-works-of-the-LORD-surely-I-I19077011-L04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoTQFIl92Epx_cbmYdKECqxMETQThIArdLks7RA6lsX9rIzDfNJwyWBPDJx5Ssu5q1DOEAQf9oXsH3lQhyphenhyphenrnNTZ3LEqiX50BNksmfjLELQgBmgMyFSL36p2hKEHG80CF4T1qKXDIohOd4Czd1z-r6QUohnfSJDADiMwtitaKhyphenhyphenGe76dVwp9HNYL6M0vmnJ/w400-h400/Psalms-77-11-KJV-I-will-remember-the-works-of-the-LORD-surely-I-I19077011-L04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Why?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">There is no hope in tomorrow without remembering our history with our God; and, there is no ability to endure without hope!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Y'all, we won't take time to remember if we don't have time to stop in the midst of resting in order to do so. </p><p style="text-align: left;">In the resting, we must look for our God in the memories that are caught in the net and SEE HIM THERE!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg393IkO49hHwwJAzUEWLgweNZqwa-oLR7VK35WswJDu9TjAHtTEgGL9OunkXiFqSVtg_fbiFvZe3JKyBjfhHsFwDZSUZcN6YqKEn_29cx0AJ__5PtnsRlG6KD-H2TFWNP0eKdM-Ge99jWfw_f5_udWjIYnhV7v6TGjaM7pn7xuK79wNpa38KdsE35jnISV/s1024/Heb10.32.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg393IkO49hHwwJAzUEWLgweNZqwa-oLR7VK35WswJDu9TjAHtTEgGL9OunkXiFqSVtg_fbiFvZe3JKyBjfhHsFwDZSUZcN6YqKEn_29cx0AJ__5PtnsRlG6KD-H2TFWNP0eKdM-Ge99jWfw_f5_udWjIYnhV7v6TGjaM7pn7xuK79wNpa38KdsE35jnISV/w400-h300/Heb10.32.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">This will be key for those times when we feel <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>ALONE</i></b>.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">It will be crucial for our endurance in the spiritual wildernesses of life.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">It will be most critical that we take the fish, dry them, hang them about our shelters and then EAT OF THEM!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRut_Fc8dKtGNIVTuXXc_uIi8kCeKkEX8e2_TZFju90tfOzP4-dTjPztCTJIz6oylYf2EjB0XAomAn7lMoW3w1KSSFYdzhXP-K4GrBuk8vKErMGyY-srKuVdRnR5ELhdlGHOqDxoDubwCusFIASb30RTfJhGQurhNy5VLFWYtHTfc4Or6uspVHt_DXYvB-/s600/Psalm-91-2-600-x-405.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="405" data-original-width="600" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRut_Fc8dKtGNIVTuXXc_uIi8kCeKkEX8e2_TZFju90tfOzP4-dTjPztCTJIz6oylYf2EjB0XAomAn7lMoW3w1KSSFYdzhXP-K4GrBuk8vKErMGyY-srKuVdRnR5ELhdlGHOqDxoDubwCusFIASb30RTfJhGQurhNy5VLFWYtHTfc4Or6uspVHt_DXYvB-/w400-h270/Psalm-91-2-600-x-405.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Don't starve yourselves to death spiritually because you have forgotten these instructions from the Lord.</p><p style="text-align: left;">EAT!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8wOt7jETl21W66CBntTU2eV3Zo4g6PPVHF-2ijYbXrXfsa4ZSXBvaVnkAuypYnMRpejbpvdfiTVuMlwTj9YWzmLXit_IX2xJhIIHJTMCErizmDKXzEWuW4cNJ5swjvy0EibePHtjNHGqkm4DW78pGx4ls51vb4nt4n2ApARJcmcGQ9quPQtqjsZeGd1a/s640/78c64ff9c316c72f3398f90362ff4820.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ8wOt7jETl21W66CBntTU2eV3Zo4g6PPVHF-2ijYbXrXfsa4ZSXBvaVnkAuypYnMRpejbpvdfiTVuMlwTj9YWzmLXit_IX2xJhIIHJTMCErizmDKXzEWuW4cNJ5swjvy0EibePHtjNHGqkm4DW78pGx4ls51vb4nt4n2ApARJcmcGQ9quPQtqjsZeGd1a/w400-h400/78c64ff9c316c72f3398f90362ff4820.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-41358467546835643852024-02-01T04:00:00.000-08:002024-02-02T15:45:13.309-08:00When Night Lasts for Days<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23vxku5aGNN8kV8EXktgSh3p_O6x04hakeaN219oklzxkkg9hdDzrCiZ-YP5xBcOkN_5LtvjEqJgXKXYl7ltAnbPsrzqNL1TnDL3-zRgiSDnTOX4MkifA-43UOaH4amTubbT4z77UVD5fjQUJ4B3pGmVbXHD9YPRNYWtW4pyexNjpE2sdxg0Tp4VuqOIQ/s1170/Image%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1098" data-original-width="1170" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg23vxku5aGNN8kV8EXktgSh3p_O6x04hakeaN219oklzxkkg9hdDzrCiZ-YP5xBcOkN_5LtvjEqJgXKXYl7ltAnbPsrzqNL1TnDL3-zRgiSDnTOX4MkifA-43UOaH4amTubbT4z77UVD5fjQUJ4B3pGmVbXHD9YPRNYWtW4pyexNjpE2sdxg0Tp4VuqOIQ/s320/Image%201.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><p><i>Forgive me.</i></p><p>I shared this same post last year at almost the same time of the month.</p><p>I needed this reminder again.</p><p>Frequently, I find myself wide-eyed and bushy-tailed in the middle of the night, and, indeed, the darkness lasts for days.</p><p>I keep old blogs for this purpose.</p><p>Sometimes it's important for me to revisit.</p><p>And this one....Well, it's an important reminder for us all.</p><p>What should we bring to mind in the middle of the night (metaphorical and literal), when the the hours seem to go on forever and the dawn will never break?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">XXXX</span></i></b></p><p>Suffering, trials, persecution, difficulty, desert places, <b><i><u>dark nights of the soul</u></i></b>...these things happen just because, well, LiFe hApPeNs.</p><p>James, the younger brother of Jesus, made it clear through the Spirit's inspired words:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">"Count it all joy...WHEN you meet trials of various kinds..." (James 1:2)</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh42QuVWxHytyEadel2mwxZYvvl8FLJ4iUkOe0isywlkJMhypvStfAaLIzE1JND1q9E3KDhi5cxbfmbw0rha5Oor7mqCVlRUtGKQVDu70Ot8PGSerc-kvKOd9niCPbn_OaLqIsvbrcJIwHde1RC5EsaSpFH0Wp47BEF0pb2_UCf8iQCah0vPUkiJhKA/s641/4b908fecbb87381dcad96802eb78cc76.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="641" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh42QuVWxHytyEadel2mwxZYvvl8FLJ4iUkOe0isywlkJMhypvStfAaLIzE1JND1q9E3KDhi5cxbfmbw0rha5Oor7mqCVlRUtGKQVDu70Ot8PGSerc-kvKOd9niCPbn_OaLqIsvbrcJIwHde1RC5EsaSpFH0Wp47BEF0pb2_UCf8iQCah0vPUkiJhKA/w320-h320/4b908fecbb87381dcad96802eb78cc76.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>It's all about the word "when/whenever."</p><p>It means just that.</p><p>James didn't write "if."</p><p>He didn't say "just in case."</p><p>There is no "possibly" involved.</p><p>We will all experience one-or-another, or any combination, of the list above. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Knowing what we believe and why we believe it, as Jesus-followers, is crucial. </span></i></b></p><p>I've shared this story before, so forgive me if you recognize it and, simply, skip ahead.</p><p>After arriving in Kenya, where we were going to be serving as missionaries, our first night lasted days.</p><p>Jet lag hit hard.</p><p>Our kids were young, and no matter how hard we tried to keep them awake during their first day on the continent, they just couldn't make it, and promptly fell asleep.</p><p>So, when it came time to go to sleep...they just couldn't.</p><p>I could.</p><p>I certainly wanted to... </p><p>But...Mandy, especially, heard every noise and each little creak of our new home, which left her afraid and wide-eyed-and-bushy-tailed (at 5 years old).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNPxA9Zq5MkmkTQjxGGnxq-DMv-o9_cl-JH2GtIeN6UMpVqwomKfNuMnLkYf6fhR9FGPQbJybOfvHmB2fGcUiVjaVMwdL3NuCn0-SfMvEKbnKct5nC_QVICV_NlwEESVrxSWmdWtj17FcbPe6LmVPMCe6QaW41Gg_OJkzQHkR6IuM86uPyfuNfzEIOg/s1440/280457003_10228546771599248_8874401055863688439_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNPxA9Zq5MkmkTQjxGGnxq-DMv-o9_cl-JH2GtIeN6UMpVqwomKfNuMnLkYf6fhR9FGPQbJybOfvHmB2fGcUiVjaVMwdL3NuCn0-SfMvEKbnKct5nC_QVICV_NlwEESVrxSWmdWtj17FcbPe6LmVPMCe6QaW41Gg_OJkzQHkR6IuM86uPyfuNfzEIOg/w400-h400/280457003_10228546771599248_8874401055863688439_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I gave up trying to stay in our bed, and joined her in the little twin bed our hosts had borrowed and set up for her.</p><p>I tried everything I could think of to help her fall into dream-land: songs, stories, questions and answers, listing a few of her favorite things (thank you, <i>Sound of Music</i>)...nothing worked.</p><p>Truly, that night was darker, longer, and more frightening for my sweet babe than I ever could have guessed.</p><p>By 6:00 AM as the sun began to peak over the horizon and light started to brighten her room, I noticed her eyes growing heavy, and just as she began to slip into a deep slumber, she briefly opened them and softly said, "Mommy, you know what's not so scary about Kenya?"</p><p>"No, baby...what's not so scary about Kenya?"</p><p>"Morning!"</p><p>...and with that, sleep finally descended.</p><p>The psalmist agrees with Mandy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf5v-DAzvEjiWQ2MUyEBcHoitLD6CfV9aZVHGxFo46FKz01HAJZRqZPOjzA8GyCJUtB_8OFM-tNqXSssA04JnjA7CYdSpRwiyX5-BxGG8ijwEyul3uV1lmfqT_IErzjsSPrmV6EA_DdY8iemiYhVCvk_rSwCbwrGVn4MWB7GAsCC84_Rd6l6woBmCYQ/s1155/5733ef152a6ceed304f8459537b71e3d.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1155" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilf5v-DAzvEjiWQ2MUyEBcHoitLD6CfV9aZVHGxFo46FKz01HAJZRqZPOjzA8GyCJUtB_8OFM-tNqXSssA04JnjA7CYdSpRwiyX5-BxGG8ijwEyul3uV1lmfqT_IErzjsSPrmV6EA_DdY8iemiYhVCvk_rSwCbwrGVn4MWB7GAsCC84_Rd6l6woBmCYQ/w400-h400/5733ef152a6ceed304f8459537b71e3d.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I take great consolation in both verse and story. </p><p>Nights come and go.</p><p>There is always a morning to follow.</p><p>Some nights are darker and longer than others; but, even where Polar Night occurs for 24 hours straight, morning still comes....eventually.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWeAyXNz6QA6-_IhrKFQ_Oat0QBYpaY3lmoYv0eGciBcpwRPJdkHMwOPAZ4ZcGk7uB18diZ9orMydCnAxR41gAdFdDdRv_OrlT42LrKuJ87fUmoU16Spq3MiZgg_jPx8v3e4iqWab2nQiX6gIS9zT55L3bY18ugQ2bSt1aBN79iBkjxUr4PmNltcqGw/s2541/Polar-Night_Longyearbyen.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1762" data-original-width="2541" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZWeAyXNz6QA6-_IhrKFQ_Oat0QBYpaY3lmoYv0eGciBcpwRPJdkHMwOPAZ4ZcGk7uB18diZ9orMydCnAxR41gAdFdDdRv_OrlT42LrKuJ87fUmoU16Spq3MiZgg_jPx8v3e4iqWab2nQiX6gIS9zT55L3bY18ugQ2bSt1aBN79iBkjxUr4PmNltcqGw/w400-h278/Polar-Night_Longyearbyen.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><b>(Characteristic polar night blue twighlight, Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway located at 78 degrees north!)</b></span></p><p>This truth is a hope to which we cling, when night seems to last for days; when every creak and loud noise causes our hearts to quake:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Morning always comes...and with it...joy!</span></i></b></p><p>Hard seasons end.</p><p>Desert paths and prickly things can still turn green and flower.</p><p>Seasons change...after winter comes spring...every year!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh41pCGTCTh_u-AJF8PAut-9Bd6n47wHHuA9Sn1oXIRh66ongBf9XbgHc3AIwcA8iah8wM-lIy9BmmODuBNFhn8Q8_lb8MLX1_Lifan02t-rKHN_PjqknEuaBsVzpssgi4DrPWXKLutDHHmAL1N3Mn-qNE-yl8akl-6veRiK2TrUA-TVKgaqb1_oyfbpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1875" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh41pCGTCTh_u-AJF8PAut-9Bd6n47wHHuA9Sn1oXIRh66ongBf9XbgHc3AIwcA8iah8wM-lIy9BmmODuBNFhn8Q8_lb8MLX1_Lifan02t-rKHN_PjqknEuaBsVzpssgi4DrPWXKLutDHHmAL1N3Mn-qNE-yl8akl-6veRiK2TrUA-TVKgaqb1_oyfbpg=w400-h284" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Better yet - it's not for naught.</span></i></b></p><p>Something also comes with these temporary trials, and, it's generally preparation for something we can't even imagine <i>(more next week)</i>! </p><p>There is a work being done within that in the midst of the difficulty, we can't see now; but, there is no question we'll see it later.</p><p>All God does in the midst of our desert places works for our transformation to be more like Him...</p><p>Even though night seems to last forever, Paul says this about our afflictions: in light of eternity, they are simply "momentary." </p><p>Compared to the work they perform within us: they are "light." </p><p>In a trial right now? Hang on - morning's coming!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlhnG3NFIOxZzRVTYiiMoCXgs3Q1QailHH1FjW-MnEaqTPPkbwHqo3J9fMjofNYpFGHWbuRgvd9wcgSi6EsDkmnUZPzYPvz1htoxVmr76LCjQy2M7y9ymrZ_jN9tSCSepeZnW3_zZ0fdZtleuAGuKKeyg7-rw_htW1Mg_jXExmixGUDbpQOxG1Q4KYQ/s1400/09-12-scripture.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1400" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPlhnG3NFIOxZzRVTYiiMoCXgs3Q1QailHH1FjW-MnEaqTPPkbwHqo3J9fMjofNYpFGHWbuRgvd9wcgSi6EsDkmnUZPzYPvz1htoxVmr76LCjQy2M7y9ymrZ_jN9tSCSepeZnW3_zZ0fdZtleuAGuKKeyg7-rw_htW1Mg_jXExmixGUDbpQOxG1Q4KYQ/w400-h268/09-12-scripture.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>__________________________________________________________________</b></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQM1bUEpSTT28aW8KdGqnaSQtON8pMiqAgVZZ2fYIqqYb5jW5oreGRECVSpO2OWGkl-N-0jLUPsyVigXi1gibInXIgDAOnrmSJRrUcwKLPU73RKVCN2oSywpAXjOelF0Y_dMaiZa11Fh7fl2o4nt8O5FGcQQ77d5oGoZ94cGsAnFcW84NQvBnrVgcuw/s1024/weight-of-glory.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdQM1bUEpSTT28aW8KdGqnaSQtON8pMiqAgVZZ2fYIqqYb5jW5oreGRECVSpO2OWGkl-N-0jLUPsyVigXi1gibInXIgDAOnrmSJRrUcwKLPU73RKVCN2oSywpAXjOelF0Y_dMaiZa11Fh7fl2o4nt8O5FGcQQ77d5oGoZ94cGsAnFcW84NQvBnrVgcuw/w400-h200/weight-of-glory.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>And, it's always good to remember what Paul and Silas did in the middle of the night, imprisoned, bound in chains, previously beaten and bloodied and bruised:</div><div><br /></div><div>They sang and praised the Lord!</div><div><br /></div><div>Find a song to keep ready "for such a time as this."</div><div><br /></div><div>Put it on repeat in your brain...</div><div><br /></div><div>Sure makes the time pass quickly. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw2EZau55Fmnq1OPR-7GXm_A5xribuqXG-pkhk99evdug5dAoG2lFTNNamD4i87dkzuoU6kTUE0oP6jr3Q5DLM9HwryAJOKGXZwgUn7tDtpJaOpNtmfB8DPSBHHNZjVVMWSQakUqMW48QdVKmRAqkh4XOrUTmfMepxtWAPAcpSHU220MoGna1F6maoZqC/s1200/798.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="797" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw2EZau55Fmnq1OPR-7GXm_A5xribuqXG-pkhk99evdug5dAoG2lFTNNamD4i87dkzuoU6kTUE0oP6jr3Q5DLM9HwryAJOKGXZwgUn7tDtpJaOpNtmfB8DPSBHHNZjVVMWSQakUqMW48QdVKmRAqkh4XOrUTmfMepxtWAPAcpSHU220MoGna1F6maoZqC/w400-h266/798.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-47579506147518654092024-01-25T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-25T05:42:41.023-08:00Jesus Is Looking For More Beggars<p>Every January our ministry hosts her annual board meetings in Arizona; and, last weekend those meetings cycled around once more. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpxKLcd3ipzJdg7-aHRJhJp_mOVtACogy4P3eb46Oi89rVp1t2ZHS0jvKHsw9xST098ARP_s5Wu6-EpnshHcC9pbBugr4KWTkgiuhGU2FnoqtLZaaUjrKa7Ho5MOKtKHnhBsa9ZFwsDkgzxoy9zVtsB2gBwMtVccWD1f0Hdzw2d-2usIicSrg0DWk4gH3y" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpxKLcd3ipzJdg7-aHRJhJp_mOVtACogy4P3eb46Oi89rVp1t2ZHS0jvKHsw9xST098ARP_s5Wu6-EpnshHcC9pbBugr4KWTkgiuhGU2FnoqtLZaaUjrKa7Ho5MOKtKHnhBsa9ZFwsDkgzxoy9zVtsB2gBwMtVccWD1f0Hdzw2d-2usIicSrg0DWk4gH3y=w320-h240" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>In fact, it's been thirty-one years of such cycling!</p><p>Prior to these gatherings, I work, work, work (as does my assistant, Allison) to compile all the reports each member will need, in order to pray over and discern God's "Best Yes" for FOCUS Ministries in the coming new year. </p><p>Much of what the board requires from us runs parallel to what my accountant expects for tax purposes, so all tax-documentation is gathered at the same time and delivered in early January...</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBJI0vaBG82modxB51a-1cqjgJUmyQ5nXrDogMKuS89ljBt5oZMik7ISEClAr-IM0HIvwLIyljJMMVtalVUE1W0PMEjq2RVeheD4PZzXMweBwh_QRwdJncUQkqmHuGR5hwY5VkdxmKA66K_KUNKMeM8eJfCcYHhs0bWUUXSnUreC928UpFKNA_HyxKQh2V" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhBJI0vaBG82modxB51a-1cqjgJUmyQ5nXrDogMKuS89ljBt5oZMik7ISEClAr-IM0HIvwLIyljJMMVtalVUE1W0PMEjq2RVeheD4PZzXMweBwh_QRwdJncUQkqmHuGR5hwY5VkdxmKA66K_KUNKMeM8eJfCcYHhs0bWUUXSnUreC928UpFKNA_HyxKQh2V=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>...AND, at the same time, the end-of-year receipting for our donors also comes due. </p><p>This pile-up happens regularly as I've come to anticipate.</p><p>What I don't expect, however, and what <i><u>always</u></i> catches me by surprise is the incredible generosity of our donor base. </p><p>Every (!) Single (!) Year (!) I am humbled at the out-pouring of gifts to FOCUS Ministries (which keeps "us" in FOCUS), along with their words of encouragement and prayer. </p><p>So, as I handed out our annual budget report, showed the board our 2023 P & L documentation, this reality simply overwhelms me time and time again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk8e7SDy7xitvJNVIh74BuJkj9ociH299gwrEdIl9fDWEqKBa4lMUDLtJX7fk2b1B4_TLsd3eGqhuT-6KBIokpSeVbUsuuKRi8BR33vwzfpLqurUavJ4Ed_YyRzd3AKs1eRu24vDNBL0Ilx069DLFEY6_OwJ95Wq-v1ihAb7dTQxa8aCGQ9yEx1cRkrAw/s1136/17f3cc0191dea967fe5d0f644043083a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVk8e7SDy7xitvJNVIh74BuJkj9ociH299gwrEdIl9fDWEqKBa4lMUDLtJX7fk2b1B4_TLsd3eGqhuT-6KBIokpSeVbUsuuKRi8BR33vwzfpLqurUavJ4Ed_YyRzd3AKs1eRu24vDNBL0Ilx069DLFEY6_OwJ95Wq-v1ihAb7dTQxa8aCGQ9yEx1cRkrAw/w225-h400/17f3cc0191dea967fe5d0f644043083a.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">(Proverbs 25:11. This verse has always been our hearts prayer for those who are a part of our donor base...)</span></i></b></div><p>I never cease to be <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">ABSOLUTELY STUNNED</span></i></b> at the goodness of God as He puts our ministry in the hearts and minds of folks to give... </p><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(side note: this blog is not a ploy for giving to FOCUS Ministries, it is simply me reflecting on the grace of God and His generosity). </i></span></p><p>As I've given thanks to the Lord, and written such to our donors, my mind keeps conjuring up snippets from the following verse and I've gone back to look at it:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit;"><b><span class="text 2Cor-8-1">Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters,</span><span class="text 2Cor-8-1"><span> </span>the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, </span><span class="text 2Cor-8-2" id="en-NET-28920">that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. </span><span class="text 2Cor-8-3" id="en-NET-28921">For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily,</span><span class="text 2Cor-8-3"><span> </span></span><span class="text 2Cor-8-4" id="en-NET-28922">begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. They did this...because they gave of themselves first to the Lord, and, then, to us...</span></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text 2Cor-8-4"><i>2 Corinthians 8:1-5, NET</i></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="text 2Cor-8-4"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwUU_TqEB_n5iJyjsEIdwQ3FRE31H2247OfSaPt7IRBuQ6-b9z5sVbZXh6CXLtwWB_a8o3m9fQGu8ixHfPip1WxQ3-qKfpHFXfZnlpqhpCYtjVzfI-KXU5WQyFs3F91tNmqSZViCvVmZgLAOjfAP314FS2ANjl1XppXEWdWZLfPLOdqPoEQ9TMY0GJLBm/s800/2cor8-4_orig.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixwUU_TqEB_n5iJyjsEIdwQ3FRE31H2247OfSaPt7IRBuQ6-b9z5sVbZXh6CXLtwWB_a8o3m9fQGu8ixHfPip1WxQ3-qKfpHFXfZnlpqhpCYtjVzfI-KXU5WQyFs3F91tNmqSZViCvVmZgLAOjfAP314FS2ANjl1XppXEWdWZLfPLOdqPoEQ9TMY0GJLBm/s320/2cor8-4_orig.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>Now read the same verses in </span><i style="text-align: left;">The Message</i><span style="text-align: left;"> paraphrase:</span><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Now, friends, I want to report on the surprising and generous ways in which God is working in the churches in Macedonia province. Fierce troubles came down on the people of those churches, pushing them to the very limit. The trial exposed their true colors: They were incredibly happy, though desperately poor. The pressure triggered something totally unexpected: an outpouring of pure and generous gifts. I was there and saw it for myself. They gave offerings of whatever they could—far more than they could afford!—pleading for the privilege of helping out in the relief of poor Christians.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #45818e;">This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">What descriptive words that give us a picture into the heart of committed, Jesus-followers, who have <i>"given of themselves first to the Lord," </i>and, walk in deep understanding of GOSPEL-GRACE!</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqcOstviicfwoXV7iiYLvhQ8tJPUMtQLVBE110xbPybaN468KuEoN4C2FO84GS2wCD0BahBKeaHcecwjnIw-VCTGDoSi5RMAmKEbBIWhXz8qAf_p1pWxSX5mcYMTzsBfG4q3hwY_IMvltbI_rNstqjDJD83UvYPLhc5RUbZP1USWKKvFa4LeDFMFwER7R/s700/generosity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="700" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqcOstviicfwoXV7iiYLvhQ8tJPUMtQLVBE110xbPybaN468KuEoN4C2FO84GS2wCD0BahBKeaHcecwjnIw-VCTGDoSi5RMAmKEbBIWhXz8qAf_p1pWxSX5mcYMTzsBfG4q3hwY_IMvltbI_rNstqjDJD83UvYPLhc5RUbZP1USWKKvFa4LeDFMFwER7R/w400-h286/generosity.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">These Macedonian men and women had given themselves unabashedly and unashamedly to the Lord, fully surrendered to do His will, because of what He had done for them (BTW, this should be a typical response to the gospel).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPffZ57dtre0Rfa9irmZyd6eQ3iI47z0czqT4fel0Ua68vUwCp6VoMR6mrpYoFskA_wHhrWmbwyX8bjvo3K3rF70DWh2yami-yZOy5hFy6Eoi9jX9U94IWqsJeBzgz3sxo3lc3Uugqo8LWFCS6yu0mHWQKoo6GpU9tptsQ9vGoHjxs_OVBt2PDR5sZDJ6q/s1470/bible-verses-kindness-1652110211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1470" data-original-width="980" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPffZ57dtre0Rfa9irmZyd6eQ3iI47z0czqT4fel0Ua68vUwCp6VoMR6mrpYoFskA_wHhrWmbwyX8bjvo3K3rF70DWh2yami-yZOy5hFy6Eoi9jX9U94IWqsJeBzgz3sxo3lc3Uugqo8LWFCS6yu0mHWQKoo6GpU9tptsQ9vGoHjxs_OVBt2PDR5sZDJ6q/w266-h400/bible-verses-kindness-1652110211.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">In fact, the gospel meant so much to the Macedonian churches, that in spite of their suffering and their poverty, they were incredibly full of joy; </p><p style="text-align: left;">...and, when our joy is full, generosity also flows.</p><p style="text-align: left;">It seems to hold true:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">The greater the joy, the greater the generosity.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Why?<b><u> </u></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Because this kind of joy isn't stifled by scarcity...</span></u></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">In fact, these folks were so full of joy, it caused them to <u><b>BEG EARNESTLY</b></u> and <b><u>PLEAD</u> </b>for the privilege of helping others in need.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Did you catch those two words in bold print as you read the verse? </p><p style="text-align: left;">I can't help but ask this question: </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">When was the last time I <u>begged</u> to financially help out other believers?</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">In fact, have I ever?</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Truth is my attitude may fall somewhere between begging to give and giving "grudgingly and under compulsion." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sigh. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yG7oemjbFbmylSgYy2R7JW8j5oznA4i3WzdLSX2HLa2f_TMGfD1yclrT3HSvWeP7BHVLQyrU8kchmZjCbvF9FMopIlXI4iFLBkFZH91i_FFODWrN8u8BNGEQ8KvZU7kL_n8Olh7kNnM7G4fMm2F7LQjWdxZCK5H2u1r3g5sOqS6xNzrTtGdJZBm_QmT-/s570/il_570xN.2717670304_m2if.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="570" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9yG7oemjbFbmylSgYy2R7JW8j5oznA4i3WzdLSX2HLa2f_TMGfD1yclrT3HSvWeP7BHVLQyrU8kchmZjCbvF9FMopIlXI4iFLBkFZH91i_FFODWrN8u8BNGEQ8KvZU7kL_n8Olh7kNnM7G4fMm2F7LQjWdxZCK5H2u1r3g5sOqS6xNzrTtGdJZBm_QmT-/w400-h275/il_570xN.2717670304_m2if.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">Frequently, I see beggars on street corners asking for money. </p><p style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Never once has there been an enthusiastic "beggar" stopping cars pleading to give money away.</span></i></p><p style="text-align: left;">The thought makes me chuckle as I ponder it (and, no, I'm not suggesting we should). </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Yet, what a world-changing-dynamic, if more of us who have unreservedly given our hearts to the Lord, gave to the needs of others, starting in our own churches, then going beyond. </span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJQ4fXHvdpDP7KIctamP-ZHO1nbx4zeSChjv1PaoeiFwJ4eC3CmhxRKU38WRzryrWp9TV37mMFXSxL93gQnRIAuxP2nrhfICe48bUeFt-saDup0tqLJkhkCCNf8yxy-ylSJTxRl0VhvYJxauzuvXhBgTSUY9bJ50o9WLeaJ3aeOeyvfje0Mqj3m-V0zOn/s750/HEBREWS1316-v3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyJQ4fXHvdpDP7KIctamP-ZHO1nbx4zeSChjv1PaoeiFwJ4eC3CmhxRKU38WRzryrWp9TV37mMFXSxL93gQnRIAuxP2nrhfICe48bUeFt-saDup0tqLJkhkCCNf8yxy-ylSJTxRl0VhvYJxauzuvXhBgTSUY9bJ50o9WLeaJ3aeOeyvfje0Mqj3m-V0zOn/w400-h400/HEBREWS1316-v3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, how attractive Jesus would be to the lost who observed us earnestly pleading and"giving of our own means and more!"</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Such sacrificial love might turn enough heads, they'd say,<b><i> <span style="font-size: large;">"Oh, how they love one another! Whatever it is they have, I want it!"</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Yep, this morning, I'm thinking, Jesus is looking for more beggars among His ranks!</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3chwAG6BRUjyI1Jb-VRqsD9Ks0RpX4KuDVDKVxvmx__B8bbN1BTvOwnRqL95DRbW5Y5Jdmg_tlyRJs0xJL61Z784vWMzZJ04JfR-9eNIyd4sSSvYWPdodYQTtsdiHcQM3nCzw4-_twGU4F2fCbwMU1h-wbrwED8lu_VBkkt4MdIJvh8AR8OGRV9L-aE2Q/s300/2004358653-8E67B5D501BC497993C16F33CBD1B307_stewardship_logo_wesley_20quote_300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3chwAG6BRUjyI1Jb-VRqsD9Ks0RpX4KuDVDKVxvmx__B8bbN1BTvOwnRqL95DRbW5Y5Jdmg_tlyRJs0xJL61Z784vWMzZJ04JfR-9eNIyd4sSSvYWPdodYQTtsdiHcQM3nCzw4-_twGU4F2fCbwMU1h-wbrwED8lu_VBkkt4MdIJvh8AR8OGRV9L-aE2Q/w320-h320/2004358653-8E67B5D501BC497993C16F33CBD1B307_stewardship_logo_wesley_20quote_300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae5ImrsBqh54Wn1M2l1QO_5TeJWqmomLCVdIwMLEHZsZ87slY0uToWJ4nweOk00TJJgDq2wHmr1-MJjUFzlQzJMqX3HlutphT1sZ3LgFCXgKkiQN3vOMdwcxxOPO0HUkQIrAtBjpGX2vsv8eDEmGDYr8Jb0nTNRyZfrSCJ0HpOvBKV5TeMx3Bl-Eq2AyI/s1024/5aed89484f13781ac86b294e485e566a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="973" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiae5ImrsBqh54Wn1M2l1QO_5TeJWqmomLCVdIwMLEHZsZ87slY0uToWJ4nweOk00TJJgDq2wHmr1-MJjUFzlQzJMqX3HlutphT1sZ3LgFCXgKkiQN3vOMdwcxxOPO0HUkQIrAtBjpGX2vsv8eDEmGDYr8Jb0nTNRyZfrSCJ0HpOvBKV5TeMx3Bl-Eq2AyI/w304-h320/5aed89484f13781ac86b294e485e566a.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-51672164910580732902024-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-18T04:00:00.288-08:00Sunbeams, Memories, and Joy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlfuYbqU1QpFXYKLgDg45JpFoQ85tkOKXe5DVj8thCYQcoKGgLV80P1z-F6chP-GVkmfK-IZVLGe5yfadeR9lslgiBEQP8z_r1kOm6KcRlNIIw-uTYiFHY4M3atL2zI650TU2_d2PE2RB_uVG8xnIy05ikyoMfcv5fipNBPE-g-ms0BRcJTbHB8UcVGpl/s3840/181942-L-M-Montgomery-Quote-Nothing-is-ever-really-lost-to-us-as-long-as.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSlfuYbqU1QpFXYKLgDg45JpFoQ85tkOKXe5DVj8thCYQcoKGgLV80P1z-F6chP-GVkmfK-IZVLGe5yfadeR9lslgiBEQP8z_r1kOm6KcRlNIIw-uTYiFHY4M3atL2zI650TU2_d2PE2RB_uVG8xnIy05ikyoMfcv5fipNBPE-g-ms0BRcJTbHB8UcVGpl/w320-h180/181942-L-M-Montgomery-Quote-Nothing-is-ever-really-lost-to-us-as-long-as.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This has been a week filled with memory.</p><p>On Sunday, Bay spoke at Burton Baptist Church, which his grandfather (a missionary to the cowboys of Northern Arizona) helped to start back in 1927. </p><p>I took a picture of him behind the very same pulpit his grampa preached from in those days.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYKr8wBWErLezQ23ncmLYwMGB63KAWbRrhEOHzFSNfJJ0Syx-2LkpgPQkyxYaBNnnBnLl5OO16xUQDnzSVQXq_di68EJC92NXHO6XssZNAoTiuXdsdg1RlcurX91fDr23HhKb7T6RUT0ltRQnbsjuC9dXIP2OQvrbnc2k8TW7rtpmh1lyB6AG7R0FWNM7A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYKr8wBWErLezQ23ncmLYwMGB63KAWbRrhEOHzFSNfJJ0Syx-2LkpgPQkyxYaBNnnBnLl5OO16xUQDnzSVQXq_di68EJC92NXHO6XssZNAoTiuXdsdg1RlcurX91fDr23HhKb7T6RUT0ltRQnbsjuC9dXIP2OQvrbnc2k8TW7rtpmh1lyB6AG7R0FWNM7A=w240-h320" width="240" /></a></div><p></p><p>Many of the older folks remember Fred Barnes (whom Bay is also named after) and shared several stories that left us grinning. </p><p>On Monday, we drove down the hill to the Valley, stopping at my brother and sister-in-laws' home in Sun City for a mini-Barnes family reunion with siblings and cousins and spouses who were in town. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhca6cGQPeLqbLvLrhcv9Priqfsfu-jYtC0a3wvg1l3rxAYKXrrpXvCampXqspN6tqQNzT7hWCefWNHjibhdE-hDqM7Ns0heFh2o3LDua7mWMtSeLrgIyx0eFQ1fH8NOYQiEo8ltK9YiSS6Ed0DrsOsTwE0N5qlc0WNAc_7T2mAROUVNwbwFiJkoNGQeuBU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhca6cGQPeLqbLvLrhcv9Priqfsfu-jYtC0a3wvg1l3rxAYKXrrpXvCampXqspN6tqQNzT7hWCefWNHjibhdE-hDqM7Ns0heFh2o3LDua7mWMtSeLrgIyx0eFQ1fH8NOYQiEo8ltK9YiSS6Ed0DrsOsTwE0N5qlc0WNAc_7T2mAROUVNwbwFiJkoNGQeuBU" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Again, the memories flowed, leaving us all laughing over the past.</p><p>On Tuesday, I gathered with seven dear friends from college days. There's a lot of "past" behind us, over 40 years (& more for some who were even childhood friends). </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Kd-Vbk0dklgV6HRvSfKQ-CWhkAtiqEbYrvNALAwTh-iitiB-uEHecB44R-Y17aXLSswghnHmLxFKkh4looAv8OO_Ji3K4smIek6zI4fJ96iqz7zYwowXQaAwbyqjqTpY6oXca0wcmlbiDzUE-8XECRda_0j3TiP3em3gIOAdCvIWcOpWwRZLdEi22iIc" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1834" data-original-width="2448" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8Kd-Vbk0dklgV6HRvSfKQ-CWhkAtiqEbYrvNALAwTh-iitiB-uEHecB44R-Y17aXLSswghnHmLxFKkh4looAv8OO_Ji3K4smIek6zI4fJ96iqz7zYwowXQaAwbyqjqTpY6oXca0wcmlbiDzUE-8XECRda_0j3TiP3em3gIOAdCvIWcOpWwRZLdEi22iIc" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>So much history, so many warm memories; and, the laughter filled my soul.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZoBh4NTGbJrIceGeshm2qA5vW4u_r6m9HLx7KaxXJ-IM0tJr3u86IfiFiiDA4yQtNbHwH_FMjMf87DghzGPW_Jl9LbWmoro9OkxJVedN3SHjs6RYRx2iMMJgX_mOYggb1xHeudQFr9HBIB483QeHaAj3UmpvzZOyEjHcXsdgUfN0sy9rYM2r9ymUQBXA/s3840/2619110-Oliver-Wendell-Holmes-Quote-Memory-is-a-net-one-that-finds-it-full.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZoBh4NTGbJrIceGeshm2qA5vW4u_r6m9HLx7KaxXJ-IM0tJr3u86IfiFiiDA4yQtNbHwH_FMjMf87DghzGPW_Jl9LbWmoro9OkxJVedN3SHjs6RYRx2iMMJgX_mOYggb1xHeudQFr9HBIB483QeHaAj3UmpvzZOyEjHcXsdgUfN0sy9rYM2r9ymUQBXA/w400-h225/2619110-Oliver-Wendell-Holmes-Quote-Memory-is-a-net-one-that-finds-it-full.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>However, as Bay and I drove to Arizona on Saturday, he reminded me of a memory I'd tucked away in a filing cabinet somewhere in the far recesses of my mind. </p><p>I'm not even sure what brought it up in our conversation; yet, this memory looms larger than all the others shared over the week, and has been on repeat when my mind is quiet.</p><p>About 30 miles outside of Nairobi (Kenya), in Thika District, is a primary school for children who are disabled, called Joytown. </p><p>Joytown was founded by a Salvation Army missionary back in 1962, with the purpose of providing resources and rehabilitation to the physically disabled, that they might be enabled to walk and/or gain skills that would help them live self-reliant lives (information from their website). </p><p>Our friend Dr. Dick Bransford (1940-2022) frequently visited to provide medical services literally changing lives of hundreds of children. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycFI2_Th3Iv6lbnniTyxEk3uqgSVK6frBUiGwbQB0QWCUWnRGfhRnl9ryKxB2lQ4Kev7SHzl1ZyRa6tJax0hwCLJOAvCS3sGsGcqIQL-7fh9n32GtKajOv07KvLTUlaovzWHUouKb2WAMz1xW2weI1TX2if6KX9x7RDpYMgs3MDHQCPSrmHk41WmX6ZCA/s259/images.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjycFI2_Th3Iv6lbnniTyxEk3uqgSVK6frBUiGwbQB0QWCUWnRGfhRnl9ryKxB2lQ4Kev7SHzl1ZyRa6tJax0hwCLJOAvCS3sGsGcqIQL-7fh9n32GtKajOv07KvLTUlaovzWHUouKb2WAMz1xW2weI1TX2if6KX9x7RDpYMgs3MDHQCPSrmHk41WmX6ZCA/s1600/images.jpeg" width="194" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy-2tAzzEX-5kDugtrHFnIB2hAsq3MNavQ66MHFYR_MdqN7Wl73jiwetqT-J53Fi4WH0KkKzDM_CXOw-QNXmYtS3sb2U4W-tke2CzziH6mF0IbQmNQgm_ts-8h-VoRNclNFIC-LZZthLGkO4QqYxbNmbfshPzT5JiPbD4-ih5zR3lU2AScy48iM__nuk_/s225/images-2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHy-2tAzzEX-5kDugtrHFnIB2hAsq3MNavQ66MHFYR_MdqN7Wl73jiwetqT-J53Fi4WH0KkKzDM_CXOw-QNXmYtS3sb2U4W-tke2CzziH6mF0IbQmNQgm_ts-8h-VoRNclNFIC-LZZthLGkO4QqYxbNmbfshPzT5JiPbD4-ih5zR3lU2AScy48iM__nuk_/s1600/images-2.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>(pictures from the Joytown website)</i></div><p>Dick specialized in spina bifida, club feet, polio and other congenital handicaps; so, Joytown was dear to his heart. </p><p>Now and then, he would take one of us along with him.</p><p>Somewhere, I've still held onto pictures of Adam playing soccer there as a youngster. He's "kicking" the ball around with a group of boys, many of whom are on crutches and even in wheel chairs. This, too, is a sweet memory I cherish.</p><p>But, I have a personal memory, as well. </p><p>It's a snapshot stuck in my heart of a one-day visit. </p><p>In an early education classroom, the teacher pulled us aside to say the students had asked if they could share a song. </p><p>I looked around this overcrowded room filled with kiddos being taught in fairly primitive conditions. </p><p>Every student held in common their particular medical issue, and, mutually shared one more thing - bright, smiling, enthusiastic spirits, ready to give from their hearts to ours this sweet gift.</p><p>Those who could stood.</p><p>Right in front of me, however, sat a sweet girl in her wheel chair.</p><p>She'd been born without legs or arms, yet she sang with gusto, more than any of the other students.</p><p>Loudly.</p><p>At the top of her lungs.</p><p>Her brown eyes huge, her smile reaching up and pulling on those very eyes as she sang, </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">"Jesus wants me for a sunbeam / to shine for Him each day. / In every way try to please Him / at home, at school, at play..."</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(<a href="https://ludwig.guru/s/the+sun+was+beaming#:~:text=%27the%20sun%20was%20beaming%27%20is,water%20sparkle%20like%20diamonds.%22." target="_blank">Sunbeam:</a> <i>a ray of sun light; may be used to describe a beam of sun light that shines brightly and happily...)</i></span></p><p>Oh! My! Word! was she ever a <b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666;">sunbeam</span></u></i></b> (🌞) and she lit the entire room!</p><p>This precious girl, in spite of her difficulty, and in spite of issues that wouldn't be perfected til she entered heaven's gates, held a joy inside of her that spilled over to every one of us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZJx8PBLxyiuTuwsBPsDvvnpDctwsHeeIf_69sTLxHRKqlmKMUO-4VpwPD4UIrPLb0uaKpy2y2MiksbdvgFwdEMkvryhJU1eqGwbvUgQTlVVG4uz0ZalGj8wnD5MAlr6uAbS5dHiBe48FnQUEsi8SyP5obhnqAKOnY6ufuDBF_m8QpcOsdpWwnGBRIaeu/s700/30-Powerful-Christian-Quotes-to-Inspire-You-Every-Day7-scaled.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZJx8PBLxyiuTuwsBPsDvvnpDctwsHeeIf_69sTLxHRKqlmKMUO-4VpwPD4UIrPLb0uaKpy2y2MiksbdvgFwdEMkvryhJU1eqGwbvUgQTlVVG4uz0ZalGj8wnD5MAlr6uAbS5dHiBe48FnQUEsi8SyP5obhnqAKOnY6ufuDBF_m8QpcOsdpWwnGBRIaeu/s320/30-Powerful-Christian-Quotes-to-Inspire-You-Every-Day7-scaled.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Somehow she'd caught hold of an understanding of the gospel in such a way that it lived through her. </p><p>She didn't manufacture gratitude, she personified gratitude with joy, and spritzed it every where her wheelchair took her.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hbEIWvtA4Z4OhgZ59NdUQNWiYoN34p8NMiH0ENVElesxz__FsQYJ1F6O6qGL5OfR1hlufYCMk7lAJgDZZToFsgd74HMTW7ZIcayMCZj_r4BQ3Sab_gPUWulXVswWE7HO4Sg4EM_JDs3RbsRRjL6VvXwA6FBgKclPUktHTA_JzhlgaOowzj9lf7c3eKkn/s1200/12021-fullness-joy-fb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hbEIWvtA4Z4OhgZ59NdUQNWiYoN34p8NMiH0ENVElesxz__FsQYJ1F6O6qGL5OfR1hlufYCMk7lAJgDZZToFsgd74HMTW7ZIcayMCZj_r4BQ3Sab_gPUWulXVswWE7HO4Sg4EM_JDs3RbsRRjL6VvXwA6FBgKclPUktHTA_JzhlgaOowzj9lf7c3eKkn/w400-h209/12021-fullness-joy-fb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>And, I?</p><p>I left humbled. </p><p>Maybe it's why I tucked the memory so far to the back behind other memories...</p><p>I'm not sure I've grasped the gospel quite so well. </p><p>With all my years lived, education, physical health, opportunity, and "ability," there are still moments I don't necessarily want to be a sunbeam.</p><p>There are still times my smile doesn't reach my eyes and I have no gift of song to offer.</p><p>There are times when the gospel isn't allowed to live through me. </p><p>This week, though, the Lord has reminded me <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">He is THE LIGHT of the world and when I follow Him I am to shine the same light (John 8:12).</span></i></b></p><p>In fact, He told His disciples: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlpKXeYkJV3z-DUBDNQzDSlKTR3S2n46A0I0ib2tJz4yI-yM-m9TnDmo91VvUJtFMh69rJrW27r0VW9OWGmD42ArmpzAhAno49rc3sNegU7N2k_8F3TRS7Nph1En25gSoRmvqBAgavzJrjFkmtBF54W86Rht9nDTsrVJdPHfZp9vMNPQLeZVHGYTdBylO/s1280/ScriptureArt_0617_-_Matthew_5_14_ESV_English_157x157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlpKXeYkJV3z-DUBDNQzDSlKTR3S2n46A0I0ib2tJz4yI-yM-m9TnDmo91VvUJtFMh69rJrW27r0VW9OWGmD42ArmpzAhAno49rc3sNegU7N2k_8F3TRS7Nph1En25gSoRmvqBAgavzJrjFkmtBF54W86Rht9nDTsrVJdPHfZp9vMNPQLeZVHGYTdBylO/w400-h400/ScriptureArt_0617_-_Matthew_5_14_ESV_English_157x157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b><i><u>Not to be</u> hidden under frustration, anger or frowns.</i></b></p><p><b><i><u>Not to be</u> covered up with a bushel of complaints.</i></b></p><p><b><i><u>Not to be</u> placed under a basket of bitterness.</i></b></p><p>Nope.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">We're to sit at the front of the room, singing loudly, letting our light shine for the glory of God...</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">IN SPITE OF...well, whatever the circumstances!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKFj0T9pYJccadzLA1cre3IyTSKBoBAjmngl8s_sqDNQPoGAA7xIxRKXTwd3yLqTce-iEuUrQUF-VLH7kNGB-dGttd5snrp15H_196Tg_I5TNL05p52_4MfAWaiWhTvGssYWUhDiUce7qvBIZoKX-AuRzI_cZb5ySvyVX_4Q3wQPMXjYpdYZir3BAT2R/s450/LetYourLightShine.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="338" data-original-width="450" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZKFj0T9pYJccadzLA1cre3IyTSKBoBAjmngl8s_sqDNQPoGAA7xIxRKXTwd3yLqTce-iEuUrQUF-VLH7kNGB-dGttd5snrp15H_196Tg_I5TNL05p52_4MfAWaiWhTvGssYWUhDiUce7qvBIZoKX-AuRzI_cZb5ySvyVX_4Q3wQPMXjYpdYZir3BAT2R/w400-h300/LetYourLightShine.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">What a memory and what a reminder!</span></i></b></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-61422739336517973212024-01-11T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-11T04:00:00.141-08:00Hearing Hints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCjzuPvRIH5U7-ZwEpLNJpnYFrsfhoz9KQVhYKobN0JOvUVqWa_8_Ma6H3V9kqD2XDnubZuTGVMqOQKgoW4FmdCJUCLQaIY1nUep1P9m1MFMKN_WW4YGIgL-mLjhyphenhyphentXJAyRsMp_hTHEcPU2_ZVDsFuff3W_dXS16bs2kNdm1qra7rJxT-VrHw_JY8ucTR/s1584/02_Exo_12_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCjzuPvRIH5U7-ZwEpLNJpnYFrsfhoz9KQVhYKobN0JOvUVqWa_8_Ma6H3V9kqD2XDnubZuTGVMqOQKgoW4FmdCJUCLQaIY1nUep1P9m1MFMKN_WW4YGIgL-mLjhyphenhyphentXJAyRsMp_hTHEcPU2_ZVDsFuff3W_dXS16bs2kNdm1qra7rJxT-VrHw_JY8ucTR/s320/02_Exo_12_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>From early on, God ordained new beginnings in the form of new months and new years.</p><p>January's our month.</p><p>For me, this first month of our new year is typically a time of reflection. </p><p>I'm fairly certain this is true of most folks (even those who left Egypt and found themselves floundering a bit).</p><p>We can't help looking back as we tie up loose ends from the previous year and put a period or exclamation mark at the end.</p><p> However, in the case of some I've spoken with recently, the more accurate punctuation might be a question mark…</p><p>For those of you who find this to be true, may I remind you that the question you raise matters in the long run:</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVZLCgG0EFMFBhHyy49KQsAuLtqkcPl69HNbF7zWtePc9okTkmDuwvUEIGFALmWvJTkH15azNJZzuZz5xJULOzkyvxg8r2T5hypCcm5rxRmQVeltJp0m3lzRUJireZQ8OWy4TYyd3dk2ZoyMf31I0gCpd38L1pm4LkY-a9hGPos-tZHzdAdCFVnf7Yp1v1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1169" data-original-width="1179" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiVZLCgG0EFMFBhHyy49KQsAuLtqkcPl69HNbF7zWtePc9okTkmDuwvUEIGFALmWvJTkH15azNJZzuZz5xJULOzkyvxg8r2T5hypCcm5rxRmQVeltJp0m3lzRUJireZQ8OWy4TYyd3dk2ZoyMf31I0gCpd38L1pm4LkY-a9hGPos-tZHzdAdCFVnf7Yp1v1=w320-h318" width="320" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">(thank you to the Instagram-world for this reminder)</span></i></div></i><p></p><p>With this said, more than looking back, I tend to point my toes in a forward-direction; and, ask: <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">What can I do to be more prepared for what might come my way around the next turn?</span></i></b></p><p>That's what makes new-months-in-new-years the perfect time for a <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Re-Set</span></i></b> (which also happens to be the theme I picked back in November for a conference where I'll be sharing this next month). </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMbaypBhgU0-E1gcaYubafbxiIF1-UlCr7NvlM_VSuVstA6MUatRBjD9o5AuVcC9n7BrWelS2MoDMUV6nFEZ8bXtsWTHSBwZFqdRVCMT3NbeBe4guvv5mt07dmO96eB_wK6p_bWOOwiUrhhnZ8Wgney8Vj8lCkfeABTF1ulzzYVLKclxYa5NWSLD0cGRDH" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="640" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMbaypBhgU0-E1gcaYubafbxiIF1-UlCr7NvlM_VSuVstA6MUatRBjD9o5AuVcC9n7BrWelS2MoDMUV6nFEZ8bXtsWTHSBwZFqdRVCMT3NbeBe4guvv5mt07dmO96eB_wK6p_bWOOwiUrhhnZ8Wgney8Vj8lCkfeABTF1ulzzYVLKclxYa5NWSLD0cGRDH=w267-h400" width="267" /></a></div><p>Just yesterday, Bay and I discussed the importance of being certain that we hear God's voice as we make decisions that will affect the months to come.</p><p>The conversation raised yet another thought I began to ponder through the rest of the afternoon and evening...<b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">how can I prepare myself to truly hear His still small voice, and not just blindly wander about, trying this and that, hoping I stumble on His good and perfect will?</span></i></b></p><p>Once more, I doubt I'm alone in those simple things that swirl around in my brain.</p><p>In the reflecting, I thought about Ananias (Jehovah-is-Gracious), the man the Lord asked to go to Paul following his Damascus-Road-Experience. Please read the story here from <i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">Acts 9:10-18</span></b></i>: <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+9%3A10-18&version=ESV" target="_blank">Ananias' Call</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vTCKRbT74S7PhEm_rGP9iw07Z3lzfAEYhqn1pmyZDAvrOLjB-AkCBjpQ6lbYIQnHxB4svUalTM3b_UKE3BIVEfB5LHo7xrzRdwk9Sp-svph4OOBjwLcXFMeWdbiqmPsdbEZBTq6Z18u3GsX4P_8rHRuK63skivdW5r2ALegLENXa-I6tcsO4Tc6ouuxr/s640/ce1c8b40a8ffb822b9a3775c8c372de5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7vTCKRbT74S7PhEm_rGP9iw07Z3lzfAEYhqn1pmyZDAvrOLjB-AkCBjpQ6lbYIQnHxB4svUalTM3b_UKE3BIVEfB5LHo7xrzRdwk9Sp-svph4OOBjwLcXFMeWdbiqmPsdbEZBTq6Z18u3GsX4P_8rHRuK63skivdW5r2ALegLENXa-I6tcsO4Tc6ouuxr/w320-h320/ce1c8b40a8ffb822b9a3775c8c372de5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As I read that passage, I asked myself if there were any Girl-Scout-type-hints to be found, because 1) sometimes I think I might be hearing God's voice, but tend to dismiss those thoughts as my own imaginations; and, 2) out of all the "voices" I hear calling my name during the course of the day (from laundry to dishes to bookkeeping), how do I pick out God's voice among them?</p><p>Yep, the Lord unveiled a few pointers in that pretty incredible story!</p><p>There are two hints in the first verse (above), and those are the only two on which I am still chewing:</p><p>1) The first descriptor of Ananias is <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">"disciple."</span></i></b> Those who lived in Damascus KNEW THIS to be true. It goes without saying, Ananias was considered by all to be <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">a follower of Jesus</span></i></b>, walking in His footsteps, committed to learning how to live life by imitating the Teacher/Master. </p><p>This means, Ananias had a habit of seeking the Lord, no doubt through <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">spiritual disciplines</span></i></b> that were common in the early church. These disciplines included fasting, praying, sitting under the teaching/mentoring of others (maybe he was a teacher), memorization, sharing of one's faith, giving, and most of all - </p><p>- <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Reading (!)</span></i></b> from the history, the law, the poetry, the prophets...and not just reading...marinating on the Word, studying it, practically applying it.<b><i><u> Remember this - meditation and memorization were popular disciplines of the early church since the Scriptures were only on scrolls in the temple.</u></i></b></p><p>I know Ananias did these things, because in Acts 22:12 it says:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrWujB_vq-rU7d-8R_lUa_LTJ-ocWVuFgA73LhC-9eMCOKHDCQ57osH1h7MW7PnT3F8Zja3rHULwnWLYqI9pivtNa3NlcOfIw-nqckPvfG-pKI_rtxkhbRmpSJLhLA8nZrcFcX6AH5-8CRx3vVcYp543Kb_ZBLE6sNvARWNqpVzRNvXIuG90G7qiFy6Tn/s1584/44_Act_22_12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrWujB_vq-rU7d-8R_lUa_LTJ-ocWVuFgA73LhC-9eMCOKHDCQ57osH1h7MW7PnT3F8Zja3rHULwnWLYqI9pivtNa3NlcOfIw-nqckPvfG-pKI_rtxkhbRmpSJLhLA8nZrcFcX6AH5-8CRx3vVcYp543Kb_ZBLE6sNvARWNqpVzRNvXIuG90G7qiFy6Tn/s320/44_Act_22_12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;">(NIV)</span></b></i></div><p>As I researched the word "devout," the definition contained a lot of good information. Here's what stuck with me:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Ananias didn't just take hold of the law*, the law took hold of Ananias.</i></b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">(*The law is equivalent to THE WRITTEN WORD OF THE LORD...)</span></p><p>Truth seized the heart of Ananias and he learned to appropriate it unto himself.</p><p>What Ananias read, he carried out (& according to the Greek prefix of this word - he did so REALLY WELL).</p><p>Wow! I have had to stop and ask myself if this is true of me? I can read the Word til Kingdom comes, but if I don't let it take hold of me, I can never truly be transformed by it. I must give it space to renew my mind and direct my path. Ananias had learned how to do this.</p><p>2) The last six words of Acts 9:10 speak volumes. <b><i>"Here I am, Lord," he said.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">"Here I am, Lord..."</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXASz4GGsSEUJB8XDRmnTRKz5d_4cP4EeKK8WYiP5WV-vxfnEAehBaUG3BT_NK-56HdBfoBBp0CweoPSse6y5JFHoJYtduk_zfgemxPWwRkKe-2XPuyV2x2crVSj93wSBtpYNUq_l5D25YT1f4WsnlzD5ME4ZZ-28SKlDx_z_hrNGGL-JJNFVoSUP89NHO/s1023/9754853135_6e0a858965_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1023" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXASz4GGsSEUJB8XDRmnTRKz5d_4cP4EeKK8WYiP5WV-vxfnEAehBaUG3BT_NK-56HdBfoBBp0CweoPSse6y5JFHoJYtduk_zfgemxPWwRkKe-2XPuyV2x2crVSj93wSBtpYNUq_l5D25YT1f4WsnlzD5ME4ZZ-28SKlDx_z_hrNGGL-JJNFVoSUP89NHO/w400-h265/9754853135_6e0a858965_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>These are my favorite four words in all of Scripture, which translate from Greek down to one Hebrew word I consider my favorite: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Hineni</span></i></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsLe6fe4Jr77kwr_UWWTuWBSz5oYesKocUFQiEs9mIZNeWST_YF8t0nbmgke6gxSx_SYKUmIETYnbormztTZZoLklW9mV6LfPHqhSxRXAa9ChfluU5INI3n_uG4GIcn-mEFZ4kB_-6DeZ5RlojKMUedVLppJX-cxxp7Y3Qj0Lca2Aa_GPOx5h-7CS3DsZL/s500/hineni_hebrew_letters_here_i_am_500x.png.webp" 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/AVvXsEjsLe6fe4Jr77kwr_UWWTuWBSz5oYesKocUFQiEs9mIZNeWST_YF8t0nbmgke6gxSx_SYKUmIETYnbormztTZZoLklW9mV6LfPHqhSxRXAa9ChfluU5INI3n_uG4GIcn-mEFZ4kB_-6DeZ5RlojKMUedVLppJX-cxxp7Y3Qj0Lca2Aa_GPOx5h-7CS3DsZL/w320-h320/hineni_hebrew_letters_here_i_am_500x.png.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p>Oh, how I long for a "hineni-heart."</p><p>I've blogged on it before (a quick search will bring those entries up). The word literally means, "I'm here and I'm ready for action." </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Hineni is a ready response from one who has heard the voice of God before and is humble, ready, submitted, willing, and available to do whatever the Lord asks.</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzES8erTs-jEyPSfEumLmtjNbHsFiibsaf3XAoF3hubm_O11zLf3-zv54rqf10EUZ_RhrlSfSwMt-ZBBalNFv0DXprY1mbTM2Yk50fprpJHaW1k7Ko7cOvnJzRvbEjg4AhKFtZmAwoYTpwl-8mSXsr4pntZWbNnilMcJsGCkeHzvkr5-ffOlPJD5IoxnH-/s470/speak-lord.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="312" data-original-width="470" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzES8erTs-jEyPSfEumLmtjNbHsFiibsaf3XAoF3hubm_O11zLf3-zv54rqf10EUZ_RhrlSfSwMt-ZBBalNFv0DXprY1mbTM2Yk50fprpJHaW1k7Ko7cOvnJzRvbEjg4AhKFtZmAwoYTpwl-8mSXsr4pntZWbNnilMcJsGCkeHzvkr5-ffOlPJD5IoxnH-/w400-h265/speak-lord.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>A statement of such magnitude doesn't come from hearing the voice of God one time and doing the BIG THING...</p><p>Ananias began with little obediences, quick obediences, from other times of paying attention...from morning and evening praying, <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">"Sh'ma, O Israel..."</span></i></b> and meaning it from the depths of his heart. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Ananias had learned to trust the Lord, his One True God, and because he had, the Lord trusted Ananias to be His messenger.</span></i></b></p><p>(P.S. God trusted Ananias to carry His message to the man who would become one of the greatest of God's messengers. What an example he set for Paul.)</p><p>Second application question: am I learning to obey God in the obvious, little things He asks of me, that He might trust me with the bigger asks along the way?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I'll only become an Ananias as I spend time in God's Word (meditating and applying) and having a ready available heart to do His will.</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsjowV2z1MrNgmv89C9GSilXdn7rAP2dlGLqSjQY1r_zGknB9WXI_S9UStkVSW4HbzGg9DcAiD3udVMIB7T5_U3pfm-Q8srdgcLy08zvgKCow1CbHQLTmQd5L0XbBWbZ5ZBxG4v7GHjXI5OhidU3n2IPBWZkUAJlbiQm7e0alcx5S5FMK5pDJEL5Do0_-/s828/img_1141.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="686" data-original-width="828" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsjowV2z1MrNgmv89C9GSilXdn7rAP2dlGLqSjQY1r_zGknB9WXI_S9UStkVSW4HbzGg9DcAiD3udVMIB7T5_U3pfm-Q8srdgcLy08zvgKCow1CbHQLTmQd5L0XbBWbZ5ZBxG4v7GHjXI5OhidU3n2IPBWZkUAJlbiQm7e0alcx5S5FMK5pDJEL5Do0_-/w400-h331/img_1141.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">PS. Some commentators argue that Ananias was a reluctant-obeyer, because he questioned God. I, rather, argue that this part of the story points to the intimate friendship Ananias had with the Lord, for he knew he could ask God for clarification, if needed...and, who wouldn't want clarification with what Ananias was being asked to do. </div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-55153345941205945982024-01-04T04:00:00.000-08:002024-01-04T06:16:45.673-08:00What Might You Do With a Paint Can and a Roller Brush?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwE8lFgJsE3MrAeY-5XDJE1M6V4aFXKVu8MWt2cHXrWHJKhPVA6lnktKNeGy-8CEj8sDyIZ_4I1CFNf5WxKzqZBxopuOKsH_JZJOlkwTp5W-rpbf_1a8-ZPedY9licuSzxrNyTZB4F4HxFNpizssmKiEPgLMqaUGoqGK2vXhUOyp9IRF9vPupgyyyMhMS/s610/f1d8887db2254821ab81f7fa129da3c0.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="478" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRwE8lFgJsE3MrAeY-5XDJE1M6V4aFXKVu8MWt2cHXrWHJKhPVA6lnktKNeGy-8CEj8sDyIZ_4I1CFNf5WxKzqZBxopuOKsH_JZJOlkwTp5W-rpbf_1a8-ZPedY9licuSzxrNyTZB4F4HxFNpizssmKiEPgLMqaUGoqGK2vXhUOyp9IRF9vPupgyyyMhMS/w314-h400/f1d8887db2254821ab81f7fa129da3c0.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><p>Something random popped up this past week that had me recalling the years I spent as Dean of Women at Arizona Christian University. </p><p>It shocks me to think I've been away from that position for as long as I held the job! </p><p>(Am I really ten years older? Mirror check: <b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666;">YEP!</span></u></i></b>)</p><p>I dearly loved my team, the students, and what I saw as ministry (foremost). </p><p>As the women's dean, I spent a lot of my time with the girls in what I lovingly called "intense discipleship."</p><p>I wore many hats: </p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Discipline / Accountability 😉</p><p>Leadership Training </p><p>Hospital Runs</p><p>Chapel Speaking</p><p>Dress-code Monitoring 😳</p><p>Devotional Writing (in fact, this blog was birthed out of that aspect of my job); and, </p><p>Pancake Flipping (generally at midnight).</p></blockquote><p>However, the majority of my day was spent mentoring young women, which often felt like counseling (a rose by any other name...).</p><p>Funny, how this week, at the beginning of a new year, two of my gals reached out to me through social media to ask some questions that might help them with a "re-set."</p><p>I'm honored they thought of me...yet....</p><p>While I hold a master's degree in counseling, I still don't feel qualified, nor have I ever felt effective in that particular role.</p><p>I have other counselor-friends who are GREAT at this job. </p><p>I'm not one, however, who seems to be able to guide others through the past messes in their lives and direct them in the present.</p><p>If that's what the girls needed, I generally sent them to someone else. </p><p>The counseling / discipleship / mentoring I excelled in had little to do with looking backward, and had everything to do with looking forward. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kxoVVQQJPHeIOisQumM1_o20OEkoJ7-YhNWdDIh9gPvmYJojubySEFimJUDC006zdrAnW9raZoTpV2DmX8GWolwDUW89j3d4utv-yYIySUwyWeFUMKFjmjRHLV0_7YaG6g5qonn6tw6c6mNP85Z5wA0NTZhlwI2pjBr58zzHUWccSqfwJYNnltF1gAze/s1280/1280x1280-2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6kxoVVQQJPHeIOisQumM1_o20OEkoJ7-YhNWdDIh9gPvmYJojubySEFimJUDC006zdrAnW9raZoTpV2DmX8GWolwDUW89j3d4utv-yYIySUwyWeFUMKFjmjRHLV0_7YaG6g5qonn6tw6c6mNP85Z5wA0NTZhlwI2pjBr58zzHUWccSqfwJYNnltF1gAze/w400-h400/1280x1280-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I wasn't the one who could help unravel the tangled up past, but I could point my girls to a pristine, clean-slate, fresh, untarnished, bright future. </p><p>What a great way to use what they'd learned and allow God to redeem their past experiences, by starting anew with anticipation.</p><p>I recognized, pretty quickly, my "brand" of guidance looked much more like offering hope; and...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;"> HOPE CHANGES EVERYTHING!</span></u></i></b></p><p>Since, here we sit, still on the cusp of a brand new beginning, it seems like a perfect time to address this very thing; because that's what a New Year offers.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">HOPE! </span></i></b></p><p>We still have 361 more days of blank pages just waiting for us, and a new chapter in the book of our lives to be written. </p><p><i>(Personally, I want to sit spellbound with the expectation that stirs in my heart!)</i></p><p>You and I, we <u style="font-weight: bold;">get to</u> determine how our tomorrows will play out - one step at a time, one decision at a time, one minute at a time...</p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>Are we going to let the past define the future?</p><p>Is the current issue that seems to overwhelm holding us captive? </p><p>Will we let the "taskmasters" in our heads continue to dictate what tomorrow will look like? One more depressing day after another...</p></blockquote><p>We've been given a choice:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">We can let our lives shrink to the size of our past and current problems, or we can look ahead to the HUGE, amazing journey God has set before us and live it to the fullest. </span></i></b></p><p>It's no wonder that the Apostle Paul called his troubles "light and momentary;" he always set his face looking forward to his tomorrows, and the vast expanse of it all called him to make every moment count.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELx50D2dCJIsM13ngA3AVvRlIk9Y8jRQoCql5YiUXnB5RUYcaPHDNGfuqfAQ5eQVxw-lFA6NY8TivTKdroN7KtdyZYHh3oohkzZwL3AOUQ8jOS-Ga5Xo2YVC73EJbs8ECCb6pmANR4gvOv-EDlMNzMswo_KDFIBpd_nn-6HWj-tXXqzI4JGKOipK1vsum/s836/press.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="623" data-original-width="836" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELx50D2dCJIsM13ngA3AVvRlIk9Y8jRQoCql5YiUXnB5RUYcaPHDNGfuqfAQ5eQVxw-lFA6NY8TivTKdroN7KtdyZYHh3oohkzZwL3AOUQ8jOS-Ga5Xo2YVC73EJbs8ECCb6pmANR4gvOv-EDlMNzMswo_KDFIBpd_nn-6HWj-tXXqzI4JGKOipK1vsum/w400-h297/press.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>In comparison to all that the Lord has for us down the road, I totally understand those words "light and momentary" (even if they don't feel like it at the time).</p><p>This is why <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Jeremiah 29:11-12</span></i></b> is still a favorite passage:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjum3MHfQnJYsskcbL1w_w4vt2OrS8KRAeDJiz4ut8R8XSNG_d3gzvO2osiD3-eM9wov_HDGKB9CccREpGl7q4Gq2d5KRsUkZJemeLl9RLCoTnRw1Xvr9d4fZRqTnyrIIAosuWOnYCCQr0BKVy6X7m_qCm4mBtHLDJaXGujG7z6EOVtyBmy0mkzTN8_Bhj/s1024/8837093400_17a6d0881e_b.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjum3MHfQnJYsskcbL1w_w4vt2OrS8KRAeDJiz4ut8R8XSNG_d3gzvO2osiD3-eM9wov_HDGKB9CccREpGl7q4Gq2d5KRsUkZJemeLl9RLCoTnRw1Xvr9d4fZRqTnyrIIAosuWOnYCCQr0BKVy6X7m_qCm4mBtHLDJaXGujG7z6EOVtyBmy0mkzTN8_Bhj/w400-h300/8837093400_17a6d0881e_b.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i><b>God has a plan for us.</b></i></p><p><i><b>His plans are for our good. In fact, His GOOD SPIRIT leads us (Ps 143:10).</b></i></p><p><i><b>If we seek Him, wholeheartedly, through prayer on our life's journey, He promises us His presence; and...</b></i></p><p><i><b>In His presence is fulness of joy (Psalm 16:11b) in spite of the storms about us, <u>and (one more thing)</u>...</b></i></p><p><i><b>Ahead of us is NOTHING BUT HOPE.</b></i></p></blockquote><p>In this regard, I take note the following verse that refers to the Saints of old, they all <b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">"looked forward with anticipation</span></i></b> <span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><b><i>(Hebrews 11:9)..."</i></b></span></p><p>They didn't settle in the <b><i>Land-That-Was</i></b>; but, they focused on the<b><i> Land-Beyond</i></b>, where everything holds a completely different appeal. Oh, that I / we would do the same...</p><p>I love this quote I read recently - it fits well with what I'd love for us to grasp in 2024:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">"It's easy to let the hurts and slights of yesterday, like an unruly child coloring on the walls, mar all our days. What would happen if, instead, we let our future loose with a roller and a paint can?"</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666;">-Mark Buchanan-</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpJINK8U1egwZHuHH_0RVD3RrRFZ6Z8R1ZaDAd3L7xH60zPjEqbjiIkGB2q07bnXB54zRspgjVJ2D4DK8MbC_Ug49ZBwbNa0uC5F_PJos_dxQxQmrGpa6m5qhJ69tXGE9UlwU7ztBH58-rFpxCm7-6l664zQLoM5DsNdFxnL1dDZKaLpP6p5SKjzX6gD4/s650/183_pd3932257_3_ephesians1_18_timbotts_650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="504" data-original-width="650" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTpJINK8U1egwZHuHH_0RVD3RrRFZ6Z8R1ZaDAd3L7xH60zPjEqbjiIkGB2q07bnXB54zRspgjVJ2D4DK8MbC_Ug49ZBwbNa0uC5F_PJos_dxQxQmrGpa6m5qhJ69tXGE9UlwU7ztBH58-rFpxCm7-6l664zQLoM5DsNdFxnL1dDZKaLpP6p5SKjzX6gD4/w400-h310/183_pd3932257_3_ephesians1_18_timbotts_650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">So, go grab some paint </span><span style="font-size: medium;">(& pick a fun color)</span><span style="font-size: x-large;">...</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">...then, let that roller loose as you live in the hope of your bright, unblemished tomorrow!</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2gI2_252KuM2VwMPVrwO48IBRg4Gs2J_NA62_jqSEqjlc8KNQEBqFhY1qVoiXtBXbPr22nz_3j1zeLhWhoMX9CMk6muHQdi5ht_lp_OrEdDq-II_zDdTWjT20luTpXBu0NGy4Js3ZEYs3ihrP08rZNWYkVUgyXPlzTj_BEQxW2S5oabPKJbSsJb_nCVw/s1000/69ac24fa0cb80b4e6a069ade45c17710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="735" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2gI2_252KuM2VwMPVrwO48IBRg4Gs2J_NA62_jqSEqjlc8KNQEBqFhY1qVoiXtBXbPr22nz_3j1zeLhWhoMX9CMk6muHQdi5ht_lp_OrEdDq-II_zDdTWjT20luTpXBu0NGy4Js3ZEYs3ihrP08rZNWYkVUgyXPlzTj_BEQxW2S5oabPKJbSsJb_nCVw/w294-h400/69ac24fa0cb80b4e6a069ade45c17710.jpg" width="294" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I close, these words are a perfect commentary on the tomorrows ahead, and why it's so good to focus forward:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Our God has more to give us. He has more promises to keep. He has more of Himself to show us. He has more invitations for us to enjoy. He has more... Anticipating more...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">-Becky Dietz- </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); color: #050505; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face="system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif" style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(5, 5, 5); white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">He is the God of so much more!</span></span></div></i></b></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-25529411847922287042023-12-28T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-28T04:00:00.135-08:00Ready, REST, Go!<p>On this, still dark, but snow-glistening-from-full-moon-morning, I'm keenly aware we're a mere three days from 2024. Wahoo!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcizXr-nzxORGVZnPGOWZKYAfLLWW2bHt4qiXGhrT5vLOFLZhNwThD9JZn9IAg5UuqoS0fOVubls7zwwMP_5qOZWHszt6AyyIK1mOtyMJ8JdvTOoZYHJIQc5o7Z5jR2IRbLWvF1OXY0PErg1BhHZ4Pl42Kq4CxV9QdtWxL2ksE2M-XlPUJgMxALgp0eC7/s800/happy-new-year-festive-silvester-s-eve-party-background-greeting-card-golden-fireworks-dark-blue-night-245398813.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="800" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUcizXr-nzxORGVZnPGOWZKYAfLLWW2bHt4qiXGhrT5vLOFLZhNwThD9JZn9IAg5UuqoS0fOVubls7zwwMP_5qOZWHszt6AyyIK1mOtyMJ8JdvTOoZYHJIQc5o7Z5jR2IRbLWvF1OXY0PErg1BhHZ4Pl42Kq4CxV9QdtWxL2ksE2M-XlPUJgMxALgp0eC7/w400-h225/happy-new-year-festive-silvester-s-eve-party-background-greeting-card-golden-fireworks-dark-blue-night-245398813.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm6fnb85Ny4MM6z3tnbn8sZWCALFf9WYpIdN4gWh6M11yn0T4sKgAUrJ0Z77bBqtUFdX8QLLIEzU8l3jDscTjkDng0CuAU6CjzOZ2cjDQXPz7OJs_RzWBamUpoELogyUmM3uPsXE-urB9IJHCm_hkKZSYFyd0amvrGgLaUdqWfb16wMhe_IO0QRmuP7eQ/s736/9bef2dd8c5ad21e1255ad4036de92650.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="736" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxm6fnb85Ny4MM6z3tnbn8sZWCALFf9WYpIdN4gWh6M11yn0T4sKgAUrJ0Z77bBqtUFdX8QLLIEzU8l3jDscTjkDng0CuAU6CjzOZ2cjDQXPz7OJs_RzWBamUpoELogyUmM3uPsXE-urB9IJHCm_hkKZSYFyd0amvrGgLaUdqWfb16wMhe_IO0QRmuP7eQ/w400-h233/9bef2dd8c5ad21e1255ad4036de92650.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I've said it before, but, I dearly love fresh starts and new beginnings (not enough that I'll stay up to kiss in the New Year). </p><p style="text-align: left;">By the time the ball drops in, oh, let's say, Newfoundland, I'll be tucked in bed and sound asleep - - - - - - - - is there a ball drop in Newfoundland (?). </p><p style="text-align: left;">I love the anticipation of what's to come.</p><p style="text-align: left;">There's an air of excitement that surrounds a New Year, a birthday, the first day on a new job, welcoming a new season, a new school year, moving into a new house....</p><p style="text-align: left;">These are God-ordained-rhythms that are like hitting a re-set button, or re-arranging your computer/phone/tablet back to it's default mode - these moments grant us a renewal, a do-over, a clean-slate. It's an opportunity to turn a new page, start a new chapter, or turn over a new leaf.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Opportunities like this are sigh-worthy; besides, they instill in us a renewed energy for doing things a little differently, a bit better, or, to correct our course, and make disparate decisions.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Yet, just yesterday as I was whining a little bit, the Lord reminded me that week-after-week, He gifts me with just such a begin-again; but, I don't take advantage of it.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I stare it in the face, look at it in ink on my calendar, and jump right in and make, what should be a celebration, an ordinary moment on my schedule (except for dressing up and spending the first half of the day at church).</p><p style="text-align: left;">Every week, I wake up to a new morning and another rhythm that offers me a do-over into the next few days of work.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">With the morning light, I unwrap a package called Sabbath, say "thank you," and put it down. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">In fact, I've begun taking that gift for granted...</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">😒</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">I take advantage of corporate worship, celebrating the Lord-of-the-Sabbath, then come home and forget this truth:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OdBCiSvBw7uUsqpe6TLsa37Hp7EpxQR7HgcsDR3n-8YXldu7rPQEw3qHJIgsdW6rSWQ72_rywGHnaWiiTnYA7WScgG5XRSjpM1cqqa-VpUf1LdGsUZlKsqRMtpAaUY816fp4cIPimmzdnGIoaXBk54k0IiHdsHIA1KE01hpnVy8dHhqUHGD5Hv02rDq8/s900/50db95ef61f79ecbdc562db84b8c46ed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7OdBCiSvBw7uUsqpe6TLsa37Hp7EpxQR7HgcsDR3n-8YXldu7rPQEw3qHJIgsdW6rSWQ72_rywGHnaWiiTnYA7WScgG5XRSjpM1cqqa-VpUf1LdGsUZlKsqRMtpAaUY816fp4cIPimmzdnGIoaXBk54k0IiHdsHIA1KE01hpnVy8dHhqUHGD5Hv02rDq8/w400-h400/50db95ef61f79ecbdc562db84b8c46ed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">Sabbath was made for ME!!!!!</span></u></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are still things on the to-do-list needing marked off.</p><p style="text-align: left;">This is a free day, where I can get a jump start on the week.</p><p style="text-align: left;">I even lie to the Lord and to myself, "You know, don't you, that organizing, preparing, and marking these things as "DONE," really is RESTFUL TO ME? Right?" </p><p style="text-align: left;">Wrong.</p><p style="text-align: left;">With that, I have now committed two sins: I've ignored the fourth commandment and I've lied.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeu1KENq0p-iWBsrjKOn8e2s7mLAhi4_HkaLj2iWz9KQjxgutJLKVPdQARfZXMxKs0wEKUPpf9yZba-VhoTC0qtLj5jhKz_WhB6w1-n9vFGjFLz5UmWgEjPAdGwT2Oh1wedT-eHO3L7RrgTaoKpvby1peBeDm5DqtAg7r5_CnYKeUC8evhxrSflr_ZXWh/s630/the-fourth-commandment-GoodSalt-lwjas0404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="630" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUeu1KENq0p-iWBsrjKOn8e2s7mLAhi4_HkaLj2iWz9KQjxgutJLKVPdQARfZXMxKs0wEKUPpf9yZba-VhoTC0qtLj5jhKz_WhB6w1-n9vFGjFLz5UmWgEjPAdGwT2Oh1wedT-eHO3L7RrgTaoKpvby1peBeDm5DqtAg7r5_CnYKeUC8evhxrSflr_ZXWh/w400-h400/the-fourth-commandment-GoodSalt-lwjas0404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">I don't at all take full advantage of this do-over-gift-of-God. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I seldom take the time to sit as I do for a birthday, or a New Year, and reflect on the week and wonder at how I saw God at work; the highs, and the lows, and the lessons learned; or take a meaningful moment and prepare my mind, heart, and soul for what's to come in the new week. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Yet, from the beginning our Lord planned this <i><u><b>HUGE PRESENT</b></u></i> <i><u>just for me </u></i>that sits on my breakfast table every Sunday: </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">REST</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0dQVIR1dlRrS4mefQnEvPCDEK23OHTtutgKXXjbt0jSWhTfcxBg6zGf8kIn5ZdE9DNJHkyml4qsUesRUurkt6QBdgIHOOWx5vgXPnoFx2zSUXfbpcMQnTiOya9f-tj0Em4yk4lNaBtWYAKLAUhQHGd6Q0WVlNEqfFLvHPGia1Oj7-W5NJQjFx2Dk1C70/s900/fe617e64b65aae92fc2c8485cbdcd8c7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0dQVIR1dlRrS4mefQnEvPCDEK23OHTtutgKXXjbt0jSWhTfcxBg6zGf8kIn5ZdE9DNJHkyml4qsUesRUurkt6QBdgIHOOWx5vgXPnoFx2zSUXfbpcMQnTiOya9f-tj0Em4yk4lNaBtWYAKLAUhQHGd6Q0WVlNEqfFLvHPGia1Oj7-W5NJQjFx2Dk1C70/w266-h400/fe617e64b65aae92fc2c8485cbdcd8c7.jpg" width="266" /></a></i></b></div><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Exodus 20:8-11</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>And here's what the Lord's been trying to teach me over and over again:</i></b></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">I keep the Sabbath holy, when I honor it with ReSt!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">What does that really mean in God's economy; according to His way of thinking; His desire for us, His kids?</p><p style="text-align: left;">I don't think it means a Sunday afternoon nap - though it could. </p><p style="text-align: left;">I don't think it means sitting stiffly in our Sunday-best, hands folded, doing nothing; nor does it mean staring all day into nothingness. </p><p style="text-align: left;">Recently, I dug into the verse (partly because I'm re-reading a great book on Sabbath). </p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u>There are three key words:</u></i></b></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Holy</span></b>, meaning <u>set apart.</u></p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rest</span></b>, meaning to cease, to settle, to let go, <u>to leave alone</u>!</p><p style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Work</span></b> - to labor, to serve, <u>to fulfill something by doing</u> (mark those things "done" on the to-do-list)!</p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxld2_9CEx2CR6elU9HB_Q3VeMLk6OAWMX_NmGI6xms0WuXVPIT9ym-xMncc1aPWGhWSUtmN7fUYwS9dxz1cR_E8pLEwZuDhleBN5najRIwhBwYwvJhqArSZCD11cRWXARfjKUpas5nJOLpTGj_TntwnJ3ZisuZWpQhPcXb_rkCrFMlUruobA5MvFJLzbB/s736/f35a9ac59f3eb36a4672109ed2002556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="588" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxld2_9CEx2CR6elU9HB_Q3VeMLk6OAWMX_NmGI6xms0WuXVPIT9ym-xMncc1aPWGhWSUtmN7fUYwS9dxz1cR_E8pLEwZuDhleBN5najRIwhBwYwvJhqArSZCD11cRWXARfjKUpas5nJOLpTGj_TntwnJ3ZisuZWpQhPcXb_rkCrFMlUruobA5MvFJLzbB/w400-h320/f35a9ac59f3eb36a4672109ed2002556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: left;">When the Lord gave us this commandment it was with the intent we'd take one day, set it apart, with hands off all the "stuff" we have to do on a regular basis, <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"><u>and leave it be!</u></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">There are six whole days to check the boxes on the to-do-list; but, one day (be it Sunday or another day - because for those in ministry, Sunday is aLwAyS a work day) God means for us to<b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666;"> <span style="font-size: large;">STOP</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and do </span></span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">something else (different from our normal WORK)</span><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;"> that brings life to the soul. </span></u></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Why? </p><p style="text-align: left;">I've come to realize Sabbath, for my sake, is for the deepening of my joy, for the enlarging of my faith <span style="color: #45818e;">(<b><u>Sabbath really is a trust exercise</u></b>)</span>, the releasing of my pride<span style="color: #45818e;"> (<b><u>thinking I'm in control)</u></b></span>, and, maybe most of all, so that my heart stays steadfast and courageous as I spend time in God's AWE-INSPIRING Presence. I certainly don't want to "lose heart" because of my OVERWHELMING NOTIONS ABOUT BUSY-NESS.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRi3Phqbw0w4PHAyRWdJkuEwf6N2Z2hfP1-5V-hvUXKCmJQt2iN-Q64Cvfyf4XklDkhqU1eG5QpzGA0cQVYmgTHsypSA3vo-Ska4ykFxnwBY4bn-nN-FVqwqk9PRzVdz6Kas7FiMOjfFAZzaIdTh3Uj2H9bKSYQxfzunNwzCRebfIQhcgbOYaFZIMMpiU/s894/71ZNNXFknAL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="707" data-original-width="894" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxRi3Phqbw0w4PHAyRWdJkuEwf6N2Z2hfP1-5V-hvUXKCmJQt2iN-Q64Cvfyf4XklDkhqU1eG5QpzGA0cQVYmgTHsypSA3vo-Ska4ykFxnwBY4bn-nN-FVqwqk9PRzVdz6Kas7FiMOjfFAZzaIdTh3Uj2H9bKSYQxfzunNwzCRebfIQhcgbOYaFZIMMpiU/w400-h316/71ZNNXFknAL._AC_UF894,1000_QL80_.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;">So here's what the Lord's been teaching me this week, as I enter a month that always brings me a long list of, often crazy and chaotic, end-of-year-work:</p><p style="text-align: left;">Are you <b><i><u><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">ready</span></u></i></b> for what's ahead? Ready, or not:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #45818e;">Take a day of</span><u> <span style="color: #e06666;">ReSt</span></u><span style="color: #45818e;">!</span></span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">Leave it all behind for <u>just</u> one day!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ttQCfVBcJ4_mY1_ropF7vuidF7VLxqzrzOIWdq6M3YzjUy0JpAx6Zf1hREnSftWQBJlMXo8Sis7NRZZf9k9oWUfoVMpKjUH5J2NsLRPPcz2qPeHoe_1RFkyknZfXlqgyZQlGFqKOgeasNXxd-IOe5_7Ba_3XwnIESm_wywmuVyMGkPXxOs14eFkmNyW/s1080/80c7fa9f416eb0e27df887de861dd5f7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj_ttQCfVBcJ4_mY1_ropF7vuidF7VLxqzrzOIWdq6M3YzjUy0JpAx6Zf1hREnSftWQBJlMXo8Sis7NRZZf9k9oWUfoVMpKjUH5J2NsLRPPcz2qPeHoe_1RFkyknZfXlqgyZQlGFqKOgeasNXxd-IOe5_7Ba_3XwnIESm_wywmuVyMGkPXxOs14eFkmNyW/s320/80c7fa9f416eb0e27df887de861dd5f7.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Then,<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">g</span><span style="font-size: x-large; text-decoration: underline;">o</span></u><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>forth with renewed energy, enthusiasm. and a right perspective. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Those things won't come any other way....</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Enjoy this Sunday's Sabbath (after all, it is New Year's Eve) but, perhaps, determine to honor the Sabbaths ahead, each one God brings us in 2024! </p><p style="text-align: left;">In fact, let's you and I (especially the "I") jump into the excitement, fresh-start, the anticipation of a new beginning, and the do-over of EVERY WEEK, just as God intended (then maybe, we won't let the dregs of our work-days become disabilities, instead of having the perspective of celebration (almost like entering a new year)!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_gZjicNc2nZolRD1lZASSjgsfK9Z5CBykZDO3mNMS1PYK2p-5SFN9XrvRS_jvZA9Hn_TqcKAOzuDHQE4rYEfkn9qra4ZCMnRm5N6mP8kO9-62amNBGG4aH_FF2K5JQQTnkQFT-JGIgN-syQFbYQYsqhR9tsRHsbYfr9iRwoHBgrX_QqNmR7FZP_hOEGo/s737/a5218a587987b1a5b5725ffca70a6233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="737" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1_gZjicNc2nZolRD1lZASSjgsfK9Z5CBykZDO3mNMS1PYK2p-5SFN9XrvRS_jvZA9Hn_TqcKAOzuDHQE4rYEfkn9qra4ZCMnRm5N6mP8kO9-62amNBGG4aH_FF2K5JQQTnkQFT-JGIgN-syQFbYQYsqhR9tsRHsbYfr9iRwoHBgrX_QqNmR7FZP_hOEGo/w400-h400/a5218a587987b1a5b5725ffca70a6233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-34026600460838189522023-12-21T04:00:00.000-08:002023-12-21T10:15:46.619-08:00Peace on Earth, Good Will To Men<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUpCUdGOSh8v5nESGcJyzKmdeLA3bmaSKiR_6MZpu4Yg61RTc8VmjveeaJDzlYfQWORNtDLzo_iA0Fj-22hjKy-UdvWqPRmfssTFugBnWQsc304iYmOk7PoACONb6-8xwM1vBLxYZ94gHXsycLBbzQSqKoxxeRvQrjb1jQxwBGm8ibBzKHD3vHIOK1Lgb/s800/glory-to-god-in-the-highest-and-on-earth-peace-good-will-toward-men..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiUpCUdGOSh8v5nESGcJyzKmdeLA3bmaSKiR_6MZpu4Yg61RTc8VmjveeaJDzlYfQWORNtDLzo_iA0Fj-22hjKy-UdvWqPRmfssTFugBnWQsc304iYmOk7PoACONb6-8xwM1vBLxYZ94gHXsycLBbzQSqKoxxeRvQrjb1jQxwBGm8ibBzKHD3vHIOK1Lgb/s320/glory-to-god-in-the-highest-and-on-earth-peace-good-will-toward-men..jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Tis the season....</p><p>For a lot of things...</p><p>Baking Christmas treats.</p><p>Buying gifts.</p><p>Singing carols.</p><p>Watching ridiculous Christmas movies with predictable endings. </p><p>Hanging lights, tinsel, garland, bangles and baubles on sweet smelling trees.</p><p>Signing greeting cards...</p><p>...and, for some, ringing bells in front of malls, big box stores, and groceries, which always remind me of the hymn <b><i>I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day</i></b> (in fact, I hear the bell-ringers, and immediately I begin humming).</p><p>Did you know <b><i>I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day</i></b> was written by Longfellow during the heat of the Civil War?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquWnwobo7N2wN5XpnWks_Du4XVrLCoIst6fCkJvH92xjuPEhHSz5LA99mkkLhyphenhyphenwK1YivcgSiBNomAGDWcUC3_2qgfUVspkYngiyqXAdOdAcYeEYCdO7hJKDjBdyNFNpcrDzTsDdq1QdSnIMIZ0uQop5eS0U8I8-XNdvGCn-d0CSdS0zGw1P2O7kyPmD1U/s960/f53b1ab67d9b384c2324bed867388469.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgquWnwobo7N2wN5XpnWks_Du4XVrLCoIst6fCkJvH92xjuPEhHSz5LA99mkkLhyphenhyphenwK1YivcgSiBNomAGDWcUC3_2qgfUVspkYngiyqXAdOdAcYeEYCdO7hJKDjBdyNFNpcrDzTsDdq1QdSnIMIZ0uQop5eS0U8I8-XNdvGCn-d0CSdS0zGw1P2O7kyPmD1U/s320/f53b1ab67d9b384c2324bed867388469.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>It almost makes the song more significant and relevant today, knowing the current situation in Ukraine and Israel, when I hear these words:</p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">And in despair I bowed my head</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">There is no peace on earth, I said</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">For hate is strong and mocks the song</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Of peace on earth, good-will to men!</span></i></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-size: large;">It isn't surprising, during a season when the Prince of Peace entered the world as a tiny baby, that folks pray for <i><b><span style="color: #45818e;">"peace on earth"</span></b></i> to reign, more than any other time of year!</span></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">We all long for peace; </span></i></b></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">and, we all have different ideas about how peace can be achieved.</span></i></b></p></blockquote><p>One of those random "ideas" ran across my social media this week in the form of a little video promoting gun reform. </p><p>I watched the "story" unfold with eyes ever widening, my mouth hanging open, and my head shaking, "NO!" </p><p>The one-minute (exactly) "advertisement" (I'm not sure what to call it) <u>offended</u> <u>me</u> <u>deeply</u>.</p><p>No, it wasn't the encouragement for our country to make strides in the arena of gun control that offended me - not in the least. </p><p>What offended me were the insinuations: words, accusations, allegations - never spoken; but, loudly proclaimed. </p><p>The gist of the video is that if you are a passionate, sold-out, committed, praying Jesus-follower, then all you ever do is offer up "thoughts and prayers," but never act in a way that transforms government or saves lives. </p><p>This ad pointed blaming fingers at folks who pray. 🙏</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>The scene unfolds. </p><p>A child falls into a swimming pool.</p><p>The mother rushes to the side of the pool, and falls to her knees praying. 🙏</p><p>The father comes out, looks at the child face down in the pool and also prays. 🙏</p><p>Neighbors stop by, some even sit in the pool, sipping an umbrella drink, and all of them look deeply concerned, and say, "We'll be praying for you." 🙏</p><p>Or, maybe, they give a passing glance as they say: "Thoughts and prayers!" 🙏</p><p>In the meantime, the child drowns.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><b><i>XXXXX</i></b></span></p><p>BUT...</p><p>Here comes the transition.</p><p>My offense left me irritated ALL! WEEK! LONG!</p><p>There was no peace in my heart whenever this blatant post popped into my head over the last few days.</p><p>..........UNTIL, the Lord got a hold of my heart with deep conviction <i>(see what the Lord used below).</i> </p><p>It's irritation like mine, going unchecked, unconfessed, and given over to the Lord that leads to the line in the above song that says, "for hate is strong and mocks the song, of peace on earth, good-will to men."</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">As personal irritation grows into anger; and, anger grows into hatred; and, hatred, turns to retribution; and, retribution becomes...well, whatever it becomes...THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY PEACE. </span></i></b></p><p>That's why Jesus, the Prince of Peace, came.</p><p>He came to start with my heart.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Jesus came to give me, what I could not gain on my own, <b><i>PEACE WITH GOD.</i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4nKFR1Z7QP-ZWs9izPNX5AeMNoDfDOo2sgHrIjDijKCMy-kYehCp7zkQwcREhPzfvDqWh7XEpD8Nq_j3bKY8WDOL_8XI3kHmQ8OND2IWOiONMKhPkZeRBT-Cl8gfmVa9oqkBgh84MN9iXlcNaxaqQYAum_nfyoawpsNvPF7Crf00ptmU1vMVbniXnrF6/s1200/1530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="1200" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy4nKFR1Z7QP-ZWs9izPNX5AeMNoDfDOo2sgHrIjDijKCMy-kYehCp7zkQwcREhPzfvDqWh7XEpD8Nq_j3bKY8WDOL_8XI3kHmQ8OND2IWOiONMKhPkZeRBT-Cl8gfmVa9oqkBgh84MN9iXlcNaxaqQYAum_nfyoawpsNvPF7Crf00ptmU1vMVbniXnrF6/w400-h263/1530.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p><b><i><u><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the greatest gift EVER!</span></u></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">PEACE WITH GOD leads me to deal with my own momentary lapses of irritation, and make them right before the Father...before I do something wrong before man.</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's why Jesus said this:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnfz-qYmdtqC6wKbT8nG4puQ3u7n00svbOitEQHAuNc5vwy7xcRP5ULHkQ4BTLgqon7B3opCOxNHl7sPawPj9JN9NB0fwMAKHhv88gnOv7gumQXs-bjLjB2gmEXtLu4q-6pg7G6WfWiHp5ItsmghUsv8EPmLiNLzCljsBLph9LuhH8-UFf0M1PO6IgNz/s528/0008-3760610518+8.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="528" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJBnfz-qYmdtqC6wKbT8nG4puQ3u7n00svbOitEQHAuNc5vwy7xcRP5ULHkQ4BTLgqon7B3opCOxNHl7sPawPj9JN9NB0fwMAKHhv88gnOv7gumQXs-bjLjB2gmEXtLu4q-6pg7G6WfWiHp5ItsmghUsv8EPmLiNLzCljsBLph9LuhH8-UFf0M1PO6IgNz/w400-h309/0008-3760610518+8.png" width="400" /></a></div><p>We will only be peacemakers when we fully walk in peace-with-God.</p><p>One day, Jesus will return and when He does He will right all wrongs.</p><p>Evil will see an end.</p><p>Hatred will cease. </p><p>Mocking will become WORSHIP.</p><p>In the meantime, what we all need is <u>PEACE</u> <u>WITH</u> <u>GOD</u>.</p><p>This is the peace that only Jesus can give. </p><p>And, so we must close with the final few lines to<b><i> I Heard the Bells:</i></b></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Then pealed the bells more loud and deep</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;">God is not dead, nor doth He sleep</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;">The wrong shall fail</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;">The RIGHT PREVAIL</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;">With peace on earth, good-will to men.</span></i></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">God is not dead; and, He longs for us to first find peace with Him, so one day we will be able to fully enjoy peace on earth.</span></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDpTdAl5FCfsvljvjnitMO3keojVt61Gm9_lzUGSsH7jpV46aORyQTbzsJsfyIuniFYT7pbuy1FjL8cOwxNZ9XnC03wPU7_qgaOIR53_uy2Ss16G2OkrOHrb9JqWIn2MhK9IKs7jiBTkrUSBDjU3S1z2ZXZb1ifVrZP9UyjMwcOh62peipCem2vb5uexq/s1280/ScriptureArt_0217_-_Romans_15_13_NIV_157x157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDpTdAl5FCfsvljvjnitMO3keojVt61Gm9_lzUGSsH7jpV46aORyQTbzsJsfyIuniFYT7pbuy1FjL8cOwxNZ9XnC03wPU7_qgaOIR53_uy2Ss16G2OkrOHrb9JqWIn2MhK9IKs7jiBTkrUSBDjU3S1z2ZXZb1ifVrZP9UyjMwcOh62peipCem2vb5uexq/w400-h400/ScriptureArt_0217_-_Romans_15_13_NIV_157x157.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p></p><p>This morning as I read this prayer, the Lord began to show me <b><i><u>MY HEART.</u></i></b></p><p>I am responsible for me, especially and always, first to deal with every irritation that comes my way, so I will walk in peace-with-God as a peacemaker.</p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">From<b><i> Every Moment Holy, Volume 1</i></b>:</span></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I bring to you, Lord, my momentary irritation,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">that you might reveal the buried seed of it - not</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">in the words or actions of another person, but</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">in the withered and hypocritical expectations</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">of my own small heart. Uproot from this</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">impoverished soil all arrogance and insecurity that</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">would prompt me to dismiss or disdain others,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">judging them with a less generous measure than </span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">I reckon when judging myself.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">Prune away the tangled growth</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">of my own unjustified irritations, Jesus,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">and graft to my heart instead your humility,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">your compassion,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">your patience,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">your kindness,</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">that I might bear good fruit in keeping</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">with your grace.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #cc0000;">AMEN!</span></i></p></blockquote>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-41744576778814309462023-12-14T04:58:00.000-08:002023-12-14T04:58:46.193-08:00The God Who Sustains<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WH4kJ19oIB-y-C1GTNHpWttkw_EYAFl5UKR0hYn73viGpoovp_jh-eaIqdzVOrp-HQLz37KGPbd7WFKjcBXfgCBTgsrjQWQ99fdhLJbvQo9GwzFTl0uWB6nwRs4QazoD3-r_JErxFI_Sooyvu7Ca-P3RWi0Sen2erZwaHob-9vvEYaiGUkpwiTQq8e_Q/s1280/ScriptureArt_0117_-_Psalm_55_22_157x157.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WH4kJ19oIB-y-C1GTNHpWttkw_EYAFl5UKR0hYn73viGpoovp_jh-eaIqdzVOrp-HQLz37KGPbd7WFKjcBXfgCBTgsrjQWQ99fdhLJbvQo9GwzFTl0uWB6nwRs4QazoD3-r_JErxFI_Sooyvu7Ca-P3RWi0Sen2erZwaHob-9vvEYaiGUkpwiTQq8e_Q/w320-h320/ScriptureArt_0117_-_Psalm_55_22_157x157.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i> “Cast your burden on the Lord and He will sustain you (Psalm 55:22)…”</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We just arrived in Casa Grande, Arizona (at daughter and son-in-love’s house, “The Mace Place”) after 10 days in the Philippines (Manila for three days and Sorsogon City for the rest of the time).</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg46BTG36asQWIuWrGEBbiQHsam89BjorO5JpUAfb7ZYG50TJYt8gSWE-7bWjkHOO6pZMcQEdAJskphZjPfry7i0aVzd2NqJXr97cIKy_068IBkTMc87YmhgbbuA6FZBKgopxjHpoq45LcZIsxLZ8f4XDBmRpbau6lLeipwpf2fHGQ4UJDY0xYkOnR95lgG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg46BTG36asQWIuWrGEBbiQHsam89BjorO5JpUAfb7ZYG50TJYt8gSWE-7bWjkHOO6pZMcQEdAJskphZjPfry7i0aVzd2NqJXr97cIKy_068IBkTMc87YmhgbbuA6FZBKgopxjHpoq45LcZIsxLZ8f4XDBmRpbau6lLeipwpf2fHGQ4UJDY0xYkOnR95lgG=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We enjoyed a great trip (!) and two words floated to the top of the many descriptors that came to mind as I personally debriefed on board our United flight to San Francisco: </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Blessed! </i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Sustained!</i></b></span></p></blockquote>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1bItSv3u1tf0a7E12uxqFU2yi3t8uppCGEP2xARlG4LHyabFhwlFIM-oI5qxeAUV8mGb6b8M9bFAxBClSmhVIGHk1nzutDs0LdkAQWPZZobkyAp0yDzTMRwmFHhz-aNYQXrzomZevQbZzW4LGtbBSYP1Lsh36QovQ4oIR0-6avm6pqr6Ys4M0bw6JZUR" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2040" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1bItSv3u1tf0a7E12uxqFU2yi3t8uppCGEP2xARlG4LHyabFhwlFIM-oI5qxeAUV8mGb6b8M9bFAxBClSmhVIGHk1nzutDs0LdkAQWPZZobkyAp0yDzTMRwmFHhz-aNYQXrzomZevQbZzW4LGtbBSYP1Lsh36QovQ4oIR0-6avm6pqr6Ys4M0bw6JZUR=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over and over again, Bay and I felt blessed beyond measure:</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i>Blessed</i></u> relationally, as we deepened our friendship with a young man we knew from the days we lived on campus at Grand Canyon University in the early 2000’s.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><i>Blessed</i></u> with new friends who generously fed us, looked out for us, fed us, served us, fed us and made us feel welcome <i>over and over</i> (warning: if you ever travel to the Philippines know that the food just keeps on coming…).</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGR-Za204zTLLyQ363tNDNopU6_iwCoDf3j__2DBA3HLqbQMesi6M9fzj6ORMrFQnkKG7mn78NjFb19xT2GSIjeounEmZo2AiwssrhLqQXIihCSk56xcIIRMkBazdOiGX2vkyWCF-nSCgChhOFE25VdJhsGT7aM7WHC_GNgqjK-_4qa_nB68rBTJhLu1Av" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGR-Za204zTLLyQ363tNDNopU6_iwCoDf3j__2DBA3HLqbQMesi6M9fzj6ORMrFQnkKG7mn78NjFb19xT2GSIjeounEmZo2AiwssrhLqQXIihCSk56xcIIRMkBazdOiGX2vkyWCF-nSCgChhOFE25VdJhsGT7aM7WHC_GNgqjK-_4qa_nB68rBTJhLu1Av=w300-h400" width="300" /><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGR-Za204zTLLyQ363tNDNopU6_iwCoDf3j__2DBA3HLqbQMesi6M9fzj6ORMrFQnkKG7mn78NjFb19xT2GSIjeounEmZo2AiwssrhLqQXIihCSk56xcIIRMkBazdOiGX2vkyWCF-nSCgChhOFE25VdJhsGT7aM7WHC_GNgqjK-_4qa_nB68rBTJhLu1Av" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>Blessed</u></i> with meeting the Director of Tourism for Sorsogon Province, the Attorney General and his wife (Mrs. Asia-Pacific), and, even the Governor.</span></p></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-Nsd35LYuT50r1_3UNMRrsAeg6qPOSjJFRGDL0bVa2_zjxzQ0PMxlwSIvfkBDX64Q_vToqjo4n0vwDe47DuMI0o5eTwWRGM0vJFwfa2ps3tvhQT4089BmxjvtRMEstMViZSCB4kOex-RubF44uPelKrRLCM6T7eg_fayS_CwjYptEZ2hdaG5qklDBoRX3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-Nsd35LYuT50r1_3UNMRrsAeg6qPOSjJFRGDL0bVa2_zjxzQ0PMxlwSIvfkBDX64Q_vToqjo4n0vwDe47DuMI0o5eTwWRGM0vJFwfa2ps3tvhQT4089BmxjvtRMEstMViZSCB4kOex-RubF44uPelKrRLCM6T7eg_fayS_CwjYptEZ2hdaG5qklDBoRX3=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>Blessed</u></i> with comfortable places to stay and rest in between speaking events.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>Blessed</u></i> with rapid adjustment to the time difference (+15 hours) and very little jet lag.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>Blessed</u></i> with immeasurable spiritual blessings as the Lord poured out His anointing over us each time we spoke and allowed the message He placed on our heart to be relatable to the “audiences” (even without translators)!</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><u>Blessed</u></i> with seeing first-hand the Spirit of the Lord move in the hearts and lives of the folks we ministered to at the churches, the Pastors and Leaders Conference, a young adults group and a “revival” service (in the city of Irosin, about an hour from Sorsogon).</span></p></blockquote>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Part of the <b><i><u>blessings</u></i></b> God poured out on us were made manifest in light of the above verse from Psalm 55.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After we arrived in Sorsogon, Bay woke up one morning with a sore throat, soon after came the sniffles, and, eventually a cough developed. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bay often gets these same symptoms amidst a lot of speaking, but this time it differentiated itself with a rough case of laryngitis.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We prayed and prayed for healing of his voice.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pfwG0CrzHWRZBV5XnkJI0XxTZT0vVXzkGwrOOdtOkGi1I25_nPJE44mqph-K44BV94o8KwvFZA2eK2UzBVMiFYh_z63oIVY_ssjiBJR9-BAjUPAUXkUJjJKSH0HMUcbKYrWwVwrZ3rVlSJzmDyGsW4YiS2Uv0hIwGURsb5Jn8-3sxQUCwxNvxDQfm6aR/s800/lord-renew-my-energy-i-feel-tired-weak-psalm-christian-prayer-inspirational-bible-verse-quotes-lord-renew-my-energy-212295468.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="800" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_pfwG0CrzHWRZBV5XnkJI0XxTZT0vVXzkGwrOOdtOkGi1I25_nPJE44mqph-K44BV94o8KwvFZA2eK2UzBVMiFYh_z63oIVY_ssjiBJR9-BAjUPAUXkUJjJKSH0HMUcbKYrWwVwrZ3rVlSJzmDyGsW4YiS2Uv0hIwGURsb5Jn8-3sxQUCwxNvxDQfm6aR/w400-h300/lord-renew-my-energy-i-feel-tired-weak-psalm-christian-prayer-inspirational-bible-verse-quotes-lord-renew-my-energy-212295468.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>BUT GOD…</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Always, BUT GOD...</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord put it on our hearts to keep the folks (coming to the conference) together instead of breaking them up into men’s and women’s groups, as we usually do.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Because we followed through with this tidbit of inspiration, we were able to tag-team with one of us speaking, while the other rested, and then we’d switch the next session.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5P6zvb4nlsIuPsIv-oiCqzGESH01fTo5mnQA7VPMXgiHcczLuG2G0oIKjOTANVwBNzn6AAqiPeZKj6TeU_x9Uz8D2EdTviXKoojlfvWDcBBDRfhHmpAjc5rqttMT1QIU4gRhgYFxuangcnWzcj4IWcwzwckYyGC_TyyNHThGc8EXScPsT69Xa8L_WCzOj" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5P6zvb4nlsIuPsIv-oiCqzGESH01fTo5mnQA7VPMXgiHcczLuG2G0oIKjOTANVwBNzn6AAqiPeZKj6TeU_x9Uz8D2EdTviXKoojlfvWDcBBDRfhHmpAjc5rqttMT1QIU4gRhgYFxuangcnWzcj4IWcwzwckYyGC_TyyNHThGc8EXScPsT69Xa8L_WCzOj=w302-h400" width="302" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><u>Day after day</u></b> (!) Bay’s voice seemed to strengthen for his portion of the conference, and then by night, we would wonder if he’d be able to speak at all the next day.</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord, indeed, sustained him! </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I observed this happen session after session, I noted it as nothing short of a miracle!</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Truly, it was more than just a “coincidence,” it was what we often refer to as a GOD-INCIDENT.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7D8GqDsGhIAajk5DVzfnFuVi5B7kNMzOPTJEVdZgAycL5-m6XXGpv_aWlzGJKtQ9_HvfY1qeX69_yBc4NePH_54LZwR07tkVX9hBiagL2eVi6D0N0_axhS0DhOoUa51TNd7ac0wxp7UQ79NkceYptGXBNxmc7YrsnRDzFAS1QdmE-B6DoitVm2iVt_Bek" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7D8GqDsGhIAajk5DVzfnFuVi5B7kNMzOPTJEVdZgAycL5-m6XXGpv_aWlzGJKtQ9_HvfY1qeX69_yBc4NePH_54LZwR07tkVX9hBiagL2eVi6D0N0_axhS0DhOoUa51TNd7ac0wxp7UQ79NkceYptGXBNxmc7YrsnRDzFAS1QdmE-B6DoitVm2iVt_Bek" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It could have only happened because of a promise like that in Psalm 55:22…</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Got a burden? A lot on your plate? A heaviness you just can’t shake? A weight that seems too much to carry? So much on the to-do-list that everything seems overwhelming? </i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Cast it on the Lord. Throw it down (literally or metaphorically!) and leave it at His feet. Give it to your very personal God who offers a promise to us that is always YES (!) and AMEN (!)…</i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>What’s the promise? SUSTAINING.</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i></i></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9n_mmX1Kz7OqWNw38ccDIysUIJeJIgEAAvuVcyDaO7bitnpQCXXAk98lCf5ZHSKOgxgEh36IVY1iHT_PRpSHBUaaXeqdWyH3yU0O3H2CvN_anRaexIG__NK7ke_y8012hJI2NNDOIosnGfTBV8knZ_oqWB5JteZH4caPY9A5oYAf9hPai6sVhSDu3ygol" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg9n_mmX1Kz7OqWNw38ccDIysUIJeJIgEAAvuVcyDaO7bitnpQCXXAk98lCf5ZHSKOgxgEh36IVY1iHT_PRpSHBUaaXeqdWyH3yU0O3H2CvN_anRaexIG__NK7ke_y8012hJI2NNDOIosnGfTBV8knZ_oqWB5JteZH4caPY9A5oYAf9hPai6sVhSDu3ygol=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></i></b></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Sustain" is the Hebrew word: kul - to support, to contain, and to provide.</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdD-CphGV14BJ31NWVRXDhOTOOMZgYIF2xzcYGUfUQx9N8p0eJMwbfLLVwyguRXciwcQRfjzIlxo5W3EZ229YAV8hLx50CGVoEA_Dkev7ZcF9SIlAf96MDuDrb7oFa2FYXewY8NFk-EcVab7Ko08YcWLMg50s5yFRkd1ASoTriJP9RbUSd0gqWF8BwveDs" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="542" data-original-width="1266" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdD-CphGV14BJ31NWVRXDhOTOOMZgYIF2xzcYGUfUQx9N8p0eJMwbfLLVwyguRXciwcQRfjzIlxo5W3EZ229YAV8hLx50CGVoEA_Dkev7ZcF9SIlAf96MDuDrb7oFa2FYXewY8NFk-EcVab7Ko08YcWLMg50s5yFRkd1ASoTriJP9RbUSd0gqWF8BwveDs=w400-h171" width="400" /></a></span></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The word is actually a shepherding term. </span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s a picture of a Good-Shepherd who takes care of a sheep in need by putting him in an enclosure where the little one can be given what he needs: food, medical care, rest, protection, training…</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Only by placing the sheep, or the lamb, in a fenced pen can the shepherd supply all his needs!</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTnXzp3e9BulBXuq5IZiS3qlF7ztxKC1e8D0V6L53goAYs2SAUOhtn3XpCAderCRoxELoZULiE8vgrWw0m_qGLqyZOLqQQLEAjBRF7C_1JS9nr2duKoER_GL8h55KEjBqrTo4MwWOvxjWBcY2qFEjJDKdHXbnIbhZkBstt5H4ci5lCxfTSLoHK7xskYS/s640/6a31f1ec49f275d8afa2016a932e28ed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_FTnXzp3e9BulBXuq5IZiS3qlF7ztxKC1e8D0V6L53goAYs2SAUOhtn3XpCAderCRoxELoZULiE8vgrWw0m_qGLqyZOLqQQLEAjBRF7C_1JS9nr2duKoER_GL8h55KEjBqrTo4MwWOvxjWBcY2qFEjJDKdHXbnIbhZkBstt5H4ci5lCxfTSLoHK7xskYS/w400-h400/6a31f1ec49f275d8afa2016a932e28ed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Lord knows what we need…</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">...and, when we ask, He does the sustaining, because He is, indeed, a more-than-generous God:</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Who gives "life more than abundantly."</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Who fills nets to full and overflowing.</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i>Who feeds more than 5,000 from two fish and five loaves of bread (with 12 baskets of left overs).</i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #76a5af; font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="color: #76a5af; font-size: medium;">Who sustains the sick with a voice and added energy for the moment and beyond...</span></i></b></p></blockquote>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our only “to do” —— </span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>CAST! GIVE AWAY!</i></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"></span></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhQxtop9I7S6PTGTTsTILX0lvb_I5wDWMg5YMRS_WAExiZDPOPVHlM6vTrU0e-y9bqzBua5jWDraF-kWy17pAosjF7kEXF8A3vxyl2N1zRB08PJT2B2CnhdIzck3JXMssSWbb-xtT2Bn9ygY94IXbfhkwdMeRBl0bOPiNpeXwm9vbNpcObyIDfkFVp0jk/s1974/dreamstime_m_117137424.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1974" data-original-width="1518" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhQxtop9I7S6PTGTTsTILX0lvb_I5wDWMg5YMRS_WAExiZDPOPVHlM6vTrU0e-y9bqzBua5jWDraF-kWy17pAosjF7kEXF8A3vxyl2N1zRB08PJT2B2CnhdIzck3JXMssSWbb-xtT2Bn9ygY94IXbfhkwdMeRBl0bOPiNpeXwm9vbNpcObyIDfkFVp0jk/w308-h400/dreamstime_m_117137424.jpg.webp" width="308" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But, you and I must be certain to take our hands off…and not take back what we've given away!!!</span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Then, we can watch Him work to do that which He does BEST!</span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUvTWQq5OeLyxqG_0iJWkUGzfLCCtWoantueXLU3VidYzDSWB9_pSS1hODgX3AFnOfEt0zfBCfS6GtbHyOsH9gzJalQ3duzKlAyA0vXIbujMChrc8Ob81o3ddudNa0LAcJuZ4nd9jKuIIGvXFgVNG3drCPGBp3W3tZZ__7bPDwohHvJEW3VNRHVNi53ZF/s800/10+Favorite+Quotes+On+God's+amazing+grace+%7C+what+grace+is+%7C+Above+the+Waves+%7C%7C+%23grace+%23christianquotesongrace.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUvTWQq5OeLyxqG_0iJWkUGzfLCCtWoantueXLU3VidYzDSWB9_pSS1hODgX3AFnOfEt0zfBCfS6GtbHyOsH9gzJalQ3duzKlAyA0vXIbujMChrc8Ob81o3ddudNa0LAcJuZ4nd9jKuIIGvXFgVNG3drCPGBp3W3tZZ__7bPDwohHvJEW3VNRHVNi53ZF/w400-h400/10+Favorite+Quotes+On+God's+amazing+grace+%7C+what+grace+is+%7C+Above+the+Waves+%7C%7C+%23grace+%23christianquotesongrace.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRQMkMHh5yEkj2tNh_kZ5Y9WMIspf2JE866AIlTj95fgszLinzLerxxB11422eapTFEbcxWzgE_vKkPZ1c3iSWLAYcrsQvBAHXYzfz1P6qcsmVcJNXN6GLP_HLRSLlLkbN_f6uunaEjOA6RQJsBNeIsPIlZFHjMOaDUnl4pfyrNPo4lNMgPSnSOm_vYet/s298/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="298" data-original-width="169" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRQMkMHh5yEkj2tNh_kZ5Y9WMIspf2JE866AIlTj95fgszLinzLerxxB11422eapTFEbcxWzgE_vKkPZ1c3iSWLAYcrsQvBAHXYzfz1P6qcsmVcJNXN6GLP_HLRSLlLkbN_f6uunaEjOA6RQJsBNeIsPIlZFHjMOaDUnl4pfyrNPo4lNMgPSnSOm_vYet/w227-h400/Unknown.jpeg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><p></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-15497059040994233892023-12-06T14:15:00.000-08:002023-12-06T14:15:20.440-08:00When God's Voice is Silent: A Psalm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEEIOrplMPqAmQOo4WHCPDpGq6Afn0HEh83o_h1t5Xvfg4wY7fhbnIIj_W31QAbRnyKtgncRAD1P1waAfqAgThiylJBCG1ywbw_rvfIJKcpkCkFNDW7Af-dl6piwB8tsX3AbKTQArXi9oNYIGCnI_sXCTmWUT0McnXaRdRTGUo17iGcHuPjIBw6rCdzjn/s1584/19_Psa_102_001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXEEIOrplMPqAmQOo4WHCPDpGq6Afn0HEh83o_h1t5Xvfg4wY7fhbnIIj_W31QAbRnyKtgncRAD1P1waAfqAgThiylJBCG1ywbw_rvfIJKcpkCkFNDW7Af-dl6piwB8tsX3AbKTQArXi9oNYIGCnI_sXCTmWUT0McnXaRdRTGUo17iGcHuPjIBw6rCdzjn/s320/19_Psa_102_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Last week I looked at the voices that we sometimes listen to, which will steal away our joy, sure as anything! </p><p>Then, I began digging into Psalm 13.</p><p>Even King David, a man after God's own heart, struggled with voices that robbed him of "life to the full," right into deep despair...where he even wondered if life was worth living. </p><p>I love the relevancy of Scriptures. </p><p>Here is Psalm 13, all 6 verses, printed out for you.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever?</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">How long will you hide your face from me?</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">How long must I take counsel in my soul</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">and have sorrow in my heart all the day?</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Consider and answer me, O LORD my God;</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">light up my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death,</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed over him,”</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">lest my foes rejoice because I am shaken.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">But I have trusted in your steadfast love;</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">I will sing to the LORD,</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">because he has dealt bountifully with me.</span></i></b></p><p>This psalm was probably written as David ran from King Saul, hiding in caves, scrounging for food, his only friends, scoundrels. </p><p>David listened to the voice of his enemies.</p><p>His foes are insolent and gloating.</p><p>They make up stories about him, all lies (Ps. 7) and make his life utterly miserable (Ps 10). </p><p>It's obvious David has tried to figure out a way to end the running, but nothing he has tried to date has worked.</p><p>So, he lives with anxiety and sorrow.</p><p>His hope is dissipating.</p><p>His joy is just about gone; and, there is no peace to be found in his soul.</p><p>His faith (as expressed by the metaphor about "no light in his eyes") is weak.</p><p>Hmmm....sounds like last week's blog in a very poetic form.</p><p>David shows us, however, how to get right back on track...</p><p>In the first two verses, he laments.</p><p>He goes to the throne of his very personal God, and cries out his complaints.</p><p>God is OK with that and gives us permission to do so.</p><p>He asks God, "How long?" </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKkDrkOOG7kHf5DJmJcgltTMCaaWxO710QwBDVL5e551gqBR0bI6IhYneL_FIPB3S1A3bCabFHF623WdTO0UyBxrxA1bvyvdXoUkJrcG8VSDroZxHNkyrh9BRL1F2YgsunZk8U3TGAI52yW-k8GEX5vdf3dNencSOUL7mcV6kJR44hW8h30uksZvi3KHi/s960/14076.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGKkDrkOOG7kHf5DJmJcgltTMCaaWxO710QwBDVL5e551gqBR0bI6IhYneL_FIPB3S1A3bCabFHF623WdTO0UyBxrxA1bvyvdXoUkJrcG8VSDroZxHNkyrh9BRL1F2YgsunZk8U3TGAI52yW-k8GEX5vdf3dNencSOUL7mcV6kJR44hW8h30uksZvi3KHi/s320/14076.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We want to ask that, too, sometimes...</p><p>David doesn't really want an answer, not even an explanation, he is simply venting.</p><p>Lament allows us to vent in a very safe place...God's presence.</p><p>His cries stir his prayers (verses 3-4).</p><p>So should ours.</p><p>He tells God what He really needs (which is exactly what we need):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Comfort.</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Joy.</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Encouragement.</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>Soul-revival.</b></span></li><li><span style="color: #e06666;"><b>God's voice in David's ears.</b></span></li></ul><p></p><p>Then, all of a sudden, somehow, someway, God gives David a "but" - His still small voice whispers in David's soul, and DAVID HEARS GOD'S VOICE. </p><p>David is reminded of God's mercy, His lovingkindness, His covenant promises (all wrapped up in two English words: steadfast love; one Hebrew word: hesed).</p><p>David is reminded of God's answered prayers in the past ---- God's faithfulness and the bountiful way God has dealt with him.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiraFEu7m7k9nDTvlna3EX9AnS8noOshZF0KajHc8enDCjIhYsRUh1HX8Np1I4jHoy5q8s-AG5le8u5rIDOSa2IvMx_gXhWSaJegliy_y_wVydjlgw6tMKcpF6tQH-s9R7jUhS5JO0oXk1MPc5327cCzgZ8UurgcslR5JripuPcMDIoK2teFmBaoURWEog/s275/Unknown.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiraFEu7m7k9nDTvlna3EX9AnS8noOshZF0KajHc8enDCjIhYsRUh1HX8Np1I4jHoy5q8s-AG5le8u5rIDOSa2IvMx_gXhWSaJegliy_y_wVydjlgw6tMKcpF6tQH-s9R7jUhS5JO0oXk1MPc5327cCzgZ8UurgcslR5JripuPcMDIoK2teFmBaoURWEog/w266-h400/Unknown.jpeg" width="266" /></a></div><p>And...now, David's doubts are turned to trust; and he begins to sing songs of rejoicing. </p><p>I love how David sings his way through sorrow and suffering, teaching us to do the same.</p><p>When voices of trial try to steal away our hope, joy, and peace...sing all the louder!</p><p>Raise some hallelujah's...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfxCsULgZZngALPzQVe7voTjmD5tpQcVTzhyphenhyphenQq2OR1zX2RDerdFDTQNIbtlRT4jSs0iT9FEvgvo7t6PYMbERJA2m_l0rc1qRwrcqn8SjctlrXDFRu31Sj6FjnvBbalfJqI5nOyVfALVxz1xMRyIZ5RXOcMBdRzONPBHCuWNr37R1oLjqA7aCb6337NwVE/s600/depositphotos_226117452-stock-illustration-biblical-scripture-verse-psalm-shout.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUfxCsULgZZngALPzQVe7voTjmD5tpQcVTzhyphenhyphenQq2OR1zX2RDerdFDTQNIbtlRT4jSs0iT9FEvgvo7t6PYMbERJA2m_l0rc1qRwrcqn8SjctlrXDFRu31Sj6FjnvBbalfJqI5nOyVfALVxz1xMRyIZ5RXOcMBdRzONPBHCuWNr37R1oLjqA7aCb6337NwVE/w400-h400/depositphotos_226117452-stock-illustration-biblical-scripture-verse-psalm-shout.jpg" width="400" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaZVbd1qmOHa6Q4biJ7JdJvycOHslpXiD3OiluVFe9STJ8sYa1QjRHItPcZNY929V-I4-bGeERIhSDQI_cAk8gCLNGr_srmIcD_l6mpV8NFhR9Bi6sidoeHs6rOqWR_SY5CZwziq71MNANDh8Bc2zB5Ev6ZNOr7rj_ft_6c-qDpTepcAdfb1JYIQB3jyl/s736/IMG_0454.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="736" data-original-width="736" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWaZVbd1qmOHa6Q4biJ7JdJvycOHslpXiD3OiluVFe9STJ8sYa1QjRHItPcZNY929V-I4-bGeERIhSDQI_cAk8gCLNGr_srmIcD_l6mpV8NFhR9Bi6sidoeHs6rOqWR_SY5CZwziq71MNANDh8Bc2zB5Ev6ZNOr7rj_ft_6c-qDpTepcAdfb1JYIQB3jyl/s320/IMG_0454.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /></div><p>Now, lean into the Lord to hear His voice of comfort, <b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;">restoring light to your eyes.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></b></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-19416778077681397202023-11-29T13:59:00.000-08:002023-11-29T13:59:22.073-08:00Voices That Steal Our Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFm23S6-FnpqFWYFUDCcidp_-6nK3k7pv55wOLBimD1gN0OCmdmwJcON5FTt1cxvm7A4urRl1T2khxZfRAjOJJyXXaOimOWAfA2-iFKiZGJzUDQesQqBpNTa5ZdfTaravYNhwQLloA0L5ZrelVYIGZaAQVFxqh2_aRggvMQ6kZyzqC35NwruPA1dQW52Z/s1540/John%2010-27%20My%20Sheep%20Hear%20My%20Voice%20beige.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1540" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikFm23S6-FnpqFWYFUDCcidp_-6nK3k7pv55wOLBimD1gN0OCmdmwJcON5FTt1cxvm7A4urRl1T2khxZfRAjOJJyXXaOimOWAfA2-iFKiZGJzUDQesQqBpNTa5ZdfTaravYNhwQLloA0L5ZrelVYIGZaAQVFxqh2_aRggvMQ6kZyzqC35NwruPA1dQW52Z/w400-h300/John%2010-27%20My%20Sheep%20Hear%20My%20Voice%20beige.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Happy belated Thanksgiving!</p><p>Ours was wonderful (!), and 3/5ths of our family gathered together to celebrate the abundance of blessings God has poured out on us this year. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6eWfh5qer84S-WoiS8okYS2svVbn8_Dgsuy6mbRfuZqRqNEXySN7n8J9hZHdpGBr9J1770C4DaU_bnS0z0m06hH2RYmh25ZsHpZuCq0-7AWrtFWrVC9ad7UDxLM8mKlIXqBzniXWgnkkrx7VrXRs9vcHExLxFIF69vSYJDTp8F_LLryUkbrlMpRGBlgbJ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2572" data-original-width="3430" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6eWfh5qer84S-WoiS8okYS2svVbn8_Dgsuy6mbRfuZqRqNEXySN7n8J9hZHdpGBr9J1770C4DaU_bnS0z0m06hH2RYmh25ZsHpZuCq0-7AWrtFWrVC9ad7UDxLM8mKlIXqBzniXWgnkkrx7VrXRs9vcHExLxFIF69vSYJDTp8F_LLryUkbrlMpRGBlgbJ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Those blessings far exceed the hard times...</p><p>That's why a season set apart to give thanks was a great idea (thank you, George Washington).</p><p>From little to big, there is much for which to be grateful.</p><p>(Bay and I even played in a family pickleball tournament, and did OK, considering we had never touched a racket).</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqeZagfy7W0ahMdX37lcD8Wg5TIZapCdfZDELOr5VTRrVL7MTAKMXiNiHLjm3cVOsNslKoVuQ_zHUcOcSggWb8I0qI7ajefpcjQkvxoHe-NXKCEsERNstKjf1qVLGXiV28z7Fu80eZcVulMQJqro8WLF-kNjpTCM5q8w0eWyi40uZSHlzOnUN29jBRDv1O" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqeZagfy7W0ahMdX37lcD8Wg5TIZapCdfZDELOr5VTRrVL7MTAKMXiNiHLjm3cVOsNslKoVuQ_zHUcOcSggWb8I0qI7ajefpcjQkvxoHe-NXKCEsERNstKjf1qVLGXiV28z7Fu80eZcVulMQJqro8WLF-kNjpTCM5q8w0eWyi40uZSHlzOnUN29jBRDv1O=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Right before the holiday, I began studying the full and generous heart of God toward His children.</p><p>He promises us <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">"life to the full...more than abundant!" </span></i></b></p><p>And, just to remind you, the giving of thanks is the start to experiencing this fulness, in spite of our circumstances.</p><p>Of course, John 10:10 tells us we have a thief that wants to steal away our <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"life" (our zeal, enthusiasm, bounce, sparkle...the attitude with which we approach each day).</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-D9JcEOFhp_Mx1Nv34HexVqgHEVnan9wSEaOxzVMhjPcgd7bP6a7rLcVCramc3OmFZbiYi0VBnwX-WTb8vnaDjWZddmN_hQ6894hMm_7NWAuIEJ3wTSGOGAC6-h0CGZTnlLDEhjqnc1ONxUgWEVQHEpQ_kviYt2kjmBAxwrclZz632SOaWFcoohnmwCX/s900/900_Scripture-on-the-Walls_John_10_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="900" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-D9JcEOFhp_Mx1Nv34HexVqgHEVnan9wSEaOxzVMhjPcgd7bP6a7rLcVCramc3OmFZbiYi0VBnwX-WTb8vnaDjWZddmN_hQ6894hMm_7NWAuIEJ3wTSGOGAC6-h0CGZTnlLDEhjqnc1ONxUgWEVQHEpQ_kviYt2kjmBAxwrclZz632SOaWFcoohnmwCX/w400-h334/900_Scripture-on-the-Walls_John_10_10.jpg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>On the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, I met with my online bible study and we discussed this passage. </p><p>I asked them "who is the thief?"</p><p>Of course, the obvious answer is our mega-enemy, the devil, Satan.</p><p>However, the ladies had other answers....it's ANYTHING that takes away our hope, our joy, and our peace. </p><p>AND...we have to look at the verse in context (John 10:1-11):</p><p><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber. But he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens. <b><u>The sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. </u></b>When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for<b><u> they know his voice. </u></b>A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for <b><u>they do not know the voice of strangers.</u></b>” This figure of speech Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. <b><u>All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them</u></b>. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd.</span></i></p><p>All the highlighted and underlined parts, I added. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcstuRNaCOCgiZda_D_89VySv-u_eaO_MizeskkLwFYM7_qV_OU8LepXs5SvmaZiWmyGHlAW9FagRgrZrnA9nhMwJl9jZf-r_gYc4DpyQYD-ahJ6aDBdZixc4OMnIHjKVLaIgiIvEtESBm9e3UzIGlslSz3dRXzzQkkIaY_EGRr6VgHrEwK3IjMlE2NwAs/s800/my-sheep-hear-my-voice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcstuRNaCOCgiZda_D_89VySv-u_eaO_MizeskkLwFYM7_qV_OU8LepXs5SvmaZiWmyGHlAW9FagRgrZrnA9nhMwJl9jZf-r_gYc4DpyQYD-ahJ6aDBdZixc4OMnIHjKVLaIgiIvEtESBm9e3UzIGlslSz3dRXzzQkkIaY_EGRr6VgHrEwK3IjMlE2NwAs/w400-h200/my-sheep-hear-my-voice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>These are some of Jesus' key points...</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Followers of the good-shepherd listen for His voice.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">They learn to ignore the voice of the would-be-thieves. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p>Unfortunately, in this day and age, the sheep don't always spend enough time with the shepherd to know His voice, and the voice of the hope-joy-peace-robbers can be just (!) so (!) very (!) winsome (!). </p><p>Winsome, kind, compassionate to begin with, then all of a sudden, those voices can trap us, and before we know it, we're on the losing side. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>I'll never forget the little red dune buggy Bay owned when we first got married.</p><p>It was adorable, and great for zipping all over Phoenix and it made a great little quail hunting vehicle in the dessert. </p><p>One morning, he got up to head to basketball practice at the GCU gym, walked out to the covered space where we kept it at our apartment, only to find it GONE!</p><p>During the night, someone stole it right out from our personal space. </p><p>And, that's exactly how this violation felt....so very, very personal. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></p><p>The life-thief comes to do even more damage....and, it is even more Oh! So! Personal!</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Steal our hope - yes!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Kill our joy - for sure!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Annihilate our peace, so there is nothing left - that, too!</span></i></b></p><p>Then, when all is said and done, we wonder why God seems to have hidden His face from us? </p><p>And...little by little, our faith begins to leak away...</p><p>What can we do? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqyiKJ5qS1CdstLCsi4cABhao7kA6C6stbz1wGivY-RxBP3Vc2FL501F03aLzwbxompJ6Duq_0lsfpqtt3fihtZMaRFe-X4bhyphenhyphenYx9iVekmKJkGiFmoa_mZYx4fmujz1rT8_piq0szLEybK1AEgNhAXsUkNAQwLLUQoVPjmYWSK15w87fQ2ubn3XbSrMvV/s1200/9175-istockgetty-images-pluskristilinton1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijqyiKJ5qS1CdstLCsi4cABhao7kA6C6stbz1wGivY-RxBP3Vc2FL501F03aLzwbxompJ6Duq_0lsfpqtt3fihtZMaRFe-X4bhyphenhyphenYx9iVekmKJkGiFmoa_mZYx4fmujz1rT8_piq0szLEybK1AEgNhAXsUkNAQwLLUQoVPjmYWSK15w87fQ2ubn3XbSrMvV/w400-h209/9175-istockgetty-images-pluskristilinton1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Start by learning the voice of our shepherd.</p><p>Spend enough time with Him in order to do know His whispers above all other voices. </p><p>Today, that's what I'm contemplating!</p><p>What voices do I listen to that are keeping me from "life to the full?"</p><p>You?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZIyGjow354w7RkK6Ezo7fxB-vRtvahVRlRF4FoztyvOmze83arh3eUtQB92_iwoGBcRqgK2hwC6gEChGd3E0fDKX-8vBI0EFHLZ9se66Ol1YbJaVT5PFAmcE6PQ79dv6PggBWD1TBkW2oUbB_hIkMlFdG-sJ77KC1-n3ArPXPEoWC0NnziQUvAzCbgRB/s750/1cfa912c7e2c4a46bca5bf2b610b1b7d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ZIyGjow354w7RkK6Ezo7fxB-vRtvahVRlRF4FoztyvOmze83arh3eUtQB92_iwoGBcRqgK2hwC6gEChGd3E0fDKX-8vBI0EFHLZ9se66Ol1YbJaVT5PFAmcE6PQ79dv6PggBWD1TBkW2oUbB_hIkMlFdG-sJ77KC1-n3ArPXPEoWC0NnziQUvAzCbgRB/w400-h400/1cfa912c7e2c4a46bca5bf2b610b1b7d.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVq4ntrv2huHpKX6F7Rc7aaTql1X5Ka9MjIC9Ooogh_FcDnPi6ax6MTdPN6N4oHM6d7Bfks97cDudm4zmFMJUFWBFT52a73FlyDFTbSJeXcO8UEsIkx7l1StFkwl_a4uOZlilpl2xczIdvcqq8Az06DwR6Ymh9tc9AVxcDx6fyyH6oqbbg86M6SsSMbNQ/s850/quote-listen-in-silence-because-if-your-heart-is-full-of-other-things-you-cannot-hear-the-mother-teresa-76-76-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="850" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLVq4ntrv2huHpKX6F7Rc7aaTql1X5Ka9MjIC9Ooogh_FcDnPi6ax6MTdPN6N4oHM6d7Bfks97cDudm4zmFMJUFWBFT52a73FlyDFTbSJeXcO8UEsIkx7l1StFkwl_a4uOZlilpl2xczIdvcqq8Az06DwR6Ymh9tc9AVxcDx6fyyH6oqbbg86M6SsSMbNQ/w400-h189/quote-listen-in-silence-because-if-your-heart-is-full-of-other-things-you-cannot-hear-the-mother-teresa-76-76-41.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq4b8SPf8OFMowSNs48zIyq2sKoEDEKnDiWO1lU5TvtsBWrKc3vZdvj_2Mxyz95uR1tMfb18TwtdI1PBFgoUb5rM-g1IPAdRfKl9WlzdG31xRVS78DmH40b-B1nK_H-B1k_IEbsDFeWBZXkn4HIsMu87wm3O4k6cbUJhWjo6aHohm7OHWF55l_fF-GrCT/s850/quote-we-often-miss-hearing-god-s-voice-simply-because-we-aren-t-paying-attention-rick-warren-88-0-078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="850" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOq4b8SPf8OFMowSNs48zIyq2sKoEDEKnDiWO1lU5TvtsBWrKc3vZdvj_2Mxyz95uR1tMfb18TwtdI1PBFgoUb5rM-g1IPAdRfKl9WlzdG31xRVS78DmH40b-B1nK_H-B1k_IEbsDFeWBZXkn4HIsMu87wm3O4k6cbUJhWjo6aHohm7OHWF55l_fF-GrCT/w400-h189/quote-we-often-miss-hearing-god-s-voice-simply-because-we-aren-t-paying-attention-rick-warren-88-0-078.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-71870571161921801622023-11-16T04:00:00.000-08:002023-11-16T05:22:05.027-08:00TO THE FULL....The Muchness and Generosity of God<p style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm9UJ_0QkGV7W-EDGXM436-tVYaY0BNkblSz4LYVpen2zBECgHATXW5SzUPJ2ZimQmnI9ZdNtj_WFNrGFjJEp4nWUa7-Ly2ve4ncOjeigSnD3SNPd-BP1DyXaApQquYm0LxXbFBn9E-fkYMRF_8K7CLUA0zz92uJvhUVdqhhWbdwJNol0pcf82M47SHZi/s1280/1280x1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGm9UJ_0QkGV7W-EDGXM436-tVYaY0BNkblSz4LYVpen2zBECgHATXW5SzUPJ2ZimQmnI9ZdNtj_WFNrGFjJEp4nWUa7-Ly2ve4ncOjeigSnD3SNPd-BP1DyXaApQquYm0LxXbFBn9E-fkYMRF_8K7CLUA0zz92uJvhUVdqhhWbdwJNol0pcf82M47SHZi/s320/1280x1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></p><p>I ended last week's blog with these words:</p><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Jesus has a propensity that leans toward filling things to the full and overflowing. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">In fact, He seems to get great joy in doing so!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span>Then, in faith closed with these final words:</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i>"I'm pretty sure that's just around the corner."</i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">By that afternoon, I'd secluded myself in a little personal space of "solitude and silence" to pray about an upcoming topic for a speaking event I have next Tuesday morning. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's for a Zoom meeting I do about once a month.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIS9kBnFlx9RsjMSBkQvtVjBngqWfuKwe8dSEXXzYuiRk-WHzMTwAmpNd4Y5nCitF0Wuqq754WBQ6dqdIxLbK0X8dOxQ_6Wb-qtudXb2ZjkCaROOapM-KeVPp6z7nuOKaNp2jcZa7gJ1mJXO8BazEut6F8-d0yRgz7l2PXDNdIQhYqhfP1QYuB7D1JoQce" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2560" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIS9kBnFlx9RsjMSBkQvtVjBngqWfuKwe8dSEXXzYuiRk-WHzMTwAmpNd4Y5nCitF0Wuqq754WBQ6dqdIxLbK0X8dOxQ_6Wb-qtudXb2ZjkCaROOapM-KeVPp6z7nuOKaNp2jcZa7gJ1mJXO8BazEut6F8-d0yRgz7l2PXDNdIQhYqhfP1QYuB7D1JoQce" width="320" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not a large group of gals attend (this is just one screen shot), but they come from all over the world, where they are serving globally.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We began in 2020 during COVID isolation, and have maintained a little online family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I enjoy these gals, and am honored to be allowed to "spur them on," as they frequently do me! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Once again, in that place of rest and simplicity, as I began to reflect on the blog I had just written, the Lord began to fill the "net."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What struck me during that time hovered around the "muchness" and "overflow" of our God.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He doesn't just fill...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's more than generous.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">What Jesus fills, overflows! <u>ALWAYS</u>!</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFAM0jSPLtG1gbKGe7Sim2JlZmWSQaLD-BBIYRtDIh3vO3QEXgPkwX5Hh_v4028vN8RmlFytXwPwVc2d_5fsK4g05JlItsmmX3dYWOQJcxU69H3W2xrcOxBr1FTrnwVtV89GAkGIQTxXxqFXQdt1TWm6xsMvRC0Xl_V3bQUwMj2h3p5pSGbT6n9bdQRbc-" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="612" data-original-width="373" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFAM0jSPLtG1gbKGe7Sim2JlZmWSQaLD-BBIYRtDIh3vO3QEXgPkwX5Hh_v4028vN8RmlFytXwPwVc2d_5fsK4g05JlItsmmX3dYWOQJcxU69H3W2xrcOxBr1FTrnwVtV89GAkGIQTxXxqFXQdt1TWm6xsMvRC0Xl_V3bQUwMj2h3p5pSGbT6n9bdQRbc-=w243-h400" width="243" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The muchness and generosity of Jesus became evident in the casting of nets; in filling of wine jars; in feeding the 5000 + on a hillside (with 12 baskets left over); in healing sick bodies so they could immediately get up and serve with added energy; in the dead brought back from the grave days after decomposition should have already begun (i.e. within 24-72 hours internal organs already begin to decompose).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Whatever Jesus did, He did "<b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">to the full, <u>ABUNDANTLY</u></span></i>.</b>"</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">My pondering led me to<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"> John 10:10 </span></i></b>(here's the whole verse):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiwjUy5-mAg15Lqni5cnob2BvgKDduL5WsU_lcsWWFdS-w4LZJ7YMAg88YudjyAWzdZZeYVC4MBIU3f12mnv_Sgy_j7k-MRKuMihxvJVibLbks-uIER8XNbep_4O1XlBrh3k4vg9LT250qGxoA4czS_axzQ1toc8WigFfhfDEXn_ggiwxjpXCxrjh9hpm/s960/John-10-10-NIV-small.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXiwjUy5-mAg15Lqni5cnob2BvgKDduL5WsU_lcsWWFdS-w4LZJ7YMAg88YudjyAWzdZZeYVC4MBIU3f12mnv_Sgy_j7k-MRKuMihxvJVibLbks-uIER8XNbep_4O1XlBrh3k4vg9LT250qGxoA4czS_axzQ1toc8WigFfhfDEXn_ggiwxjpXCxrjh9hpm/w225-h400/John-10-10-NIV-small.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Talk about a verse that fits the concept of "to the full!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, I played around with the verse and mapped it out for a while that afternoon.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-shpvGgxvf6OZZwlSr8qOSnw7uoTBc2RqvTjlA4-P6t-2RkmAzQ9k8oXFbXgXjRJJlBg7p87oT3zDLRYKonNWD_OueNlpkVyynno7PlhEwRWFIHwbx2cUvHxyGUTeLUqMejxHFpLKTeu-iRCpj1gWSqEjgU298fWLUGE-YrXrcdatvdHACs9d-32BIFcX" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="3020" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-shpvGgxvf6OZZwlSr8qOSnw7uoTBc2RqvTjlA4-P6t-2RkmAzQ9k8oXFbXgXjRJJlBg7p87oT3zDLRYKonNWD_OueNlpkVyynno7PlhEwRWFIHwbx2cUvHxyGUTeLUqMejxHFpLKTeu-iRCpj1gWSqEjgU298fWLUGE-YrXrcdatvdHACs9d-32BIFcX" width="295" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Key Words: </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Abundantly</span></i></b>. Greek: Periossos - meaning, super-abundant; more than you could ever anticipate; so full it overflows, as full as one can fill a container and then some...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU3fAVD-4UlWHRVtNH0-dqQozuO3eF0uu10bT7p7qm0pTq6nF_35Z4D34AASLp8Gm0cSom8ZIHrGnFLgM7kYlAiXWCpZSIO_kS0l_pzxgXUyCnHdR4z-QwGPVsUVXCMGHyVJBAo4rbtis9mJHG8FV6E4DU7pUKDJVOnhuB9kbcOsn2mL9ziT5CSRFVC1k/s774/maxresdefault.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="333" data-original-width="774" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRU3fAVD-4UlWHRVtNH0-dqQozuO3eF0uu10bT7p7qm0pTq6nF_35Z4D34AASLp8Gm0cSom8ZIHrGnFLgM7kYlAiXWCpZSIO_kS0l_pzxgXUyCnHdR4z-QwGPVsUVXCMGHyVJBAo4rbtis9mJHG8FV6E4DU7pUKDJVOnhuB9kbcOsn2mL9ziT5CSRFVC1k/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">Life</span></i></b>. Greek: Zoe - meaning, a life full of vitality, animation, vigorous enthusiasm, dynamic excitement; zeal, bounce, sparkle...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSu-APmnjSpeW2rZI2bip5CEBnSQcLSBFOq5LLW6yhl8jQFF90-AshHVCgMINSPnwcPwokQAG30tfaLVugsTMQeZZGVF7dHnwzmampN_F-0e-pELPFNTCvityGcXUXDjGVqCKKqpR9O-MFaYgmrYLaRa4D-9oaavPS_h1BECSgooScGZiXgM3QGp8NWaa/s280/db4d8bd6e767f7ec7675e810f04d0279.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="280" data-original-width="280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPSu-APmnjSpeW2rZI2bip5CEBnSQcLSBFOq5LLW6yhl8jQFF90-AshHVCgMINSPnwcPwokQAG30tfaLVugsTMQeZZGVF7dHnwzmampN_F-0e-pELPFNTCvityGcXUXDjGVqCKKqpR9O-MFaYgmrYLaRa4D-9oaavPS_h1BECSgooScGZiXgM3QGp8NWaa/w200-h200/db4d8bd6e767f7ec7675e810f04d0279.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That's probably enough for right now, 'cause here's the question that comes to my mind. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><u><span style="font-size: large;">On a meter of 1-10, how am I experiencing LIFE?</span></u></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">1-empty</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">somewhere in the middle<br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">10-zoe</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp0ODoezg4hyphenhyphenkWgxz2uO-3uMFsG5JrIh5qpEOBXv-a29TrcDYr3xqvKjhZXko6csvdl3w6lQc-MxeR5JjEILviRUifiCo8tzzCLpsJQjnPpnxeDQwMywclDUjQKiaIo6vaYmechLcF-_uqRWvwSH3OxDh5ldTdsRku3WhDMHhWw-Qk9X604BjjLle-vgG/s612/istockphoto-1336303245-612x612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEp0ODoezg4hyphenhyphenkWgxz2uO-3uMFsG5JrIh5qpEOBXv-a29TrcDYr3xqvKjhZXko6csvdl3w6lQc-MxeR5JjEILviRUifiCo8tzzCLpsJQjnPpnxeDQwMywclDUjQKiaIo6vaYmechLcF-_uqRWvwSH3OxDh5ldTdsRku3WhDMHhWw-Qk9X604BjjLle-vgG/w200-h200/istockphoto-1336303245-612x612.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'll quit with a short story.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As a little girl, I always tried to sneak extra food onto my plate at meal times. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My mother kept close watch on how much I ate.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her line to me, always the same: <i>"You're finished. You've had a sufficiency. Any more would be superfluous (more than enough)."</i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">With hands raised in praise, I can say that when it comes to our lives, the path we are walking, the journey as we step heavenward, <i><b>Jesus is not my mom.</b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9O0Sw7dbljPiqPEVxFT5YhGe05rJrEF4XmoUlVb3KuLEUg57dQCywR5Mn8xp-dO6LtQ_CignQaF2V70OKCYzniJaGqEUjDw80WCcN1OPUIhvYSBQUP_6pHfto5OqrFip5_H7MkIWl4-8ysPvbbfLwfEqoMWMxsNy927SywbDp63Pz7AuelaKPyScUXRW/s1200/1f64c.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9O0Sw7dbljPiqPEVxFT5YhGe05rJrEF4XmoUlVb3KuLEUg57dQCywR5Mn8xp-dO6LtQ_CignQaF2V70OKCYzniJaGqEUjDw80WCcN1OPUIhvYSBQUP_6pHfto5OqrFip5_H7MkIWl4-8ysPvbbfLwfEqoMWMxsNy927SywbDp63Pz7AuelaKPyScUXRW/w200-h105/1f64c.jpg" width="200" /></a></div></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's cheering us on, metaphorically heaping more and more on our plates, saying, </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">"Live! I've come to give you LIFE and that LIFE is to be SUPERFLUOUS."</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is mine? </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Is yours?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If so, yay!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If not, why not...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Better yet, where am I on that "Zoe" meter / where are you... and where do we want to be?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So, in the next blog, we'll look at some potential ways the enemy of our souls tries to "steal, kill, and destroy" the fulness of life Jesus promises.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For now....it's reflection time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">BUT ONE KEY TO EXPERIENCING THIS LIFE IS SURE: GRATITUDE! </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">What a great season to begin looking around to experience thanksgiving and the start of life to the full...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb8aDSuJHR6ITGIg0-I5DGVu3REsYw8gM6IdjqQsGZnL4ReQOPQ3h2WzA_aWyBeL_18jhuG8ZYqYmNuAwcG1h7q8K776o_10kwPT1Edd2dz4AdFn8a4uk2Ad4qGn-5Eu3-Dnc_8tgoZkp5FISW7-MMW-LsUtStAc0IoCqwymWku9RaW1NdAHETMxAtpHD/s500/Does-God-guarantee-the-absence-of-struggle-and-the-abundance-of-strength-Not-in-this-life.-But-he-does-pledge-to-reweave-your-pain-for-a-higher-purpose.-.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdb8aDSuJHR6ITGIg0-I5DGVu3REsYw8gM6IdjqQsGZnL4ReQOPQ3h2WzA_aWyBeL_18jhuG8ZYqYmNuAwcG1h7q8K776o_10kwPT1Edd2dz4AdFn8a4uk2Ad4qGn-5Eu3-Dnc_8tgoZkp5FISW7-MMW-LsUtStAc0IoCqwymWku9RaW1NdAHETMxAtpHD/w400-h400/Does-God-guarantee-the-absence-of-struggle-and-the-abundance-of-strength-Not-in-this-life.-But-he-does-pledge-to-reweave-your-pain-for-a-higher-purpose.-.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Be assured...even in the midst of struggle and the absence of strength, our God wants to pour into us "abundance of life." He is re-weaving our life-strings to create a beautiful tapestry of faith.</span></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: x-large;">XXXXX</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">P.S. There will be no blog on Thanksgiving - may you all experience a Thanksgiving that is FULL of LIFE in EVERY WAY!!! May your GRATITUDE LIST be long and you overflow with praise for the blessings your Heavenly Father has bestowed upon you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI45B0vmhYqnTlxtptVnaS23y44w6VaiMbSDJ-3xm5n4NdzdmZtvkVKCIgL-ilLANadVSA9ntWEW9OKHvJRJiuySWNiNTGZpUf5PcJZMDAAFMj6exl3estEFkdBmWjVYPWFkKuzSeb7A3s54hkf2JhzIikcUxnuyrGMo9e9WY5K7DIKSGYBK5RDhehFOg/s800/thanksgiving-pumpkins-fruits-falling-leaves-happy-thanksgiving-pumpkins-fruits-falling-leaves-rustic-wooden-126940668.jpg.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="800" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVI45B0vmhYqnTlxtptVnaS23y44w6VaiMbSDJ-3xm5n4NdzdmZtvkVKCIgL-ilLANadVSA9ntWEW9OKHvJRJiuySWNiNTGZpUf5PcJZMDAAFMj6exl3estEFkdBmWjVYPWFkKuzSeb7A3s54hkf2JhzIikcUxnuyrGMo9e9WY5K7DIKSGYBK5RDhehFOg/w400-h200/thanksgiving-pumpkins-fruits-falling-leaves-happy-thanksgiving-pumpkins-fruits-falling-leaves-rustic-wooden-126940668.jpg.webp" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-85042806083820800942023-11-09T04:00:00.012-08:002023-11-09T04:32:31.777-08:00Empty Nets, Full Nets, and Rest<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzpMkJuyXw1Z6ajyeXmw_pUKv2eqIzfV--Jdw5YkQueIfCIIcMxLTxUeAVCaQmNyyKrFDkg2MPxqCm6Mf22J7QZUHcEJasTyOJKSGZXL7J6xEQYCFnfkWZNqEYxzSA3XqaPHu_YoYP-2jj39dslhl5CdT3rLFGgHeemdvzlqFDML4RT4FzCMwXxBJXX6H6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzpMkJuyXw1Z6ajyeXmw_pUKv2eqIzfV--Jdw5YkQueIfCIIcMxLTxUeAVCaQmNyyKrFDkg2MPxqCm6Mf22J7QZUHcEJasTyOJKSGZXL7J6xEQYCFnfkWZNqEYxzSA3XqaPHu_YoYP-2jj39dslhl5CdT3rLFGgHeemdvzlqFDML4RT4FzCMwXxBJXX6H6=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There are days when my mind feels totally empty of words.</p><p>The night before the first session of the women's retreat in Greece, I felt a bit like the disciples who'd fished all night and come up short. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQjL-7_3FuoIMhStUzTHjimxY9n8MdWW2gHP8cTHZt-CMCtmm7rjNsOzNSsng08my9kqjA6vFBMjQEZ90V3mnm-qqOQynla6vKbVl6UDSuMWNWmG5lRWk3GG4p4RyuFjeaZRCX7gwLMHzAADXySgUjwnxnkvBNZDOMdBTuhBYbPjIZfj1NTd64p_1TY2yO" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1350" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQjL-7_3FuoIMhStUzTHjimxY9n8MdWW2gHP8cTHZt-CMCtmm7rjNsOzNSsng08my9kqjA6vFBMjQEZ90V3mnm-qqOQynla6vKbVl6UDSuMWNWmG5lRWk3GG4p4RyuFjeaZRCX7gwLMHzAADXySgUjwnxnkvBNZDOMdBTuhBYbPjIZfj1NTd64p_1TY2yO=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Of course, I'd planned and prepped for each session, but when I went to bed that evening, it felt like this particular fishing hole had NOTTA (thing). </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFsRf_i4GmuFRvMhyhvYvAb5ljS8nFHJSuUYOqydCMaGuTINvJ143WgZsYwORikse4btShv8NgR8mYsWd3WUpt5SAJXp1Q1UKNYMfv8nmPvcST06uIEoKRAqgfHxBQ0eNwy3vDnvLU4keSRE5DTQAKpZbD-1TwhvZ5pgZhrVW1NbkgnxhUvwZWmPSLoMXS" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFsRf_i4GmuFRvMhyhvYvAb5ljS8nFHJSuUYOqydCMaGuTINvJ143WgZsYwORikse4btShv8NgR8mYsWd3WUpt5SAJXp1Q1UKNYMfv8nmPvcST06uIEoKRAqgfHxBQ0eNwy3vDnvLU4keSRE5DTQAKpZbD-1TwhvZ5pgZhrVW1NbkgnxhUvwZWmPSLoMXS=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>What happened to everything I had studied?</p><p>All I could do was pray, try to get some sleep, and hope the morning brought a clearer, fuller mind. </p><p>Morning came early.</p><p>I sat with my notes and the flood of words came.</p><p>Keeping with the analogy, Jesus now stood on the shores, and instructed me to throw my net onto the right side of the boat.</p><p>Like Peter, I wanted to say, "Lord, we've been fishing ALL NIGHT..." </p><p>Then, Peter went ahead, shrugged his shoulders, and threw the net.</p><p>Of course, as the story goes, the net was so full, they could hardly pull it in to the shore.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg62lzIGvPDrARvN0Hl37T3s7oXFnfd8GBDKoN9Qd8Blovx6_Rv43i4sezNO2WbEG9zmRFL2SycpgEAgUtnEVjqOYtPuNSTeatXXX4sdxaLOMReocBRMVAiK1YJkZw2lhYZIrIZ7Tn_g3BxfKO-441PA3mAWjAeyMcu3N9MRgeXl0f2Qyspph7ZkCprnSlm" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg62lzIGvPDrARvN0Hl37T3s7oXFnfd8GBDKoN9Qd8Blovx6_Rv43i4sezNO2WbEG9zmRFL2SycpgEAgUtnEVjqOYtPuNSTeatXXX4sdxaLOMReocBRMVAiK1YJkZw2lhYZIrIZ7Tn_g3BxfKO-441PA3mAWjAeyMcu3N9MRgeXl0f2Qyspph7ZkCprnSlm=w400-h224" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>That morning when I stood before the attendees, the net of words overflowed.</p><p>All I had to do was sift through them, put them in order, and speak what the Lord had given me. </p><p>Why do I tell you this little story?</p><p>I'm back home after several weeks away.</p><p>Once again, the net is empty (& there's this blog I committed to write...).</p><p>There aren't any words.</p><p>So I'm reminded, there are times when the Lord fills the net, and there are times when He says to set the net to the side and just REST. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhErWXsEsYy-LfFX-EdbTt6ulieWI3AgJ06rrD-ygX_n6Cc_tJ4vcXshKIa9k-_HUBm0btt1UpV94v_n3urXBKUvnWy3yWbfq0kIGLFxOlsDduDe5C7kKQlLBLo7SxaA1PmmlFe-_GUsUHry5vZHPzupRtZ6Oy0GQDf9ecB95sXNRuJkE3D-rvSwe2mZu-o" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="303" data-original-width="894" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhErWXsEsYy-LfFX-EdbTt6ulieWI3AgJ06rrD-ygX_n6Cc_tJ4vcXshKIa9k-_HUBm0btt1UpV94v_n3urXBKUvnWy3yWbfq0kIGLFxOlsDduDe5C7kKQlLBLo7SxaA1PmmlFe-_GUsUHry5vZHPzupRtZ6Oy0GQDf9ecB95sXNRuJkE3D-rvSwe2mZu-o=w400-h135" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>That's where I am this morning.</p><p>Nothing really of great importance to share...except...</p><p>Only to remind myself, and in the reminding, share with you this truth.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Sometimes the most Holy action we can take is to simply be still!</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiSKXeVe2BIKcCeJKQxnoLpY9fBUO8XvK33ghc-_k-hSwOSO4NZVWOu1gBMD-nQOuFJjNazH8xoKgtsh_GZqe2P4PvKnqI8h7a5aPsFIh_Yfh_ceqeX4I4YLxGLozo5pwWTvv7HsgaqBNPr6JtI-WQH5jK2A2ByLIjD87h5OymJaea0lgG85ztpXYCLYr3" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiSKXeVe2BIKcCeJKQxnoLpY9fBUO8XvK33ghc-_k-hSwOSO4NZVWOu1gBMD-nQOuFJjNazH8xoKgtsh_GZqe2P4PvKnqI8h7a5aPsFIh_Yfh_ceqeX4I4YLxGLozo5pwWTvv7HsgaqBNPr6JtI-WQH5jK2A2ByLIjD87h5OymJaea0lgG85ztpXYCLYr3=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Without stillness, we miss the Lord's invitation to intimacy with Him.</p><p>Without stillness, silence, and rest...we can miss out on KNOWING our Lord more deeply.</p><p>From time to time, we all need to step off the path of busy to just be attentive to the presence of God. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNGvgctTbIIpe_GC9D-4RpenkgL2WpXlPpyHqqYNmw3hQFgSM4XHbZ5D3H3tVdh6pozAlhOkcbe5Jz_x372q1e9TVM2m71pbwZX15noGjFzWYMPEwSXxaMQbQ7kwuuXIw1RXBHOGpBrdeCk8zKPGvRf3g5vgQj1RxhsAZ-b6ZSuhUb9gCmzu5pnbaIigH5" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNGvgctTbIIpe_GC9D-4RpenkgL2WpXlPpyHqqYNmw3hQFgSM4XHbZ5D3H3tVdh6pozAlhOkcbe5Jz_x372q1e9TVM2m71pbwZX15noGjFzWYMPEwSXxaMQbQ7kwuuXIw1RXBHOGpBrdeCk8zKPGvRf3g5vgQj1RxhsAZ-b6ZSuhUb9gCmzu5pnbaIigH5=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>There in His presence, He awakens us to Himself...</p><p>Fills our souls with peace...</p><p>...our minds with the words of His voice...</p><p>...and our feet with the next right steps. </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghh7acN3q6BatxzI86eH1aj0hd0VBUP15VqGBUkZgJdrPXqcTSWlgNr5Or5UKx6OWCVW7gvyC7hggT7cXCKpUoTSbj7c0QcFfTOXZjg2fc4h-Vj1nlixop0kAVhau9uFH_MeI2_5ySHd8PAOU1C-nSfQ-WpC-ktmTLshLv8ul6Ez7u-KtwVAigi7dgPCcy" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEghh7acN3q6BatxzI86eH1aj0hd0VBUP15VqGBUkZgJdrPXqcTSWlgNr5Or5UKx6OWCVW7gvyC7hggT7cXCKpUoTSbj7c0QcFfTOXZjg2fc4h-Vj1nlixop0kAVhau9uFH_MeI2_5ySHd8PAOU1C-nSfQ-WpC-ktmTLshLv8ul6Ez7u-KtwVAigi7dgPCcy=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>So, for now...this is where you'll find me; I'll simply be <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">"SON-BATHING" in His presence.</span></i></b> </p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl-AhipnahINqM9aKfiQzS0wu8xHQde7DBbO4HmkdYnle3Zs6YKfQG6DX44SKHizCoJxSrvZcHIuaJDdopxIx_0XzY58937ItjZrkQYyeJYVW_s-Um_XcNvA5OO-jLwkBkseQ6VZBiJvRsJz4bwWENcB6Dt7QfyCkpzsedvyO79tHTDHmefANrxrQSH4c6" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhl-AhipnahINqM9aKfiQzS0wu8xHQde7DBbO4HmkdYnle3Zs6YKfQG6DX44SKHizCoJxSrvZcHIuaJDdopxIx_0XzY58937ItjZrkQYyeJYVW_s-Um_XcNvA5OO-jLwkBkseQ6VZBiJvRsJz4bwWENcB6Dt7QfyCkpzsedvyO79tHTDHmefANrxrQSH4c6=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">*****</span></i></b></p><p>As I bring this blog entry to a close, I'm reminded of this word of warning I read recently:</p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Let's be aware</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">We can linger</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">So long</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">in </span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rest</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">that it stops being </span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">Rest</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">at all</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">and</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">simply </span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">becomes</span></b></i></p><p><i><b><span style="color: #e06666;">STAGNATION. </span></b></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">*****</span></i></b></p><p>Truth is that as much as I need to sit a bit right now, I would hate it long-term.</p><p>In fact, I think I might stagnate.</p><p>It's fullness of joy to me to continue doing what the Lord has called me to do.</p><p>So...I'll rest a bit.</p><p>Receive from the Lord.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGAHC2MHSPUDeFqI18BVDTHr_Ht4Z6v53VU6AE6WOWT543KruePO7wj5IFjhvXawGUWCih4hhyfl_G9zJV6yQboCJNACbw3KS0eoQh_UTbCeAss-F6YhdUEtusWwOSsPqxbeBcQs91Wb7OsjJiyjGpLrzDi1lfB3AnwUGBurjuPmAYjB0v6m5fQ1V33X1N" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGAHC2MHSPUDeFqI18BVDTHr_Ht4Z6v53VU6AE6WOWT543KruePO7wj5IFjhvXawGUWCih4hhyfl_G9zJV6yQboCJNACbw3KS0eoQh_UTbCeAss-F6YhdUEtusWwOSsPqxbeBcQs91Wb7OsjJiyjGpLrzDi1lfB3AnwUGBurjuPmAYjB0v6m5fQ1V33X1N=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>Return to the work. </p><p><b><i>I love being useful to/for the Master.</i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXJ58QEhmeRLwDV1GKOFnUQQzY-Sr_LwJaZM9fIaAmn_vr-lRcfjCsQNDJTVx6WWZJU3Xk8Jk_VpeCkqVfhHRi0XQ75a-RpkUGHyLNOFvraHfJZlgO8NE6UPolGRHuk1N6SL0kZsRI3fA1aDcrDJ4o0pcYNdKi31WjtdpKWJujo5pEZen7doO7goLDCQ1D" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXJ58QEhmeRLwDV1GKOFnUQQzY-Sr_LwJaZM9fIaAmn_vr-lRcfjCsQNDJTVx6WWZJU3Xk8Jk_VpeCkqVfhHRi0XQ75a-RpkUGHyLNOFvraHfJZlgO8NE6UPolGRHuk1N6SL0kZsRI3fA1aDcrDJ4o0pcYNdKi31WjtdpKWJujo5pEZen7doO7goLDCQ1D=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><br />There's a P.S. I should add here: <div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">Jesus has a propensity that leans toward filling things to the full and overflowing. </span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">In fact, He seems to get great joy in doing so!</span></i></div><p></p><div>I'm pretty sure that's just around the corner. </div></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-21026845755470204022023-11-02T03:00:00.002-07:002023-11-02T03:45:19.554-07:00Stop Trying to Be the Lion…<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABeJ39Lszvc4-_0f9BE22ZKWKI_IgEzsQauYTI94D25667f1uxArTkHL6e3FMaoP0Wlm76lobtxxu3zNNKwwUVip87CCIrRq6vVOI42X9ao8o_lQt6WX7IvdvEofdt6GuEbpHOj3r06SqynpEE4_hbJxSokObMn_nsSZs3EcpOUcUrPqQto6RCq3vwLLJ/s1286/IMG_5516.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="965" data-original-width="1286" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjABeJ39Lszvc4-_0f9BE22ZKWKI_IgEzsQauYTI94D25667f1uxArTkHL6e3FMaoP0Wlm76lobtxxu3zNNKwwUVip87CCIrRq6vVOI42X9ao8o_lQt6WX7IvdvEofdt6GuEbpHOj3r06SqynpEE4_hbJxSokObMn_nsSZs3EcpOUcUrPqQto6RCq3vwLLJ/w400-h300/IMG_5516.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I just arrived in Tampa, Fl after 10 days in Greece, where I served at a conference for women working globally.</p><p>I don’t have a compilation of places they all came from, nor the roles they play in their host countries; but, off the top of my head, we had several from Northern Ireland, the UK, France, Israel, Ukraine, Serbia, North Africa, East Africa, South Africa, and Romania. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EWqJOXfWJ2_tDr51bQmMM3jBb_SionTpBnJzvxPeTDaOjhVnWGAdduroyRSBcfWGlebTIK8IufuRGJQs8XVYCQYe-TQJucPZthyphenhyphenzfBgW82iSMJj181NiboQMsM4lbvj8a4iDuJqc09_xNtlhvHIP-Q6zjLbT-z30KvmNRV_e2_DDHPXPD9CKkcLWCK74/s4032/IMG_0509.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3EWqJOXfWJ2_tDr51bQmMM3jBb_SionTpBnJzvxPeTDaOjhVnWGAdduroyRSBcfWGlebTIK8IufuRGJQs8XVYCQYe-TQJucPZthyphenhyphenzfBgW82iSMJj181NiboQMsM4lbvj8a4iDuJqc09_xNtlhvHIP-Q6zjLbT-z30KvmNRV_e2_DDHPXPD9CKkcLWCK74/w400-h300/IMG_0509.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Just from this list alone, your observations inform that many are carrying the weight of heavy burdens. They arrived, we welcomed them into a safe space for worship, prayer, encouragement through the spoken word, counseling, spiritual direction, and a lot of TLC. </p><p>One of the attendees said she felt as if, upon arrival, everyone came “tied up” with much heart ache, but over the course of several days, she sensed the spiritual, emotional, mental, even physical unraveling through the hand of the Lord. </p><p>The Lord began a good work and I truly believe each woman left more equipped with tools to allow Him to finish what He began. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjdeGIw_YoOJdcI4YeQjhDzOVQAiNSxphIeyA4hX2H91N51iAjSgQj0CsE5oJLW8c5BTHShQ_qWFLhPhGXAPWLK8kRFGPXbRf7j3TKbJU9PPXgF2yUGIl7hFa1WYBcz8W9TD9XX_tc2pdVXeWPuAvr0P2ll5JNM8SptzOKxDqi_WMvj3UVCt9AWvk6ANA/s4032/IMG_5455.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpjdeGIw_YoOJdcI4YeQjhDzOVQAiNSxphIeyA4hX2H91N51iAjSgQj0CsE5oJLW8c5BTHShQ_qWFLhPhGXAPWLK8kRFGPXbRf7j3TKbJU9PPXgF2yUGIl7hFa1WYBcz8W9TD9XX_tc2pdVXeWPuAvr0P2ll5JNM8SptzOKxDqi_WMvj3UVCt9AWvk6ANA/w300-h400/IMG_5455.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>I went to speak what the Lord had placed on my heart to share with these gals I consider my “tribe.” </p><p>They are green-like-me (to understand what I mean there’s an explanation on a blog <a href="https://peg-justathought.blogspot.com/2020/05/grieving-loss-and-transitionbecoming.html" target="_blank">here</a>…)</p><p>As ALWAYS HAPPENS, I leave challenged in many ways by these gals. So, here is one of the most impactful “thoughts” for me at this retreat. Perhaps it will spur you on, as well, and/or leave you pondering.</p><p>With each session, I left the gals with an optional assignment to further investigate Scripture on their own.</p><p>The first assignment came in the form of a Visio Divina exercise, where they looked up various verses, studied an image that went along with the basic theme and pondered the answer to a few personal questions to ascertain what God might be speaking to their hearts.</p><p>This was the photo:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqbO2Uw3y7m_qBwKjw1Qcdbi74fsWYUTm5MqqGamsuh4OEojhcJ5TTm-plL5f-UVW1E2kWKHvYlGZ_929i7J8_YsjAVgyROWi5m-E8KSxo0VkcS9Mt6bg1avuGRgzPHOew7kOCLL8_kysTeyX7KKK8NdQSgf1bpIaw6cvUNMEohrTtEqL3MrCHCPkyypP/s2157/IMG_5530.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2157" data-original-width="2077" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidqbO2Uw3y7m_qBwKjw1Qcdbi74fsWYUTm5MqqGamsuh4OEojhcJ5TTm-plL5f-UVW1E2kWKHvYlGZ_929i7J8_YsjAVgyROWi5m-E8KSxo0VkcS9Mt6bg1avuGRgzPHOew7kOCLL8_kysTeyX7KKK8NdQSgf1bpIaw6cvUNMEohrTtEqL3MrCHCPkyypP/w385-h400/IMG_5530.jpeg" width="385" /></a></div><p>Here are a couple of the verses:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Psalm 73:28</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">But, as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord God my refuge…</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ32iqXZ05NvCsmfu022EcaMpnvxmMRrhjo5wfBW57rRUF3N4uWT5iQfKlg5MxrmCJ7d2GVEhO38zit-k9jCSlzU1h1k6uUBmNDW8rRfD_KE9BYycsSEq9gSsY5YeozVnG2NPAYYNF81lew_1BqvVH8IXTnhEW2pN3CJkqKXmOhn2td-cxVvYH3Gd-g0M/s640/IMG_5531.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZ32iqXZ05NvCsmfu022EcaMpnvxmMRrhjo5wfBW57rRUF3N4uWT5iQfKlg5MxrmCJ7d2GVEhO38zit-k9jCSlzU1h1k6uUBmNDW8rRfD_KE9BYycsSEq9gSsY5YeozVnG2NPAYYNF81lew_1BqvVH8IXTnhEW2pN3CJkqKXmOhn2td-cxVvYH3Gd-g0M/w400-h400/IMG_5531.jpeg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Psalm 34:18</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">The Lord is near to those who are broken-hearted…</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">Psalm 145:18</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz4EUV52G8wiKPjkXkUgPdr6CwVDmIx9vUeMcIh8ng3dGXpalyhbGpVCRS2Sn542NX4_KkV2Nuj1TwR2RvasJIuCJJdU8hbsHDxi3LFhdVSZ9CGJTx1bFlRCZGzsyUhSY-9eeBldaFe_IksqEnVP6y8i5E-Me8cvDdc9FdByMvLaZvx65tZq_mbH_UJEA/s1280/IMG_5532.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz4EUV52G8wiKPjkXkUgPdr6CwVDmIx9vUeMcIh8ng3dGXpalyhbGpVCRS2Sn542NX4_KkV2Nuj1TwR2RvasJIuCJJdU8hbsHDxi3LFhdVSZ9CGJTx1bFlRCZGzsyUhSY-9eeBldaFe_IksqEnVP6y8i5E-Me8cvDdc9FdByMvLaZvx65tZq_mbH_UJEA/w400-h400/IMG_5532.jpeg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p></p><p>You, too, can play around with this exercise and answer some of the following questions (the questions are myriad, so ask some of your own, along with these):</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">To what are your eyes drawn? Why?</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">What message is this picture bringing in general? What message is it bringing to you, specifically?</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">What emotions does this picture solicit within you? Why?</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">How does the artist use color, shading, brush strokes, etc. to bring out deeper aspects of the image?</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Who are you in this picture? How do you know? Is it who you want to be? Is it who the Lord wants you to be? </span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Does the photo bring up anything that expresses a deep desire of your heart? </span></i></b></li></ul><p></p><p>So, the next morning, one of the gals who lives and serves alongside a ministry team in war-torn Ukraine, shared with me her experience with this assignment. </p><p>She followed the directions, didn’t really seem to be “hearing” anything, until she flipped the page over, and saw the question: “Does the photo express a deep desire of your heart?”</p><p>To herself she responded, “Yes! I long to be the little girl resting fully, cuddled near to the heart of God.”</p><p>As soon as she thought her answer, the still small voice of God spoke into her heart:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Then, when will you stop trying to be the lion?!?</span></i></b></p><p>In that one question, the Lord also spoke to me.</p><p>I, also, fight waaaay too hard to be the lion…</p><p>The King on the throne of my own heart.</p><p>The one in control; trying to orchestrate the protection of many who are under my “watch.” </p><p>The one manipulating pieces so life is easier, safer, and more secure. </p><p>The one attempting to direct the traffic of circumstances. </p><p>Busy, busy, busy.</p><p>Finding it difficult to simply “be,” and not always having to “do,” on this journey I travel heavenward. </p><p>Of course, there are times we must “work” as laborers in the Kingdom. </p><p>But, there are times, we need to step to the side, into lush green pastures and by still waters, where the Lord, our Shepherd, can watch over us and restore our souls. </p><p>Then, we can step back into the journey with greater fervor and eagerness to see the Kingdom expanded.</p><p>With that, I’m reminded of this:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Without rest, we cannot fully risk for Jesus (Mark Buchanan).</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIlip6mFzpYna0OumpgxslgqeEucUC_8OFbjR9yWJNfQmtmxVNRAIumuiNE1cnD3WIDq88lqIjH9XS4osRip7Usm-l3MRkXvWrx9JwSpVELVZGmuNHKw7Xh4Jr-Dq2BrsChOSi-ze_dOlOxTpbNF-Ba8QDh7lluqfCxNETrtpRZLRRCswNHon_CDE2aFY/s3840/IMG_0391.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIlip6mFzpYna0OumpgxslgqeEucUC_8OFbjR9yWJNfQmtmxVNRAIumuiNE1cnD3WIDq88lqIjH9XS4osRip7Usm-l3MRkXvWrx9JwSpVELVZGmuNHKw7Xh4Jr-Dq2BrsChOSi-ze_dOlOxTpbNF-Ba8QDh7lluqfCxNETrtpRZLRRCswNHon_CDE2aFY/w400-h225/IMG_0391.jpeg" width="400" /></a></i></b></div><p>That’s worth pondering….</p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-88065561413569303002023-10-25T12:42:00.002-07:002023-10-25T13:40:29.401-07:00Athens Still Needs the Unknown God<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7NIh72vHfHmYQwgSr7cTNoB-Pv6CyWzpMgrVwoAHtnMyWkDAh-azQgnSDGe1dwuNcXlRezpDc_1ZEo4pJys40eX79d2vswcuTZaocjGbMB5zh101m2UYIY5LO6S-5nfI4oNy8wq_bKUj6Zm5jUVZQb0VYg8vvfCBb8v8tB7jczHlvi5PwhYMJ4re1scL/s1584/IMG_5416.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_7NIh72vHfHmYQwgSr7cTNoB-Pv6CyWzpMgrVwoAHtnMyWkDAh-azQgnSDGe1dwuNcXlRezpDc_1ZEo4pJys40eX79d2vswcuTZaocjGbMB5zh101m2UYIY5LO6S-5nfI4oNy8wq_bKUj6Zm5jUVZQb0VYg8vvfCBb8v8tB7jczHlvi5PwhYMJ4re1scL/w320-h320/IMG_5416.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>This will be a quick blog post, as I’m currently in Greece, preparing to speak at a retreat for women who are serving globally around the world. </p><p>While we aren’t here to “tour,” we did arrive a day early and chartered a one day cruise that left the port at 6:15 AM and arrived back at the hotel at 9:30 PM. We stopped at three islands: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg53sjwIiDiR34uGcrd9ZfsxMK9vxSNV7wWuy52N0cCwixBr6f1XObGK3QsY_CoPKZcXyPUNdtmQnCHF72HoVC_v_omzKAMXMyqDrkqf0M5PEJWKTlKUD49QngngwYANZI0TaTMurHvWlOmDF1GcPNkWOlnERqP-Rmf-W5u7soUZlWv4WvUA7Z9TnsIEW/s4032/IMG_7206.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLg53sjwIiDiR34uGcrd9ZfsxMK9vxSNV7wWuy52N0cCwixBr6f1XObGK3QsY_CoPKZcXyPUNdtmQnCHF72HoVC_v_omzKAMXMyqDrkqf0M5PEJWKTlKUD49QngngwYANZI0TaTMurHvWlOmDF1GcPNkWOlnERqP-Rmf-W5u7soUZlWv4WvUA7Z9TnsIEW/s320/IMG_7206.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TNmZ-z4gn0RNC_FZ9uXnFXoPIu6efEtVyhv-ip4lHbPheUQvxENJVxpLJCVCkymIipRQ-YDBXG2YnxEkjs3nCNAIuIz5cTP7l6XCMRnkkf1fJ-4BoyD4fkvNW78PpXh6T4G6OnvuKYkPjQynaOzTEI7wLQqc5JCagKPyAk0oL9QN22Rr5phwsbg9pMGx/s4032/IMG_5340.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7TNmZ-z4gn0RNC_FZ9uXnFXoPIu6efEtVyhv-ip4lHbPheUQvxENJVxpLJCVCkymIipRQ-YDBXG2YnxEkjs3nCNAIuIz5cTP7l6XCMRnkkf1fJ-4BoyD4fkvNW78PpXh6T4G6OnvuKYkPjQynaOzTEI7wLQqc5JCagKPyAk0oL9QN22Rr5phwsbg9pMGx/s320/IMG_5340.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGssLJaq-8pXiM8S7g7J1TBOuH-V1UrPPB26CVXChl3lGt_p3c2HwBtCQASV6x1Q-YuhnHW1EzwfZU14Sv1ES_l3xz8Y4sRqowTetI4hUomx2gnT6omcSbiZgNJnMXobALdnDpgOUQX1vvq0Ml7s9O2IGTrsdpu-WGAr4bizCKYADyAHoJHlMYJcUBImAN/s4032/IMG_5347.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGssLJaq-8pXiM8S7g7J1TBOuH-V1UrPPB26CVXChl3lGt_p3c2HwBtCQASV6x1Q-YuhnHW1EzwfZU14Sv1ES_l3xz8Y4sRqowTetI4hUomx2gnT6omcSbiZgNJnMXobALdnDpgOUQX1vvq0Ml7s9O2IGTrsdpu-WGAr4bizCKYADyAHoJHlMYJcUBImAN/s320/IMG_5347.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm38fIXnykC_tptmGDBEEvfEctvnHkB-bxJhL1ukGX_MkHJPDHwVvE9I71fRpmkB8mTFG1Im16uMC9pd7acOJlNNijoitAP2hv5HBPCU-Vlr_DLVxHnwa507ZBJfsnzJSfXWJ1IeoGeluoiWZke5VN1Y8apFq59H0ucGRu_6YTpvrBiiwGKqZBLrFbT_i/s3897/IMG_5354.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2795" data-original-width="3897" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVm38fIXnykC_tptmGDBEEvfEctvnHkB-bxJhL1ukGX_MkHJPDHwVvE9I71fRpmkB8mTFG1Im16uMC9pd7acOJlNNijoitAP2hv5HBPCU-Vlr_DLVxHnwa507ZBJfsnzJSfXWJ1IeoGeluoiWZke5VN1Y8apFq59H0ucGRu_6YTpvrBiiwGKqZBLrFbT_i/s320/IMG_5354.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu0zTeaX9gMUd_7eTktODYgoOr9rCbAN9jL27Kx83N9by0QG-iwrZLhpLDVIW9Zr0R6PpYxgLcgVmX3f4V1sG-zlgCanXb3NsB4bb7URFOUgoBecON2YNPXIsFUJeOCso1GiOxRqebWvBYgmBrl1nwKiypVu6qowGlJzSCg-LWW7GIMUTvWugbvmedOGB/s4032/IMG_5357.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDu0zTeaX9gMUd_7eTktODYgoOr9rCbAN9jL27Kx83N9by0QG-iwrZLhpLDVIW9Zr0R6PpYxgLcgVmX3f4V1sG-zlgCanXb3NsB4bb7URFOUgoBecON2YNPXIsFUJeOCso1GiOxRqebWvBYgmBrl1nwKiypVu6qowGlJzSCg-LWW7GIMUTvWugbvmedOGB/s320/IMG_5357.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn-QHhzZugd7SL3jrHXpbw5jGptLl0mYnz0L5E1hhydepTB83nuhSDM5Vr1uhy-JVFtNoN7fD6DUhYuDDIQ9DMi0eUH0i5FnvD33ljQ0Vh9oqJS6RIpj4IrH7X1G1R5rGZKxRKlXbgGzAv2ISO5We2HawBV0lYxmJILnsrVsyYp9VHNKqVMg_PEpSP5e6/s4032/IMG_5361.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSn-QHhzZugd7SL3jrHXpbw5jGptLl0mYnz0L5E1hhydepTB83nuhSDM5Vr1uhy-JVFtNoN7fD6DUhYuDDIQ9DMi0eUH0i5FnvD33ljQ0Vh9oqJS6RIpj4IrH7X1G1R5rGZKxRKlXbgGzAv2ISO5We2HawBV0lYxmJILnsrVsyYp9VHNKqVMg_PEpSP5e6/s320/IMG_5361.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDL-pEFs-eZIxkJy6Tuu9HUd5U7pfkdAm3GdDfg_nYaidb01JP6nuSJnA9V0XMAKjH3PX0iQafGKO4ksVZTJVau4emCB2wzpn4edXRaXkYKdZDzqD0WjTTdo4CWNQ81MHN3EBEBKH7msggbcxleGl-2S5gakKbRn49oznl9pFfUAhL6Iz1ckDwVP13HIF/s4032/IMG_5362.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQDL-pEFs-eZIxkJy6Tuu9HUd5U7pfkdAm3GdDfg_nYaidb01JP6nuSJnA9V0XMAKjH3PX0iQafGKO4ksVZTJVau4emCB2wzpn4edXRaXkYKdZDzqD0WjTTdo4CWNQ81MHN3EBEBKH7msggbcxleGl-2S5gakKbRn49oznl9pFfUAhL6Iz1ckDwVP13HIF/s320/IMG_5362.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Once again, I’m overwhelmed by the notion of standing on the shores of the very waters that brought the Apostle Paul to this country. A country where he was able to inform the Grecian folk about the “unknown god.” </p><p>It’s an interesting read (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+17&version=NIV" target="_blank">Acts 17:16-34</a>). By clicking on the verse, read the passage.</p><p>This is what impresses me as I sit in my little hotel room, overlooking the sunrise just off my balcony.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRYO5vV0nVBLASMOVfcyGcs1nKc7vzRy1gyixh-mQo4cvcMPLZiIuiKbwMDamq1en0s7BG2e2mWHg7gJ049Sfxj2JzLsxMVcLebrnMZvsrPfsMpNfwQQTy3R_EH3TbKVbUav40fal1WHQWIGUemFvxV4089QKR8rlUByonKj2AsBp3A2OePctbu3FprLG/s4032/IMG_5397.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRYO5vV0nVBLASMOVfcyGcs1nKc7vzRy1gyixh-mQo4cvcMPLZiIuiKbwMDamq1en0s7BG2e2mWHg7gJ049Sfxj2JzLsxMVcLebrnMZvsrPfsMpNfwQQTy3R_EH3TbKVbUav40fal1WHQWIGUemFvxV4089QKR8rlUByonKj2AsBp3A2OePctbu3FprLG/s320/IMG_5397.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As Paul wandered about the city of Athens, he took note that the city was filled with idols. </p><p>He attempted to talk to the resident Jews, reasoning with them and preaching Jesus.</p><p>Instead, they called him a “babbler.” An empty talker. One who is like a bird picking up seed, who picks up tidbits of truth from this teaching and that, second hand thoughts he might have borrowed from others (kind of like I do sometimes). It was not meant to be flattering, obviously.</p><p>But, of all things you might call Paul, a babbler, by this definition, he wasn’t.</p><p>Instead, the story proves the man was an incredibly creative evangelist. </p><p>The rulers of the synagogue take him straight to the Areopagus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWj4FUi5IlAgVvJBCQBzIk5h1vgM4YlPbtmJ9HybY4NEqCtihvaAI0Bm_d4UiNkaZn0awOYI5E9_vM3dkFElmwpdKcnKTbXHcGqXTQCUUvLGOqBVGnjyWs1PVsxX_7LSbNPJfPqFyFWobukGwDwkZKO44hftYv5QhYjWCzM_QZxdUCmklUiDf6MUhplEx/s279/IMG_5418.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="215" data-original-width="279" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWj4FUi5IlAgVvJBCQBzIk5h1vgM4YlPbtmJ9HybY4NEqCtihvaAI0Bm_d4UiNkaZn0awOYI5E9_vM3dkFElmwpdKcnKTbXHcGqXTQCUUvLGOqBVGnjyWs1PVsxX_7LSbNPJfPqFyFWobukGwDwkZKO44hftYv5QhYjWCzM_QZxdUCmklUiDf6MUhplEx/w400-h308/IMG_5418.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Here’s what I know about this place situated in Athens, and also known as the “rock of Ares/Mars (the Greek god of war);” thus, you may have heard it more commonly referred to as Mars Hill. </p><p>It was situated opposite the west end of the well known Acropolis.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ftGzgWI4of7SxT7Y69W3xnTvbPreIT_bvtIoxi-Ie4wfRycXGF0oZPCjWofCB8NjLqq3T30I4p-NBWLYvxY6AwCnL8xP7EFg3kUGLuNUnajwz_UNTT48zYeTU0JZ8-GqveRbN5d7fJXX0EebU6K2Rwr4ACDx1jFuhbWF9r4xUAzGjOsLTGSO1Jt3KDo6/s800/IMG_5415.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="800" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7ftGzgWI4of7SxT7Y69W3xnTvbPreIT_bvtIoxi-Ie4wfRycXGF0oZPCjWofCB8NjLqq3T30I4p-NBWLYvxY6AwCnL8xP7EFg3kUGLuNUnajwz_UNTT48zYeTU0JZ8-GqveRbN5d7fJXX0EebU6K2Rwr4ACDx1jFuhbWF9r4xUAzGjOsLTGSO1Jt3KDo6/w400-h150/IMG_5415.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As the story goes, Mars, having slain the son of Neptune, for the attempted violation of his daughter (Alicippe), was tried for the murder in this spot before twelve other “gods” as judges. </p><p>Apparently, this, then, became a typical place for future Athenian judges to convene, and they had jurisdiction over offenses such as willful murder, arson, poisoning, malicious wounding…all the capital offenses. However, they were also responsible to weigh in on and investigate new teachings. </p><p>Because the Greeks, by nature of the culture, were all about NEW TEACHINGS…</p><p>So, this is where the philosophers and spiritual leaders bring Paul, not to defend himself, but to hear the court’s opinion on this strange new teaching, saying, “<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;">May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting. For you bring some strange things to our ears! (Acts 17:19-20)”</span></i></b></p><p>Hear the brilliance of Paul:</p><p><b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">“Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious!” </span></i></b></p><p>He’d seen all the altars, the objects of worship to all the many gods. The Greeks had a god for everything; and, just in case, not wanting to neglect any other deity, they even built an altar to an “unknown god.” </p><p>So, Paul continues, <b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">“What, therefore, you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you…” </span></i></b></p><p>How can you argue with this logic? </p><p>He compliments them! You’re very religious, good job! </p><p>But, how can you worship a god you don’t know, so let me help you, because I KNOW HIM!</p><p>Now their interest is piqued and they are all ears!</p><p>Paul sets himself up beautifully to download the greatness of his God, the goodness of his God, the government of God, and the AWE-MAZING grace of God (Wiersbe). </p><p>He masterfully communicates to these judges who God is, then concludes leaving them with an application and a decision they must make. Of course, some mock him, some consider his words, but many made decisions to follow Jesus… </p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">As I sit outside Athens in my little hotel, I’m reminded the world still needs creative evangelists. Daring men and women unafraid to make the gospel the most important priority of conversation.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I’m reminded that wise minds still need Christ presented to them in a relevant way.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I’m reminded that those who are wise in this world are still ignorant and foolish when it comes to the gospel (1 Corinthians 1:21-31). </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I’m reminded that God still calls His children to go to “Athens” with the TRUTH.</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXXXX</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">Where might your Athens be? </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">How can you creatively, boldly, truthfully, compassionately, enter into conversations that allow you to present Jesus, so that others might know the God they thought they knew existed, but needed help to perceive. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXXXX</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljSXyTv_TaBdCCVGrXnwYh2Jsx2m5aNKR0aCyLirpsk4IQNtVkwq1dusyBPDpWfAedZZggFT-ha7a7lM7AhxwJ6jH_PSelvkathX8riolCQpIEwaos9KqgI3wPzmuANwkHPHIXFD5bkYDFg8aBRmSj0X-C7wzJMUBKrPy83DGK0Qi-SpFXV160GyYcR8i/s1600/873a259d-87f2-4725-b6b5-1fb52d5247f2.jpeg" 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/AVvXsEiljSXyTv_TaBdCCVGrXnwYh2Jsx2m5aNKR0aCyLirpsk4IQNtVkwq1dusyBPDpWfAedZZggFT-ha7a7lM7AhxwJ6jH_PSelvkathX8riolCQpIEwaos9KqgI3wPzmuANwkHPHIXFD5bkYDFg8aBRmSj0X-C7wzJMUBKrPy83DGK0Qi-SpFXV160GyYcR8i/s320/873a259d-87f2-4725-b6b5-1fb52d5247f2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><span style="color: #e06666;">(Volunteer Team)</span></i></b><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span>These next few days over the rest of the week, I’ll be meeting with women who are doing just this. My role is to remind them of their #why, bring words of TRUTH to refresh and restore and renew and revive their calling. When we finish the week, we’ll send them back to their Athens (some are in pretty difficult countries). Would you pray for the group of volunteers I am working alongside to help them persevere?</span></p><p><br /></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-23562723568750185242023-10-19T04:00:00.005-07:002023-10-20T04:21:07.639-07:00A Lesson Observed from the Attack on Israel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gar71XawGqBBCN2TJI-Wsiy3QXYB21a6kRnx9YpQ7VyBsYhagb_pTB7ernHr3-reuspYyTNdCC2GnhYFFyV1CaiHSbCYx1KivitBtZqxErVw09DLUPsL4LRsDdGu5KdEgaFsc0DghLNaJ55GLfrn5C8e46uObF3U_pRm2bY16rbv0SyCgrFR30vByexA/s4032/IMG_1792.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gar71XawGqBBCN2TJI-Wsiy3QXYB21a6kRnx9YpQ7VyBsYhagb_pTB7ernHr3-reuspYyTNdCC2GnhYFFyV1CaiHSbCYx1KivitBtZqxErVw09DLUPsL4LRsDdGu5KdEgaFsc0DghLNaJ55GLfrn5C8e46uObF3U_pRm2bY16rbv0SyCgrFR30vByexA/w300-h400/IMG_1792.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>A year ago, I visited Israel for the purpose of speaking at a women's retreat. <div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrPg_IRACLNO1yjg6oowW2ewGcdJanHcFbjr5YrD0kLbPrsd8tf91QYtxbmXHF2gD8v6kc7fFk2Nur9Wkf0Ip21FjKBzOcacXd1TvgtlgFqeoqlZE5Rlrg5J-nmLOh_quKGas_jZP08KyVhO1BDv4FQeGZlfiJvBwd3yNkRRlFhN44dEsB6Cayhu4BuJZ/s4032/IMG_6422.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrPg_IRACLNO1yjg6oowW2ewGcdJanHcFbjr5YrD0kLbPrsd8tf91QYtxbmXHF2gD8v6kc7fFk2Nur9Wkf0Ip21FjKBzOcacXd1TvgtlgFqeoqlZE5Rlrg5J-nmLOh_quKGas_jZP08KyVhO1BDv4FQeGZlfiJvBwd3yNkRRlFhN44dEsB6Cayhu4BuJZ/s320/IMG_6422.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The majority of gals who attended lived in country after years of researching, filling out paperwork, and providing DNA proof of their Jewish heritage.</div><div><br /></div><div>This process they call "making Aliyah" under the "Law of Return" established circa 1950.</div><div><br /></div><div>What a sweet and tender time for me, speaking in a setting where as I spoke I overlooked the Sea of Galilee where Jesus began His ministry. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmF91wIYVtWs0Kz1WY-8Rgyv6R4_-V2f-30qDf721tojLjAB1u_F-Tf3AeSgluYtd-izdPO301omXvecbhlcrk-KtG4nEeeIOP725UJg16898fWopMbGuyRnQEYAlMs3InR8RJqN4o6W6iHy74iFu8oSbXUW2rjdU5qods4QKzPsFB9u7Qu1sl7cK1aw3/s4032/IMG_1445.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmmF91wIYVtWs0Kz1WY-8Rgyv6R4_-V2f-30qDf721tojLjAB1u_F-Tf3AeSgluYtd-izdPO301omXvecbhlcrk-KtG4nEeeIOP725UJg16898fWopMbGuyRnQEYAlMs3InR8RJqN4o6W6iHy74iFu8oSbXUW2rjdU5qods4QKzPsFB9u7Qu1sl7cK1aw3/w400-h300/IMG_1445.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the last couple of days in-country, and following the end of the retreat, the volunteer team I partnered with toured a few sacred places. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKS6GGSPIyI2DQij2tS-6EJX1TeONKUbe4MTeuYQ3zLtLbBVXEsNz76iD2kVURtL_un0sMrZfHRtdm_uIb-VIaf-DwH_xm62XDvbK1Kx1r8Ai9oz4SHR9IoHVjsjYiYOBVwGz42gY49iCG142FTExGUKH9d9gbRUnq9MQ-cAG51wWQ25iMIu6yeTVgsZX/s4032/IMG_1898.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZKS6GGSPIyI2DQij2tS-6EJX1TeONKUbe4MTeuYQ3zLtLbBVXEsNz76iD2kVURtL_un0sMrZfHRtdm_uIb-VIaf-DwH_xm62XDvbK1Kx1r8Ai9oz4SHR9IoHVjsjYiYOBVwGz42gY49iCG142FTExGUKH9d9gbRUnq9MQ-cAG51wWQ25iMIu6yeTVgsZX/s320/IMG_1898.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Just prior to boarding the bus to head to Tel Aviv and the international airport, a few of us decided to pay the entrance fee that allowed us to walk the ramparts around the old city.</div><div><br /></div><div>Surprisingly, this became my favorite sight-seeing opportunity.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8iP083n06DrNkamhFmemk6T7L1rZtcI4avJI4a0qqV9a5L2KbtxxgAczA7u9QSLYyceMiUx9-TdSkR0YryCZ-4_cE9tRlIQcQrwora9pZoZ8j8QaQlgwLYzQglUs0aYOyBcqh0B7YghCMUD6gZUMRlZdY_9Msx7W3j-ZZyCkvC6dU4-y8tBo8QuKrljq/s4032/IMG_1997.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB8iP083n06DrNkamhFmemk6T7L1rZtcI4avJI4a0qqV9a5L2KbtxxgAczA7u9QSLYyceMiUx9-TdSkR0YryCZ-4_cE9tRlIQcQrwora9pZoZ8j8QaQlgwLYzQglUs0aYOyBcqh0B7YghCMUD6gZUMRlZdY_9Msx7W3j-ZZyCkvC6dU4-y8tBo8QuKrljq/w300-h400/IMG_1997.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuQShhDuaFpc90akb5iQAV4znrFdxDDzWzYCNo0pOSOQxGROUPrR3Qxrpauvz7NCtceVEVinfYU55rRljJSWf4gSbbHZ2sPqeOvztrPkRC4YLnKWBlEpde_dhDzYwCfEdiG0E7AoqUNvvqPQ7qwkCxUPlNSn0KJh9-pGzRkbGo8W-CMZAl7p40LVyLacu/s4032/IMG_2003.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFuQShhDuaFpc90akb5iQAV4znrFdxDDzWzYCNo0pOSOQxGROUPrR3Qxrpauvz7NCtceVEVinfYU55rRljJSWf4gSbbHZ2sPqeOvztrPkRC4YLnKWBlEpde_dhDzYwCfEdiG0E7AoqUNvvqPQ7qwkCxUPlNSn0KJh9-pGzRkbGo8W-CMZAl7p40LVyLacu/w400-h300/IMG_2003.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It truly is a "hidden gem" in terms of gaining perspective, overlooking the beauty of the city of Jerusalem, and gaining a sense of history. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSwU-Wx-CyCOC47Ato4_YFAyDbCWhhkrLTh_S-QA1woSk5NxhTYcqHhFt6tm133NPQsOUsx3OjHeNwlWVKizjVLip3v7WagjMf7c4mVUTvmQAJXbuMb2ctgF26nyy6iPiPxKj3is4-ia0XFKIzIgqxB3kugt20J8P00Uqj5tdStqWPrFjCX3_Fv_Lb92b/s12410/IMG_1995.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3732" data-original-width="12410" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmSwU-Wx-CyCOC47Ato4_YFAyDbCWhhkrLTh_S-QA1woSk5NxhTYcqHhFt6tm133NPQsOUsx3OjHeNwlWVKizjVLip3v7WagjMf7c4mVUTvmQAJXbuMb2ctgF26nyy6iPiPxKj3is4-ia0XFKIzIgqxB3kugt20J8P00Uqj5tdStqWPrFjCX3_Fv_Lb92b/w400-h120/IMG_1995.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I found it easier to imagine the "tsaphah (Hebrew for watchmen)" through the years leaning forward, peering into the distance, watching, waiting, wondering, ready to warn at the drop of a hat. </div><div><br /></div><div>There was one other reason I enjoyed the walk.</div><div><br /></div><div>Prior to the retreat, we received a spoken word: "WATCH."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBrIU5jq_AS4Avq08v0InDv2d6vVimcSjlxYXZlpEbMYS3ExJudVbkUJC9r5h0uOdF4XNg1e1NqdbumdixPFDNNUE4WE1j1tr3MMw9smoqIG3z8J7MKq3rSjQ7v7Dv406__7jEO-oxixH9PKLhSmeetCQN4lqYosbtTK_y-puyzyL_gK5E909lJRmq2s5/s512/9b2fbbb1a8da414bbb9f990305da914f.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="288" data-original-width="512" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBrIU5jq_AS4Avq08v0InDv2d6vVimcSjlxYXZlpEbMYS3ExJudVbkUJC9r5h0uOdF4XNg1e1NqdbumdixPFDNNUE4WE1j1tr3MMw9smoqIG3z8J7MKq3rSjQ7v7Dv406__7jEO-oxixH9PKLhSmeetCQN4lqYosbtTK_y-puyzyL_gK5E909lJRmq2s5/w400-h225/9b2fbbb1a8da414bbb9f990305da914f.png" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It kept creeping up in morning devotionals, in prayer time, from conversations, and even through the reading of different Scriptures as we prepared for the women to arrive.</div><div><br /></div><div>Why "watch," I questioned at the time? </div><div><br /></div><div>So, I began digging into Scripture...</div><div><br /></div><div>The Old Testament is filled with passages about the importance of "watchmen" who stand on the ramparts to look for messengers or, more specifically, invading armies on the move. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e_UdjtjzkJitoyLx8H0uRkLVwSU5y-2Jf7M0e5ixuhxsjPz47DYsJx5bNoZXHVQWLUVNCjv-7zHiFl7QVrJCGJDKc6k5GaNl5vskWDl-rDZWL3p16kOEuHrWxFeRR7DVu1F-_Mf8c9d9J8G6jXb0XLGoV3DhD00sbRZrXcfV_yzybdH96P6zMK7jy5vl/s700/Habakkuk-2-1-WEB-I-will-stand-at-my-watch-and-set-myself-on-the-I35002001-L05.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1e_UdjtjzkJitoyLx8H0uRkLVwSU5y-2Jf7M0e5ixuhxsjPz47DYsJx5bNoZXHVQWLUVNCjv-7zHiFl7QVrJCGJDKc6k5GaNl5vskWDl-rDZWL3p16kOEuHrWxFeRR7DVu1F-_Mf8c9d9J8G6jXb0XLGoV3DhD00sbRZrXcfV_yzybdH96P6zMK7jy5vl/w400-h400/Habakkuk-2-1-WEB-I-will-stand-at-my-watch-and-set-myself-on-the-I35002001-L05.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The New Testament loses the language of watchmen, but scattered about warns us all to "watch" and be sober-minded, on the alert for our enemy, who especially wants to rob us of greater faith. </div><div><br /></div><div>We're all challenged to "watchmanship" for these same purposes - to:</div><div><br /></div><div>- keep an eye open for the enemy who is roaring about like a lion seeking whom he might devour...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpNf8GUxkvpK0m-pg5FpICrTsRhB5iIRVkAABF2UObry9c30AMJUeknJdr5DvzpkEel4am4VkVUQYQzce6zIt5jk9ES1x250gC8PnRUvYI4XpkMziU3_-YnzlHLau1Zmn_pxM0L5lkCbxLE4VFUehgfcjmoLMeoP2edh4egEeTii4ySVMY8PNlZJTX1A0/s720/1-Peter_5-8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtpNf8GUxkvpK0m-pg5FpICrTsRhB5iIRVkAABF2UObry9c30AMJUeknJdr5DvzpkEel4am4VkVUQYQzce6zIt5jk9ES1x250gC8PnRUvYI4XpkMziU3_-YnzlHLau1Zmn_pxM0L5lkCbxLE4VFUehgfcjmoLMeoP2edh4egEeTii4ySVMY8PNlZJTX1A0/w400-h400/1-Peter_5-8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>- be on the alert for "exposed places," weaknesses that might allow the enemy to sneak into our lives without warning...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoeQZua4yCXEUUUstGU-ev7mqlkT8LrWE80QuupcpmU3tSTwGr-9XRiK1CabpsidT8Ry3nFNtPeky11rMApQg3GMjv3uqppQz3SIaSrqMuPd569T1IUm-j99Hw8AmcS9DmoM_6p3exsTpx_wGJQTjWskXNu3F2Pw8Utqg0_th8FpxgIY1-t5qg3yTpuCM/s1584/16_Neh_04_13.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1584" data-original-width="1584" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAoeQZua4yCXEUUUstGU-ev7mqlkT8LrWE80QuupcpmU3tSTwGr-9XRiK1CabpsidT8Ry3nFNtPeky11rMApQg3GMjv3uqppQz3SIaSrqMuPd569T1IUm-j99Hw8AmcS9DmoM_6p3exsTpx_wGJQTjWskXNu3F2Pw8Utqg0_th8FpxgIY1-t5qg3yTpuCM/s320/16_Neh_04_13.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>- stand in the gap, looking out for "the interests of Christ Jesus," which would be His Church, His Bride, His Beloved...warning and leading away from danger. Just as the watchmen of old stood at attention on behalf of others, we must do the same for the protection of souls...</div><div><br /></div><div>- watch unto prayer, especially as last days approach, because we do not know the hour of our Lord's return...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7DX3ujml5bNdGjqwHef2g1u0ng4zn3nLyVKKZgqSDkAfHr1rZKaWBLryhXFcIGQF9NWvIkNqWXLMsmbPPyVeho5d_SuV4OqbuOgU8Os9BWo1d_YzNP_93sqim5Hy2oQQQq3O6NGjTYKe1u_IG24r4jyYnPRIl6EZsfPV0NQ9M9b6FGRxtrg4wrI-nMjn/s700/Mark-13-33-WEB-Watch-keep-alert-and-pray-for-you-don-t-know-I41013033-L07.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="700" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7DX3ujml5bNdGjqwHef2g1u0ng4zn3nLyVKKZgqSDkAfHr1rZKaWBLryhXFcIGQF9NWvIkNqWXLMsmbPPyVeho5d_SuV4OqbuOgU8Os9BWo1d_YzNP_93sqim5Hy2oQQQq3O6NGjTYKe1u_IG24r4jyYnPRIl6EZsfPV0NQ9M9b6FGRxtrg4wrI-nMjn/w400-h400/Mark-13-33-WEB-Watch-keep-alert-and-pray-for-you-don-t-know-I41013033-L07.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>- stay awake, lest we drift off to sleep, or drift away into those "misty flats" we talked about a few weeks back...</div><div><br /></div><div>- to warn of turbulent days to come that our hearts might be established, steadfast, and we won't be caught off guard...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0IgmbDcjNqH0WwK76C1nyXz33UIVvw9dhKJDAThIoD5lhflf_tr2bRZYs-EamAaFJiClgltP34JcQMRyYIe3FJDoLMmO5zMcvRxo3-d1vGf9nTK37lmCw97ZZtYeVnMzboDC7FqdP1szEQ4E8oEIiCsSmG-Se7txbhGAhfkxIYD0-Rnq0-bDUSqM8RIi/s1200/eb4973b729154173f8fbc4fd30d51fe9.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="1200" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0IgmbDcjNqH0WwK76C1nyXz33UIVvw9dhKJDAThIoD5lhflf_tr2bRZYs-EamAaFJiClgltP34JcQMRyYIe3FJDoLMmO5zMcvRxo3-d1vGf9nTK37lmCw97ZZtYeVnMzboDC7FqdP1szEQ4E8oEIiCsSmG-Se7txbhGAhfkxIYD0-Rnq0-bDUSqM8RIi/w400-h209/eb4973b729154173f8fbc4fd30d51fe9.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>- to encourage that a "new dawn" will come in spite of the darkness that currently surrounds us...</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7ZM4Db7XA-d1WiTuFPbkkatojE57U2h3Tw0lIzi-K_6-2okq0Zutt9tOUTeegDEtmWyKB1nCgpW73-EJBzW-yrqxQjdUBMq1sl1XZClaFIQtEv5t4phBJN7NbjayWS7YWaQtohvNnxgM-V6o_OjiQk19-_ELTnTFCIAmgj389nRbZD-0ngiMmno-fg7p/s600/18047-blue-bokeh-star-burst-web-isaiah-21-11_preview.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="600" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs7ZM4Db7XA-d1WiTuFPbkkatojE57U2h3Tw0lIzi-K_6-2okq0Zutt9tOUTeegDEtmWyKB1nCgpW73-EJBzW-yrqxQjdUBMq1sl1XZClaFIQtEv5t4phBJN7NbjayWS7YWaQtohvNnxgM-V6o_OjiQk19-_ELTnTFCIAmgj389nRbZD-0ngiMmno-fg7p/w400-h336/18047-blue-bokeh-star-burst-web-isaiah-21-11_preview.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>(This, by no means, is an exhaustive, nor an exclusive, list...)</div><div><br /></div><div>My walk around the ramparts came to mind several times over this last week as Israel, caught off guard, suffered attack from Hamas. </div><div><br /></div><div>It appears the "watchmen" were not fully on alert.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwRTgql2BLpZu2GZJtqSf2Vxw6ZL-2cDMsRh48cP2J2b4jSi48yAKW1JsCOsJMkX5TGdhzGEtqWy2YDqfccsiE_c3cOWMM2O16Um4Ja_e4idfiUZ4Cx2UsFB_DkNMjyEZPPQzjjXalY12s2lBZtk86oQI0h6ydSXxPQbhjHmUzaqe1ZeaJYkVYcWykTyn/s3000/231007080533-26-gaza-israel-1007.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="3000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIwRTgql2BLpZu2GZJtqSf2Vxw6ZL-2cDMsRh48cP2J2b4jSi48yAKW1JsCOsJMkX5TGdhzGEtqWy2YDqfccsiE_c3cOWMM2O16Um4Ja_e4idfiUZ4Cx2UsFB_DkNMjyEZPPQzjjXalY12s2lBZtk86oQI0h6ydSXxPQbhjHmUzaqe1ZeaJYkVYcWykTyn/w400-h266/231007080533-26-gaza-israel-1007.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>How can a country, so skilled in espionage, experience such failure? </div><div><br /></div><div>Did they let down their guard? </div><div><br /></div><div>Was Hamas that good? </div><div><br /></div><div>I wouldn't begin to give thought to an answer...</div><div><br /></div><div>BUT, this is a great reminder for us all:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">I believe we've a viable warning, a siren-call to step up, or step into, our calling to WATCH at all times, to PRAY at all times, and to remain SOBER-MINDED in order to be fully alert. </span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We must heed this admonition above all as we step heavenward on the path of life...</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Don't let this be said of us!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjkhhP2lL284rSEPqdHx0Iy5goAINk0Qv74tKBx13iwdXyOu0mfkEo_UgHEPH2AGKTbcWZAVqC7RsB2wP__aM_M6oyLHBBqJzC8y-u9OV8jVXO6uyR0o8Tvyhfl6Katr4ZHmw35J8ktcgtZAdPxiNzHVnxAMBqMTswgx_N-jPGir_ixQzuYD5IsqaUHBP/s640/Dn1Bm0SXsAA2iD2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjkhhP2lL284rSEPqdHx0Iy5goAINk0Qv74tKBx13iwdXyOu0mfkEo_UgHEPH2AGKTbcWZAVqC7RsB2wP__aM_M6oyLHBBqJzC8y-u9OV8jVXO6uyR0o8Tvyhfl6Katr4ZHmw35J8ktcgtZAdPxiNzHVnxAMBqMTswgx_N-jPGir_ixQzuYD5IsqaUHBP/w400-h400/Dn1Bm0SXsAA2iD2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-79512908996862549122023-10-12T04:00:00.242-07:002023-10-12T04:00:00.145-07:00"Blind Driveway" Ahead...<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw26vie73r1iKY1_J_qmvzouBuX4OaJbmuw9URGdr33aLsp8IUj2vViLkb4dmK9GWxWiztTSCgREdD8gUQH97YSjeh8cH_K9p880QaFt6J-HOnok3Swd5z6iX8BSLAhte0E7p23NsipZZWRXp8R7tFe8rGdl_9fbqCkO2ff_mQ3L3W8MTZR6CJttsijrNn/s4032/IMG_5932.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw26vie73r1iKY1_J_qmvzouBuX4OaJbmuw9URGdr33aLsp8IUj2vViLkb4dmK9GWxWiztTSCgREdD8gUQH97YSjeh8cH_K9p880QaFt6J-HOnok3Swd5z6iX8BSLAhte0E7p23NsipZZWRXp8R7tFe8rGdl_9fbqCkO2ff_mQ3L3W8MTZR6CJttsijrNn/w400-h300/IMG_5932.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div></div><p></p><p>I love my morning walks in every season.</p><p>I'm always looking, keeping watch for God's beauty to emerge in spectacular and new ways.</p><p>He never disappoints.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWfgpBL5yMFtCaZtgwAT3mD78Xhbhwok3deUvWj0GtH1TlH62fF6dkKy_JzonEOAkM8rGjQ8W5ugeK4_ieP44Q6dKEK9Z98x06jZ4Nuj5TndRJpvZlAyiz_lLYUGPtNO1zQ0lH-ELKSaAv8h7qzpDnrT3_hXsd5PR2ggTefP0jR6vRJ3Ev1r8T7wGWjbE/s4032/IMG_5213.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWfgpBL5yMFtCaZtgwAT3mD78Xhbhwok3deUvWj0GtH1TlH62fF6dkKy_JzonEOAkM8rGjQ8W5ugeK4_ieP44Q6dKEK9Z98x06jZ4Nuj5TndRJpvZlAyiz_lLYUGPtNO1zQ0lH-ELKSaAv8h7qzpDnrT3_hXsd5PR2ggTefP0jR6vRJ3Ev1r8T7wGWjbE/w300-h400/IMG_5213.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p>So, one morning, recently, I noticed a new sign had popped up on the road I typically walk. </p><p>It sits right before the rise of a small hill, before a car tops it, and begins the descent down.</p><p>This isn't a steep hill, yet significant enough, that apparently <b><span style="color: #e06666;">there's been cause for concern,</span></b> hence the warning:</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCVKDumqm1S9neY96CQGmB7YsaH7TVTFkTJXcZEWxTpr59g4x3z_IQ0tfJzy1IL_-ZzX1gbpfi5NBG4BeXjAYoVr6Q-_bEiNI4AeDQp70JaOiEAhOMZDWl6bcQf7KK8R3_XAPOoJRwgBwFQY7LHwKAg7mlRYk2UjT-D-2LL8ZxjlC33N3o8Gu1cA7iGok/s4032/IMG_5139.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCVKDumqm1S9neY96CQGmB7YsaH7TVTFkTJXcZEWxTpr59g4x3z_IQ0tfJzy1IL_-ZzX1gbpfi5NBG4BeXjAYoVr6Q-_bEiNI4AeDQp70JaOiEAhOMZDWl6bcQf7KK8R3_XAPOoJRwgBwFQY7LHwKAg7mlRYk2UjT-D-2LL8ZxjlC33N3o8Gu1cA7iGok/w300-h400/IMG_5139.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>The first time I saw this sign, I chuckled.</p><p>There's just something about the pairing of "blind" and "driveway" that makes me giggle...</p><p><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">Yet, the notification means that those driving <u>must</u> proceed with caution.</span></i></b></p><p>Immediately at the bottom of this little hill sits an old ranch with traffic that zips in and out throughout the day. </p><p>If both the driver on the hill, and the vehicle operator coming out the drive (who can't see the top of the hill), don't slow down, there won't be enough time to brake and avoid a collision, (PS. Having walked this road, A LOT, overall the cars that travel the road pay zero-mind to the speed limit.)</p><p>For a brief few moments, both drivers approach one another blindly.</p><p>Hence, the admonition.</p><p>We live with a lot of admonitions sprinkled throughout our day, reminding us of potential danger, giving us an opportunity to proceed with caution, lest we be hit with some big, unpleasant catastrophe. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO86jHLsORzwNsrz4BEsDWgr3hTHuINGpv1C1FpJYOGwfXQ0YwOAIcnRzlxklR-RpYmtfnHS1w8af_nbm-JjKta3EeD97SbY_BnEe7hNsnojtnTGHpvFrfxqWFE22t2fRLull8gVxTHTyvl8iCUDnYIkDREfb_zLyaT5Sp_vOpvgECdn_07njTXyLAt9PW/s225/images.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO86jHLsORzwNsrz4BEsDWgr3hTHuINGpv1C1FpJYOGwfXQ0YwOAIcnRzlxklR-RpYmtfnHS1w8af_nbm-JjKta3EeD97SbY_BnEe7hNsnojtnTGHpvFrfxqWFE22t2fRLull8gVxTHTyvl8iCUDnYIkDREfb_zLyaT5Sp_vOpvgECdn_07njTXyLAt9PW/s1600/images.png" width="225" /></a></div><p>These useful tools are meant to give help BEFORE we find ourselves in great difficulty.</p><p>They aren't meant to give us cause to mock or giggle, or roll our eyes...</p><p>They aren't rules.........not, yet........but guidelines, that, if broken too often, are destined to become rules.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KhSSZbwfNYx_xeUMFnwFkgMorSEdG5J5Wpi2Rl6c-tVA2crREb2AzdNl1pTTAUuQqMUGYpIJLCav2YDEUIOUNc8AMGfk5r-3zRWgCwJdS4GP1E014xeXVGRYSirJwAAtNAyMoWaVJZOwSrwSIsEmbRdabh7R7ySqufZTFnu8x21wx0ElQy_OxlGDtI6A/s612/Slippery%20road.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="612" data-original-width="612" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6KhSSZbwfNYx_xeUMFnwFkgMorSEdG5J5Wpi2Rl6c-tVA2crREb2AzdNl1pTTAUuQqMUGYpIJLCav2YDEUIOUNc8AMGfk5r-3zRWgCwJdS4GP1E014xeXVGRYSirJwAAtNAyMoWaVJZOwSrwSIsEmbRdabh7R7ySqufZTFnu8x21wx0ElQy_OxlGDtI6A/w200-h200/Slippery%20road.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div><p>But, seriously, how many of us see the warning signs, and, sometimes, glance around, think no one is watching and pay them no heed....and, sometimes, just sometimes, we get away with it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7QT6txRWSYf6xv1o0yNOhVNi3F3OcF-g64MN76kxnHb1N8cvG-vKEQHbWwVDvL4Ygm6qxHma0mP6PTmgB-xSUZo38Gzg2TYindZkz-8eu3zHudFxpI8iI0xikVDUsERRwzH-PbNA4qR9aPlJ1zQpwcZoTT821nlBKFxAtToaYVVT3thrbT3PxzFgV7Fc/s300/w11-3_s-2.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7QT6txRWSYf6xv1o0yNOhVNi3F3OcF-g64MN76kxnHb1N8cvG-vKEQHbWwVDvL4Ygm6qxHma0mP6PTmgB-xSUZo38Gzg2TYindZkz-8eu3zHudFxpI8iI0xikVDUsERRwzH-PbNA4qR9aPlJ1zQpwcZoTT821nlBKFxAtToaYVVT3thrbT3PxzFgV7Fc/w198-h200/w11-3_s-2.gif" width="198" /></a></div><p>Until we don't.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tjrTDxjdPGFbST5_agBLtAXp5fu2EmQbq8RNheSOLxTZF958_beKMnXc-jEye7svLxO4APgUIraAdSI7OC5dIqvHgdfcBkJJVNB5vW6nSA2DOEH9yPsXRUkxHOcnN1YOvdC0LdyYnQE8L5QlT76P1Ypeh460JYB6el3n42vIyro7sAIHl-EwDND4AdS-/s1000/shutterstock_578326603.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6tjrTDxjdPGFbST5_agBLtAXp5fu2EmQbq8RNheSOLxTZF958_beKMnXc-jEye7svLxO4APgUIraAdSI7OC5dIqvHgdfcBkJJVNB5vW6nSA2DOEH9yPsXRUkxHOcnN1YOvdC0LdyYnQE8L5QlT76P1Ypeh460JYB6el3n42vIyro7sAIHl-EwDND4AdS-/w320-h213/shutterstock_578326603.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Human nature tends to shrug off warnings, especially if they inconvenience us, or cut into our pleasure.</p><p>"Man-of-earth" (what the ESV calls mortal humans with an expiration date) desires-above-all to live for what "feels right to me;" or, allows me to "live my own truth;" strokes my ego; or, lets me "follow my heart."</p><p>We'd prefer to take our chances at not getting caught, rather than sacrificing our own "want to."</p><p>But, eventually it catches up with us, and, if nothing else, we're caught off guard, unaware, and left wondering: <b><i><span style="color: #e06666;">"What just happened?"</span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">As we step heavenward along the path the Lord has ordained for each of us, there will be such warnings.</span></i></b></p><p>We're provided plenty of notifications, posted along the way, not meant to restrict us, but to prevent us from wandering off the path into trouble, or transgressing into strange and diverse teachings, or stopping an undetected, avoidable collision from which it can be difficult to recover.</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfFT08PVhQl8w0pXRBryTXk-RV49zivynzQh_xumzCpT4XZBXLkBPYw2rwuZnD6eiGKNynNdLW5EMCKsWhmXQwrnvJEq_9UNyi75sXm2zcAiBnNvrmYgQNfYgj2m2iwx1k4SSSyrPPnlLG3ZxkI3Y2v4tIXW7HUUs0x5HP8lDdTX_xEL0Yt2OpFkFk55Q/s2048/IMG_5221.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFfFT08PVhQl8w0pXRBryTXk-RV49zivynzQh_xumzCpT4XZBXLkBPYw2rwuZnD6eiGKNynNdLW5EMCKsWhmXQwrnvJEq_9UNyi75sXm2zcAiBnNvrmYgQNfYgj2m2iwx1k4SSSyrPPnlLG3ZxkI3Y2v4tIXW7HUUs0x5HP8lDdTX_xEL0Yt2OpFkFk55Q/w300-h400/IMG_5221.PNG" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>These admonitions are sprinkled throughout the Scriptures, especially in Proverbs, the writings of Paul, and even those of Peter, James and John. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSOGldNy_wmeEEtMcWtaN_rfNa6fXLtARSaTsZf1RftLRFy7s6Hz_3y3EamTEMcQnRLYqzzWKZdv12Csm2q5az2bdjG3KTbaIltl5nElqZvfjm4YDemG7h5e0vtSnMpCmlob3p17bNZmZ5SoG0D3jUcJHDfUAoCYSceIDv_u30hhO6A-bQV_Pp_8FTVR_/s1280/ce237d04c00f56923e28ebfd5db578b6.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSOGldNy_wmeEEtMcWtaN_rfNa6fXLtARSaTsZf1RftLRFy7s6Hz_3y3EamTEMcQnRLYqzzWKZdv12Csm2q5az2bdjG3KTbaIltl5nElqZvfjm4YDemG7h5e0vtSnMpCmlob3p17bNZmZ5SoG0D3jUcJHDfUAoCYSceIDv_u30hhO6A-bQV_Pp_8FTVR_/s320/ce237d04c00f56923e28ebfd5db578b6.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We can laugh at them...</p><p>...or scoff.</p><p>We can think them no longer relevant.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHOGvJPCQkkCIAHDKD_hjuV5_mAKriQVmrrVgYBwefLuJ47OAE7oHrO2EiaCaq4pa-zcq_AHpZ5xGfkiboTdy2x0DQwNbLiF1TTxtN9wOfYNZCLJGjQGo5o3Jn72XlUGF5IRuos9iUoI2Md4Ly4IaXJQ76S3BZNxKYHVhxYFM-dZh7ixyhGfsyUWMT17Y/s760/183_pd1770455_1.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="760" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHHOGvJPCQkkCIAHDKD_hjuV5_mAKriQVmrrVgYBwefLuJ47OAE7oHrO2EiaCaq4pa-zcq_AHpZ5xGfkiboTdy2x0DQwNbLiF1TTxtN9wOfYNZCLJGjQGo5o3Jn72XlUGF5IRuos9iUoI2Md4Ly4IaXJQ76S3BZNxKYHVhxYFM-dZh7ixyhGfsyUWMT17Y/w316-h400/183_pd1770455_1.jpeg" width="316" /></a></div><p>We can look around and say to ourselves, as the Psalmist writes about some of his acquaintances, "<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">In his pride, the arrogant, does not seek God, and all his thoughts are: 'There is no God.' He says in his heart, "God hides his face, he will never see this...never call me to account (Ps 10:4,11b, 7b).'"</span></i></b></p><p>That may be true for a season; it may seem like we can "get away with not paying attention to the warnings of life," but, as David (again, in the Psalms) writes, there will come a day when those who keep on playing the avoidance game will be <b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">"snared in the work of their own hands" or stand before the throne of God for judgment. </span></i></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i></i></b></p><p>I find these words both strangely <b><u>comforting</u></b>, but <b><u>HUGELY FEARSOME</u></b>. </p><p><b><u>Comforting</u></b> in the sense that the Psalmist reminds us a day of reckoning is coming...those who don't seek God; who don't walk according to His ways; who think, if He exists at all, He doesn't care about what we' do here on earth...<b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">there's a day coming when all will be made right.</span></i></b></p><p><u style="font-weight: bold;">Fearsome</u> for the same reasons. I know folks who "follow their own hearts," and "live their own truths," and long for them to see the "blind driveway" ahead, before the worst occurs.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdIsrtq1y8ys4cOzyHfrIrQC4yK0UriCS5asCXWCQH6yYN-wOT2KdF_nbK6o94MVSDU6RKhgReJpq7g93ZHrhRVLO8Hnhgy5anba2_FRwuP8Z6fSqfTOqkqR64ZRpgfOV620tF7HhmxBbkZR0ZJYVisQXVNi-QXS5McS4DwrkU_ktbnnhulqbEjVkfFnz/s468/5340079_Take_Heed_2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="468" data-original-width="468" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSdIsrtq1y8ys4cOzyHfrIrQC4yK0UriCS5asCXWCQH6yYN-wOT2KdF_nbK6o94MVSDU6RKhgReJpq7g93ZHrhRVLO8Hnhgy5anba2_FRwuP8Z6fSqfTOqkqR64ZRpgfOV620tF7HhmxBbkZR0ZJYVisQXVNi-QXS5McS4DwrkU_ktbnnhulqbEjVkfFnz/s320/5340079_Take_Heed_2.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><i><span style="color: #e06666;"><u> <b>FOR ALL OF US</b>,</u></span></i> the admonitions in Scripture aren't just included so the Most High God, who sits enthroned as King forever, could write a large, thick book we call the Bible.</p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The admonitions in God's Word are there for our welfare, for our deep abiding joy, for our wisdom and understanding, for our success </b>(I use this term loosely, for it really means "<b><i><span style="color: #45818e;">advancement</span></i></b>") <b>along the path of life. </b></span></p><p>Truly, they are as relevant and protective for our well-being (in every way: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, occupationally, relationally, even physically) <b><u>TODAY</u></b> as they were when written "YESTERDAY."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-R4jD4FrY-WJcTtAmuchRVO42CR0FeGyPr5L9KBuzrV9MzxHmYW7gLft7ScwR_YFUuOqpgEvtRVd8mgaXyRUP3APiNL0DHzPL2BmNu-t5vNULC2MQldwGKVUCKtHNUgKDp-nnKIfgBoUTUT27oIZAtp360dHTDf4yVmEiHR5n_0VVUTypZZ8AVKRFrKW/s320/1280x1280.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="320" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-R4jD4FrY-WJcTtAmuchRVO42CR0FeGyPr5L9KBuzrV9MzxHmYW7gLft7ScwR_YFUuOqpgEvtRVd8mgaXyRUP3APiNL0DHzPL2BmNu-t5vNULC2MQldwGKVUCKtHNUgKDp-nnKIfgBoUTUT27oIZAtp360dHTDf4yVmEiHR5n_0VVUTypZZ8AVKRFrKW/w400-h400/1280x1280.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><p>Whether we heed these admonitions, or not, is up to us...</p><p>...because, the consequences of not heeding need to be considered with a <u>fierce fervor</u>:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">There is great cause for concern.</span></i></b></p><p><br /></p>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-426990040722197576.post-76980823209730574082023-10-05T03:36:00.049-07:002023-10-05T06:26:30.828-07:00Lessons from a Long-Ago-Planned-Trip to Prince Edward Island<p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zWzQncNJ7Px5U9vBlJ3FCqWPU2vnt9sPzkPijTbLkKJIdXQxINu2uhyphenhyphenvOAriHEJrSSd2THQGkoOJ2jNIm6EhyUGWs97GgBdjOyej0jULGmZzM-0q1ih2m9jo6P-0RsVLoTFGAeeb8_Urb3X9RxfDBe04csx0-NKjsoWauUDgAyQlffpV7GogVdGFZ9bd/s1080/Country_Hill_Cottage_I_m_so_glad_I_live_in_a_world_where_there_are_Octobers_Anne_of_Green_Gables-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zWzQncNJ7Px5U9vBlJ3FCqWPU2vnt9sPzkPijTbLkKJIdXQxINu2uhyphenhyphenvOAriHEJrSSd2THQGkoOJ2jNIm6EhyUGWs97GgBdjOyej0jULGmZzM-0q1ih2m9jo6P-0RsVLoTFGAeeb8_Urb3X9RxfDBe04csx0-NKjsoWauUDgAyQlffpV7GogVdGFZ9bd/w320-h320/Country_Hill_Cottage_I_m_so_glad_I_live_in_a_world_where_there_are_Octobers_Anne_of_Green_Gables-01.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </div><p></p><p>Every time I flip a calendar to the month of October, I can't help but think of LM Montgomery's famous line from <i>Anne of Green Gables</i>: <i><b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: medium;">"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."</span></b></i></p><p>It always makes me smile.</p><p>I love October...and, we live in a world where October shows off EvErY (!) yEaR (!).</p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCqWDMiWA45T_VzVXJ1E34C8iTmqMjh0Ru69aYwberQ_4r9YO_d9rdffsHbgXI3ej8r9uWaQAbztCokZbaaX8tGqY-LlsjlHqPjUHMPIM_mQU_IQCyZpM9JeuNaMNLqt09IN_8yQooBJppMV-02dq5tT3_XgZAubJDkUN6N0-tHlaTksT8m2Z_-WfFnSSw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCqWDMiWA45T_VzVXJ1E34C8iTmqMjh0Ru69aYwberQ_4r9YO_d9rdffsHbgXI3ej8r9uWaQAbztCokZbaaX8tGqY-LlsjlHqPjUHMPIM_mQU_IQCyZpM9JeuNaMNLqt09IN_8yQooBJppMV-02dq5tT3_XgZAubJDkUN6N0-tHlaTksT8m2Z_-WfFnSSw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDLPOcac42E2tDu9ncuxpRmwa4UG2hmnkDTlHa2Wl9RqEX-3Y6ef8sq4wQ4UVzbzTL1IzPcnD_YZ8vAYXwvqqZD-8R2QhS6Iv7geP-POgNfvpdCkost7TsMXwgISRK-MDiOlhtRjTlQahiv6fv-4cQvSIzb71SD4qnxR5Y49VZYcEhJPvGPK1kZRlzmBh" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCDLPOcac42E2tDu9ncuxpRmwa4UG2hmnkDTlHa2Wl9RqEX-3Y6ef8sq4wQ4UVzbzTL1IzPcnD_YZ8vAYXwvqqZD-8R2QhS6Iv7geP-POgNfvpdCkost7TsMXwgISRK-MDiOlhtRjTlQahiv6fv-4cQvSIzb71SD4qnxR5Y49VZYcEhJPvGPK1kZRlzmBh=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p>Yet the smile isn't just from the memory of a single quote. </p><p>We raised an <i>Anne of Green Gables</i> girl.</p><p>Our youngest daughter arrived in our home with an Anne-like-style for drama and flair, love of words and books, and, a wonder and appreciation for life.</p><p>There was no question in our minds that one day we would take her to visit the land of Anne, Prince Edward Island, strategically placed above Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXZ7LvqO6pTGUbuUHpwI0j9C3kTLBsrmdjzt9q8cQL4Kqs6YQgi_4jlXAaH6C9O5i7GoPqYvxbFeujySNTMyUBzTdHPI2DPK5LeVRO8dHR9uKjyF7QjeKApccAjeN5rQ8sO865wn9pty7mdJi-c2icKOdvJJCBfdAoVx_Di4qIefEa0Khk3ULgzYyCMg3/s750/prince-edward-island-map.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="750" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXZ7LvqO6pTGUbuUHpwI0j9C3kTLBsrmdjzt9q8cQL4Kqs6YQgi_4jlXAaH6C9O5i7GoPqYvxbFeujySNTMyUBzTdHPI2DPK5LeVRO8dHR9uKjyF7QjeKApccAjeN5rQ8sO865wn9pty7mdJi-c2icKOdvJJCBfdAoVx_Di4qIefEa0Khk3ULgzYyCMg3/w400-h275/prince-edward-island-map.gif" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>..and, so, it turned out that during her freshman year of college (as a high school graduation gift), Bay arranged for us to travel to PEI from Phoenix: he gave us miles to use for our airline ticket, and co-ordinated with friends who lived on the island a place to stay. The date was set! <div><br /></div><div>As you can imagine, our excitement held no bounds. </div><div><br /></div><div>We researched all the things we wanted to see, we planned, we set an itinerary...</div><div><br /></div><div>As the time drew close, I packed my carry-on-bag, and drove from Pagosa to Phoenix, where we'd catch our flight out of Sky Harbor directly into Charlottetown.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day arrived and we showed up at the airport the required two hours early for check-in.</div><div><br /></div><div>All seemed smooth sailing, until the gal behind the counter asked me for my passport. </div><div><br /></div><div>Huh? Passport? </div><div><br /></div><div>Ruh-roh! My passport was back at home.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'd just been to Canada two months prior to speak at a women's event in Toronto, I didn't NEED MY PASSPORT, only my driver's license!</div><div><br /></div><div>I explained this to the agent (thinking she'd give me a pass without a pass-port), but the rules changed about a month before and she swore that a notification had been emailed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now everyone (including "moi") who wanted to enter Canada MUST HAVE a passport. </div><div><br /></div><div>I begged, pleaded, wanted to throw-up...but, there was no way they'd let me on that plane.</div><div><br /></div><div>It became quite clear - I was not going to Prince Edward Island.</div><div><br /></div><div>I was without excuse.</div><div><br /></div><div>Mandy had her passport. She could have gone on without me, but didn't want to do a solo trip. We were "in this" together...</div><div><br /></div><div>So, <u>together</u>, we left the airport, as Anne would have said, "in the depths of despair."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLi5HlmrTV29UeCdzIRoF3Qhv-1HRyTu3aMEbiiEtRHPc6CvNR_qqYDISlyKvfW_2AXBK_Lt8FmLj8d_TuuFDUbJohmkBZP3CozBVm4TDrj4L5xG6QclR0A0yHWyp7n3o_yNK0IFmM9xY9526-T9s49H-1YSSjp_N7R4u1QOdoKEbK3Tb8DujDYy68MqT/s3840/4626565-Anne-Shirley-Quote-I-can-t-eat-I-can-never-eat-when-I-m-in-the.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2160" data-original-width="3840" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLi5HlmrTV29UeCdzIRoF3Qhv-1HRyTu3aMEbiiEtRHPc6CvNR_qqYDISlyKvfW_2AXBK_Lt8FmLj8d_TuuFDUbJohmkBZP3CozBVm4TDrj4L5xG6QclR0A0yHWyp7n3o_yNK0IFmM9xY9526-T9s49H-1YSSjp_N7R4u1QOdoKEbK3Tb8DujDYy68MqT/w400-h225/4626565-Anne-Shirley-Quote-I-can-t-eat-I-can-never-eat-when-I-m-in-the.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Mom fail!</div><div><br /></div><div>My worst mom fail! </div><div><br /></div><div>I had great intentions; but <b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;"><u>I'd focused so much on the destination that I really forgot about the journey. </u></span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>We do this spiritually speaking, as well, don't we? </div><div><br /></div><div>Sometimes our sights are <b><u>so</u></b> <b><u>set</u></b> on where we want to be (whether it's a goal in front of us, or our heavenly home) that we forget to look deeply into the steps we need to take to get where we are going,</div><div><br /></div><div>We know what we want...we just don't pay attention to the details along the way. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, when we don't pay attention to the steps along the way, it's easy to get off course (or not make your flight)... 😑</div><div><br /></div><div>It's amazing to me (I know because I've been looking) at the number of verses in Scripture that talk bout the steps we take, the path we are on, the way we take, our journey forward... Hundreds!</div><div><br /></div><div>The journey we are on matters.</div><div><br /></div><div>The path we take matters.</div><div><br /></div><div>The direction we go makes a difference when it comes to our desired destination. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every step needs to be intentional. </div><div><br /></div><div>Every decision needs to be weighed out. </div><div><br /></div><div>I've gotten stuck on this verse this week:</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;"><b><i>"Ponder the path of your feet; then all your ways will be sure (ESV, Proverbs 4:26)."</i></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3waQGKi5ZiPj-KxBHW9X9joRfGokuNF6g2Vd2P8tRtENDf0r8gugtpRRgvQ3-qGRugY7ZrQwDxBJ7hUemoOUEg737s7TfIg2f7ZEOrv5hoPhrDaFBYk6I1YLfWauQQTVPYD4xvLHtXZq0y9EoTYomiavYvOmgvx-A4TE-3Du8DTHsYNWLXyph3UYaq26R/s400/Proverbs-426-Steadfast.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="299" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3waQGKi5ZiPj-KxBHW9X9joRfGokuNF6g2Vd2P8tRtENDf0r8gugtpRRgvQ3-qGRugY7ZrQwDxBJ7hUemoOUEg737s7TfIg2f7ZEOrv5hoPhrDaFBYk6I1YLfWauQQTVPYD4xvLHtXZq0y9EoTYomiavYvOmgvx-A4TE-3Du8DTHsYNWLXyph3UYaq26R/w299-h400/Proverbs-426-Steadfast.webp" width="299" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">The direction we take is critical when it comes to our destination. </span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-large;">And every decision impacts our direction...</span></i></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our intentions may be filled with anticipation; we may have even researched, planned, and written an itinerary...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But, if we aren't taking heed to the steps along the way, we'll not be prepared and ready when we get to the "gate." </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">If we aren't watching for the emails (<b><i><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: medium;"><u>the written WORD</u></span></i></b>) that will give us the instructions, we'll not make it far on the journey. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We can't just know all about the end of the road, we must give careful thought to our feet... </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">Looking ahead for obstacles that might cause us to stumble or trap us...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Watching for distractions that might cause us to wander off into dangerous territory...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Seeing the pitfalls ahead that we might avoid them...</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Most of all, we should always travel with a <b>COMPANION</b> (and, even a "companion") who is on the journey with us...one is <b><u>for</u></b> you...giving aid along the way and words of wisdom...</div><div><br /></div><div>There are a lot of helpful hints in Scripture, especially in the book of Proverbs, about our journey heavenward. Some are warnings. Some are beautiful pointers that will help us make the most of every day we spend on the road... And, some are promises - extra special gifts along the way, if/when we take ownership of them!</div><div><br /></div><div>The point of all this: </div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;">Don't just focus on your destination and get stuck before you ever get very far on the journey. Good intentions get you nowhere...</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">XXXXX</span></i></b></div><div><br /></div><div>Good news: </div><div><br /></div><div>About 6 years ago, I finally got to Prince Edward Island. </div><div><br /></div><div>Not with just one daughter, but with two.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vFMQd3GRpcYu1bH8Onw175km8o84QwMROtWB8GV9-jYbHdGH7rhTPk9R5IwujArTOtPXoo0TN8Z-kY87PvpQUHef94S5qpy_-eSJcBHe7VUY5hkqiiVQEOc-Mwb5Gdo0RVyxilxNtHltxEPhE1o4vhh-iqDzgrz48rYA96r-5EZHEtzmtBqkk6fHM0MH/s960/19114084_10154722125406527_2169048574716923805_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7vFMQd3GRpcYu1bH8Onw175km8o84QwMROtWB8GV9-jYbHdGH7rhTPk9R5IwujArTOtPXoo0TN8Z-kY87PvpQUHef94S5qpy_-eSJcBHe7VUY5hkqiiVQEOc-Mwb5Gdo0RVyxilxNtHltxEPhE1o4vhh-iqDzgrz48rYA96r-5EZHEtzmtBqkk6fHM0MH/w400-h400/19114084_10154722125406527_2169048574716923805_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakw6u0Tl0IqPpUZkTHB0l9U6MKP_3R_a0EzJYAj3OPzRrUJtYkryIP4LDY5ZzsN6ks_Q6KWOGcf7CnOqP5lkEaczfp3-uSaSDEVEU_vuzuOt_f6jSRiY0Is3twF5fCMSxQ7t7lxKlt5qAQi2u0ZiPjEl7177K88HjNQ-seHDlA1U7_0JELRTZkrY0GSyA/s960/19366096_10154728279141527_3652425995667860730_n.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakw6u0Tl0IqPpUZkTHB0l9U6MKP_3R_a0EzJYAj3OPzRrUJtYkryIP4LDY5ZzsN6ks_Q6KWOGcf7CnOqP5lkEaczfp3-uSaSDEVEU_vuzuOt_f6jSRiY0Is3twF5fCMSxQ7t7lxKlt5qAQi2u0ZiPjEl7177K88HjNQ-seHDlA1U7_0JELRTZkrY0GSyA/w400-h400/19366096_10154728279141527_3652425995667860730_n.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It was a trip of a lifetime, enjoying sweet memories I will forever hold in my heart of time with my sweet girls. </div><div><br /></div><div>And, this time, I was ready for the journey - passport in hand - watching and enjoying every step we took all over the birthplace of LM Montgomery and her <i>Anne of Green Gables</i>.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2wH3M0pfnBFdZXfg5brbJ5_yxPhcrHqoLMpQoTWRAhUEZfatmcAFzBoIf4H5MO0tIs6qk3OJ8XM3u_BRDTR8meCrRJHzBMchwf7WKYCX4CUqUeEgbaf6WnfiYGpQLuBaFlfI_LyJqAzaVW_yo1u_hFbE1sHGeu5AoG0uqZCJkxnNUW_VtgWiKQ-Md6ue/s624/Eecu2ZYX0AEgE2G.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="624" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt2wH3M0pfnBFdZXfg5brbJ5_yxPhcrHqoLMpQoTWRAhUEZfatmcAFzBoIf4H5MO0tIs6qk3OJ8XM3u_BRDTR8meCrRJHzBMchwf7WKYCX4CUqUeEgbaf6WnfiYGpQLuBaFlfI_LyJqAzaVW_yo1u_hFbE1sHGeu5AoG0uqZCJkxnNUW_VtgWiKQ-Md6ue/w400-h343/Eecu2ZYX0AEgE2G.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p>PS. A special thank you to Lorne and Lorraine MacKenzie, who made our ultimate trip to Prince Edward Island and all-things-Anne-of-Greene-Gables most WoNdErFuL! You are the BEST! We love you still. </p></div>Peghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03001463830570589986noreply@blogger.com0