tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12530705311913683542024-02-07T14:21:05.983-10:00Where You lead me,LORD, I will followSharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09039822524469327585noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-42196830699800502002020-01-06T16:07:00.000-10:002020-01-06T16:07:21.448-10:00Writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55dKVmjxmKalLL3X1EFCr01Thp4Uek93jf-xlR2tIxcEAYcsa6lUGFWy4mPyqIo5G41p9KRjHArLBCj_5G-xIrL4oSlgtCOpVbsAjsgeso9IN2QKz-0xUVFzQP0PEh9XfTKVoXYkYUGI/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="568" data-original-width="800" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55dKVmjxmKalLL3X1EFCr01Thp4Uek93jf-xlR2tIxcEAYcsa6lUGFWy4mPyqIo5G41p9KRjHArLBCj_5G-xIrL4oSlgtCOpVbsAjsgeso9IN2QKz-0xUVFzQP0PEh9XfTKVoXYkYUGI/s320/writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Last night, my son and I were playing on his Magnadoodle.<br />
<br />
"Draw a cement truck, momma!" As quickly as my pen finished the final detail, <i>swoosh, </i>my preschooler had erased what I'd created.<br />
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"Now draw a tow tuck!" Draw, <i>swoosh, </i>erase. "Now make all the stars." Draw, <i>swoosh, </i>erase. "And a heart for how much you love me." Draw, <i>swoosh, </i>erase. "And now letters..." Draw, <i>swoosh, </i>erase.<br />
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As I grew mildly frustrated by how quickly he swooshed away my creations, this hit me: Life is constantly hitting us with words, constantly bombarding us with messages about ourselves and about the world around us. Sometimes those words are written on a Magnadoodle; they present themselves for a fleeting moment and then, <i>swoosh, </i>are wiped away without a second thought. Sometimes those words have a bit longer presence, perhaps like pencil on paper; they aren't wiped away with a simple slide of the hand, but with the handy work of a rubber eraser, they too can be rubbed out. Yet other words feel more permanent, like words chiseled into stone. Try as you might, no amount of rubbing or swiping or pounding or paint will cover up what's carved so deeply.<br />
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Sometimes, have messages engraved that deeply is a gift. When those messages speak of how dearly loved we are, how valuable we are, and how much purpose we posses, those chiseled words act as a breastplate protecting from the attacks of shallow lies that threaten our identity. However, when those messages are reversed, the protective breastplate turns into a drowning millstones. When, because of abuse or other traumas, we identify etch into our identity stones lies of insufficiency, disdain, and hatred, we struggle to believe any other words spoken, even those written in the Bible.<br />
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I challenge you to take a few moments and see what's etched in the stone of your heart. Are these words uplifting truths, the names that God calls you? Or are they debilitating taunts that pull you down no matter how good life gets? If it's the later, find someone you trust: a friend, church leader, or professional counselor, and share the ugly marks that have been written on your heart. Find someone who will commit to helping you sand and chip and pound away what's sat so long. While I promise that it'll be a lot of work, I also promise that those words, as deeply embedded as they are, don't have to be permanent. God's greater, and through His truth and the loving community that He's placed in your life (even if that community is hard to find), is possible to write a new story, even when it's been etched in stone.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-32759298005008149762020-01-04T15:35:00.000-10:002020-01-04T15:35:27.428-10:00Anticipate the mess<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR9VfeNhoa5YKmJShZB80F54zo2uK8g509Jznutw5nmZ2Am6OLq7ILur6MPvCSXfxlLD16rb2ztF7ZchM6fbD_C4GcLuR_t55RURtBnhIzRNlDQyHUgom85e0ZHaDeLaHPsv-LdgTr3E/s1600/cookies.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizR9VfeNhoa5YKmJShZB80F54zo2uK8g509Jznutw5nmZ2Am6OLq7ILur6MPvCSXfxlLD16rb2ztF7ZchM6fbD_C4GcLuR_t55RURtBnhIzRNlDQyHUgom85e0ZHaDeLaHPsv-LdgTr3E/s200/cookies.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>
Lately, one of my three year old's favorite things to do is make cookies together. He's getting pretty good at measuring and leveling ingredients; this week I even let him crack an egg! Despite his best efforts, a good third of the ingredients fall out on the counter between scooping them out of their container and into the bowl. No worries! I've learned to anticipate the mess. You see, while making cookies with him makes the process so much slower and SO much messier, the quality time and sense of accomplishment that he has afterward more than makes up for the inconvenience. I treasure our time together and jump at the opportunity to build into our relationship, even if it means scrubbing counters and floors (and occasionally the dog when he gets under foot).<br />
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I wonder if that's how God feels about us sometimes. "Those silly humans! They're so slow to catch on to My directing, and boy they're great at making a mess of things! But I simply love them enough to patiently guide them through the mess. My heart longs for relationship with them that I'll invest My very self into their lives; I'll muddle through the mess to draw them closer to Myself."<br />
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I'm so grateful for that level of love!Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-69803075842380059732020-01-01T13:02:00.000-10:002020-01-01T13:02:43.611-10:00Snowy Progress<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsr7pW4KaKbBojZG0Jbp_EWDJjdPLlGeor2GgLTRL_H-3tQ0dhNhhKT0audUt5Ucnj9s3VrPYP2G-EViIJ3GeZ_zS6lHOOaqw-EeIgQ8wbb7liu4g_3t-SsLealQ6FNDPXs2XgrTgvoQ/s1600/progress.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpsr7pW4KaKbBojZG0Jbp_EWDJjdPLlGeor2GgLTRL_H-3tQ0dhNhhKT0audUt5Ucnj9s3VrPYP2G-EViIJ3GeZ_zS6lHOOaqw-EeIgQ8wbb7liu4g_3t-SsLealQ6FNDPXs2XgrTgvoQ/s320/progress.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yesterday, we woke up to a dumping of snow. The brilliant while coated everything! Knowing I had plans with a friend in a few hours, I dutifully went out to shovel the driveway. From inside, it looked like we'd only gotten a few inches, so surely I could tackle this task in an hour, easy. When I got outside and realized the snow was actually up to my ankles. No worries, I got this!<br />
<br />
I started rhythmically shoveling: scoop, dump, scoop, dump, scoop, dump. Whew! As my arms started to tire, I stopped to look at my progress; I'd been working hard, yet I'd hardly made a dent in clearing the snow! Okay, back at it: scoop, dump, scoop, dump.<br />
<br />
Aw man, the snowplow just filled the end of the drive with slush and ice. I'll get to that in a minute; stay focused on the area I've started. Scoop, dump, scoop, dump.<br />
<br />
Hold up, where did my toddler just run off to? Oh he's playing in the front yard? I guess I'll start on the section down there. Scoop, dump.<br />
<br />
Alright, we've been out here a good hour; we have to be almost done, right? Nope, definitely only halfway done. Maybe only a third. Scoop, dump.<br />
<br />
And the sky is dumping a fresh layer of snow where I've already shoveled. No matter; keep at it. Scoop, dump.<br />
Ope! The mail lady is coming; quick make a path for her! Scoop, dump, scoop, dump.<br />
<br />
Okay, kiddo's getting cold; time to take a break and get him situated inside with his dad. Okay, break's over, back at it. Scoop, dump.<br />
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Hmm, there's only this little portion left and the icy mess from the snowplow to finish; I'll make a game out of it and see if I can finish the rest in 20 shovelfuls, easy peasy! Except now I've been at this for two hours, and my shoulders and back and arms are starting to ache. I can't take quite as big of a load, and I lose half of it trying to propel it over the fence. 11, 12, 13 scoops. Okay, maybe I can't clear the rest in 20 loads, but I definitely can clear this last few feet here. Scoop, dump. 18, 19, 20. Yeah, with the wind and drifts, this section is definitely deeper than I thought! Okay, how many more scoops? 28, 29, 30! 38, 39, 40!<br />
<br />
Whew! It's mostly clear! I just have to do that little bit from the snowplow and I'm done. That's an easy 5, 10 scoops top! I got this! Scoop, crunch! Except this isn't the fluffy snow of the rest, this is ice! This plastic shovel can't crack it; time to switch to the metal one. Except this one's way heavier, and so is the ice! And I've grown tired, so I can only move small loads. Chisel, chisel, scoop, dump. Chisel, chisel, scoop, dump. 5, 6, 7 scoops. 8, 9, 10 more. And it's only half cleared. Seriously? Am I ever going to finish this? Maybe I can leave this last little bit and plow through. No no, it's not worth getting stuck, finish the job. Chisel, chisel, dump. 18, 19, 20 scoops! Finally, I'm done!<br />
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Sometimes I feel like reaching my goals is like shoveling snow: the achiever in me looks at the task at hand and thinks, "I got this! It'll be a quick accomplishment!" And then I start working on the goal, and realizing it's way deeper than I anticipated. Or someone comes and, trying to help, actually makes the situation worse and sets me back 10 steps. Or I have to pause my progress to tend to the needs of my family or a friend. Or something completely out of my control hits, erasing my progress. Or I have to take a break to allow myself to rest, even when it feels like doing so is a setback. Suddenly, what I thought would be a quick and easy goal turns into something that seems impossible to complete! Sometimes I've worked so hard and feel like I have so little to show for it.<br />
<br />
Maybe you're feeling that way too. Maybe you're on the verge of giving up on something that's becoming so disheartening. I encourage you to stop for a moment, look up and survey the progress that you've made. Yes, you're not where you started, but you are progressing. There's a clear spot that wasn't there before. Maybe there's a clear path where there was once dysfunctional coping skills or hurtful relationships. Stop and observe the new paths you've created; reflected on the muscles (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual) that have strengthened in the journey. You may not be where you hoped you'd be, your hope may not yet be achieved, but dear one, you're getting there! Take care of yourself, rest and tend to your needs, reflect on how far you've come, and when you're ready, get back out there. Scoop, dump.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-76584804920651194642020-01-01T12:26:00.001-10:002020-01-01T12:26:21.266-10:00Adoption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNPYwpY9p0D-wRVIYDv7-cf_dh4PsYYwQ9rjENljQlgpUe-uVV3APdzcDhn22-aBaaK9sUBusCchKf-A66eUlMeuKa0MZ8zlyjAbhWjGmScA7p6UZxtsRcOt6hpIrj0ROWRzRAZ1Aomw/s1600/selective-focus-photography-of-child-hand-1250452.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizNPYwpY9p0D-wRVIYDv7-cf_dh4PsYYwQ9rjENljQlgpUe-uVV3APdzcDhn22-aBaaK9sUBusCchKf-A66eUlMeuKa0MZ8zlyjAbhWjGmScA7p6UZxtsRcOt6hpIrj0ROWRzRAZ1Aomw/s320/selective-focus-photography-of-child-hand-1250452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
If you ever want to realize how little control you have adopt, and further, adopt internationally! After being in the process for 2 years, we FINALLY have a referral! We FINALLY know our kiddo's name, have seen her face, know her history, personality, likes and dislikes. Already we love and adore her, our beautiful daughter! And yet...<br />
<br />
And yet she doesn't even know what we exist. She doesn't know there's a family who's worked so hard and moved what feels like Heaven and Earth to bring her home, a family who anxiously and joyfully awaits for when we finally get to bring her home! While we feel so well acquainted with this precious child, she knows nothing of us.<br />
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And so often is our relationship with God. Long before we knew of God's very existence, He knew everything about us, down to the hairs on our head. And more than simply knowing us, He loves and adores us! And He moved literal Heaven and Earth to bring us into His family by sending Jesus to redeem us and bring us into His family. How amazing is it to be adopted by the eternal, glorious God?!?<br />
For He chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love. He did this by predestining us to adoption as His legal heirs through Jesus Christ, according to the pleasure of His will. Ephesians 1:4-5<br />
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But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Beacuase you are His sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls our, "Abba, Father". Galatians 4:4-6<br />
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Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Luke 12:7<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-65479316166850463172020-01-01T11:59:00.001-10:002020-01-01T11:59:39.988-10:00Fear<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVe1lOLu67Qxqt29GAV3EJpdBvBKUV8udPA2XXJsdKpPytUdWQmjY2l1gdMha8hSct9_UyajNfqwjn0tB0aPfcHhdVBnOkZpI2ffbXpMRVM1MZagHUyQpb9GuwYVPj_7PHH_c29A50e8/s1600/peace.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1125" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAVe1lOLu67Qxqt29GAV3EJpdBvBKUV8udPA2XXJsdKpPytUdWQmjY2l1gdMha8hSct9_UyajNfqwjn0tB0aPfcHhdVBnOkZpI2ffbXpMRVM1MZagHUyQpb9GuwYVPj_7PHH_c29A50e8/s320/peace.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Like most preschoolers, my son has an evening routine that brings him comfort and security as he drifts into sleep: a book, prayers, and hug from momma or daddy, his nightlight on, a special teddy bear snuggled tight, and his blankets wrapped snug as a bug in a rug. With daddy out of town a few days ago, we decided to throw routine to the wind and engage in a special sleepover in momma's room. As my son's breathing slowed, indicating that he'd given into sleep, I realized something: he didn't have any of his usual comforts. He was suddenly okay with the dark room, he no longer needed the security of tightly wrapped covers or a snuggly friend. Why? Because he was comforted by something greater. He slept soundly knowing his momma was right there beside him.<br />
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I think God calls us to the same rest in His presence. We fool ourselves into thinking we can find peace and comfort through temporary things: if only I secure this relationship, I'll be at rest. Surely another drink or a higher dose or another snack will give me the peace that eludes. If only I can achieve all of the things and prove myself, I'll find true security. We turn to idols while God gently calls, "Come to me, all who are weary, and I'll give you rest. Surrender to Me, and let me be your peace. Fear not, for I am with you; I hold you in my righteous right hand."<br />
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So do not fear, for I am with you; don't be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10<br />
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Come to me, all who are weary and heavy burdened, am I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls. Matthew 11:28-29<br />
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"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. John 14:27Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-30018987434106770042019-12-19T09:09:00.000-10:002019-12-19T09:09:43.229-10:00Tools<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJolghVeyD5RqQF5g0kWxj1sZdgLAhXDZ80C6rSVxrwlhFBcNH0IKyjxV-VsqKYrMGeXrgaJtofEYg9m5HzxytIRWPvBKZB0d9snvjsuDSKx0Xi2OKZrNMIWv74pui-W6EXq3TvDm-1ig/s1600/toolspic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJolghVeyD5RqQF5g0kWxj1sZdgLAhXDZ80C6rSVxrwlhFBcNH0IKyjxV-VsqKYrMGeXrgaJtofEYg9m5HzxytIRWPvBKZB0d9snvjsuDSKx0Xi2OKZrNMIWv74pui-W6EXq3TvDm-1ig/s320/toolspic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the latest addition of learning from my preschooler:
tools.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For whatever reason, my preschooler LOVES to play with our
handheld vacuum cleaner. He loves toting around the house sweeping up stray
crumbs and dirt and dog hair (which the dog doesn’t appreciate when the hair is
still attached to him!). One morning, the sweeper turned toy suddenly stopped
working. As much as my son slammed the button, it just won’t suck. No worries!
My son knew just what to do! He ran to the basement and returned with his toy
hammer. “I’ll fix it, momma!”, he declared and started pounding the pour
machine! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It took a good amount of self-control not to laugh at his
efforts. My adult brain could easily assess what the problem was; I knew a
hammer wasn’t going to fix a dead battery. Yet in his childhood innocence, he
was confident that this was the right tool for the job. He’d just learned how
to use it to pound plastic nails into his tool bench and had seen daddy use a
hammer to fix the panel in the bathroom, so of course it would fix this too!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I wonder how often we approach life’s problems with the
tools of a child. Maybe we learned in childhood that the way to get our needs
met was to be loud and demanding, so we struggle when our verbal pounding
doesn’t get us what we hoped. Or maybe we learned to survive by not having
needs at all; maybe the tool we were given is people please; always put others
first and they’ll never be mad at us. Except maybe now we’re feeling
unfulfilled or unmet because our needs have been ignored for so long. Or maybe
we hold the tool of addiction: if we can just get that next fix or have one
more drink or go on one more shopping spree, that whole in our heart will be
filled. Or maybe it’s the tool of self-protection; if we can just flee from
relationship, hurt or cut of them before they hurt us, we’ll be okay.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, I challenge you to take inventory of your emotional
and spiritual toolbox. What tools in there no longer serve the purpose they
once did? What’s no longer beneficial? What once useful hammer is now trying to
fill the role of an electric cord? And what are the tools are missing? What are
the things that you still need to be successful, happy, and satisfied with
yourself, your relationships, your life?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once you’ve assessed your resources, I encourage you to
reach out to your community and share both the tools that you have and those
that you’re lacking. Reach out to a trusted friend or family, a pastor, someone
in your small group or club, or even to a counselor (I know of a few great ones!
=)) and ask for the help that you need. Stop trying to fix a dead battery with
a hammer; find someone who can teach you the tools that you need.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-73374806057321435082019-12-19T09:07:00.000-10:002019-12-19T09:07:32.730-10:00He Knows My Name<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd42OtihcV7d8uplI1OteksoIhMUm-kKJeLPpjx5ZzDyup5ub1zWnb6Y0uVO4IFVPRXFdjNMBD4fkLVrgcnCYveUvoArSvA5RlAbMy9ctQVJzYZ6PpJSZpwcd20-8gy7y0YaBkWmK_BWI/s1600/nametag.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="710" data-original-width="1100" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd42OtihcV7d8uplI1OteksoIhMUm-kKJeLPpjx5ZzDyup5ub1zWnb6Y0uVO4IFVPRXFdjNMBD4fkLVrgcnCYveUvoArSvA5RlAbMy9ctQVJzYZ6PpJSZpwcd20-8gy7y0YaBkWmK_BWI/s320/nametag.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I recently gifted my preschooler with
a Scout dog. For those unfamiliar with the toy, it’s a stuffed animal that you
can program with your child’s name and a few of their favorite things. After
setting it up, I presented it to my son and watched his eyes and grin widen as
he heard the pup speak his name. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“Momma!”, he shouted excitedly.
“Momma, the doggy knows my name! He knows it’s me!”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">He was amazed that this toy KNEW him!
Sure, he has other toys that can say generic phrases, but this one spoke his
very NAME! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">As I watched my son’s awe and wonder
at being called by name, I was struck by the reality that Someone much more
important knows his name, and my and your names too! Sweet friend, God sees you
and calls you by name. On your loneliest days, you are not hidden from His
sight. When you’re struggling with your worth, He calls you beloved, valued,
seen. He saw you in your mother’s womb, sees you in your proudest moments, and
sees you at your lowest of lows. And He doesn’t simply see you; you aren’t just
another member lost in the crowd. He sees you and calls you by name. He sees
your pain and heartache and calls you to His loving arms. He sees your
confusion and disappointment and calls you to seek His wisdom and hope. He sees
the lies that you’re believing and calls you walk in the truth of who He says
you are. You are not hidden, not overlooked. God sees you. God calls you by
name.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">But now, this is what the Lords says- he
who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have
redeemed you; I have summed you by name; you are mine. Isaiah 43:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You have searched me, Lord, and you
know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from
afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my
ways. Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. You hem me
in behind and before, and you lay our hand upon me. Such knowledge is too
wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain. Where can I go from your Spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. If I rise on the wings of the
dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide
me, your right hand will hold me fast. If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide
me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to
you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For
you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise
you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I
know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the
secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes
saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:1-16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-6808593253181957752019-12-19T08:54:00.000-10:002019-12-19T08:54:45.301-10:00Gratitude<br />
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJtokqGIsa2cfucRtm2e8wByGENQiZpzkfN5Y5RL-rK6S9FKCWOFKR6VX4d6ixYjDA2XkXXYLw7LwJBsrExtzI8J2hcs_c4uSJvCvaiNMqosTXdUYV6SIKNZhtG30I7KQtn5ztoVsXhY/s1600/gratitudepic.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1188" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheJtokqGIsa2cfucRtm2e8wByGENQiZpzkfN5Y5RL-rK6S9FKCWOFKR6VX4d6ixYjDA2XkXXYLw7LwJBsrExtzI8J2hcs_c4uSJvCvaiNMqosTXdUYV6SIKNZhtG30I7KQtn5ztoVsXhY/s320/gratitudepic.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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“Papa God, thank You for construction vehicles, how they dig
and move dirt and build big roads! Thank You for boo boos, that You can heal
them! Thank You for my sister and that she’ll be here soon to play with!”<o:p></o:p></div>
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This is a typical prayer of my son: thank you, thank you,
thank you! In his young brain, he doesn’t feel the annoyance of road
construction but only the wonder and power of big trucks and the joy that he
gets to see their progress first hand. He doesn’t feel the fear that his latest
injury will cause long term damage or pain; rather, he fully anticipates God’s
care and healing of his hurt. And he doesn’t stress the endless hours of
adoption paperwork and delay after delay of the process not progressing like
it’s “supposed to”; instead, He fully trusts that God will bring his precious
and already beloved sister home to him, and he is already dreaming of all the
ways that they’ll play together.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ah, the faith of a child, the peace of full assurance of
God’s provision and promise, the joy of gratitude in the waiting. How would my
life change if I viewed it through the eyes of my son? How much joy and peace
and excitement would I find in letting go of what’s out of my control and
simply basking in gratitude for how greatly God has blessed me. Studies have
shown that by simply listing 3 things a day that you’re grateful for, you can
greatly increase your happiness and decrease your stress. And with God’s
abundant blessing on my life, surely I can come up with more than just 3 a day!
With freshly paved roads that assure safety as I drive and scars (physical and
emotional) that show how I’ve been healed and the opportunity to grow my
family, surely I can think of more than 3 things to thank Him for! Rather than
complaining about the laundry piling up or the house that constantly needs
cleaning or stressing finding time to cook dinner, I can praise Him for close
to wear and a warm house to live in with an abundance of toys for our family to
enjoy and for always having a full belly. Rather than complain about early
mornings with a sleepless toddler, discovering a pile of dog poop in the
kitchen, or the forever falling snow, I can choose to praise Him for a few
extra hours to snuggle with my little buddy, for a four legged companion who
offers both loyalty and protection, and for the beauty of His creation in all
seasons. What can you thank God for today? How will you choose gratitude over
complaining?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;<br />
his love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all
circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:
Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is
near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every
situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to
God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:4-7</div>
<br /><br />
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-15381049778350967962019-12-12T06:56:00.001-10:002019-12-12T06:56:53.754-10:00Mixed Play-doh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMd32bDQb51Nm-PxG3K_v24WbUvOPZwxhxu1dQR74tgoF-ZA94VWDn2mmMzZ6sRDb9eIV5KBtXOrC8sZox4pG9zge_u36x9HA_yAceWgS5OVr-Rmfnsjx36yLfyLQJWmhrcZDgcWe73c/s1600/IMG_20190813_073128243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFMd32bDQb51Nm-PxG3K_v24WbUvOPZwxhxu1dQR74tgoF-ZA94VWDn2mmMzZ6sRDb9eIV5KBtXOrC8sZox4pG9zge_u36x9HA_yAceWgS5OVr-Rmfnsjx36yLfyLQJWmhrcZDgcWe73c/s320/IMG_20190813_073128243.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I
don’t know about you, but I distinctly remember in my childhood being warned
not to mix the colors of my Play-doh. “Keep the blue and red separate. Once
they’re mixed, you won’t be able to undo them and the Play-doh will be
ruined.”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I
wonder if, in life, we sometimes feel like mixed Play-doh. We feel like,
because of certain circumstances or choices that we’ve made, our color isn’t as
pure or bright or beautiful: “Because I was abused, I’m now damaged goods.”
“Because I went too far with my girlfriend, I’m not as pure as I was.” Because
my parents got divorced, or because I got divorced, people will view me as a
failure.” “Because I’m not a size 2, no one will see me as valuable.” Because…
well, you can fill in the blank. There are so many things out there than can
cause us to feel less than, so many things that challenge our value or cause us
to question our worth in the world or make us feel like an accident or passed
over. So many circumstances and choices that make us feel like mixed Play-doh.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Here’s
the thing about mixed Play-doh, though. As my own child swirls the colors
together, I can’t help notice the beauty of his new creation. Sure, there’s no
way that I’m separating those colors, no way that I can make it look like it
once way. Yet there’s something mesmerizing about swirl of the colors coming
together; there’s something attractive and eye catching about his new combined
creation that the pure, fresh out of the container dough doesn’t possess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I
think that’s how God views our mixed Play-doh lives. Rather than condemn us for
where we’ve fallen short, He calls us to come to Him: “Come here, My child.
Bring Me your mistakes and shortcomings and blatant disobedience to me. Repent,
and let Me redeem your brokenness.” When we’ve been cut down by the pains of a
fallen world, He doesn’t see us as broken, useless vessels. Rather, He calls us
to come to Him: “Come here, My child. Bring Me your hurts and heartaches, bring
the injustices you’ve experienced. I too have been scarred by this fallen
world. Come to me and trade your sorrows for My joy, your hurt for My love,
your fear for My peace.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Praise
God that He does not leave us in our broken state! He promises to redeem and
restore us. He doesn’t call us broken but beloved. Praise God that He’s
powerful enough to transform the pains of our lives into a beautiful testimony
of His character. Praise God that He’s big enough to transform the
disappointments of our lives into a grandness greater than we could ever dream
of! Praise God that He can take Play-doh discarded by the world’s standards and
redeem it to intricate beauty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I
have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who
lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of
God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">But
you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own
possession, that you may proclaim the excellences of him who called you out of
darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">I
have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist.
Return to me, for I have redeemed you. Isaiah 44:22<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">Let
the redeemed of the LORD tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of
the foe. Psalm 107:2<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">You
came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my
case; you redeemed my life. Lamentations 3:57-58<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="color: #eeeeee;">And
giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the
inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us
from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he
loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. Colossians 1:12-14</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-41709599819735626062018-06-10T07:18:00.000-10:002018-06-10T07:18:07.382-10:00Coffee<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv9AXSGngFJ4UNDg-LdP5aKXKJnoq0pWAQPVxQmFLhPPgGxhTfz9GOf8Xq9mw6RXoA7dOUN8unur65Gh0hRBWwja3nDoCU4vrJP46n2D3oYDeETXLIjvSjTyaqzB_5bwFlyDfmSbq7RI/s1600/coffee.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxv9AXSGngFJ4UNDg-LdP5aKXKJnoq0pWAQPVxQmFLhPPgGxhTfz9GOf8Xq9mw6RXoA7dOUN8unur65Gh0hRBWwja3nDoCU4vrJP46n2D3oYDeETXLIjvSjTyaqzB_5bwFlyDfmSbq7RI/s320/coffee.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="text 2Cor-4-7" id="en-NIV-28867" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>But we have this treasure in jars of clay<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28867T" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28867T" title="See cross-reference T">T</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to show that this all-surpassing power is from God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28867U" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28867U" title="See cross-reference U">U</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and not from us.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-8" id="en-NIV-28868" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>We are hard pressed on every side,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28868V" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28868V" title="See cross-reference V">V</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>but not crushed; perplexed,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28868W" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28868W" title="See cross-reference W">W</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but not in despair;</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-9" id="en-NIV-28869" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>persecuted,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28869X" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28869X" title="See cross-reference X">X</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> but not abandoned;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28869Y" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28869Y" title="See cross-reference Y">Y</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28869Z" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28869Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-10" id="en-NIV-28870" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28870AA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28870AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28870AB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28870AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-11" id="en-NIV-28871" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28871AC" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28871AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-4-12" id="en-NIV-28872" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>So then, death is at work in us, but life is at work in you. 2 Corinthians 4</span><br />
<span class="text 2Cor-4-12" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
This morning we talked about this passage, sharing how, when life squeezes us, we're called to have "Jesus juice", aka the characteristics of Christ, flow out of us. When we find that our humanity rather than Christ gushes out, to recognize and surrender our sinfulness to God, asking Him to fill us with Himself. Given time to reflect on what we'd heard, I had the following image.<br />
<br />
Maybe it's just because I'm a sleep deprived mom with a thermos in hand, but my thoughts went to coffee. As a kid, coffee was a gross, bitter thing that grown up tortured themselves with; as an adult, coffee is a sweet treat that I crave. Has some magically transformation taken place in the flavor of my java juice? No! Rather, my tastes have changed and matured. Similarly, as I reflect on the bitter moments in my life, they leave a different taste in my mouth. Did these experiences change? No! Rather, God has changed and matured me, allowing me to see His goodness and purpose in my hardships.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-61354904536941658062017-12-03T07:31:00.000-10:002017-12-03T07:31:14.869-10:00Crap<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_an9C5MIn4lc70oI-A75aL5XjBS9ecfz-xHbRSOubdOlB4s1JMq_vfSR7TSU0QEPU-YzcPDIgPuPcWzUwjxFGbSi7NafG-hrBfHbAlckdbwzAb8HRGVIIs-nFhuu1hWRXXWOLSVouzc8/s1600/IMG_20171130_080201371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_an9C5MIn4lc70oI-A75aL5XjBS9ecfz-xHbRSOubdOlB4s1JMq_vfSR7TSU0QEPU-YzcPDIgPuPcWzUwjxFGbSi7NafG-hrBfHbAlckdbwzAb8HRGVIIs-nFhuu1hWRXXWOLSVouzc8/s320/IMG_20171130_080201371.jpg" width="179" /></a></div>
My son has reached that age at which he doesn't have time for diaper changes. He's got far too much to do to lay still while I clean him. The other day, he had a particularly poopy diaper. It lay still for a solid 5 seconds, and then the squirming began followed by full body flailing and screaming as he voiced his protest. "Buddy, this would all be over if you just stayed still. By fighting me, you're making it much worse than it needs to be."<br />
<br />
As he walked away clothed in a fresh diaper, I was convicted. How often do I do the exact same thing? How often has God called me to be still and wait on Him to clean up my crap, but instead I flail and fight to do it on my own. "My child, be still. By fighting Me, you're making it much worse than it needs to be."
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-43029317969400094142017-12-03T07:28:00.001-10:002017-12-03T07:28:41.544-10:00Familiar<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdaQ2JPStJVYEu_aeElM6zF0pA-FnWocSD0PsKSCWX_BSbKRNQsfRPEM2xxW5ua_wLeXaFXpXZj86xRW2oThXkD0aeJ8iPZCiObXSUw8XVkpgXkyAbY53tX6revbeOvJBcHfD0VjjmUQ/s1600/daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="189" data-original-width="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwdaQ2JPStJVYEu_aeElM6zF0pA-FnWocSD0PsKSCWX_BSbKRNQsfRPEM2xxW5ua_wLeXaFXpXZj86xRW2oThXkD0aeJ8iPZCiObXSUw8XVkpgXkyAbY53tX6revbeOvJBcHfD0VjjmUQ/s1600/daniel.jpg" /></a></div>
Ever find yourself bored by the Bible? You've heard the same stories so many times that you've grown numb? Reading through the book of Daniel, I found myself there.<br />
<br />
I read the same story that I've heard for decades: King Darius' officials convince the king to make a degree forbidding praying to anyone but himself. Daniel defies this degree and prays to God. His consequence? Being thrown into the lions' den, which of course he survives. Yawn. We all know how the story goes.<br />
Hold up! Blame it on my new found love of Marvel movies. Blame it on God graciously giving me fresh eyes. This is not a "yawn" story. This is miraculous!<br />
<br />
Imagine Stan Lee making a "Daniel and the Lions' Den" movie. We see Daniel in a crowd listineing to the king's new decree. His God is suddenly illegal. The camera zooms in on Daniel's face which is both forlorn and confident. He will not abandon his God. Somehow, his God will save him, and even if He doesn't, Daniel confidently trust Him (sounds like a few other characters from a few chapters back *couth Shadrach, Meshach, an Abedigo cough*). The scene switches to Daniel kneeling in his room in prayer when guards bust through the door and apprehend him. With smug faces, they drag Daniel to a pit filled with roaring, leaping lions. As Daniel falls in slow motion into the pit, out of no where an angel zooms in Tony Stark style, gently placing Daniel in the corner of the pit and then shuts the mouths of each and every lion in an epic fight scene (because it won't be a Marvel movie with an epic fight scene).<br />
<br />
The scene returns to Darius pacing the night away in his castle. "Daniel's God, if You're real, protect Your servant." As the light barely peaks over the horizon, Darius runs full sprint to the den. "Daniel? Daniel!"<br />
<br />
"I'm here, king. My God has protected me."<br />
<br />
The film appears to be over, but there's a hidden scene within the credits. Not only has God miraculously saved Daniel's earthly life, but He's also transformed Darius' heart, and as a result, changed his kingdom. We see a final scene that hints at a coming story, of God's plan for salvation for all.<br />
<br />
In this advent season, as we hear stories that are often so familiar, I pray that God gives us fresh eyes to see. May we marvel at the miracles of God using a humble virgin to bring His beloved Son to earth to save us all. Lord, remove the veil of familiarity. Trade in our flannel graph understanding for a marvelous epic. Give us eyes to see Your miraculous plan. May we know You more.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-45448920008143876042016-12-07T05:58:00.000-10:002016-12-07T06:03:44.736-10:00A Baby Changes EverythingIn the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel<span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24920AI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24920AI" title="See cross-reference AI">AI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> to Nazareth,<span style="font-size: 0.625em;"><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24920AJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24920AJ" title="See cross-reference AJ">AJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> a town in Galilee, <span class="text Luke-1-27" id="en-NIV-24921" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">27 </span>to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24921AK" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24921AK" title="See cross-reference AK">AK</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.</span> <span class="text Luke-1-28" id="en-NIV-24922" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">28 </span>The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.”</span><span class="text Luke-1-29" id="en-NIV-24923" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">29 </span>Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.</span> <span class="text Luke-1-30" id="en-NIV-24924" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">30 </span>But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24924AL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24924AL" title="See cross-reference AL">AL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Mary; you have found favor with God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24924AM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24924AM" title="See cross-reference AM">AM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-31" id="en-NIV-24925" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">31 </span>You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24925AN" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24925AN" title="See cross-reference AN">AN</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-32" id="en-NIV-24926" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">32 </span>He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24926AO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24926AO" title="See cross-reference AO">AO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24926AP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24926AP" title="See cross-reference AP">AP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-33" id="en-NIV-24927" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">33 </span>and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24927AQ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24927AQ" title="See cross-reference AQ">AQ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> will never end.”<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24927AR" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24927AR" title="See cross-reference AR">AR</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-34" id="en-NIV-24928" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">34 </span>“How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?”</span><span class="text Luke-1-35" id="en-NIV-24929" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">35 </span>The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24929AS" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24929AS" title="See cross-reference AS">AS</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and the power of the Most High<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24929AT" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24929AT" title="See cross-reference AT">AT</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> will overshadow you. So the holy one<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24929AU" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24929AU" title="See cross-reference AU">AU</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> to be born will be called<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24929b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24929b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=luke+1&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24929b" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span> the Son of God.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24929AV" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24929AV" title="See cross-reference AV">AV</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-36" id="en-NIV-24930" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">36 </span>Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24930AW" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24930AW" title="See cross-reference AW">AW</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month.</span> <span class="text Luke-1-37" id="en-NIV-24931" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">37 </span>For no word from God will ever fail.”<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24931AX" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24931AX" title="See cross-reference AX">AX</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-38" id="en-NIV-24932" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">38 </span>“I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her.</span><span class="text Luke-1-39" id="en-NIV-24933" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Mary Visits Elizabeth</span><span class="text Luke-1-39" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">39 </span>At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24933AY" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24933AY" title="See cross-reference AY">AY</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-40" id="en-NIV-24934" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">40 </span>where she entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth.</span><span class="text Luke-1-41" id="en-NIV-24935" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">41 </span>When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24935AZ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24935AZ" title="See cross-reference AZ">AZ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Luke-1-42" id="en-NIV-24936" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">42 </span>In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24936BA" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24936BA" title="See cross-reference BA">BA</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and blessed is the child you will bear!</span> <span class="text Luke-1-43" id="en-NIV-24937" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">43 </span>But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24937BB" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24937BB" title="See cross-reference BB">BB</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> should come to me?</span> <span class="text Luke-1-44" id="en-NIV-24938" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">44 </span>As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.</span> <span class="text Luke-1-45" id="en-NIV-24939" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">45 </span>Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”</span><span class="text Luke-1-46" id="en-NIV-24940" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Mary’s Song</span><span class="text Luke-1-46" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">46 </span>And Mary said:</span><span class="text Luke-1-46" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">“My soul glorifies the Lord</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Luke-1-47" id="en-NIV-24941" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">47 </span></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Luke-1-47" id="en-NIV-24941" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span>and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,</span></span><span class="text Luke-1-48" id="en-NIV-24942" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">48 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-48" id="en-NIV-24942" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">for he has been mindful</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-48" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">of the humble state of his servant.<br /><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24942BF" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24942BF" title="See cross-reference BF">BF</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-48" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">From now on all generations will call me blessed,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Luke-1-49" id="en-NIV-24943" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">49 </span></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="text Luke-1-49" id="en-NIV-24943" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span>for the Mighty One has done great things<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24943BH" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24943BH" title="See cross-reference BH">BH</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> for me—</span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-49" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">holy is his name.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24943BI" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24943BI" title="See cross-reference BI">BI</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-50" id="en-NIV-24944" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">50 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-50" id="en-NIV-24944" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">His mercy extends to those who fear him,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-50" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">from generation to generation.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24944BJ" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24944BJ" title="See cross-reference BJ">BJ</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-51" id="en-NIV-24945" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">51 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-51" id="en-NIV-24945" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-51" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24945BL" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24945BL" title="See cross-reference BL">BL</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-52" id="en-NIV-24946" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">52 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-52" id="en-NIV-24946" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He has brought down rulers from their thrones</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-52" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but has lifted up the humble.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24946BM" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24946BM" title="See cross-reference BM">BM</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-53" id="en-NIV-24947" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">53 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-53" id="en-NIV-24947" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He has filled the hungry with good things</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-53" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">but has sent the rich away empty.</span></span><span class="text Luke-1-54" id="en-NIV-24948" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">54 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-54" id="en-NIV-24948" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">He has helped his servant Israel,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-54" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">remembering to be merciful<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24948BO" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24948BO" title="See cross-reference BO">BO</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span><span class="text Luke-1-55" id="en-NIV-24949" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">55 </span></span><span class="text Luke-1-55" id="en-NIV-24949" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">to Abraham and his descendants<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24949BP" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24949BP" title="See cross-reference BP">BP</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> forever,</span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Luke-1-55" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">just as he promised our ancestors.”</span></span><span class="text Luke-1-56" id="en-NIV-24950" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">56 </span>Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.</span><span class="text Luke-1-56" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span class="text Luke-1-56" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Luke 1</span><br />
Mary has always stuck out to me as I reflect on the Christmas story, and this year more than ever as we're expecting our own baby boy. As I read Mary's response to the news that she will bear the son of God, I'm amazed. As her whole world, her entire plan for her life, is turned upside down, she doesn't respond with anger or fear. Rather, she responds with total surrender and praise.<br />
Lord, teach me to be like Mary. When things don't go my way, teach me to respond with gratitude and praise. When the unexpected comes, teach me to be ever trusting of Your plan. You are in control, and I'm not. And I won't have it any other way.
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BMrm9EAiaYM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-80933976418074047732016-04-05T03:51:00.000-10:002016-04-05T03:51:03.084-10:00Omniscient"'Yet there are some of you who do not believe.' For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray Him. He went on to say, 'This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has enabled them.'<br />
From this time many of His disciples turned back and no longer followed Him.<br />
'You do not want to leave too, do you?' Jesus asked the Twelve.<br />
Simon Peter answered Him, 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. We have come to believe and to know that You are the Holy One of God'<br />
Then Jesus replied, 'Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil! (He meant Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, who, though one of the Twelve, was later to betray Him.)"<br />
John 6:64-71<br />
<br />
After miraculously feeding over 5,000 people with a young boy's lunch, Jesus declared that He alone is the Bread of Life, that it is only through Him that people can be sustained eternally. He offered gruesome imagery of eating His flesh and drinking His blood in order to live eternally. In response, many turned from Him; this man didn't fit their cultural norms or ideas of the Messiah. Even one in His innermost circle would betray Him.<br />
<br />
Astonishingly, Jesus knew all of this. He wasn't surprised when Judas betrayed Him. He wasn't surprised when followers who yelled "Hosanna!" on Sunday would yell, "Crucify Him!" on Friday. He knew who would reject Him, beat Him, kill Him. Yet despite this knowledge, Jesus still draws them in. He continues to share the truth of the Father with them, continues to heal and provide the miraculous, continues to share His very self with them, continues to love with abandon.<br />
<br />
And so He does today. My God knows my heart. He knows the ugliness and beauty. He knows when I will turn from Him to do my own will. He knows how I will fail Him. He knows my sins that put Him on the cross. And yet! And yet, He still loves me. He still draws near to me, speaking the Father's love, truth, and justice into my life. Despite knowing my failures, selfishness, and hardheartedness, my Jesus draws close. He loves me still, loves me enough to die a brutal death.<br />
<br />
What love is this?Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-90557509642319623542016-03-14T03:12:00.000-10:002016-03-14T03:12:22.528-10:00The Law of Tradition<div class="chapter-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="text Mark-7-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus</span> <span class="text Mark-7-2" id="en-NIV-24466" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>and saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were defiled,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24466B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24466B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that is, unwashed.</span> <span class="text Mark-7-3" id="en-NIV-24467" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>(The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24467C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24467C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Mark-7-4" id="en-NIV-24468" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24468a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24468a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24468a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span>)<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24468D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24468D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Mark-7-5" id="en-NIV-24469" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24469E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24469E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> instead of eating their food with defiled hands?”</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span class="text Mark-7-6" id="en-NIV-24470" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>He replied, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:</span></span></span></div>
<div class="poetry top-05" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="text Mark-7-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“‘These people honor me with their lips,</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mark-7-6" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">but their hearts are far from me.</span></span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="text Mark-7-7" id="en-NIV-24471" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>They worship me in vain;</span></span><br style="box-sizing: border-box;" /><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Mark-7-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">their teachings are merely human rules.’<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24471b" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24471b" title="See footnote b">b</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24471b" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote b">b</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24471F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24471F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="first-line-none top-05" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: -0.5em;">
<span class="text Mark-7-8" id="en-NIV-24472" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.”<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24472G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24472G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="text Mark-7-9" id="en-NIV-24473" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>And he continued, <span class="woj" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24473c" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24473c" title="See footnote c">c</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24473c" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote c">c</a>]</span> your own traditions!<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24473H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24473H" title="See cross-reference H">H</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span> <span class="text Mark-7-10" id="en-NIV-24474" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24474d" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24474d" title="See footnote d">d</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24474d" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote d">d</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24474I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24474I" title="See cross-reference I">I</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-24474e" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-24474e" title="See footnote e">e</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark+7&version=NIV#fen-NIV-24474e" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote e">e</a>]</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24474J" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24474J" title="See cross-reference J">J</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Mark-7-11" id="en-NIV-24475" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>But you say<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24475K" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24475K" title="See cross-reference K">K</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God)—</span> <span class="text Mark-7-12" id="en-NIV-24476" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother.</span> <span class="text Mark-7-13" id="en-NIV-24477" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>Thus you nullify the word of God<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24477L" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24477L" title="See cross-reference L">L</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> by your tradition<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-24477M" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-24477M" title="See cross-reference M">M</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> that you have handed down. And you do many things like that.”</span></span></span></div>
<h3 style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="text Mark-7-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><br /></span><span class="text Mark-7-13" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">In what ways have we replaced God's laws with man's traditions today?</span></span></span></h3>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-47431104845411446232016-03-12T14:20:00.001-10:002016-03-12T14:20:20.545-10:00Grace<div class="chapter-2" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><span class="text Matt-20-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“For the kingdom of heaven is like<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23794A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23794A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23794B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23794B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span> <span class="text Matt-20-2" id="en-NIV-23795" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">2 </span>He agreed to pay them a denarius<span class="footnote" data-fn="#fen-NIV-23795a" data-link="[<a href="#fen-NIV-23795a" title="See footnote a">a</a>]" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+20#fen-NIV-23795a" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: top;" title="See footnote a">a</a>]</span> for the day and sent them into his vineyard.</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><span class="text Matt-20-3" id="en-NIV-23796" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">3 </span>“About nine in the morning he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-4" id="en-NIV-23797" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">4 </span>He told them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’</span> <span class="text Matt-20-5" id="en-NIV-23798" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">5 </span>So they went.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><span class="text Matt-20-5" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">“He went out again about noon and about three in the afternoon and did the same thing.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-6" id="en-NIV-23799" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">6 </span>About five in the afternoon he went out and found still others standing around. He asked them, ‘Why have you been standing here all day long doing nothing?’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-7" id="en-NIV-23800" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">7 </span>“‘Because no one has hired us,’ they answered.</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;">“He said to them, ‘You also go and work in my vineyard.’</span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-8" id="en-NIV-23801" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">8 </span>“When evening came,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23801C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23801C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last ones hired and going on to the first.’</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><span class="text Matt-20-9" id="en-NIV-23802" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>“The workers who were hired about five in the afternoon came and each received a denarius.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-10" id="en-NIV-23803" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-11" id="en-NIV-23804" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">11 </span>When they received it, they began to grumble<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23804D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23804D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> against the landowner.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-12" id="en-NIV-23805" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">12 </span>‘These who were hired last worked only one hour,’ they said, ‘and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23805E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23805E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span> of the day.’</span></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 10px;">
<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;"><span class="text Matt-20-13" id="en-NIV-23806" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">13 </span>“But he answered one of them, ‘I am not being unfair to you, friend.<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23806F" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23806F" title="See cross-reference F">F</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Didn’t you agree to work for a denarius?</span> <span class="text Matt-20-14" id="en-NIV-23807" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">14 </span>Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you.</span> <span class="text Matt-20-15" id="en-NIV-23808" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">15 </span>Don’t I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?’<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-23808G" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-23808G" title="See cross-reference G">G</a>)" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="text Matt-20-16" id="en-NIV-23809" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: #783f04; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: white;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">16 </span>“So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #783f04; color: white;">Matthew 20</span></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-30911936923531897452016-01-16T04:40:00.002-10:002016-01-16T04:40:52.972-10:00Priorities<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RbWQV3OiRqA" width="560"></iframe>Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-10011012915185911182016-01-13T03:23:00.000-10:002016-01-13T03:23:29.425-10:00EzekielOver the past several weeks, I've painstakingly been making my way through the book of Ezekiel. I grew tired, discouraged, and frustrated as time and time again I read of God's judgment over a disobedient people. As I read the final chapters a few days ago, it hit me: perhaps God has grown tired, discouraged, and frustrated of our constant sin. Perhaps He's grown tired, discouraged, and frustrated with instructing us time and time again only to have us walk away from Him. Perhaps the emotions I was experiences while reading accurately reflect those God was experiencing as Ezekiel was writing.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-48707840869487454512016-01-09T13:19:00.000-10:002016-01-09T13:19:04.401-10:00Seasons<br />
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This morning as I chatted with a dear friend across the ocean, we dreamed together. We shared hopes for the coming months and distant years. We wondered at the plans God has for us. We looked beyond this current season and onto those to come.<br />
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I'm a dreamer and a planner. I love making sure every little detail is taken care of. I'm goal driven, pushing myself to accomplish whatever I put my mind to, refusing to give up regardless of obstacles. What I'm not is patient. I don't like to wait. I have my plan and my goal, and I want it now.<br />
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But God's plans aren't our plans. His thoughts and ways are higher than our own. Amidst our conversation, I felt convicted. In my dreaming and hoping, I lost sight of now. In my discontent, I brushed off the now of only being a season as a prepare for greater things.<br />
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Yet God has purpose for the now. While this is but a season of my life, it's important. God has reason for the seemingly mundane tasks just as He does for the grand dreams that He's placed on my heart. So I'm fighting to let go of my striving for what's next and instead be still. Be still and listen to God's heart for the here and now. Be still and seek His will in this moment. Be still and be content were He has me. Be still and trust Him. Be still and know Him.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-62912436944190255322016-01-09T13:03:00.001-10:002016-01-09T13:03:39.004-10:00Identity<br />
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<a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2829607965/d6c587ffb3e32d5254bd899b81871665.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/profile_images/2829607965/d6c587ffb3e32d5254bd899b81871665.jpeg" width="200" /></a>I'm tempted to change my title from LLPC to identity consultant. Over the past several months I've helped preteens to college students to sexagenarians tackle issues of depression, anxiety, transition troubles, family conflict, and friend fiascoes only to time and time again have the root of their problem boil down to identity: who am I? What defines my value? What directs me? How can I be valuable? </div>
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Time and time again this questions reveal heart longings to be loved, accepted, valuable. Time and time again I've had the privilege of sharing Christ's truth. And it's beautiful!</div>
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Seeing the transition that comes from securely knowing who God is and who He says you are is transforming and empowering. I've seen clients find new courage and hope as they embrace the grace and beauty of who God declares them to be. I, too, have found new boldness as I've learned to let go of others' expectations and danced my identity in Christ. I've found new freedom as I move from what to Who defines me.<br />
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Where do you find your identity? Who is defining you?<br />
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin: 4.5pt 0in 10.5pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 22.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Who
I Am In Christ</span></b><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 22.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 14.65pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Why do I need to know who I am in Christ?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You need to know who you are in Christ so that
you can live your life as God intended and fulfil your destiny.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The more you agree with God about your identity
in Christ, the more your behaviour will begin to reflect your God given
identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 4;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
encourage you to learn to see yourself as God sees you<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God's opinion is the one that counts. Accept
what God says about you, agree with Him that it is true of you and become the
spiritual person you are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Understanding who you are in Christ will give
you a strong foundation to build your life on. Knowing who you are in Jesus is
the key to a successful Christian life and a life lived ON purpose.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your identity doesn't depend on something you
do or have done. Your true identity is who you are in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Once you choose to follow Jesus you become a
new creation, the old you passes away and you become who you are in Him. Please
stop living out of who other people say you are and take hold of the truth of
God's word. Find out what God says about you and agree with Him.</span><span style="color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 5; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You need to know who you are in Christ so that you can know</span></b><b><span style="color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="background: white;"><br />
what to do, when to do it, where to go, and how to do it<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 10.5pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 4.5pt; mso-line-height-alt: 14.65pt; mso-outline-level: 3;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who you are in Christ<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Because you are in Christ, every one of these
statements is true of you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am loved 1John 3:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am accepted Ephesians 1:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a child of God John 1:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am Jesus' friend John 15:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His
inheritance with Him Romans 8:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am united with God and one spirit with Him 1Corinthians
6:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life
live in me 1 Corinthians 6:19<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a member of Christ's body. 1 Corinthians
12:27<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a Saint Ephesians 1:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am redeemed and forgiven Colossians 1:14<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am complete in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:10<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am free from condemnation Romans 8:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am a new creation because I am in Christ
2Corinthians 5:17<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved
Colossians 3:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am established, anointed, and sealed by God
2Corinthians 1:21<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love,
power, and a sound mind 2Timothy 1:7<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am God's co-worker 2Corinthians 6:1<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Eph
2:6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have direct access to God Ephesians 2:18<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am chosen to bear fruit John 15:16<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am one of God's living stones, being built up
in Christ as a spiritual house 1 Peter 2:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have been given exceedingly great and
precious promises by God by which I share His nature 2 Peter 1:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can always know the presence of God because
He never leaves me Hebrews 13:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God works in me to help me do the things He
wants me to do Philippians 2:13<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 11.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #330000; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me
what I need James 1:5<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Simply choose to believe what God says about
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"How
can two walk together unless they agree?" Amos 3:3<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Try reading the above list every day for a
month, preferably out loud. The more you know who you are in Christ, the more
your behaviour will reflect your true identity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"Do
not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your
mind" Romans 12:2<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To live an effective Christian life you need to
know and believe who you are in Christ. Understanding your identity in Christ
is crucial to your success.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The best way to renew your mind and experience
inner transformation is by knowing, thinking and speaking who you are in Christ</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 14.65pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="background: white; color: #330000; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Train yourself to say the same things that God
says in His word. Become who you already are in Christ. God wants to do more in
your life than you imagine.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.christianlifecoaching.co.uk/christian-life-coach-training.html" title="Christian Life Coach Training"><span style="background: white; font-family: AvantGardeRegular, serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">©
Lynne Lee 2007 - 2014 All rights reserved</span></a><o:p></o:p></div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-43479062934774223682015-11-05T06:09:00.000-10:002015-11-05T06:09:12.074-10:0026.2<br />
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<img height="320" src="https://scontent-ord1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/12065773_10153112813061366_6677561282457205402_n.jpg?oh=55a68dfd933243e280a42c74be0f8860&oe=56BFAB16" width="180" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg455ePdruolIJekiSEXAmJWv3t5CoWEmaohFfe3x6OH5xB3Lqb9UetKS6tISQjAFkRD4mC1xGOtNdOBnhAMk3zi98wAbIUXJm6wgFm5hS4dmpVUFKnDV7OguzGpIDzCgFXQYvLjRFZk/s1600/grm2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpg455ePdruolIJekiSEXAmJWv3t5CoWEmaohFfe3x6OH5xB3Lqb9UetKS6tISQjAFkRD4mC1xGOtNdOBnhAMk3zi98wAbIUXJm6wgFm5hS4dmpVUFKnDV7OguzGpIDzCgFXQYvLjRFZk/s320/grm2.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
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26.2 miles. 26.2 miles to complete my final long run after hundreds of miles. 26.2 miles of perseverance that overcame doubt, fatigue, and apathy. 26.2 miles to check off the bucket list and prove that I can do more that I think I can. 26.2 miles overcoming cancer scares, bummed knees, and ear infections. 26.2 miles of running for a cause that I believe in. 26.2 miles of pink. 26.2 miles of meeting new friends and being inspired by their stories. 26.2 miles supported by family and friends. 26.2 miles of giving and receiving encouragement. 26.2 miles of God's perfect provision and protection. 26.2 miles to bring His glory. </div>
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<span id="goog_1977456187"></span><span id="goog_1977456188"></span><br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-64195540064439659502015-09-18T16:08:00.001-10:002015-09-18T16:08:44.015-10:00Light<a 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width="200" /></a>As the days grow shorter, it feels like it takes longer and longer for the light of dawn to come. The other day, I was in denial of this fact as I kept reassuring myself that if I waited just a few more minutes, daylight would come. Morning eluded me, so eventually I decided to run in the dark. Except it didn't seem to stay dark long. Away from the bright lamps of my house, the dim beams of dawn appeared brighter. Basic optics, I guess, but it's message was stronger.<br />
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As I speak to several of my friends as to why they don't believe in God, many of them tell me they simply don't need Him; they're doing just fine without Him. Sure, life has it's hiccups and misfortunes, but overall they're doing just fine. Maybe. Or maybe their lives are like the light. In the dim dawn, one can see well enough, but once introduced to the brightness of true light, oh baby! The world suddenly becomes that which we could never see before. And what once appeared as light is only darkness now.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-11149947229065239122015-09-18T15:50:00.001-10:002015-09-18T15:50:14.261-10:00Scars<br />
<div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<a href="http://www.icnr.com/cs/li/cs22-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://www.icnr.com/cs/li/cs22-01.jpg" width="160" /></a>The other night as my husband read from Acts, a line down his neck caught my eye. As I traced the scar that testified to the healed broken neck twenty some years ago, I silently thanked God for sparing his life. My eyes drifted to a scar of my own, one more recent that speaks of where a sample was taken of a suspicious lump that by the grace of God was healthy. And my mind wandered to the scars of the pierced hands of my Savior, scars that prove death has been defeated. I praise God for scars, for they declare that what was intended for death and destruction, God overcame. My God is greater. I praise Him!</div>
Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-55201550306145820342015-09-14T12:34:00.003-10:002015-09-14T12:34:52.848-10:00The 10 PercentMy freshman year of college, I remember one of the leaders in student formation talking to me about the 10%. After being frustrated when a beloved student leader was asked to step down from a leadership role simply because she was too involved-because she was trying to balance too many leadership hats- I marched into Student Formation and asked for an explanation. That's when Chuck explained to me about the 10%.<br />
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He explained to me that often in Christian ministry, it's the 10% that does 99% of the work Christ followers are called to- engaging in leadership roles, serving behind the scenes or front stage, raising knowledge and awareness of justice issues, caring for the poor and vulnerable, teaching and disciplining, spreading the name of Christ. And while it seems like the 10% are to be held in high esteem, in reality, this is a dangerous pattern. While the go-getters seem to be getting it all, they're often leading themselves straight into burnout, or failing at ministries that aren't gifted in, or becoming bitter at others who they judge aren't pulling their wait, or preventing more timid folk from stepping up and shinning in the gifts God's given them. Further, try as they might, their efforts fall short; the 10% are limited.<br />
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Yesterday, my church launched it's <a href="http://engedichurch.com/compassionis" target="_blank">Compassion is</a> initiative, committing to serve 5,000 hours in our community this year. Commitment cards are in, and we've already surpassed our goal of committed hours. That's right, thanks to just over 10% of our congregation, we've had already 5,000 committed.<br />
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While this is wonderful, I wonder about the other 90%. How can we engage them as well? How do we encourage them to utilize their talents and skills? How do we build on their strengths? How do we set up systems to include them? How do we mobilize the entire body of Christ? What would it look like if we had 90% rather than 10% actively engaged in our world? What mountains could we move? What injustices could we overtake? What eternal impact could we make?<br />
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<br />Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1253070531191368354.post-57256916710556165732015-08-19T11:46:00.001-10:002015-08-19T11:57:51.155-10:00Work misfits<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.halfassedproductions.com/articles/120105/4toys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.halfassedproductions.com/articles/120105/4toys.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
I've been working in the communications department of my church for about a month now. Part of my role there has been updating staff bios for our website. As I sit with coworkers and hear their stories, I'm amazed by the theme that appears: for so many of them, this is not the path that they envisioned. They pursued other educational focuses, or feel unqualified for the position they've been entrusted with, and yet here they are. Here they stand, trusting God to be the strength in their weakness, to do what they can't. Here they stand, obediently saying yes to God when it means saying no to their own plans. Here we stand, united by Christ alone. As one who also feels like a misfit trusting God's leading, it's nice to know I'm in good company.Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01734553777644144464noreply@blogger.com0