tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35152088044319708382024-03-13T00:06:13.081-04:00- Parakaleo -Are you a mom? Do you hunger for daily encouragement?
This is a Christian blog aimed at you moms who are impacting the next generation for Christ on a daily basis. We will walk through life as 7 women share their ups and downs of being a mom. Different moms, different days, different stages of life but all united as moms who want to bring glory to Christ. Please become a member below at the bottom right to subscribe to this blog daily.Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.comBlogger1205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-59494755030008612952018-10-01T11:25:00.000-04:002018-10-01T11:25:40.458-04:00Seasons Have Purpose<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A few years ago I heard a message on the seasons of life that profoundly challenged and stretched me. It shared how each one has purpose and much goes on below the surface that's unseen to our human eyes. Seasons are planned, purposed and exactly measured for whats necessary to support and strengthen for the season that is coming next. They are not too short or too long, but just the right amount of time to perfect the condition needed for survival in the next season.<br />
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Winter is the season where I feel God has me currently nuzzled. Frequently I find myself feeling cold, bleak, and dry from the weather conditions swirling around my life. But I stand firm, just like the oak, storing necessary nutrients for the those future appointments to be used up for His glory. There have been days where I find myself crying out to God with questions of why the struggle has to sting so badly. I watch my oldest seek to find one solid friend pushing through his social inadequacies. My middle son weeding through his frustrations to find where he fits, and my daughter learning a its not about how much we know but what we do with what we know, that truly matters.<br />
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Somedays it feels as if time stands still. Like this season will never end. <i>But it will</i>. One day the Seawell Family <i>will</i> be in a new season, where we are the "friend" that another needs. We <i>will</i> find our place and speak truth over others reminding them who they are in Jesus. We are being strengthened<b> now</b>, by who Christ says we are, which will catapult us into being a vessel for others with truths learned. Daily I find myself needing to speak words of encouragement over their weary hearts. Pressing through the exhaustion, I daily must allow His word to pour into me so I can overflow into them. HE is working. On them. On me. It's deeper than the surface.<br />
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There is purpose. It goes beyond us. It is what HE wants to do in and through us if we will stand firm, allow His truth to nourish, and continue through those uncomfortable conditions that try to break us but ultimately make us stronger in Him. To the onlooker it may not look like much is going on, but there is a preparing in my heart for what I know HE has.<br />
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I trust in His sovereignty even if I don't totally fully grasp what He is doing. I can trust that He is God and I am not. Stand firm. Stand tall. Your next season is coming soon.<br />
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This is the sound of surviving...take a listen....<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-35547807564531320822018-09-17T11:04:00.002-04:002018-09-18T15:26:15.167-04:00Fight or Flight <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">The fight-or-flight response, also known as the acute stress response, refers to a physiological reaction that occurs in the presence of something that is terrifying, either mentally or physically. The response is triggered by the release of hormones that prepare your body to <b>either stay and deal with a threat </b>or<b> to run</b> away to safety. (Verywellmind.com)</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">My natural reaction in situations that are uncomfortable is to leave, take flight and run far far away. But the Spirit of Jesus in me, presses that it is neither healthy nor fruitful. God is re-teaching me this lesson, again. As I parent, there will inevitably be situations where my children struggle with other children. They are little sinners doing life with other little sinners. My initial instinct is to just lesson the time we hang out with that child/family for a season and run away, but my heart knows this habit needs to be tweaked.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">When struggles arise with other kiddos we need to train our children to seek restoration God's way as in Matthew 18. Going as the one offended <b>or</b> the one who has offended and search out the other person to share your heart with. It's good to start in prayer and bring Jesus into the center of the struggle. God's encouraging me to go back to this basic and foster healthy communication. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes in the sharing we realize it was just a misunderstanding with feelings hurt. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am training my kids. All day. Everyday. I am showing my children the way to live life, and the steps to enjoy healthy relationships. As I write, I notice how much I fail in this, and feel Jesus nudging me to re-evaluate how I do friendship. Its easy to run and hide. Its easy to let friendships fade away because they rub you or your children the wrong way. But the truth tells of that refining process under the surface going on between you, your kids, and Jesus. And remember w<span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">e have a real ememy, named Satan, who hates unity, friendship and family. Satan wants things kept in the dark, but God wants us to reveal our hurts out in the light.</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <img alt="I have refined you but not in the way silver is refined. Rather, I have refined you in the furnace of suffering. -Isaiah 48:10 #UnshakableLife" class="_u3 _45 _y7 _4h" height="400" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/4d/54/cc/4d54ccf1d6d78bc85b5ab99d7d4a5ce9.jpg" width="400" /></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Friendship is hard and takes work, but if we strive to honor the Lord in them they will bring Him great glory. Don't run when it gets tough. Seek His face and look for ways of restoration. Our friendships grounded in truth will last longer and should look different than those in the world. How we handle relationships does trickle down into how our kids do too! </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "merriweather" , "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Is there a friendship that you or your child need to pay more attention to? Share your heart with someone who needs to hear it today. </span>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-40979118505724253502018-09-10T11:01:00.000-04:002018-09-10T11:01:38.958-04:00Delighting in the Details<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">There is power in our words. Each day thousands of words flow from our lips in many directions to many people. They have the opportunity to give life or death. Lately the Lord has been highlighting the condition of my heart and how it reflects in the words I speak aloud. I can speak heavily into the struggles and forget to praise the strengths. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I want my kids to do well. I hope they soar in education, grow greatly in their faith in Christ, and love others well. My dreams for my kids are grandiose. Hoping for greater because we serve a supernatural God. But if I am completely candid, my heart sometimes gets lost in the current deficit, forgetting to rejoice in the positive of the present. Focusing on the future and neglecting to celebrate the praise-worthy things right now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">What are my kids doing well right now? Is it their passionate zeal for the Bible or the great grades in Math? The lonely child they embraced last week at the park? Folding their clothes and putting them away with such diligence? Praying for a friend in need?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I need to praise my children in the areas they are succeeding in. Use my mouth to uplift and remind them I DO notice those little things done well. Life is hard for our kiddos with friends, bullies, sickness, practice, learning struggles, peer pressure, and homework. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">They need to hear life spoken over them daily. Reminded that they <i>matter</i> and <i>are</i> noticed and cherished. Those little victories are important to us and God too. </span><span style="font-size: large;">As we seek to hone our children in the direction of Jesus, remember God delights in the details of their life and <i>yours</i> too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Practice praising your child daily for one area they do well. </span><span style="font-size: large;">It will change the way you look at them. And how they look at you. </span></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-36396466316787967612018-08-27T09:18:00.000-04:002018-08-27T09:18:53.758-04:00Take the Time<span style="font-size: large;">Tonight after dinner the boys went out for some special time with Daddy. Leaving me and my five year old daughter at home getting ready for bed. As we readied our hearts to wind down for the night, I fit in some "special Mommy time." I began sharing with my girl how I have seen such a change in her heart over the past year. From year 4 to 5 I watched as she strived to fit in with the popular girl her age in our community. Watching and longing to "fit in," most days realizing it probably wasn't going to happen. I saw much sassiness and less humility flowing through most of her relationships. Many meltdowns when the answer was NO and dishonoring her Mommy became a constant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">As we cuddled and I stroked her wet hair, she began to weep. She expressed sorrow for the past year and how she longed to go back to being 4 years old. This opened up the door for me to share about how HIS mercies are new every morning and that our sin is what Jesus died for. How the Lord longs for us to repent and ask for forgiveness. So right there, my daughter prayed and asked Jesus to cleanse her sweet heart of the heaviness she had been struggling with. We cried and rejoiced over the newness of tomorrow leading into a new year ahead. How God longs to restore brokenness. I am so grateful I had tonight with her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Many days are so busy and we must be intentional. Each night our family's goal is to spend 10 minutes with each child individually where they pick the activity we do without interruptions of other kiddos. Undistracted time where we can play and talk together. Tonight that time was so fruitful with my girl! I am grateful for our special time. It showed me that so many behavioral struggles are deep rooted issues greater than the behavior we see manifested. That even a little five year old can hold onto hurts and reflect that in her interactions with others. I am grateful God's Truth leads us to repentance. How God redeems the ugly for something beautiful if we will just hand it over to Him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Oh how I long for special time now with my kids. Realizing that it is impactful for them...and for me too! What special time can you carve out for your kids today? Trust me it will be a deposit that will reap amazing dividends.</span><br />
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<img alt="Lamentations 3:22-23 God is our morning song he will be our light!" class="_s3 _29 _43 _2l" height="640" src="https://i.pinimg.com/564x/eb/12/8b/eb128bd9106f02af421c98d1e4662cf5.jpg" width="512" />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-66084486251714048742018-08-20T11:42:00.003-04:002018-08-20T11:42:31.882-04:00Pray for Them<span style="font-size: large;">11 years ago the Lord started me on a long journey. I gave birth to a healthy son, who on the outside looked like every other baby, but at age six we would learn has Aspergers with a few extra challenges. As I have parented him the Lord has weaved many many lessons into my life. I have been stripped and humbled much through the ups and downs of social situations. I am constantly learning things aren't always what they seem and so much is beyond the surface. </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Every new social situation gives way for training about acceptable behaviors and trying to be Jesus as we do it. We have hurt others and been hurt ourselves. Trying to find acceptance with peers while remembering to be ourselves void of nervousness. Trusting God is Sovereign even when we don't see purpose in that experience or how it was necessary to our growth. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Six months ago I watched God move. I observed part of our story...His story...unfold. There was a boy who had been so wounding with his words and actions towards my kiddos for three years. We ran in the same circles, hung out at the same places, and enjoyed similar things. At times I really hoped God would remove us from that circle. He didn't. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But God... pressed upon my heart to have my kids pray for him, from our first struggle. We prayed many many prayers over that child, and that God would help us love well even though our hearts were hurt. Daily we prayed when encounters happened. At night we prayed as thoughts of him swirled our minds before bed. Thoughts of painful words said... as our hearts were breaking. Three years of pleading with Jesus and no results...or so we thought. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Our pain had purpose. Six months ago after many prayers lifted we watched God move. The <i>same</i> little boy we had been praying for had a change of heart. God changed his heart. God answered our prayers. God moved. The little boy reached out in compassion and love towards my son who was undergoing surgery. That boy prayed for my son right before he went under. He showed that change of heart we had been praying for. WOW! Only God. God had a plan that was hidden to us. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus wanted my kids (and me too if I am totally honest) to learn how to show love and compassion to our "enemy." God showed us that HE does hear and His timing isn't always ours. The Lord gave us a glimpse into the supernatural and how we're a part of a bigger story. Hearts do change with prayer. Our heart toward our enemy and our enemy's heart towards us. Its easy to love the lovable and those who treat you well, but love and forgiveness lived out IS the GOSPEL. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">God sees. Struggles are real, Jesus is good, and trusting in Him takes faith. Even when the Lord looks silent and still...He is working beneath the surface. He is <i>always</i> working. Who do you need to forgive today? Pray for them and... wait. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Just be still and know HE is God. </span></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-42823790621519807402018-08-12T02:01:00.001-04:002018-08-12T02:01:32.592-04:00Special Needs With Special Needs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This week has been a tough one. My son, with Aspergers entering 6th grade, has really been grappling with not having any friends. All of his good buds, who accept his many quirks and love him unconditionally, live far away. We sat and cried together as I shared about those quiet times in my adult life where I felt alone and without a friend. I told of those days I, too, desired a buddy and felt without. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We talked about seasons, knowing that although they seem like they will <b>never ever</b> end that indeed they...eventually do. Seasons in life have hidden processes working beneath the surface, things greater than can be seen with the human eye. The tree that looks dead in Winter is storing necessary nutrients for Spring when it will shed beautiful colors and form. We conversed on how God continues working even when it feels very still and quiet. Insides are being fashioned and nourished for a future season. We pray each night and believe God is working. Laying this trial at His feet trusting God is knitting together the perfect friend for him. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God is entrusting hidden treasures, as my son grows in his faith and trusts during a time that is uncomfortable and not fun. A work in secret spaces of his heart, God will expose as beauty in this next season we walk out. Its hard to watch, if I am very honest. Alone, with my face in lap, I have cried many times over my child who struggles so with social situations. It seems as we grow older, our struggles follow suit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">God formed us with a heart for community from the beginning. It is not good to be alone. The Lord has tucked away a truth in my heart as of late...I must be intentional. I need to keep my eyes wide open for those opportunities for us to be the friend we are looking for. Focusing not on our own struggle but how HE might use it for His glory. How Jesus might want us to befriend another who is longing for a friend too. Will it be hard? Um yeah, of course! But if I believe that God works it all for good, then this too He will use for His glory as we continue to seek His face through it all. </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I continue to rest in the sovereignty of God. This season will bear much fruit if we allow the nutrients sown in Winter to be used in Spring. </span><br />
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<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28804H" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28804H" 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></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span class="text 2Cor-1-3" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;">the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" id="en-NIV-28805" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">who comforts us<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-28805I" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-28805I" 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> in all our troubles, so that we can </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">comfort those in any trouble with the comfort</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> we ourselves receive from God.</span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>What is God asking you to be intentional about? Have you seen truths sewn in your life lately that God wants to use for His glory?</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text 2Cor-1-4" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05344301508528487953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-47341769819961602042018-05-11T05:00:00.000-04:002018-05-11T05:00:14.850-04:00What comes out when you are POPPED?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Whoa! I’m doing some journaling in my <a href="https://graceandtruthbooks.com/category/journibles/">Journibles</a> for
Galatians and was totally convicted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>(Love
these <a href="https://graceandtruthbooks.com/category/journibles/">Journibles</a>.)
This however, was a good conviction – a clarifying conviction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;">“</span></i></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Now the works of the flesh are evident</span><span style="color: #7030a0;">, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness,
lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of
wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness,
revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told
you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the
kingdom of God.” Galatians 5:19-21<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How many countless times have we all read this part of
scripture and just skimmed over the words?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>(Did you do it just now?)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
haven’t murdered anyone; we are not into idol worship or the other stuff in
there – of course because we are all perfect, right?!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I was convicted because my flesh was
exposed – not my physical flesh, ladies but the works of my flesh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here’s the story:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, our family went camping with other families and I took
it upon myself to organize the meals.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
were to all bring such and such to share.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From what I understood it was all good and everyone was on board.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, over and over during the weekend I heard
questions about the food list.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were
coming up short in some things and I felt like everyone was blaming me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, the burden of it built up so much so
that at one point I yelled the loudest I may have ever yelled before, and said,
“That’s IT!...” I don’t remember every word but I was angry and frustrated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I POPPED!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You see, the evidence that I was not walking in the Spirit
was that I blew up in the flesh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My buttons
were pushed and I popped out what I had been putting in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you saw me that day you would have said, “but
Laura, you did your devotions this morning, why didn’t that come out?”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Good question, I asked that too!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The clear answer was that I was just going through
the motions. <jaw drop> I was caught!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Are you caught, too?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What comes out when your buttons are pushed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fill yourself with the truth whether it’s just meditating on
one verse all week or a whole chapter, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Better to pop out that verse than your flesh!<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-11840328304961693612017-12-16T08:36:00.001-05:002017-12-16T08:36:37.366-05:00No Boundaries... Enjoy!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God the Father, Jesus the Son. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I read Colossians 1:9-18 again this morning and was
enlightened with a flood of fun imagery.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40DGcid1dCbdJ5_zo0ZLURPzGiOyRv0m9klPDvxcGXZW5XKRsElIYHCOH6gmuUsMpL9nTI0Le1UDtpXhJrx6PD_W9mqRHznAL7gJ6FVzzrkpbK20rY8yn0ZddDDYYY0qEcPLj7n3HYgA/s1600/Into_His_Hands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="350" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40DGcid1dCbdJ5_zo0ZLURPzGiOyRv0m9klPDvxcGXZW5XKRsElIYHCOH6gmuUsMpL9nTI0Le1UDtpXhJrx6PD_W9mqRHznAL7gJ6FVzzrkpbK20rY8yn0ZddDDYYY0qEcPLj7n3HYgA/s200/Into_His_Hands.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">It’s like </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">one day </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God said to His Son, “What would you like
as a gift?” This question is much like what we have asked our children recently
– “What would you like to have for Christmas?”</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">However, this Son and Father team were </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><u>very</u></i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> creative.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband and I brought the kids to Grandma & Grandpa’s
house last night so we could go on a date…AND Christmas shop. We had decided this year that we wouldn’t go
buying like crazy so we adopted something my mother & sister-in-law are
doing at their house. Buy three gifts
for each kid – one they need, one they want and one to help strengthen their
spiritual growth. This <u>did</u> help
us have healthier boundaries.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As I read this section of Scripture this morning, I thought
of God & Jesus having a conversation.
God says, “What would you like as a gift? I want to bless you. You are worthy of anything. There are no boundaries.” Jesus thought for a minute and then they both
began to input creative ways to bless each other making the Universe and us too. Oh, what fun they had! Then they wrote a script and much like we do
these days with Barbies or Legos, the plan starts to be acted out. They made us in their Image. They made things in heaven and earth that
would be for Jesus’ enjoyment! (see Colossians
1:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For our kids, whether their behavior has been “good or bad”,
we still want to bless them… like God did for Jesus! But Jesus was/is perfectly worthy! Our kids (and us) are flawed yet we want to
bless them, still, for their enjoyment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Think about how you and your family can bless and worship
the only One truly worthy. Take a minute
to read His Word and worship Him. After
all, He chose to enter into “our” world even though He is above it. But He did it so we would KNOW Him – our Creator
and Savior. (see Colossians 1:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Consider this: Colossians 1:13 “He has delivered us from
the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-38397618213957722522017-04-26T05:00:00.000-04:002017-04-26T05:00:32.305-04:00Prayer & Plans<div class="MsoNormal">
The other night I wanted the kids to get into bed at a
certain time so they would be able to wake up early the next morning. Well, they were all wound up just coming from
church so it was hard to get them into ‘sleep mode’. Usually, I pray over them before they drift
off to sleep but this night I was upset.
I found myself all worked up because we were past the time I had <u>planned</u>
to get them into bed. So, I asked if
anyone else would like to pray. Our daughter
began to pray with her sweet, precious voice, “Lord, we pray that Mommy would
be happy again…” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
GULP! Lord, please
listen to her prayer!! She was
right! The Bible says “<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0;">to REJOICE and be EXCEEDINGLY GLAD</span></i></b>”, to “<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0;">rejoice always</span></i></b>”, “<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0;">in
everything give thanks</span></i></b>”, etc. But it also says to “<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0;">pray without ceasing</span></i></b>.<span style="color: #7030a0;">” </span>(Matthew 5:12 emphasis mine, 1 Thessalonians
5:16-18)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2XrjpYkSle_T3HMGR4N3JR9GBDYktj5fVYofxt47xq9gWcKFu_oGxTXAlKPXu8hks6El0HUR3B34HTBY4sl_sMcxLfwuVoZ3Eyyz_DvRAsCoNJP5rjymmvN7GGNn_9_CHIUAUdcG5Yw/s1600/woman-praying-300x200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT2XrjpYkSle_T3HMGR4N3JR9GBDYktj5fVYofxt47xq9gWcKFu_oGxTXAlKPXu8hks6El0HUR3B34HTBY4sl_sMcxLfwuVoZ3Eyyz_DvRAsCoNJP5rjymmvN7GGNn_9_CHIUAUdcG5Yw/s200/woman-praying-300x200.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lord, please listen to our children’s prayers and help us
mommies be happy even on those days… Help
us to filled our agendas with the peace of Christ (Your Word) and grace first
before the clock. Help us fight through those
times we feel that we can’t pray. Please
help us pray without ceasing. You are so
good, we are so thankful for how You love us.
Please do that good work in us mommas today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-33661109494248451632017-03-22T05:00:00.000-04:002017-03-22T07:31:05.471-04:00Behavior...Standing Firm<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> “And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel
but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, in humility correcting those
who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they
may know the truth, and that they may come to their senses and escape the
snare of the devil…” </span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">2 Timothy 2:24-26<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">My husband and son went to the hockey game last night. At first, I was a little unsure of how our
daughter would handle going to bed without her brother being in the room with
her. The hockey game fell on a night
that my friend and I would usually get together to pray and hold each other
accountable for living this Christian life. I had planned to let our daughter watch a
Veggie Tales movie while my friend was over but her behavior throughout the day
was such that I couldn’t bless her with watching the special movie. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh0n4J3SdIF0RzLbsN4nLWLyj_GDJaF1HiqMIVb7RoXhMxG2h1kvjkZHjOZuwyvontwEkOSqAqJzEghey5Te8LX-g3zntUTWPw56I3GavVW-ZiU5HRDfN_b3b_AmjKUT4pST5fQ6-KqE/s1600/579c1e436c6efa42c42995a4c897378a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixh0n4J3SdIF0RzLbsN4nLWLyj_GDJaF1HiqMIVb7RoXhMxG2h1kvjkZHjOZuwyvontwEkOSqAqJzEghey5Te8LX-g3zntUTWPw56I3GavVW-ZiU5HRDfN_b3b_AmjKUT4pST5fQ6-KqE/s200/579c1e436c6efa42c42995a4c897378a.jpg" title="https://www.pinterest.com/explore/mother-daughter-photography/" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While we were doing a puzzle before her shower and bedtime she
expressed to me that she didn’t understand what the relationship was between
her behavior and the ban from the movie.
(It kind of floored me that she was able to articulate all this without
whining!!!) I explained the relationship
between the behavior and the blessing and that I couldn’t bless her for her
poor behavior during the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“See then that you
walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise,” Ephesians 5:15</span></i></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In those kinds of tender moments, we have to communicate in
love and truth. Correction not
condemnation. If we don’t “stick to our
guns”, “put our foot down” or in a better phrase, “stand firm” our word will
become weak and not trustworthy to our children.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">If I would have given in to her sweet little face, she wouldn’t
have learned anything.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even if she didn’t
this time, I did!</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">And I will have other
opportunities to “stand firm” again and again I’m sure.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">But next time being more confident that I’m
leading her to behave wisely rather than as a fool.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">BTW she was a complete angel upon my friend's arrival, and went right to bed. I know God is doing a good work in all of us.</span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-73549177984286190992017-03-16T07:11:00.000-04:002017-03-16T07:12:36.538-04:00As mommas we might tend to feel the need to "control" all the happenings of our family. Here's a little devotion from Our Daily Bread to help us remember the majesty of our God. We can sing that little Sunday School song, "He's got the whole world in His hand..." but we tend to forget it when life's issues pool upon us...<br />
<br />
<a href="https://odb.org/" target="_blank">https://odb.org/ (Spilling Through My Fingers, by Kirsten Holmberg. March 16, 2017)</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-70504525054918587382017-02-22T05:00:00.000-05:002017-02-22T05:00:17.816-05:00Trees Planted<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and
whose hope is the LORD. For he shall be
like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river,
and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be
anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit.” Jeremiah
17:7-8<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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These verses have been very special to me through the
years. When I was in my twenties I spent
a year in Costa Rica to attend a language institute for missionaries to learn
the Spanish language and Latin culture.
The Costa Rican family I lived with were awesome Christians and they
daily spoke into my life…or just listened to me speak in my budding Spanish
accent. One day my “Tica” mom gave me
these verses to help me through the crazy journey I was on – the journey of
Life. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDgiuU5DlHbmu3rU0GEBrxrCnLvhdZ_Ozu3ER1a9oePTI-fAhYdz2LTpx6iBfv2f3JdjU6sspkExct5pHEtWXyA1Mud5k4U4gNl3GcyGCX9X7-KBaYeKquslaHokkg6NJsvr2c54o_tE/s1600/nature___rivers_and_lakes_flowering_trees_near_the_water_041725_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDgiuU5DlHbmu3rU0GEBrxrCnLvhdZ_Ozu3ER1a9oePTI-fAhYdz2LTpx6iBfv2f3JdjU6sspkExct5pHEtWXyA1Mud5k4U4gNl3GcyGCX9X7-KBaYeKquslaHokkg6NJsvr2c54o_tE/s320/nature___rivers_and_lakes_flowering_trees_near_the_water_041725_.jpg" width="320" /></a>A decade later I would hear my mother-in-law teach these
verses to her foster kids – no matter what their ages – so they would have this
truth embedded in their brains for life.
And now, I get to teach it to my children. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Just a few mornings ago, Jeremiah 17:7-8 popped up in my
devotional book and so I shared it with my kids – especially to the one we’ve
been having some hard moments with. The Holy
Spirit gave me a great analogy using a tree we have growing near our canal out
back. It was a tangible way to teach
about how we need to be firmly planted and rely on our water source, the Bible.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>(However, after I thought we were really connecting in our
conversation, one of my kids said something so far off, like about the pretty
colors that are on the other bushes… Well, maybe some good nuggets sunk into
their sweet brains so we can revisit the conversation again another day. As <a href="http://www.sproutonline.com/shows/zerby-derby" target="_blank">Zerby Derby</a> says, we
can just “try, try again”!)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-27798898804197495922017-01-25T05:00:00.000-05:002017-01-25T05:00:16.973-05:00Life Lessons Taught<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26m3Acba3R0HitjWCnvnzDiS-Uftytt82ka5tbJUtuTBBJDq9oIS_ZHgEJWgNE9gNoaHszmcOhw_jMfQE9RMl1d5Vr9fDnLBWzpNdwOQlA9tyXccYh7dbaqbeLaStvaN9VULFk41Co0Y/s1600/deuteronomy_6_7--close-800x800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh26m3Acba3R0HitjWCnvnzDiS-Uftytt82ka5tbJUtuTBBJDq9oIS_ZHgEJWgNE9gNoaHszmcOhw_jMfQE9RMl1d5Vr9fDnLBWzpNdwOQlA9tyXccYh7dbaqbeLaStvaN9VULFk41Co0Y/s320/deuteronomy_6_7--close-800x800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matthew and Jordan enjoy playing Legos and Barbies. While they play I have found great opportunities to teach some life lessons on what the Bible says about certain topics. These topics usually include marriage, living together and what clothes are appropriate to wear.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In our present day, it seems as though some or all of these topics, if left untaught at home are left vague or skewed in the minds and hearts of our children. Teaching them what is right in the eyes of the Lord is what our kids need as they are hit with opposing views all around them. We can help them be confident when they are face to face with decisions about how to conduct themselves in the world we live in.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Lord, thank You for giving us Your Word as the lamp to our feet (and our kids' feet) and the light to the path You want us to go in. Please help us to prepare our children to live in the world but not be sucked into the popular views held all around them. Prepare their hearts to receive Your Word so they can live to give You glory. In Jesus name, Amen.</i></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-51405632763359069762017-01-20T06:00:00.000-05:002017-01-20T06:00:21.435-05:00When Tutus, Lacrosse sticks and Eternity Collide<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">If our Kennedy had been,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She probably would have worn<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Tennis shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Basketball shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I’ll guess…cleats too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTT85gicRssimeSrHj9c6IFh8UbRO4mlAFuwcKm1cY5rcZfQ_blmZTymDOZtwXLyp1FDDb45dAj9gzaY5pHcEHB57xH0PLCVABuiOvUxqOQq31wP6L52ySw6ITH8ZkGd_vYwVc98f9ZIf/s1600/images-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYTT85gicRssimeSrHj9c6IFh8UbRO4mlAFuwcKm1cY5rcZfQ_blmZTymDOZtwXLyp1FDDb45dAj9gzaY5pHcEHB57xH0PLCVABuiOvUxqOQq31wP6L52ySw6ITH8ZkGd_vYwVc98f9ZIf/s1600/images-4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I think<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She would have
vacillated <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Between<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Pink and sparkles<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">With all out athleticism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She would have carried a<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Lacrosse stick<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And worn disheveled
braids,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Knee pads, sparkly
tennis shoes<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And a bright pink tutu.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">When she played she’d be
the star.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Everyone would have feared the
legendary<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Kennedy Drew.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I imagine KD would often lose
interest,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Gather the hands of her
family and friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(Cheering for her in the
stands,)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">To join her in the
center of the field<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">To twirl<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Giggle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And be together.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I don’t understand why
my<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Tutu wearing,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Lacrosse carrying<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Granddaughter didn’t
take her first breath<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">I selfishly want her –
here!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">But it seems she
accomplished her life’s goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">She was equipped with
gifts and talents to play this game of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Like a champion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">To win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And win decisively.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">God’s plan was for her
to walk into<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The stadium of her life<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And gather her Mom and
Dad,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Her future bother and
sisters,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Her grandparents,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Aunts, uncles, friends<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And communities<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Onto her playing field.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">To dance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And Laugh<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">And twirl about.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpNTlbCCNgzzOmO7Zm7sEFfu_hGU6CDNGlrk2OErXFDneMFvlA-z5hglcRDE3A8UbzSGACPM3rgaaVko-UY2NILyGU780UpgCKeWNs3tix-j37n9yuarFohOWH_FZD7DvurOzXJMKoNYw/s1600/images-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpNTlbCCNgzzOmO7Zm7sEFfu_hGU6CDNGlrk2OErXFDneMFvlA-z5hglcRDE3A8UbzSGACPM3rgaaVko-UY2NILyGU780UpgCKeWNs3tix-j37n9yuarFohOWH_FZD7DvurOzXJMKoNYw/s1600/images-5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Kennedy Drew</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">our Tutu wearing, lacrosse stick carrier</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">was
equipped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">To play hard and to win.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Goudy Old Style"; font-size: 16.0pt;">(Kennedy Drew - January 20, 2016)</span></div>
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</style>Joanniehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02052845374702408026noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-56384267461952049542016-12-21T08:02:00.001-05:002016-12-21T08:05:18.263-05:00The Sacrifices You Make, MommaI read this today and thought of all the sacrifices that surround the birth and life of a child. Check out this Our Daily Bread Ministries devotion from December 21, 2016, written by Tim Gustafson. <a href="https://odb.org/2016/12/21/a-personal-story/">https://odb.org/2016/12/21/a-personal-story/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_lHUbQE1dqut3-K7Rc9y-Y0wZNuvnewjtz4fTYXdHkdbfqC6D5loCU_5QnUHXE1HLvdlgDkz02SngKILAVK9qOlVyDfnawddyKEYPTEqo3gHNiZ00i1SQJe8qpVYnbkh0Fk5e3r5MF4/s1600/moses-in-a-basket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD_lHUbQE1dqut3-K7Rc9y-Y0wZNuvnewjtz4fTYXdHkdbfqC6D5loCU_5QnUHXE1HLvdlgDkz02SngKILAVK9qOlVyDfnawddyKEYPTEqo3gHNiZ00i1SQJe8qpVYnbkh0Fk5e3r5MF4/s1600/moses-in-a-basket.jpg" /></a></div>
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Thanking God today for all the Mommas in the world, as you make many sacrifices each day for the life of your child.</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-51867935488707923762016-12-15T05:30:00.000-05:002016-12-15T05:30:21.234-05:00What Are You Waiting For?<span style="font-size: small;">I had the opportunity to guest blog for a dear friend of mine, Shannon DeGarmo Carpino, author of "The Bounce Back Woman". So I thought I would share my heart here as well...</span><br />
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http://bouncebackwoman.com</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvi2FlJum8Zvj5PPT0fQVJFBqZcCyKdogYsYCREulKv-UC3SyaDUfGICclvdY-eGLQxGsgEfntNeJYaEwxY9oPG0pjqER8YoplNUgUJfw36OZPPFynGYcd3lWZNxFftB-AUphdJy4XDGo/s1600/IMG_7206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxvi2FlJum8Zvj5PPT0fQVJFBqZcCyKdogYsYCREulKv-UC3SyaDUfGICclvdY-eGLQxGsgEfntNeJYaEwxY9oPG0pjqER8YoplNUgUJfw36OZPPFynGYcd3lWZNxFftB-AUphdJy4XDGo/s320/IMG_7206.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Lato, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 20px;">Have you ever had to wait for something that you were particularly excited for? You know the kind of thing that is so exciting your mind wonders to it when you should be thinking about something else? Perhaps it was the anticipation of an approaching birth, or butterflies the night before your wedding day, or maybe it was an exceptional Christmas present you knew you would be receiving?</span></div>
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For me, my most anticipated gift was the gift of finding my husband. I remember always wondering when it was going to happen with an eagerness of “would it be sometime soon?”. The years went on and I watched as some of my friends got married and I often wondered why I hadn’t yet found “the one”? Little did I know that although my search was for the right man, the Lord had a gift for me that I wasn’t expecting. You see, I didn’t have a relationship with the Lord growing up. I knew very little about the bible and who Jesus Christ was. So before God introduced me to my beloved, He introduce me to HIS beloved… The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father and the Prince of Peace.</div>
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As I reflect on the most special present of all, I am reminded of two people who waited their whole lives for one special gift, and at Christmas time God gave them just that.</div>
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Simeon, meaning obedient, was a righteous and devout man, who had eagerly waited his whole life for the Messiah. Being moved by obedience and the Spirit, he entered the temple to find the child and his parents there.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 2:27-32 That day the Spirit led him to the temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the Law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!”</em></div>
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Another prophet, Anna, whose name means full of grace, lost her husband after being married only 7 years. Anna spent the duration of her life in the temple praying and worshipping God and waiting for the Messiah to come.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Luke 2:37-38 Then she lived as a widow to the age of eighty-four. [She never left the Temple but stayed there day and night, worshiping God with fasting and prayer. She came along just as Simeon was talking with Mary and Joseph, and she began praising God. She talked about the child to everyone who had been waiting expectantly for God to rescue Jerusalem.</em></div>
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This Christmas, as we participate in all the fun this time of year brings, let us remember the true reason for this season. As Simeon and Anna spent their entire lives waiting for the Savior who was to come, let us remember and reflect on the One who has come. The One who came so that we may have life to the fullest and life everlasting. Will you join me as we focus on the Giver of the greatest gift, Life-in-Him-rather than on the presents that lay under our tree? Let’s be partakers with Simeon and Anna as we anticipate celebrating Jesus’s birth, praising and worshiping our God and sharing Him with everyone.</div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Lord Jesus, I pray as the busyness of this season tries to consume us, please help us slow our hurried pace. May we be deliberate with our days, carving out quiet time to spend with You so that we may reflect on all that your birth means to us. Lord I also pray, that you help us reflect the good and perfect gifts you have imparted to us, so that others may see and hear the good news of You and Your Beloved.</em></div>
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<em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Much love and blessings to you!</em></em></div>
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Merry Christmas,</div>
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Fran Maynard</div>
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</style>Franhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10994991276740410797noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-90236186761946752942016-12-10T14:54:00.000-05:002016-12-09T09:54:21.674-05:00Christmas Blessings!<div style="text-align: center;">
This is a such a great outlook on Christmas and on life!</div>
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(It also so reminds me of the man I begged God for... and married! LOL!) </div>
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Merry Christmas!</div>
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<a href="https://vimeo.com/192817134" target="_blank">Click here and Enjoy!</a><br />
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A special thanks to Forest Hill Church, NC for video permissions.</div>
<br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01370625665006545380noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-30134413809406352602016-12-08T05:00:00.000-05:002016-12-08T05:00:00.740-05:00Bond of Peace<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“I, therefore, the
prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you
were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing
with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the
bond of peace." Ephesians 4:1-3<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I read this verse and was determined to live out the “bond of
peace” part. All day while the normal
things that would have rattled me and given me the “right” to raise my voice at
our kids, I chose to remember those three words, “bond-of-peace” and act in a
more peaceful manner. The result was a
more tempered momma, less stressed kids, and the unity of the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The dictionary defines the word endeavor: <i>try hard to do or achieve something</i>. Well when we <u>invite the Lord to work in
and through us</u> to <b><span style="color: #7030a0;">endeavor[ing] to keep the unity of the Spirit of the bond
of peace</span></b> <u>we don’t have to try so hard</u>—just let Him work
through us! He will remind you of His
peace as He did me!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvmleEUWAy_TTlGINwN2LwY0b6zhttCTFobyq8dd7XRqcWECa_P4H0RSA47hMN8s2MA7DUKOi0zm5pobVKiT06bqqU7XSU4_-pRimZbaXqizvTEmJ1c1Nc0sTebIL9oqueTAfgbSpzs8/s1600/IMG_8178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWvmleEUWAy_TTlGINwN2LwY0b6zhttCTFobyq8dd7XRqcWECa_P4H0RSA47hMN8s2MA7DUKOi0zm5pobVKiT06bqqU7XSU4_-pRimZbaXqizvTEmJ1c1Nc0sTebIL9oqueTAfgbSpzs8/s200/IMG_8178.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Bedtime is supposed to be 8pm but this night it was going on
after 9:30 and I was still being asked to put cream on mosquito bites and
letting them know that there is no reading in bed by the light of the little
lighted Christmas tree in their room. I
felt the Lord with me like a loving coach as I handled the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">May we strive to keep this bond of peace in our homes as we
cheer on our kids to live walking worthy of the calling with which they are
called. That they would do this with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering,
bearing with one another in love, as they endeavor to keep the unity of the
Spirit in the bond of peace in their lives.</span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-40302969791511194972016-11-24T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-24T05:00:20.583-05:00Happy Thanksgiving!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Here are a few things we traditionally do on Thanksgiving
and some things we are just starting this year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="m7285041692721911343s1"><span style="line-height: 107%;">“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to
which also you were called in one body; and be thankful...." </span></span>Colossians 3:15–17 (check out the rest, too) </b></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">We have a Thanksgiving book that explains the
origins of our beloved holiday.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">In this
book I keep a log of where we spent our Thanksgiving each year and who was
there around the table.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Everyone takes
turns writing what they are thankful for next to their name. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This year our kids have made the place cards for
each person who will attend.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfLAopmBoUDr6QfB45534MQiOjBhlZ_sU4KLTz4hcky_n3VX6BgrRyJC8EOdDaDmQRKMeAGAmGyXnOpoZylX8nxJxFSiHRcoS3BY_MzNGc-UYyDXjPUWrjqro_PtAbf0nPOqxICEPsx0/s1600/IMG_8014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfLAopmBoUDr6QfB45534MQiOjBhlZ_sU4KLTz4hcky_n3VX6BgrRyJC8EOdDaDmQRKMeAGAmGyXnOpoZylX8nxJxFSiHRcoS3BY_MzNGc-UYyDXjPUWrjqro_PtAbf0nPOqxICEPsx0/s320/IMG_8014.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">The cards
are “decked-out” with a picture of a turkey, turkey facts and a scripture verse.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Matthew and Jordan have written the names of
each person who will be around the table. </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Some we left blank as there may be surprise people
who show up! </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This brings me to my next
point:</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">We also invite anyone who might not have a
family to be with for the holidays.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Also, this year my mom made cookies for all the
kids to decorate.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This is kind of like a
Christmas thing but my sister and family will be moving houses by the end of
this year so I guess that’s why we are doing it at Thanksgiving.</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">I printed off a bunch of festive coloring pages
for the kids to do if there’s ever a lull in the entertainment :-)</span></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">What are some of your traditions? Maybe make new ones and make sure to look
into your kids’ eyes and let them know how thankful you are to be their
mommy! Make it an every-day tradition.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-60723536459204525532016-11-23T05:00:00.000-05:002016-11-23T05:00:18.558-05:00Beyond the Universe<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“<u>M</u>y <u>V</u>ery <u>E</u>arly <u>M</u>orning <u>J</u>ust
<u>S</u>tarted <u>U</u>nder <u>N</u>asty <u>P</u>ancakes.” Well, however you want to learn it, our solar
system is incredibly interesting! As our
kids (and I) learn more about the Universe and the things in it, an amazing
thing has happened to my faith! I could
never quite “place” God before, but now I see how He is over and beyond
anything I could ever think or imagine.
Hmmm, that makes me think of a verse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask
or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us." Ephesians
3:20<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">As we guide our kids through this journey of life, let’s
take every opportunity to give God glory! Take another look at that verse. How can you apply it in your life today? It makes me think that if He is able (and He
did) to create the Universe and all that is within it, what can He do with me,
my kids, our churches, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Look up at the sky – just seeing those lights in the sky
tell of the majesty of our God. Although
science thinks it can describe it all away, it doesn’t take the magnitude away
from the Creator of the stars, planets and us!
To me it has made Him bigger, greater and more mighty, majestic in
wonder and glory, worthy of our praise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-76059027250744855112016-10-31T08:31:00.000-04:002016-10-31T08:31:01.939-04:00Happy Reformation Day!<div class="MsoNormal">
It was on October 31 of the year 1517 that Martin Luther
nailed the Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg. His act along with many other men and women
through the years played huge parts in us now being able to know we can have a
personal relationship with our God.
Luther and other reformers obeyed God and were bold in faith. We can celebrate that boldness in remembering
to be bold ourselves on this day and others for the cause of Christ.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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So, today before everyone comes to our doors for candy and a
scare, let’s help our kids know that this day is really a day to celebrate the
One who created it. Our God gives us
strength to be today’s reformers. </div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
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I’m glad for present-day reformers – Christians like
Danielle V. in my high school that lived out her faith no matter who said she
was different. She was a big part of my
faith journey – she prayed with me to receive Jesus as my Savior. Wouldn’t it be awesome to know your kids and
my kids are out there being that kind of reformer for others?!!<o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-35294441863027779072016-10-26T05:00:00.000-04:002016-10-26T05:00:11.404-04:00For His Mercy Endures Forever<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I was reading Psalm 136 where every other line
is "For His mercy endures forever."</span><span class="m-2237061644440119803apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span class="apple-converted-space" style="color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Immediately I thought of how we teach
our kids - through repetition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">So many times, God repeats a phrase in His word
(His love letter to us, the Bible) to get our attention on what is truth, how
we should obey, how we should judge things, etc. He knows us. He knows many of us just skip
over passages without receiving the meaning.
In this Psalm He shows us this technique in order for us to not forget <u>His
character</u>. What are we repeating over and over to our kids? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; 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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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">“For His mercy endures forever” Psalm 136<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Yesterday we went to a birthday party and I had the
opportunity to encourage our son. He
came to me with a concern about some other kids at the facility we were at and
how they weren’t playing fairly. Knowing
him I gave him a good plan of action reminding him that he is a good friend
(Proverbs 17:17 & 18:24). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> “For His mercy endures
forever” Psalm 136<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="background: white; color: #7030a0; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<br />
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I know I usually need to hear stuff more than
once to get it to sink in to my heart and mind.
How about you? How about your
kids? Let’s encourage our kids over and
over again the message of the gospel and how God has a purpose for them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-65841309314135421632016-09-28T05:00:00.000-04:002016-09-28T05:00:18.878-04:00Rushing Through<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have you ever rushed through something just to get it
done? Perhaps rushing to eat breakfast
so you can get to work on time or bring the kids to school, etc.? If you have you are in good company. Most moms rush doing things for themselves
because they are helping everyone else be on-time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlgmGYPdTcQ91XWf5EHlyrhQ5tM_E5T8y19Fg89gpaGFp43Q7Mhp1FxPeV6E3H3N7SvIYz4VvFUkZTCm-TN-tKyUHBcBj6JohBWBaWhbpJA6pboDjOOZRppIrAyNeg9b4XOdd_2KqHQY/s1600/busy-mom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhlgmGYPdTcQ91XWf5EHlyrhQ5tM_E5T8y19Fg89gpaGFp43Q7Mhp1FxPeV6E3H3N7SvIYz4VvFUkZTCm-TN-tKyUHBcBj6JohBWBaWhbpJA6pboDjOOZRppIrAyNeg9b4XOdd_2KqHQY/s200/busy-mom.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Now what about rushing through reading books or listening to your kids?</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Does housework or phone calls or texting take our time away from sitting face to face with them to do these all important things? </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #7030a0;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“…For
what is your life? It is even a vapor
that appears for a little time and then vanishes away.” James 4:14<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">A friend of ours took a job in a different state for a couple
of months leaving family and friends back in FL. He recently came back for a quick weekend visit
in which he spent quality time with his mom walking and talking on the
beach. What he didn’t know was that only
days later his mom would be taken from this life in a brutal way. Wow! If
he had rushed through his short weekend without spending that sweet time with
his mom, he would be dealing with the pain of regret. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">What about you? Do you
spend time with your family, namely your kids without rushing through? Spending time reading, playing and listening
to them is crucial and will create a pattern for your relationship now and in
years to come.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus <u>spent time</u> with his disciples—eating, walking and
talking with them. Our kids are our
disciples. We must take the time to eat,
walk and talk with them too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-65320400421779589932016-08-24T05:00:00.000-04:002016-08-24T05:00:20.515-04:00When we read to them...<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew chose a Superman book from the library so when we got home I read it to my eager listeners. The book was appropriately titled <i>Superman Versus
Bizarro</i> by Chris Strathearn. It certainly was “bizarre” alright! Everything was switched around making me
think, “This is ridiculous! It’s obvious a tree wouldn’t be hurting a cat!” The author was contrasting Earth verses Bizarro
World.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxlVGOsvevkE9uAxmEroTC7IdxoIyjktxiK-mRt-yUHfss00ENiThT943IbDshzD0OiQz-J2acCq19Z8AeUsemG_CSTfSLLvoA6OMEvPEEt53FXSBBq5amWLXKEMXlK3U2oqh_A6_dLU/s1600/storytime.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghxlVGOsvevkE9uAxmEroTC7IdxoIyjktxiK-mRt-yUHfss00ENiThT943IbDshzD0OiQz-J2acCq19Z8AeUsemG_CSTfSLLvoA6OMEvPEEt53FXSBBq5amWLXKEMXlK3U2oqh_A6_dLU/s200/storytime.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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The next day I read the following excerpt from the
devotional booklet <i>Our Daily Bread</i> and
I believe God was developing a message in me to share with our kids. “In our
world today – when good is often considered bad and bad is seen as good, when
truth and error are switched around – people are looking for direction in
life.” (<i>Our Daily Bread</i> August 16, 2016 C.P. Hia). How true!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I got the opportunity to share a message of hope with our kids as we read <i>Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland </i>by Lewis
Carroll. About half-way through the book, Matthew and I didn’t really want to continue anymore
because it was such "nonsense" <u>but then</u> the Holy Spirit nudged me with His message. I told Matthew and Jordan, “Just
as Alice is walking around in this nonsense wonderland, we are walking around
in this kind of world too.” I gave them current examples and they
understood so I continued, “We have the
TRUTH of the gospel! That’s the only
thing that isn’t nonsense! Our job is to
share God’s truth with people…” It was such
a moment of wisdom from the Lord! <o:p></o:p><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;"><b><i>"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength....You shall teach them diligently to your children, ..." Deuteronomy 6:5-7</i></b></span></div>
</div>
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Teach your kids truth from the Bible. Expose lies for lies so
they are not swept away in it all never differentiating truth from lies. <br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3515208804431970838.post-7836212954206997662016-08-02T06:51:00.000-04:002016-08-02T06:51:17.013-04:00Choreography <div class="MsoNormal">
Last night there was a most impressive storm that rolled
through. I woke up to a symphony of this
incredibly brilliant, flashy lightening followed by a long, hard-pounding rumble
that shook the house with its loud voice each time like a slow motion earthquake. All of a sudden I saw quick shadows followed
by the kids they represent racing for our room.
It’s almost as if they dove into our bed, found their spots and promptly
fell asleep. Even our dog (a big Lab
Pitt) was there! Our queen-sized bed
felt more like a twin by the time I adjusted into my appointed spot – on the
edge in the opposite direction!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JCij9QHXqT2aEIrXKgQREGrfM6p9r4Ci0ErCMxfrFESp4yjhLYemjXQt84z8uc1EgtD17MJRwPzWQIPTZSp5d-qeyTsfO0VdLxWbSDqwLju2wkXBzv3gXaa_PaVwzpSfE1gIiZTrlqA/s1600/synchrox-16-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8JCij9QHXqT2aEIrXKgQREGrfM6p9r4Ci0ErCMxfrFESp4yjhLYemjXQt84z8uc1EgtD17MJRwPzWQIPTZSp5d-qeyTsfO0VdLxWbSDqwLju2wkXBzv3gXaa_PaVwzpSfE1gIiZTrlqA/s320/synchrox-16-9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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As the Olympics are <i>rolling
in</i> at the end of this week, I’ve been searching for a way to teach our kids
about the events, what the rings represent, and how we can schedule our viewing. I woke up this morning thinking about synchronized
swimming. This led me to think about how
when we sync ourselves with the Lord, we are a beautiful display of His perfectly
timed choreography of life. Just like a storm
and <i>just</i> like the kids running in at
just the right time.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;">“…we should live together with Him. Therefore comfort each other and edify one
another, just as you also are doing.” 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With all of us on that bed, I realized the part I play (as a
mom) is crucial to our kids’ lives. But not only
as mom, as a friend to other moms, we can play a huge role in edifying each
other by praying for one another; having playdates (or coffee) to not forsake
the assembling together; and helping each other. Let's live together with Him and edify each other today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #8064a2; mso-themecolor: accent4;">"And let us consider one another in order to stir
up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as
is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you
see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:24-25<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
Laurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18133612956853649598noreply@blogger.com1