tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15409051113734859052024-03-19T03:23:09.224-07:00::Moments in the Mundane::Eyes wide open for the workings of God in our crazy, busy, everyday livesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-7653751392519719662016-07-24T11:13:00.000-07:002016-07-24T11:24:45.811-07:00Wifery Tales #3: Uniquely GarrisonToday is a special day.<br />
It's Lance and I's first anniversary-<br />
We survived our first year of marriage! Whoop whoop!<br />
It's been full of adventure, full of both joy and hard, change, more change, major decisions and more weird then I EVER thought possible. (Ever.)<br />
<br />
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<br />
In a world of filtered social media pictures and articles that portray the 'perfect' image of marriage, it can be a major temptation to compare your own marriage to other people's.<br />
<br />
"They do WAY more than we do.<br />
They look way happier than we do.<br />
They have more fun than we do.<br />
They're more romantic than we are.<br />
They have way less problems than we do."<br />
Blah...Blah...Blah.<br />
<br />
Comparison is ugly. It fails to look through the lens of reality and tears down one's joy faster than anything else.<br />
As <a href="http://mobile.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/annvoskamp628980.html" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp</a> says, "Comparison is a thug that steals your joy.<span style="font-family: "times", "times new roman", serif;">"</span><br />
<br />
But I think that the antidote to comparison is celebration.<br />
Because celebration is a form of thanksgiving, and thanksgiving brings to light the <i>truth </i>of God's goodness and provision in your life. Comparison drains and disheartens the soul, but celebration fills it back up to the point of overflow.<br />
<br />
The truth is, EVERY marriage is different. Because *duh* every ONE is different.<br />
Then why in the world do we expect them to look, work and function in the same way as everyone else's?<br />
Just as God created each person uniquely, each marriage is unique and quirky in its own way.<br />
That's how it <i>should </i>be! <br />
With this being said, I just want to take a minute to celebrate 7 things I love about our 'Uniquely Garrison' marriage.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Jesus. So cliche. Yet so true. He is Lance's shelter. He is my shelter. What a beautiful thing it is to hide in Jesus when the world doesn't make sense; when we don't understand each other; when we can't agree ;when there is no resolution to an argument other than to just pray that God would fix it- fix us. And He is faithful every single time to bring peace to disorder, to bind what was separated and to unite us through struggle. I can't say this with enough confidence :to agree on Him is the <i><u>best </u></i>thing.</li>
<li>Laughter. It's the greatest medicine! Lance is made up of about 89.99% humor (and corny jokes. Ha!) and that just makes life fun. We accept and embrace each other's weirdness. It feels so GOOD to be free to be quirky.. and to feed off one another's strangeness. I friggin love it.</li>
<li>Extroverts. We are both extroverts! I love that we both like to be around people a lot, have people over a lot, and hang out with people until the wee hours of the morning. It is a lot of fun to always be around friends while being with each other.</li>
<li>Sleepovers. <u>This sort of is my favorite.</u> We still have sleepovers. (And yes, we are adults). Every once and awhile, I get together with all my girlfriends and have a sleepover at their house while he invites all the guys over for games and grub to stay at our house. Its stinkin' the best. Guys need guy time, and girls need girl time = This is the perfect solution! </li>
<li>I test the waters, and Lance cannonballs right into it. In almost <em>any</em> situation, I have to think, overthink and re-think about it before I make any kind of decision. And half the time I overthink because I'm afraid. Lance, however, sees an opportunity and in full confidence just goes for it-- Cannonballs right into opportunity. He helps me to "Go For It" and I help him " think about this for just a second.." </li>
<li>Either Lance is a great 'gift' detective - or I'm horrible at surprises. Y'all. Nearly every single gift I've ever gotten the man-- He FINDS IT. Or he 'accidentally' looks on our Amazon to see recent purchases. Or I forget where I hid the gift and mistakenly tell him to get me something from the place I STASHED IT. (Sorry about ruining your anniversary present, btw) BAH. Good thing he doesn't like surprises that much. *or so he says*</li>
<li>He cooks. He cleans. He launders. He does dishes. Sometimes I come home to warm cookies- GOSH-- So hot. This man. I used to feel so un-domestic because I thought I was supposed to do this stuff all the time, but why would I even complain!? It's so nice to have someone else help you out with all that house stuff. Even if he did one time mop the whole floor with half a bottle of undiluted-straight-up-bleach. *coughing/wheezing/dying for days*</li>
</ol>
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The great thing is, that every marriage is unique. There are qualities in every marriage that are admirable and awesome because they are a reflection of two people making it work together. It's easy to lose sight of what you love in the lens of comparison. Yet, celebration can bring them back to life.</div>
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What are 7 things that make you "Uniquely ____________"?</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-9425585179932122512016-07-05T13:59:00.000-07:002016-07-11T11:44:42.985-07:00Scripture Typer: Making It StickI know I posted this long ole blog the other week about tons of reasons why we shouldn't be on our phones, but!<br />
<br />
Here is one REALLY good reason why you should be. <br />
<br />
<strong><a href="https://scripturetyper.com/">The Scripture Writer App.</a></strong> <br />
This app is the best thing <u>ever. </u><br />
I don't know about you, but I have the hardest stinkin' time memorizing scripture. <br />
I don't know why either- If you think about it, it really isn't that hard.<br />
<br />
Think about it, we can hear a song a few times and sing along to the whole thing the same week.<br />
We can watch a movie once or twice and spout off quotes like clock work.<br />
There are a thousand different buttons on Facebook and somehow we can manage to still remember which ones do which and how to navigate it effortlessly.<br />
<br />
<em>So why is memorizing<u> a line</u> so hard?</em>I envy those people who can just spout out about anything from the Bible and I am just here like,<br />
"Heyy-- I know John 3:16. And a ton of 'Jesus' quotes from Pinterest!" (That aren't even really that biblical... You know, like, "God won't give you more than you can handle <3 <3 ", "God Works in Mysterious Ways <3 <3) <br />
<br />
How are we supposed to navigate a world with a thousand counterfeits if we don't have the real thing memorized?<br />
<br />
How are we supposed to fight a spiritual fight if we aren't ingesting His Words and our Swords are at home collecting dust on a shelf? <br />
<br />
I was thinking last week: "What if for some CRAZY reason, all of my Bibles were taken from me, erased from the Internet, and all of the sudden became almost impossible to access?"<br />
<br />
Well, at least I have an arsenal of Pinterest Jesus quotes.... right? <br />
<br />
Sure- If you're planning on going into a gruesome battle with a Nerf gun!<br />
<br />
That question inspired me to at least try and memorize some scripture.<br />
<br />
With the help of my beloved IPhone I found an amazing app to help me do that.<br />
**Thank you iPhone for finding me a great app to help my poor soul**<br />
<br />
It's called, Scripture Typer: A Bible Memory System.<br />
<br />
Scripture Typer lets you select your own verses to memorize or you can choose to memorize verses from a specific category of scripture like The Romans Road, Salvation Verses, Verses on Temptation, exc. Then you go through three steps with each verse: Type It, Memorize It, and Master It. You do these three steps once a day (or multiple times, if you want more points ;) and it takes like 2 minutes. TWO MINUTES. Then, each day it shoots you a notification on your phone to review your verses and do this process again. Once you have mastered a verse for a few days, it reminds you every 3, 4 ,5 days. Meanwhile, you just keep adding verses to practice. Over the course of a month you will have dozens memorized. You can do as many of these verses at a time as you want to . I've tried it for the past three weeks and I. AM. AMAZED.<br />
<br />
Especially since my memory can be <b>so</b> sketchy, and this stuff is actually <i>sticking.</i><br />
<br />
So whether your waiting in line, sittin' on the toilet, taking a break from work, waiting at a stop sign (This was a trick one, don't text and drive, fool!) or before you go to bed-- Take TWO minutes and review your verses. It's crazy how repetition really makes things stick. <br />
<br />
Oh, and did I mention it's free? Who doesn't like free things!<br />
<br />
And if you just can't help yourself, you can upgrade and get cooler additions to make it more fun.<br />
<br />
If you want to know more about it, there's a link in the sidebar!<br />
<br />
Go download it --- Now! :) Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-16960839016360699462016-07-01T11:36:00.002-07:002016-07-01T11:36:30.336-07:00Dear Generations of Women Before Us..<strong><br /></strong>
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>We need you.</strong> <br />
<br />
I need you. <br />
I know that we can be annoying with our face in our phones 3/4 of the time.<br />
I know that you probably chuckle and grin inside when we talk about the struggles of growing up-<br />
("They haven't seen nothin' yet!")<br />
And sometimes we struggle to make a good conversation with you--<br />
But we need you. <br />
It may not seem like it, but we are dying to just glean wisdom from you.<br />
<br />
You have an <strong>arsenal</strong> full of knowledge, of wisdom, of experience,<br />
<em>and that does not disqualify you or make you less relevant. </em>It makes you all the more valuable and needed in a time when the connection gap between generations is so..<br />
<br />
W I D E. <br />
<br />
We need your investment in our lives. <br />
We need your advice to protect us from those falls that hurt so bad.<br />
We need your voice of encouragement saying, "You can do this. I'm for you." <br />
<br />
Why?<br />
<br />
Because you are 12 steps ahead. 30 steps ahead. Maybe even just 2. <br />
<br />
It doesn't matter.<br />
<br />
<em>You've been there.</em> <br />
<br />
You've done that. <br />
<br />
You know what works and doesn't work. <br />
<br />
It doesn't matter if your 90, 75, 48, 30, 22 or even 15 - <br />
<br />
INVEST in the generations behind you.<br />
<br />
<strong>To be frank: </strong>Our generation is surrounded by the influences of media, the high and mighty, and there are lies and promises thrown at us from 1,000 different directions. There are so many avenues that can take us the wrong way. We get lost in the mix and lost on the wrong trails. <br />
<br />
From a Biblical stand point, investing in the next generation is a command and an avenue in furthering God's word: Older women, train up the younger women (Titus 2:4-5).<br />
<br />
Of course, parents play a HUGE, if not the main role in training up their children, young and old.<br />
<br />
Yet, even though I'm not a parent, I would be willing to bet that parents want other good and wise people to help guide their children, right?<br />
<br />
Just like the old phrase says, "It takes a village to raise a child." Heck, it takes a village to raise an adult, I think.<br />
<br />
We know that you have families. You have jobs. You have school. You have children to invest in, too. <br />
<br />
But just consider our generation and those behind us.<br />
<br />
Find a way, big or small, to pour your life, your wisdom, your presence and experience into the next generation.<br />
<br />
Even just a date to coffee every once and awhile. A walk once a week. Time spent on the porch. Be creative!<br />
<br />
W h a t e v e r. <br />
We just want to be with you!<br />
<br />
What an amazing thing it would be to see <strong>each</strong> generation of women pouring into the next.<br />
<br />
Imagine the hurt that could be avoided; the improvement in decision making; the growth that would take place just by gleaning from lessons you've already learned and can teach us.<br />
<br />
Don't wait for us to come to you inquiring advice- Just INVADE our lives. <br />
<br />
We give you permission to ask hard questions. <br />
We give you permission to prod, and dig, and point areas in us that will cause a downfall down the road.<br />
We give you permission to say, "Hey, that's a really stupid idea. Here's a better way!"<br />
<br />
I encourage you- actually I beg you- find a younger gal pal and invest in her. <br />
<br />
Get real. Get honest. Let us know we aren't CRAZY for going through what we are.<br />
<br />
You've been there- You know. <br />
<br />
Mentorship/ Discipleship/Investment in the next generation is SO essential for growth.<br />
<br />
And it WILL change the world.<br />
<br />
It WILL change generations, after generations, after generations.<br />
<br />
Your story is so relevant, so on purpose-- and it can change the stories of other women. <br />
<br />
It can change ours. And theirs. <br />
<br />
And years down the road, when the lady you've invested in starts investing in another--the legacy of your story is interweaved throughout her life, though you may never meet.<br />
<br />
We love you, look up to you, and want your friendship and mentorship more than you know.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
The Younger Gen of Women.<br />
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-74452999577542279842016-05-31T17:20:00.001-07:002016-05-31T19:00:08.507-07:00My Not So Secret Lover<span style="font-family: inherit;">You're the first face I see when I wake up in the morning,<br />The last when I go to bed.<br />You have all of my attention<br />Before a word is even said.<br />There is so much to know about you,<br />I don't think I'll ever stop<br />Searching, longing to know this love that has me caught.<br />I catch myself staring at you all throughout the day,<br />Your charm is ever changing,<br />I can rarely look away.<br />Even in a crowded room you always have my gaze.<br />Because nothing else matters when you're in front of my face.<br />In you, I find the cure to my gaping loneliness,<br />Because you're faithfully there for me at my every request.<br /><br /><b>Most say our love is inseparable.</b><br /><br />When my relationships fail, your a constant one<br />I always go to you, because I know you won't run.<br />To touch you is something I crave and long for,<br />Our love is thriving because we give each other more<br />Time and focus than any one in our lives<br />With eyes always on each other, you keep me satisfied.<br />I give you more of myself than anyone I know,<br />For you are my beloved, faithful <b>iPhone.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Read it again. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Its pretty true, isn't it?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It shouldn't be this way.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">According to a study done at <a href="http://www.baylor.edu/mediacommunications/news.php?action=story&story=145864">Baylor</a> University, "w</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">omen college students spend an average of <b>ten hours</b> a day on their cellphones and men college students spend nearly <b>eight</b>".</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Ten hours a day- Are you <b>kidding </b>me? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">And, according to a study done at <a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/addicted-your-smartphone-what-to-do">Harvard</a>, out of 1600 participants:</span></span><br />
<ul class="node" style="list-style: none none; margin: 15px 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">70% said they check their smartphone within an hour of getting up.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 24px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">56% check their phone within an hour of going to </span>sleep.</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">48% check over the weekend, including on Friday and Saturday nights.</span></li>
<li style="color: #222222; line-height: 24px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">51% check continuously during vacation.</span></li>
<li style="line-height: 24px; list-style-type: disc; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">44% said they would experience "a great deal of </span><a class="Article" href="http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/default.htm" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: black;">anxiety</span></a><span style="color: #222222;">" if they lost their phone and couldn't replace it for a week.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">We're draining our brains for ten hours a day looking at pictures, videos, other people's daily #struggles on Facebook, playing games and seeing how 'liked' we are.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Meanwhile the people that <i>love</i> us have our divided attention as we live life with them while being somewhere else mentally.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">These wasted hours could have been spent with friends and family. Minutes that </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">could have been spent encouraging or checking up on a friend. Time that could be spent in the Word. Time spent just being intentional with someone else.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">How much life are we missing out on here?</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">How much are we neglecting our relationships? Our friendships?</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">For something that promises connection, it sure acts as an agent in helping us <i>lose it </i>with the people right in front of us.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">Something that was meant to be a tool, has become a tyrant of time. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;">What was meant to be merely a device, has become divisive. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">What was intended to bring people together, has separated us more than ever.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Don't get me wrong- Phones can be good and helpful!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Yet, like every good thing- Balance <i>has</i> to be present. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">And I don't really know what that looks like- but I'm trying to figure it out.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Because how sad to get to the end of my life and realize I missed out on knowing God deeper, giving my full attention to my husband, my kids (future, I'm not preggers), ministry, my friendships, and reaching out to others because my face was glued to a screen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I don't want those around me to be starved for my attention because I gave too much of it to an <i>object.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Let us put the dang phone down-- and really <i>be</i> present for those around us.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">And, if you're an addict like me, take the </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , "times" , serif;"><a href="http://www.handsfreemama.com/hands-free-mama/">Hands Free Challenge</a>! It's a great place to start!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-28151677730786629582016-02-02T19:18:00.000-08:002016-02-04T12:36:21.098-08:00Wifery Tales #2: A Wedding, A Thief, and Four StaplesThis weekend was certainly one for the books.<br />
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We got to have a little weekend getaway in Albuquerque because Lance's cousin, Dustin and his new wife Melanie got married! It was such a sweet wedding-- Aren't they cute?!<br />
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We had a blast seeing family and friends--oh and so much dancing-- so much fun! </div>
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But after the wedding is when the<i> real</i> adventure began.</div>
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We got to stay in a hotel and enjoy all the luxuries of that: free breakfast, soft comforters, no need for cleaning your room... Except for, well- we were in a rough part of town. </div>
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The first night we got there, someone tried breaking into Lance's truck and in the morning, all of the rubber seal on the windows had been pressed down as if someone tried to get an in with a crowbar and a hanger. </div>
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Being the obsessively secure man that Lance is, as soon as we got back to the hotel from the wedding, he decided to go check on his truck before we called it a night. </div>
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AN HOUR LATER... Lance came back saying that he saw a suspicious vehicle drive out of a hotel across the street and then drove into our hotel parking lot-- only to park by Lance's cousins vehicle. So, Lance camped out in his truck to see what they were doing (and got their license plate!). One of the men in the vehicle got out and started looking in all the cars in the parking lot when he was interrupted by the security guard, Ernie, who approached the scene. At the sight of his car, the two hooligans fled the scene. Lance talked with Ernie for awhile and gave him the license plate number and his testimony.</div>
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It turned out that Ernie had run these guys off before but could never get their license plate! Now that he had it, Ernie decided to call the police and file a report. The police said that license plate had been stolen off of another car that day, and were very busy that night so they would be by later and would need Lance's testimony. </div>
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Meanwhile, I am back in the hotel room all snuggled up in my comfy pajamas watching Full House (does it get any better than that?!) wondering what the heck is taking Lance so long! He <u>finally</u> comes back to the room and tells me the whole story about the crazy men and that how he has to stay awake because he will be getting a phone call from Ernie to come down and give his testimony. </div>
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Well, I for one, am exhausted at this point because it is now approaching 1:00 a.m. </div>
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My eyes slowly begin to close as I gracefully fall asleep on Lance's chest....</div>
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**Poke Poke**</div>
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Eyes slowly open.. and then close.</div>
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**Poke Poke**</div>
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Eyes slowly open to see googly eyes from my husband. </div>
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**Eyes roll**</div>
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"What, babe? I'm sleeping.." I mumbled</div>
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"Boooo-- We're in a hotel.... ;) Come on....."</div>
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** More googly eyes and a cheesy smile**</div>
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(I'm going to let YOU connect the dots about what this fellow was alluding to..)</div>
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And being the awesome wife that I am, although tired and weary, I consent... </div>
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But ONLY--If he brushes his teeth. </div>
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"Nooooo! I don't want to! I'm already here! Come on!"</div>
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"LANCE. GO. BRUSH. YOUR. TEETH." </div>
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Instead of getting up to brush his teeth, he begins ruthlessly tickling me. </div>
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**Begin Rant**</div>
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To all the male readers: Remember in middle school when you had the bright idea to 'tickle' that girl you liked *hoping* that she would think it was cute and flirtatious? And then for the rest of your life you kept doing it? And after you got married, you STILL think its a good idea?</div>
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Well its not cute. Its not funny. Its not romantic. And it SUCKS. </div>
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Tickling SUCKS.</div>
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1. Because it hurts</div>
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2. Because you aren't in control of your random spazzes/kicks/punches/slapping that result from the repetitive poking</div>
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3. Because it makes you lose control of your bladder</div>
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4. Because it makes you laugh, when really, ITS NOT FUNNY, it hurts. But for some reason laughter is the only thing that comes out. Which signals to the guy, "Keep tickling me! I like it!" </div>
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No. </div>
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No, no, no--No. </div>
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Tickling leads to bad things. </div>
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**End Rant**</div>
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Back to the story.</div>
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At this point, we are on the edge of the side of the bed with Lance hidden under the covers, tickling his poor wife who is trying to escape him. </div>
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When all of the sudden.....</div>
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****BOOOOMMMMMM!!!!!!****</div>
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Remember what I said about spastic kicking? Well.. I may have accidentally kicked my husband like a mule and sent him flying off the bed.</div>
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I am still on the bed, hanging off the side, laughing while blurting out "Are you okay" haha "are you okay?!" </div>
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White face. Groans. Eyes rolling back. Bad words. </div>
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Lance reaches his hand behind his head and as he pulls it back-- It's COVERED in blood. </div>
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I grab his head forward to look at it. HUGE gash-- My hand is now covered in blood.</div>
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(Betcha never saw THAT in a steamy romance movie...)</div>
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"Oh my gosh... GO get my Dad-- I need to go to the E.R."</div>
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When white coat syndrome Lance says he needs to go to the E.R.-- You better believe something is wrong. </div>
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I run down the hallway to get his parents while he runs downstairs with nothing on but shorts with a towel compressed on his head and blood dripping down his back. (You can imagine what the front desk worker is thinking...)</div>
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We all hop in the car and rush to the ER. As we're driving--IT clicks. </div>
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The police are still supposed to call back. And Lance said he would be there. </div>
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Can you imagine this with me? </div>
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Officer to Ernie: "Hey. This dude isn't answering his phone and he said he would.. He gave me his room number, lets go do a knock and talk so we can get his testimony and complete the report."</div>
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There is a bloody handprint on the outside of the hotel room door.</div>
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A comforter on the floor soaked in blood.</div>
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Little drippings of Lance's blood all over the bathroom and the doorknob.</div>
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Oh. </div>
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Did I mention Lance left his gun on the nightstand? right by alllll this blood? (Yes, we are 2nd amendment believers.)</div>
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THIS DOES NOT LOOK GOOD. </div>
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Arlene and I drop the half clothed Lance, and his dad off at the ER and go back to the hotel room where we clean up all the blood and conveniently run into the police officer that was about to contact Lance about the report. We caught him just in time to let him know Lance busted his head open and wouldn't be able to speak with him. </div>
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Back to the ER we go to find out that Lance had a 1 inch gash in his head and had to get four staples to the head (poor baby!)</div>
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But don't worry. Lance was snap chatting away, laughing and having a good time as he explained how excited he was about now having a FIFTH hospital gown to add to his collection ( the man is a nut case, I tell ya.)</div>
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3 A.M. rolls around-- and we are finally headed back to the hotel to get back to sleep.</div>
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That. That was the weirdest, most eventful night of my life. </div>
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What was supposed to be romantic, turned hysterically tragic in only a matter of seconds.</div>
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And that ladies and gentleman, is how <u>foreplay lead to four staples</u>. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-22328328495148980342016-01-12T11:08:00.001-08:002016-01-12T11:08:14.121-08:00The Anatomy of a TickThe Garrison household has officially gained a new family member:<br />
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Everyone meet: Tiller!</div>
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Oh my-- Ain't he cute?? </div>
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This would be my very first puppy of all time! You know, one that I picked out, have to feed and bathe-- One <b>I </b>am 'responsible' for. I mean I've had a dog before, but my dad did all that stuff and I just played with him :) </div>
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He is such a good dog. He snuggles, doesn't bark outrageously when we put him in his kennel to go to sleep, he gets along with Dozer (our other pup), his "outside peeing skills" are definitely improving, and his personality is just hilarious! </div>
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And. His whimper. Good gracious-- It is SO cute! Every time I come to get him from outside, he leaps into my arms and whimpers as I rub his belly. Mmm.. Melt my heart.</div>
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One of my sweet friends came over to see the little guy a few months ago and as she was admiring him and petting him, she stopped and pulled back his fur and said:</div>
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"Oh no, Kaitlin, is that a tick?"</div>
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Well, I for one couldn't tell you that because I had never <u>seen</u> a tick before! </div>
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But after seeing four, five, six little reddish brown things burrowed in his ear, I was sure I never wanted to again! </div>
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They're gross. <strong>Absolutely</strong> gross little blood- sucking varmints. </div>
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Not to mention, they infested my poor little puppy! </div>
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We went through his head and ears and plucked them suckers out of his fur as he yelped (break my heart) and squirmed. Finally-- we had gotten them all out!</div>
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Or, I thought we did. </div>
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Until I found a dozen more the next day after I gave him a bath. </div>
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And then more few weeks later. <br />
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And then a few more months later.<br />
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Blegh, it just <u>creeps</u> me out that there could still be dozens of little pathogens on my puppy as I watch him scratch and itch and roll all over the carpet (Lord, if one of those things crawl on me... I'll die). </div>
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So, my disgust and sorrow for my stickered puppy drove me to do some research on these creatures.</div>
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*Why* did I spend an hour at the library looking at dozens of pictures and diagrams of ticks? I have no idea. The people sitting next to me at the library probably thought I was trippin' out on drugs because I kept compulsively scratching and itching, squirming and lifting up clothing articles to make sure there was no bugs in my skin. Elgh! </div>
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Yet! Here is some interesting facts about ticks you probably NEVER wanted to know!</div>
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Did you know?<br />
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Ticks find their "hosts" simply by detecting their odor, body heat or vibrations. Therefore, they pick <u>well used</u> paths where they know animals commonly travel. When an animal walks by, they do not jump or fly to clasp to the animal, but instead they do this thing called <i>questing.</i> When a tick quests, they first climb up to the very top of a blade of grass. Because the tick has four pairs of legs, it grabs on to the blade of grass with it's third and fourth pair and then with its first pair of legs outstretched, it literally waits for for a "host" to brush by it so it can CLING to it! Ticks like to hide in dark places- places that they can hide and not be found. Therefore, they usually hide in the ears.<br />
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**Be advised, this gets a little nasty.**<br />
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Then. Once the tick grabs onto the fur they insert a <b>feeding tube.</b> Yeah. A FEEDING TUBE. Then, they secrete this concrete type stuff that keeps them attached as they 'feed'. Lastly, they give off this "anesthetic" fluid stuff that makes it to where the animal can't feel that the tick is there. They survive by the blood of another, and they die by being fully uprooted from the skin.<br />
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Those SNEAKY little turds. They are so disgustingly...clever.<br />
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Weird, I know. However, the more I read about how these tricksters find their victims, how they survive, and how they die--I began to realize the strikingly similar tactics that we all fall prey to, without even being aware of it. </div>
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I realized that the anatomy and function of a tick, is a lot like the anatomy and function of <em>sin. </em><br />
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Think about it. Satan <i>knows</i> our biggest weaknesses and temptations. He knows those paths we unfortunately tend to drift towards when we fall into temptation. And HELLO! There he is waiting, arms outstretched, prowling around like a lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8). Sin is always crouching at the door looking for prey, someone to cling to--someone to master. And once a sinful habit attaches itself, it starts to suck the life out of ya. But, it doesn't do it in plain sight- no. Like ticks, the quickest and fastest growing sins are well hidden and out of sight. So nobody sees, nobody knows and light can't expose it.<br />
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Sin loves to hide. Which makes us hide- from God, from His Word, from the people that love us the most. Hiding makes you lonely. And loneliness is the best place for sinful habits to keep feeding and festering and inviting their friends because there isn't anyone to point out what they see. No one to keep you accountable.<br />
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There are some sins that are PLAIN as day and everyone can see the manifestations of it. But then there are the 'secret' sins that we like to ignore and pretend they aren't there. They keep us in the dark. Then, the guilt and shame that come with sinful behavior creates that same 'anesthetic' that makes us turn a blind eye to the very thing that destroys us. The sin keeps sucking and we're left wondering, "Why do I feel so empty? Why do I feel so lifeless?"<br />
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And! Isn't it a coincidence that ticks love to hide in the ears? Isn't that the same with sin? We hear a lie, we believe a lie. We keep hearing that lie over and over instead of the voice of the Savior. That still small voice becomes so muffled between all the itching and scratching of trying to shoo those lies away.<br />
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No wonder these ticks hack me off-- I'm sure the Good Lord feels the same way when we walk through those tick ridden paths with eyes wandering making sure no one sees. As time goes on we get tangled up, wrapped up in so many snares that we're itching, scratching and rolling around in the dirt trying to relieve the itch and heal ourself.<br />
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The same ridiculous look that dogs have when they're pawing at their ears, biting themselves, rolling around on the floor trying to remove the ticks is the same way we look when we think that we can handle, heal and "fix" ourselves by 'scratching' hard enough to remove the stain of our sin. In this 'Do It Yourself' day and age, it is incredibly difficult to take our hands OFF and let God fix us. Yet, in Ephesians 2:8-10, Paul writes such a beautiful truth that ushers us to release our control and let God:<br />
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<i><b><span class="text Eph-2-8" id="en-NLT-29198" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> "</span>God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-9" id="en-NLT-29199" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">9 </span>Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"> </span><span class="text Eph-2-10" id="en-NLT-29200" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial; font-size: 12px; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">10 </span>For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago."</span></b></i><br />
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One night, I had just finished bathing Tiller and again, I found dozens of ticks all in his ears. One by one I picked them out of his fur and he kept whimpering, squirming and trying to scratch his own ears. I'm thinking to myself "Tiller! I promise I'm not trying to hurt you but you can't get them out by yourself! I'm the one with the tweezers and I'm the only one that can do it RIGHT!"</div>
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As I realized this, my face just twisted thinking about how I so many times am this puppy in God's hands with attachments, strongholds and hang ups that I can't seem to scratch hard enough to remove and yet, the more i scratch, the deeper they burrow. The more I hurt. The longer I suffer. The more sin reproduces itself and covers more areas of my heart. Yet, here I am hindering my own healing by squirming in the arms of the Savior refusing to let him <i>set me free</i> because I'm ashamed. I'm guilt ridden and by golly, I can fix this because I got myself into this!<br />
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The antidote, the only antidote for sin, is outside intervention from the only One who can truly remove, uproot and set us free from hiding. The One with the cleansing blood of sacrifice and the tweezers that uproot the weeds of bitterness that burrow deep. As Martin Luther King Jr. puts it, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that."<br />
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Let Him in. Let Him heal. Let <i>go.</i><br />
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Lessons learned from a tick infested puppy.<br />
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(Who is now tick free... and definitely doesn't fit in Lance's shoe anymore.)<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-72103177585068219532015-11-21T20:27:00.000-08:002015-11-21T21:48:41.097-08:00With Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<b>G</b>od, you know the end from the beginning. You see it all. Even<br />
<b>O</b>n days I feel like my sight has been taken away by the<br />
<b>D</b>aunting fear of the unknown.<br />
<br />
<b>I</b>n everything I've ever done, you've been with me--<br />
<b>S</b>ide by side, hand in hand, you haven't left me once.<br />
<br />
<b>W</b>henever I walk through times of darkness, where the next step<br />
<b>I</b>s one I can't see or feel, you always lead me by<br />
<b>T</b>he hand, speak to me in whispers, and<br />
<b>H</b>old me in the times when I become discouraged by my lack of faith.<br />
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<b>M</b>old my heart into one that fully trusts you-- Leans on you, depends on you, and is<br />
<b>E</b>ager to follow you, even if that is to dangerous places. Places that call for<br />
<br />
<b>A</b>dventure's in trust, trials in faith, crazy love, a<br />
<b>N</b>ose to the ground in surrender, hands that<br />
<b>D</b>are to empty themselves of dreams, comfort, and self will.<br />
<br />
<b>F</b>orm in me a heart that seeks your pleasure<br />
<b>O</b>ver man's opinion.<br />
<b>R</b>emind me that this journey is all about knowing you<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>M</b>ore. In the ups and down and through every back road, help me to<br />
<b>E</b>mbrace the adventure and cling to the peace you've already granted to me.<br />
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<i>God, You are with me.</i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-20603075446318113142015-08-21T15:25:00.001-07:002015-08-21T15:39:13.622-07:00Wifery Tales- #1I have always been part of a weird family.<br />
Always.<br />
We like weird noises, fart humor is 100% okay, we all talk and argue in a variety of accents, and we can never. EVER. go into grocery stores as an entire family without a funny story, or maybe even someone being offended--haha!<br />
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My dad and brother being the goofiest of them all. In the Kirkpatrick household, there was (is) never a dull moment. <br />
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Even now as I have moved out, my dad is still making wise cracks over the phone and yelling and joking in the background-- I love it. <br />
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And, **thank you Jesus** -- Weirdness has only multiplied in my life: In the best way.<br />
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<br />
<br />
Ahh.. My husband.<br />
I love the guts right out of him. <br />
He is great-- and...<br />
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He fits right in!<br />
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I was always so afraid as a teenager that my husband would end up being super serious and that he wouldn't like my weird nor except the weird habits I grew up with (and LOVE!) <br />
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No.<br />
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He is his own <u>species</u> of weird. <br />
He and I -- We are mutually weird and quirky, and our household will forever be that way. <br />
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Which brings me to last nights events. <br />
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LAST NIGHT: <br />
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Last night was our first ever G3 (that's our youth group) kick off. And it was <u>amazing</u>.<br />
Lance preached a killer message, many students came, heard God's word, and it was just overall a great turn out.<br />
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After the service, Lance had to stay later to clean up and lock up and I had to get home, shower and finish up my homework- so I was a party pooper and headed out early. <br />
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*Pause*<br />
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You know what I love? I <b>love</b> listening to music in the shower. Its my favorite!<br />
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And- one of our family friends gave Lance and I this COOL gadget for a wedding gift - A WATERPROOF BLUETOOTH SHOWER SPEAKER.<br />
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Yes. I know, isn't that AWESOME!!???<br />
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You just link your phone to it and you can blast whatever you want while your scrub 'a dubbin!<br />
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*UnPause*<br />
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Back to last night.<br />
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So I get home and head straight for the shower. And of course, I turn on my Bluetooth shower speaker and blast some Rend Collective on Spotify.<br />
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I'm singing my little heart out and just jamming' away.<br />
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When all of the sudden, my music stops.<br />
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"Dang you Spotify-- You told me I had 30 minutes of ad- free music!"<br />
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But oh no, it doesn't just stop.<br />
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In the creepiest, demonic, raspy, unworldly voice, the shower speaker starts TALKING to me.<br />
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"You wanna play a game?"<br />
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My eyebrows raise, my mouth drops.<br />
<br />
"What the crap are they doing to the ad's on Spotify?! That is straight up SKETCH!"<br />
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At this point I'm just waiting for my song to continue playing, but NO.<br />
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"Yoooou waaaaanna play a game?"<br />
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STOP. TALKING. TO. ME. SHOWER. SPEAKER.<br />
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I'm breathing a little heavy at this point.<br />
<br />
I peek my head out of the shower curtain to see what the heck is going on with my shower speaker<br />
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And everything is perfectly normal. Great.<br />
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"My phone is demon possessed. The Devil is trying to scare me and has taken my phone captive! He is asking me to play his games. Help me Lord, I'm home alone and I can't get my shower speaker to shut up!"<br />
<br />
Then, the creepy, raspy, serial killer toned voice breaks the silence yet again more frequently:<br />
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<u>"YOU WANNA PLAY A GAME?!"</u><br />
<u>"YOU WANNA PLAY A GAME?!"<br />"YOU WANNA PLAY A GAME?!"</u><br />
<br />
I reach my hand outside the shower.<br />
<br />
I'm freaking out and thinking, " Oh gosh, I'm gonna have to lay my hands on this dang wedding gift and rebuke that Devil until this horrid voice stops taking over my MUSIC and interrupting my shower time!"<br />
<br />
Had evil truly entered my bathroom? Were there evil spirits trying to play with my head by using my shower speaker as a tool?!<br />
<br />
Laughter.<br />
<br />
Then. I hear laughter.<br />
<br />
No no, not coming from the shower speaker.<br />
<br />
FROM MY HUSBAND.<br />
<br />
He comes running into the bathroom hysterically laughing with my phone in one hand saying:<br />
<br />
"I hacked your phone and I've been watching you from the reflection of the mirror this whole time!!!! Hahhaaa!"<br />
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<br />
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Thank you, you red-headed turd.<br />
<br />
This. Means. War.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-16276415170406451062015-03-11T11:48:00.003-07:002015-03-11T15:08:02.168-07:00Remember<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The past few months-- I have been CONVINCED... <u>I'm losing my short term memory</u>.</span><br />
<br />
I don't know if it's because I stay up too late, or that I'm not eating right, (or just not paying attention..) -- who knows!<br />
<br />
All that I know, is that I could be on the phone with someone and instantly forget what they just said. Or get directions from someone and then ask again because I forgot. Plus, I find myself constantly asking my friends, "What was I just saying? What did you ask?"<br />
<br />
Can you imagine my thought process?<br />
<br />
"Oh gosh.. what if i'm developing short term memory loss...Altzeimers? Lord! I'm only 21! <u>IM ONLY 21!!</u> There's a lot I want to remember!"<br />
<br />
"What if I lose my job because I can't remember emergency details??"<br />
<br />
"What if I have to live the rest of my life writing Post It notes everywhere to remember who I AM!"<br />
<br />
I'm ridiculous, I know. Don't act like your mind doesn't wander here sometimes!<br />
<br />
But seriously. This sounds really silly, but I have sincerely been freaking out a little bit on the inside because I can't remember things!<br />
<br />
All the while, in my Bible reading, prayer and in the quiet moments, God keeps ironically impressing these words on my heart.. "Kaitlin, r<i>emember</i>, and don't forget."<br />
<br />
THANKS God. Just keep rubbin' it in! I already feel bad enough for forgetting things all of the time-- I can't help it, and I'm trying!!<br />
<br />
God has been showing me that my tendency to forget goes so far beyond things that are superficial, minute and short term--and is a much deeper kind of forgetting that can actually be detrimental to my whole being.<br />
<br />
Psalm 78 is one of those chapters that retells the whole entire story of Israel and its' history. Sometimes when I see these parables, I just skip over them (shhhh..). Why? Because its the same story over and over and over and overrrrrrr...... We all know the drill of Israel:<br />
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Israel walks with God, watches God do CRAZY things that will blow your mind like split a sea, draw water from a rock, lead the crowd by a cloud, THEN Israel find something to be dissatisfied about, they grumble against God--Israel wanders. Israel sins against God, repeatedly. Israel finds another "god" to serve. Because why?<br />
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<b>Israel forgot.</b><br />
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Numerous times throughout this passage, it highlights the very root of their sin: They FORGOT.<br />
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"They did not keep God's covenant, and refused to live by his instructions. They <u>forgot</u> what he had done-- the great wonders he had shown them, the miracles he had done for their ancestors."(78:11-12)<br />
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"Again and again they tested God's patience and provoked the Holy One of Israel, <b>they did not remember his power</b> and how he rescued them from their enemies." (78:41-42).<br />
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"They <i>did not remember</i> his miraculous signs in Egypt, his wonders on the plains of Zoan." (78:43)<br />
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And as a result...<br />
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"...they kept testing and rebelling against God Most High. They did not obey his laws. They turned back and were as <b>faithless </b>as their parents. They were as undependable as crooked bows." (78:56)<br />
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And what about Eve?<br />
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The serpent told her if she ate of the fruit, she would be like God. So she ate it and man fell.<br />
Eve!!!!<br />
Remember what God told you?<br />
"So God created man <u>in His own image</u>-- In the image of God He created them" (Genesis 1:27)<br />
You're identity was already in God, you were already LIKE HIM!<br />
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<b>Eve forgot.</b><br />
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Hmmm. Ya know, I'm thinkin' the reason the same unhealthy cyclic story of Israel & God's chosen people is so constant throughout the Bible because *hello* -- <i>How often do we forget?</i><br />
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Forget who we are, forget what God has done for us not only in our own lives, but in those before us? We forget how <i>effective</i> Christ's work for us was on the cross, how sufficient it was and is! We forget what God has freed us from. And like those wandering Israelites, we run back to the same lovers and idols that <strike>bind us</strike> right back up again into a routine of giving ourselves to them over and over again, only to receive nothing in return? We forget how BIG God's love is, we forget about forgiveness. And instead-- We run. We run away from Him, we lose faith in the God we once trusted <i>so</i> deeply--Why?<br />
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<b>Because we forget, too.</b><br />
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Why else would God have called for what seem to be drastic measures when it comes to remembering to follow Him wholeheartedly?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Deut-6-4" id="en-NLT-5067" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>“Listen, O Israel! The <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is our God, the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> alone.</span><span class="text Deut-6-5" id="en-NLT-5068" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">And you must love the <span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Deut-6-6" id="en-NLT-5069" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Deut-6-7" id="en-NLT-5070" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Deut-6-8" id="en-NLT-5071" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"> </span>Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span><span class="text Deut-6-9" id="en-NLT-5072" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px;">Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." -Deuteronomy 6:4-9</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Tie them to your hands, write them on your FOREHEAD, are you kidding me? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Whether God was being serious, I don't know-- But I do know, that if they were really <u>that</u> consistent with remembering the love of the Lord and what He had asked of them -- It would be SO hard for them to forget.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Remembering is </span><i style="line-height: 24px;">powerful.</i><span style="line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Remembering has the ability to make a monumental shift in the reality we live in. We can become so weighed down with the reality of where we are-- whether we are burned out, overwhelmed with burdens, carrying the weight of a family, feeling purposeless, dealing with sin, rudely awakened to the horrid things going on in the world, aware of the fact that we are not satisfied or content, terrified of the future, maybe depressed--hopeless. We're all somewhere. It's easy to find ourselves honed in on our feelings and what we see that we <i>forget </i>to remember <b>who </b>we are, <b>who</b> our God is, what He has <b>done</b>, and the <b>promises</b> he has given us. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">But! When we remember, our entire attitude can change. Not our circumstances, but our outlook. Remembering these things takes the scales off of our eyes that cause us to reflect inward and allow them to be miraculously opened to a breathtaking reality that our God is "</span></span><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; color: #001320; line-height: 20px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20). </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">Jeremiah shows a great example of this when he was weeping over the city of Jerusalem and was beyond overwhelmed with the horrible condition of the city and the loftiness of his circumstances and still said:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">"Yet I still dare to hope <b>when I remember this:</b></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">The faithful love of the Lord never ends!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">His mercies never cease, </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">Great is his faithfulness;</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">His mercies begin afresh each morning.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">I say to myself, "The Lord is my inheritance,</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff; line-height: 20px;">therefore, <i>I will put my hope in Him.</i>" (Lamentations 3:21-24)</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #001320; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fdfeff;"><span style="line-height: 20px;">And boom! Just like that, hope comes forth from <b>remembering</b> the God who saves. Did Jeremiah's circumstances change-- Nope! But instead of wallowing in depression and angst, His remembrance opened his eyes to the reality of God's faithfulness and presence with him even in destruction.</span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Forgetting is truly detrimental to our being. It has caused a whole lot of trouble in history (as we have surely seen!) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">This whole not being able to remember things sucks, but forgetting who God is, what He's done and who He has made and called me to be-- is even worse. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">May we not be a people that pleads to see a move of God just to forget it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">May we not be a chosen generation who fails to remember his faithfulness in the past and his promise to be faithful to us for the rest of our lives and eternity. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">May we be a people of <i>remembrance </i>and call to mind daily the awe and wonder of the God we've seen-- the God we know.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">___________________________________________________</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">"So each generation should set its hope anew on God,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="line-height: 24px;">not forgetting</i><span style="line-height: 24px;"> His glorious miracles and obeying his commands.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><b>Then,</b> they will not be like their ancestors--</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful,</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">refusing to give their hearts to God." (Psalm 78:7-8)</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;">Atelophobia |a-tel-o-pho-bia|</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">noun</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Fear of not being good enough. Fear of imperfection.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">_________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, I'll be. They really do have a diagnosis for everything don't they?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Whether we like it or not, I think we're all somewhat fearful that we don't match up to who we think we should be , or what we think others expect of us. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We could always do <i>more.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Love more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Laugh more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Serve more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Work out more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Read more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Save more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Study more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And when we fail to meet our own expectations, we bring the hammer to our head for not measuring up to who we think we ought to be. This is especially true for <u>me</u>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I constantly find myself stuck in a rut of feeling guilty for not doing more or if I'm not on top of things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And even though the Bible says that we can't earn God's love or salvation by our works or by praying enough, reading enough, serving enough, exc, I am frequently caught in unbelief, thinking that I can somehow "wow" Him enough to make an exception to that truth. So, in seasons where my prayer life is scattered, my discipline to read my Bible is just not there, and I just don't feel "put together"-- I tend to get really upset with myself because if my works are insufficient or not where they could be, then subconsciously, that equates to God loving me less. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">These thoughts were running through my head as I woke up on Monday morning and the more I thought about my unbelief the more I kept questioning, "Why can't I just get it?! This is so elementary-- 10 year olds get this! Why can't I just understand it's not about me and quit doing this?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I sulked in bed, like a little baby.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><img src="webkit-fake-url://a1456392-7873-49d2-9289-0c4b0d200f07/imagejpeg" /><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And in the silence between my mumbling, God began to take my mind back to this ridiculous thing I did one time when I was a little girl. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Storytime!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">__________________________________________________________</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was about 9 years old and I had just worked up the courage to try out my mom's new Christmas present: a paraffin wax hand dip! If you have no idea what that is, its like, a MEGA Scentsy (but it doesn't smell good) and you stick your whole hand in melted wax to moisturize them and help with hand cramping... or something therapeutic like that. Because I was still nervous to stick my entire hand in this burning wax, I settled for dipping each finger into the pot and boy... I was so proud! One evening, I had just finished one of my "finger treatments" and I removed all of the wax casings of my fingers and had them sprawled out on the floor. Moments later, I heard the ice cream truck music slowly getting louder and louder as the truck came down my street. <br /><br />" MOOOOM. Mom! Please!!!!!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br />(She already knew what was coming...)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"No!" </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"......PLEASE!"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">No again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Frantically, I'm running around my house trying to find extra change because dang it, I want some ice cream! Unluckily for me, there was no change in sight. <br /><br />Overwhelmed and so disappointed, I sat down and sulked because YET AGAIN, the ice cream man would not see my face today.<br /><br />Then it dawned on me.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Aaahaaa! Maybe I can trade these wax fingers for an ice cream!! YES!!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I put my genius plan into action, swooped up my ten wax finger casings, and ran all the way down the street to find the ice cream truck stopped at the corner. Nearly breathless, I managed to tell the ice cream man my plan of trade.<br /><br />"Hello! So, I don't have any money. But I was thinkin' that maybe... I could give you these wax fingers... all TEN...for an ice cream bar? It can even be the smallest ice cream you have! Plus, these are my own fingers--Made of wax! Ya know, you can even fit them on your fingers because they're a little stretchy!"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The ice cream man so graciously smiled... then he laughed at me.<br /> "I'm sorry sweetheart, I cant' do that for you. I can only take money."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After a few minutes of trying to convince him it was totally a good trade, I finally walked away, wax fingers and all, back to my house with no ice cream. </span><br />
_____________________________________________________________________________<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">After reminiscing on this past time, I began to see why it was He brought my mind to this silly old memory. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />At the time, I was really dumbfounded why the ice cream guy didn't think my wax fingers were as cool and valuable as I thought they were! Better yet, in my mind, it wasn't like I was asking for a HUGE ice cream that was like 6 dollars, no! I would settle for the .50 cent ones if he would just give into the trade! The truth is, I could've stood there for hours, turning blue in the face, pulling out my best tricks, dance moves and songs to try and get myself an ice cream cone, and I still would have got the same reply, "I'm sorry sweetheart, I can only take money."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><em>This is because I wasn't offering the right kind of currency to make the exchange.</em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In the same way, the currency that we try to offer God, whether it be through our works, our money, or our actions, does not work because it isn't the sufficient currency. It never can be. It's just as ridiculous as trying to give an ice cream man grubby wax molds!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The one and only currency to pay for a rightness with God was the sinless life, death, sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and when we believe in the sufficiency of what He's done, repent of our waywardness, and turn to Jesus and follow Him, His identity becomes <strong>ours</strong>. That rightness that Jesus has with the Father becomes ours too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">We no longer have to live life in the same way people did in the Old Testament where they had to incessantly go through purifications rituals, animal sacrifices and numerous offerings to temporally atone for sins. But all of those things were merely foreshadows of what Jesus would conquer, complete and restore <u>for all time and for all people.</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br />
Hebrews 10:2-7 says:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>"For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>year after year, make perfect<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30135D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30135D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup> those who draw near to worship.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30135E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30135E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup> </em></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Heb-10-2" id="en-NIV-30136"><em>Otherwise, would they not have stopped being offered? </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Heb-10-2"><em>For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, </em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #660000; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Heb-10-2"><em>and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins.....</em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em>It is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30138A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30138A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> to take away sins.<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30138B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30138B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><span class="text Heb-10-5" id="en-NIV-30139">Therefore, when Christ came into the world,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30139C" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30139C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup> he said:</span><span class="text Heb-10-5">'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-5">but a body you prepared for me;<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30139D" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30139D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span></span><br /><span class="text Heb-10-6" id="en-NIV-30140">with burnt offerings and sin offerings</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-6">you were not pleased.'</span></span><br /><span class="text Heb-10-7" id="en-NIV-30141">Then I said, ‘Here I am—it is written about me in the scroll<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-30141E" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-30141E" title="See cross-reference E">E</a>)"></sup>—</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7">I have come to do your will, my God."</span></span></em></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: #660000;"><em><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><br /></span></span></em></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7">The only currency worthy enough to purchase our salvation, our rightness and restored relationship with God-- is Jesus and HIS works alone. Human effort has never nor will ever meet the standard of holiness and perfection that God is and requires of those who wish to draw near to Him. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><br /></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><em><span style="color: #660000;">"</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #660000;">But because of his great love for us,<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29234A" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29234A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> God, who is rich in mercy, <span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235"><sup class="versenum"> </sup>made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions<sup class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-NIV-29235B" data-link="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29235B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup>—it is by grace you have been saved." -Ephesians 2:4-5</span></span></span></em></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235"><br /></span></span></span></em></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><em><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="color: #660000;"><span class="text Eph-2-5" id="en-NIV-29235"><br /></span></span></span></em></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5">It is our faith in Jesus and what He's done that makes us right with God. And <u>because </u>of our faith, good works should flow in combination with and out of faith. Both are essential. (James 2:26) <span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5">For some reason that childhood memory of trying to pay for ice cream with paraffin pieces showed me the ridiculousness of trying to earn God's love by performing well or having it all together.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5">I love how simple, yet complex God has made things.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br />Simple enough for a child to understand, yet complex enough to mask every mind from fully comprehending the wonder of who He is. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5">True comfort and peace is found when we realize that our insufficiency is no longer counted against us, but that our identity is found and hidden in Jesus.. And all that He is and all that He has done is <em>enough</em>.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Heb-10-7"><span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="text Eph-2-5">Goodbye Atelophobia--Say hello to grace.</span></span></span></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-78038122875445362502014-08-13T15:45:00.000-07:002014-08-13T15:45:07.838-07:00Reflections:: Africa (Part 1- Pre Bush)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><strong><u>Base Camp</u></strong></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">(Real quick-- Here's some need to know lingo:</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">BUSH: a time period where you and your team take the big lovely army truck anywhere from 5-12 hours away from the Base to reach a rural village, pitch tents, preach the Gospel, and live in the Zambian desert with the locals)</span></span></span></div>
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<br />
Goodness.<br />
I have been thinking about what to type in this empty space for a month, and I just have no idea how to put the experience into words that could sufficiently explain all that happened in Zambia this summer.<br />
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Well, I guess I can start off by saying-- <b>Holy Cow. </b><br />
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You know how before you do something, you build up a whole lot of expectations for what the experience will be like? Well, I had a ton of expectations of what this trip was going to look like but I couldn't have even begun to anticipate beforehand what God had in store for the us and the Zambians.<br />
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A few days before we left for Africa, the scribbles in my journal said mostly phrases such as this:<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- What am I going to say?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- Is my testimony even RELATABLE?!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- What if they ask me to speak? I dunno what to SAY!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- I'm scared</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- I'm scared</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- I'm scared</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- Am I even spiritual enough to go?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- Do I know enough scripture?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">- WHAT AM I DOING!?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I had no idea what things were going to be like. I have heard many amazing testimonies from missionaries about the wonders they experienced overseas and I was like "Sheesh. These people and God must be TIGHT to have experienced what they have!" I had the picture in my head that in order to be a missionary overseas you had to "have it all together" so to say.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, that was kind of my mindset going into it- So... I downloaded some books, then bought some books, downloaded a junk ton of podcasts and decided that the whole flight to Africa I would try to cram as much "Jesus" into my mind as I could so that when I got there, I would be 'spirit filled' and equipped with a lot of knowledge about Jesus and the Gospel to share with people. I truly felt that I needed to <u>work</u> really hard to equip myself to be ready to do this ministry and to get to experience the kinds of things that people had told me about, as if I had to deserve them somehow. <br />(And, you can guess Who wrecked that mentality when I got there.. But that's another story for another blog!) </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">After over 24 hours of flying and a lovely 12 hour layover in Germany, we finally reached the land of Zambia! Our AMAZING leaders came and picked us up from the airport and we rode in a large army truck back to the Base Camp. At Base Camp, there were lots of other full time missionaries, part time missionaries, expedition teams, and many students going through a program called Advanced Missions Training. It was seriously so cool to be surrounded by tons of other believers who were truly pressing into the presence of God and seeking His heart <u>constantly</u>. I loved getting to know other people and hear about what they were learning in the season of life they were in.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not only were the people beautiful, but so was the land surrounding us. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We were literally sharing the same air as the Zambezi River. The top of the camp overlooked this BEAUTIFUL gorge ( which we also got to hike down! And by we I mean- they (my team) .. I only made it halfway down! Haa.)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">One particular morning, bright and early, I got to have some quiet time over looking this beautiful scene. The air was fresh, I could hear the clashing of the waters below me, and these sweet little birds were a chirpin' away. It was oh so peaceful. During my time with the Lord that morning, He began to reveal to me the flaws in the ways that I looked at my relationship with Him. <br />I was seeing my relationship with Him as severed. As in, we were separate beings. I am a sinner and He is Jesus. End of story.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But that wasn't the end of the story.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That was the BEGINNING of the story!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I <u style="font-weight: bold;">was</u> a sinner. Dead in my sins and headed for nothing more than a life of abandonment, loneliness and eternal emptiness.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u style="font-weight: bold;">But then</u>, Jesus began to draw me to Himself, opening my eyes to see that as humans, all we are capable of doing is what is natural to us - Sin. No matter how many "good things" we have done or will do. But God loved us so much that He gave his son Jesus as a sacrifice to <i>become</i> our sin, take the penalty for our sins, and put its' power over us to <u>death</u>. It is only by believing that His sacrifice was sufficient for my sins and trusting that it is only through Him that I can be made right with God. And if I am made right with God <em>through </em>Jesus, that would require us to be one, or for some sort of identity exchange to take place. And it did. What is mine is now His, and what is His is now mine. We are ONE! My identity is now in Him and who He is.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Galatians 2:20 explains this exchange perfectly: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Being the visual person I am, I had to draw it out :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu6fZaSTWtspkFEkryoK0d2xMV1fh9CTxqN72vUImRzUk_ACORcsxrUqGV1WzEAviQXKV8VxOiKkGkXIL9rg5MEdPI9R3s1a9qDJwfvK7iY32oRFEv1SL9YFSVUzozMorPGe7_HzBSnM/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOu6fZaSTWtspkFEkryoK0d2xMV1fh9CTxqN72vUImRzUk_ACORcsxrUqGV1WzEAviQXKV8VxOiKkGkXIL9rg5MEdPI9R3s1a9qDJwfvK7iY32oRFEv1SL9YFSVUzozMorPGe7_HzBSnM/s1600/Picture1.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br />** In this picture, we are two <u>separate</u> people. This relationship would require me to do things by myself, call on Him when I need Him to come to me and help me, and ask and ask and ask until He comes. This is not the relationship I have entered in to.<br />
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It is this one:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix83AlCeOecWXSdgSSCVJ5uRPr8Tb-RJPzR9W9AtQ02tbC3qNChUWTAbQ6fparVvVqPlUrEkAFX0_Vl6L4oMtq6oIOr4HOvFL3ghVLwhYSwaa9BHOVOif-6wkUHmKrcaeNFendaowkFYA/s1600/Picture2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix83AlCeOecWXSdgSSCVJ5uRPr8Tb-RJPzR9W9AtQ02tbC3qNChUWTAbQ6fparVvVqPlUrEkAFX0_Vl6L4oMtq6oIOr4HOvFL3ghVLwhYSwaa9BHOVOif-6wkUHmKrcaeNFendaowkFYA/s1600/Picture2.png" height="299" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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** In this relationship, Jesus lives in me and I in Him. Because I have received His Spirit by believing He is who he says and that He lived, died and was raised to life by God's power-- I no longer have to <u>strive</u> for Him to come to me-- He is <em>with me.</em> Christ is the head, and I am His hands and His feet-- Where He goes, I go.**<br />
</span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />Through these truths, I began to realize that I often tried to live for Jesus by trusting in my own effort-- by being my own salvation. God gently showed me that we were one-- And that I was to continue walking in this journey by trusting not in myself and what I could and could not do, but by "trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me". </span><span style="font-family: Times;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With this new truth, I felt a little more assured about being in Africa, because it wouldn't be me at work, but it would be Him. <b>Still</b> I was super afraid. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Every morning, we would all worship together, pray over one another, speak over one another and just build one another up! I have never experienced anything like this before.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know in the Bible it talks all about building the church, and after seeing the way this community of believers encouraged and interceded on each other's behalf-- It clicked. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During our worship and prayers times, there would be multiple people that came up to me and to others and would say, "Hey! God has a word of encouragement for you that He has told me and I would like to speak it over you" or " I feel lead to pray for you" or during worship, somebody would speak up after the song and tell about a revelation that God had given them during the song. These visions and revelations were just so beautiful, pictorial, awe inspiring and so full of truth. I just kept shaking my head at God saying, "What in the world...This is so friggin cool... YOU are COOL." </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And. It. Just. Got. BETTER!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Before our expedition team left, the whole base prayed over our team. And right in the middle of the prayer, the man leading the prayer ( I forgot his name!) spoke up and said, "Which of you here is afraid?" </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ha. Crap. THAT would be me! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Right over here</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">PRAYING no one will raise their hand and we can move the heck on so I won't be found out!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just wanted to shrivel up to the floor and crawl on my knees out the door-- I KNEW that was me.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So I awkwardly raise my hand, and a few other people did to. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Stand in the middle. We're prayin' that fear away and off of you."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Eeesh. Well alrighty!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So this man and all of our base friends surrounded us and began praying bold things over us commanding that spirit of fear to leave and to never return and all these other things that made me bawl like a baby. But dang- It was so good. In that moment I felt the Lord's presence come over me and bring the very comfort I needed to step forward in faith. <br />Little did I know that those very prayers lifted up by our friends would be answered in full measure by the Lord on this trip and continue to bear fruit in my life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He came up to the three of us afterward and he looked at us and said "Now. I want to talk to you when you get back from the bush."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />We all nodded our heads in agreement.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Then! Off we went-- 5 hours to reach the village called Siatchitema!</span></span><br />
<br />
To be continued.... <br />:)</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">** I will write more stories and more "parts" to this!**</span></span></div>
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<br />
That's right-- 100% funded!!<br />
<br />
No scratch that. It's more like 110%, because not only did God provide exactly the amount I needed, but overflowed the amount. My mind is seriously<br />
BLOWN.<br />
AWAY.<br />
<br />
It's been what feels like such a long, fundraising journey, but really—its only been about 3 ½ months.<br />
3 ½ months to raise $5,000. This seemed absolutely impossible to me, but the Lord assured me it was not!<br />
I want to share with you the story of how God provided in all of this.<br />
I know this might be a little bit long and exhausting to read, but I cannot CONTAIN the joy and wonder I am experiencing through God's provision of this trip – And I want you to experience it with me :)<br />
<br />
The cool thing is, is that this trip is not only for me or for the team members going, but the trip in and of itself, it is an investment into the Kingdom of Heaven whether you are the missionary being sent, the giver supporting the missionary, the prayer warrior fighting behind the scenes for souls to be won over, or the humble servant who gave their time up to support and build up the team. In the end, it doesn't matter which role you played – The end result is MORE people coming to know Jesus and His love for them, and that is all that matters. So, I am so glad that we have gotten to go on this journey together and will get to see all of the marvelous things God has planned for the people in Zambia!<br />
<br />
Okay, where do I start.<br />
How about the "I think I'm going to go to Zambia" part?<br />
<br />
So! I wanted to go to Africa a few years back, but things never really panned out or worked out. About 2 years ago, I heard of an organization called Overland Missions and some people told me about their experiences and I automatically thought, "Dang! I wanna go do that!" But I didn't have a group to go with and again, nothing really panned out. At the beginning of this year, I started thinking about what I wanted to do for the summer. I looked into different mission trips and church camps, but AGAIN—Nothing worked out. So, I just decided I would take some summer classes and stay and work in Portales for the entire summer. Well, I had a friend come and talk to me one time about his experience in Zambia and it sounded absolutely incredible. "Wow I really want to go.." I thought to myself, but then I thought about how ridiculous that sounded and brushed the thought away. Months later, I went to Do Drop In to get some coffee and read my bible and as I was reading, I overheard two people talking to someone I knew about making investments into the Kingdom of God by giving of our time, money and efforts. (I pretty much pretended I was reading my bible, but I was really eavesdropping on their conversation because I was so intrigued!). Immediately after my friend left, I was like, "Dang! I really need to go meet these people!" So, I walked over to Brandy and Casey O'Connor (who are now my leaders for the trip) and introduced myself and we just got to talking and they were <u>incredibly</u> encouraging! Brandy, then invited me to an Overland Conference that was taking place that next weekend and she really encouraged me to go. I was so excited when I left, and then as the date approached for the conference, I started backing out of my decision to go to the conference. Two days before the conference, I made up my mind… "I'm NOT going." Later that night, I ran into a friend who has been to Zambia before (but whom I usually don't see). He asked (rather, STRONGLY encouraged) me to go to the conference. I got really excited about it and decided I would go, but then, ya know, the next day I decided again— "I'm NOT going." Finally, the day of the conference, my friend Haleigh asked me if I would go with her to the conference and I finally decided I would go for sure. I got to the conference and I was just, in awe. Hearing about the vision of Overland to reach the nations and making Kingdom investments just rocked my world! I was deeply moved yet, I was still hesitant about going on a trip, but deep down in my heart I knew I needed to go. I didn't really even want to necessarily, but I felt moved to. Right after the service, Brandy ran up to me and said, "Well! Are you coming or what?!" I looked at her with very confused eyes and said, "Ayyye. I don't know :( " Then she told me, "I just keep hearing ONE word in my head over and over, and that is <em>faith."</em> And with that, I decided to pick up an application and go for it. I mean I'm 20, single, and I have a passport and an open summer. Why not? And if God doesn't want me to go, I won't right? <br />
<br />
Fast forward a few weeks—I got accepted to go on the trip and the fundraising process began—90 days before the money was due. Usually on missions trips, you start fundraising a long time in advance to assure the money is in on time—well not this time! I looked on the website at the meter that told me how much money I had raised, which showed a long empty meter with thousands of dollars to be raised in a short amount of time. I sighed a big ole sigh of discouragement and then I heard the Lord speak to my heart, "Take a picture of it. And watch me FILL IT." Uhh, seriously? I'm really gonna look like an idiot if I do and this meter never gets filled and I don't go. But, again I heard Brandy's 'word' come into my head: <em>faith. </em><br />
<br />
Towards the beginning of the fundraising process, I found out that I had to have $200 in within the first week, and I ended up just using my own money to pay for it since I hadn't begun telling people about it yet! Shortly after, I made some newsletters to send out to all of my friends and family, and then I realized it was going to cost me and arm and a leg to print all of them out in color and buy envelopes and buy stamps. <strong>Sigh</strong>. Then randomly, a super charming young man [You know who you are ;)] made copies of my newsletters, had them printed in color, stuffed all the envelopes, and bought stamps so they could be sent out.<br />
After the letters were sent out and a link posted on Facebook, different people were moved by the Lord to give—and very generously. Slowly but surely, the money started coming in.<br />
Sometimes there were days where I would be super discouraged because I hadn't received money in weeks, and then I would check the mail and there would be the exact amount I needed to keep up with my financial goals. As the deadline came closer, a very generous man gave me $500… and that same week, one of our family friends called me up and told me that the Lord had laid it on her heart to pay for the rest of my trip. AAAHHmazing! So with that, I turned in the rest of my money. Even after I turned my money in, more was coming in! Thankfully, that next week we found out that our plane ticket price was going to go up a few hundred dollars. Yet! I had the perfect amount of money left over to spend on the ticket out of the overflow of other's giving. Then, I found out I needed to take about $300 with me to get visas and for extra spending money, but I had no more money left. By this time, I went on vacation for a week, and when I got back, three people just happen to donate $100. AGAIN—amazed! So then, I got my financial report back saying all the money was in and the flight was booked! At that moment, I remembered the picture that the Lord told me to take at the very beginning of this process, and so I took another! <br />
<br />
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<br />
Oh yes! And remember the $200 I paid out of pocket in the very beginning? Well... This morning I got a call from my Nanny telling me one of her friends woke up this morning and the Lord put it on her heart to donate $200. Good grief... Down to the last PENNY God provided every single bit of it. How precise and detailed He is! <br />
<br />
It just amazes me at how I sometimes underestimate God's provision and what He is capable of doing. Heck, he could have raised all that money in one day! But I am just so wowed that He would use something such as raising money stretch my own and other's faith and prove to be so faithful in equipping me with what I needed to go where He called. <br />
<br />
Thank you to everyone who has supported our team financially, spiritually and in every other way. Thank you for being one of God's instruments in reaching the nations and even for helping me grow in my walk with the Lord. This whole process has opened my eyes to how God will provide for His kiddos and prove to be faithful, each and every time. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-89784876427073531112014-05-18T13:36:00.000-07:002014-05-18T13:53:37.010-07:00Stepping into Freedom<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQK4JIsptq8e2OtBbmNSMxO5G5aYhaI_7AX9ZEIXdEo2lpJ7UCtAlzTzSkh80DX6GOq0LLfXq_G0MGp2CSaXGfMcPF9RnKXr62zMi0YK5YZNh6EUd2aUAwwQt046Al3l67_MdMwAfCI4/s1600/9687084946_e7f64ef879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQK4JIsptq8e2OtBbmNSMxO5G5aYhaI_7AX9ZEIXdEo2lpJ7UCtAlzTzSkh80DX6GOq0LLfXq_G0MGp2CSaXGfMcPF9RnKXr62zMi0YK5YZNh6EUd2aUAwwQt046Al3l67_MdMwAfCI4/s1600/9687084946_e7f64ef879.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Good</span> gosh. This morning has been </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><u>rough</u></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the moment my eyes opened when I woke up this
morning, my heart has weighed heavy and consumed by feelings of despair. The " I don’t want to get out
of my bed, can't stop crying, can't clear my brain because I feel totally, 100% defeated and crushed" kind of feelings. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What force could have such power to debilitate a person to where they feel like
they cannot see or think straight, that they cannot move forward, and that they
have no hope?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Times;">fear</span><span style="font-family: Times;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3';">|fi(</span><span style="font-family: Times;">ə</span><span style="font-family: 'ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3';">)r|</span></b><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times;">noun</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times;">a
distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. whether it be
<i>real</i> or <i>imagined; </i>the feeling or condition of being afraid.</span><span style="font-family: Times;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Fear.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">We’ve all felt it, we’ve all been
sucked under its current, we’ve based decisions off of it, and we’ve allowed
it to become a part of our identity. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Fear calls us to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">hide and conceal</i>—convincing us that
unless we do that, we will be discovered and rejected. Its plan is to cause our
vision to close in and focus solely on it-- on fear and on self.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Fear constantly asks, “What if"?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">It comes knocking on our doors in
moments of pure happiness and tries to convince us that this joy won’t last,
that it isn’t real, and that it is sure to come to ruins quickly. It comes to
us in moments of mourning and despair and whispers in our ears that we will
never leave that place of sadness—that there is no hope of relief. It comes to us in moments of
insecurity and <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">magnifies</b> it. Fear
tries to convince us to believe that we are utterly worthless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Well what is this<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“fear”? Who is the source of it and how much
power does it REALLY have?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Well first, I can tell you what
fear is NOT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">1 John 4:18 says:<br />
“There is <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; mso-themecolor: text1;">no</span></b> fear in love. But perfect love drives out
fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made
perfect in love.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">So if fear is not love, than who
is?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">1 John 4:8 says:<br />
“But anyone who does not love does not know God, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">for God is love</b>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">SO! Fear is not of God, in fact,
God’s love is aimed at destroying it by casting it out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>According to 1 John 4:18, fear has to do with
punishment—with doom. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br />
And who on Earth would want to make us feel that daunting emotion?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">John 8:44 says this about the
devil:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">“He was a murderer from the
beginning. He has always hated the truth, because there is no truth in him.
When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar and the
father of lies.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">John 10:10 also refers to the devil
as a thief who has come only to “kill, steal and destroy”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The devil's purpose So now that the SOURCE of fear is
established, how much power does fear actually have over us?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Matthew 28:18 says:<br />
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority under heaven and Earth has
been given to me”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Then, in turn, Jesus gives US that
same authority over evil when he says in Luke 10:18-19:<br />
“....I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">all the power</b> of the enemy; nothing
will harm you.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">That's just it-- He HAS no power! God has given us every resource,
every weapon and every power to defeat and overcome the
enemy—including fear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Though it is an easy current to get
sucked into and it can be so enticing to give into, fear is a lie. It lies
about who we are, who others are, our future and how secure our hope is. <br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Again, fear constantly asks, “<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">What if?”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">But GOD asks: “What IS?”<br />
What IS true about what I say about you? About others? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">What IS true about your hope and
future?<br />
What IS true about who I’ve called you to be?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: Times;">What is
true is that</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">I have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm
139:14)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">I was and am fully and completely known before I even
came into existence (Jeremiah 1:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~ </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">I am LOVED with a love that is forever lasting,
relentless, and unending (Jeremiah 31:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">God’s goodness will not stop (Jeremiah 32:40)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~ </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">The plans for my future are good, not aimed to
cause me harm (Jeremiah 29:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> ~ </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Times;">Because I am a servant of the Lord, no weapon or
word formed against me shall <u>prosper. </u>(Isaiah 54:17) </span><br />
<span style="font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-size: small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Symbol;"> ~ </span></span><span style="font-family: Times;">I have been called to be a part of a chosen people,
a holy priesthood, and God’s OWN special possession and I have been called out
of darkness and into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">The list goes on and on and on and
on all throughout God’s word.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">If you’re anything like me, you’ve
allowed fear to dominate your thoughts, control your decisions and even make its
temporary residence in your heart. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;"><b><u>But</u></b> God has called us to such a
higher quality of life. A life not lived in fear of what *might* happen, the hurt
we *might* experience, the decisions we <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">*might*
have to make, what the future *might* hold, exc. As God’s children we have been
<b>rescued and delivered</b> from a life controlled by fear. In fact, <u>we’ve
even been called out of that life.</u><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">2 Timothy
2:7 says:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">“For God
has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and
self-discipline.”<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none;">Galatians 5:1 says:</span><br />
<div class="ResultText" style="margin-bottom: 3px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery."</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Yes,
we’ve been called to freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times;">freedom</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family: Times;">
|ˈfr</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";">ē</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family: Times;">d</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";">ə</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3"; mso-hansi-font-family: Times;">m|</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 20.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";">noun<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";">1. the state of being physically
unrestricted and able to move easily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Times; mso-fareast-font-family: "ヒラギノ明朝 Pro W3";">2. the absence of subjection to foreign
dominance<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">It is good to remember that THIS is
the life we have been called to: Freedom. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times;">Freedom in Christ, who is He and who
He has called us to be. Not a life held down and restricted by fear and by worries about what is to come, but a life lived <i>without chains</i> to move freely, wholeheartedly and unafraid towards the One whose love is ever perfect, and without flaw or failure. This ability, and privilege is found in the name of Jesus- and He has called you, and me, to be free. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Times;">"So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times;">-John 8:36</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXQ66cUt163_V02oWQsPDbAOgIyjlBkJTcD95kHPvL-TX_d9qUW2CCxicNR12rbJYsjUjFdR-2OUkB4J1hz6SFKdLvr8E4O5ShWGUyTCCGpvDbAa5JpkXj1SBB8_BS4_6W-UssemBhu0/s1600/tumblr_lvro8fKFnE1r27e1ho1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCXQ66cUt163_V02oWQsPDbAOgIyjlBkJTcD95kHPvL-TX_d9qUW2CCxicNR12rbJYsjUjFdR-2OUkB4J1hz6SFKdLvr8E4O5ShWGUyTCCGpvDbAa5JpkXj1SBB8_BS4_6W-UssemBhu0/s1600/tumblr_lvro8fKFnE1r27e1ho1_500.jpg" height="306" width="400" /></a></div>
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<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-27742932386610530232014-04-29T20:47:00.002-07:002014-04-29T20:51:22.897-07:00Fundraising Update!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNZEh62GBS1Fi3yxc8bVhatEgy3rCjLRAGhSxNTPW6yFQprhNV0aWWyTUjKfj_cCN3GG01znezpT7A5sd4RvxAmaoxFwZ25837fOlEbIeTSljd0E324p3sgpatygdzv0aMd9u_sm1yNY/s1600/4e1df0bd35feb71ce88ed59d56e3f0d5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrNZEh62GBS1Fi3yxc8bVhatEgy3rCjLRAGhSxNTPW6yFQprhNV0aWWyTUjKfj_cCN3GG01znezpT7A5sd4RvxAmaoxFwZ25837fOlEbIeTSljd0E324p3sgpatygdzv0aMd9u_sm1yNY/s1600/4e1df0bd35feb71ce88ed59d56e3f0d5.jpg" height="400" width="256" /></a></div>
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First of all, I must tell you how <u>in awe</u> I am of the ways that God has provided for this trip in just a matter of weeks! So far, a little over $3,000 has come in out of the $4,800 needed to go on the trip. BAH! I am overwhelmed by the generous support and giving of many friends, family and community members who have invested their time and finances into making this trip possible. I wanted to thank you for first and foremost, for saying "Yes!" to the Lord by going into all the nations and proclaiming His name through your <u>giving.</u> You are just as much a part of our team that will be bringing the name of Jesus to many! So <b>wooohoo</b>! Secondly, I thank you for supporting me and making it possible for me to go on this expedition. And last but certainly not least, thank you SOO much for your continuous prayer for myself and our team as we prepare to go to Zambia and walk into what the Lord has for us, the believers and the unreached over in Africa. I believe that prayer is essential and has POWER! </div>
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<b><u>Ah.</u></b></div>
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Thank you for allowing the Lord to use you as a tool of His provision for this trip, and even as a tool to help increase my faith in HIS faithfulness. Through this fundraising process God has shown me time and time again how faithful He is to provide for every-single-one of our needs, and that not one of them goes unnoticed. And I believe He will provide the rest of the money for me to go! </div>
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With this being said, I have approximately $1,800 more to go before I am fully funded! I have to have this amount in by June 1st!</div>
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IF you would like to give financially:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 14px;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. You can donate online by going to http://www.overlandmissions.com/. When you arrive at the page, if you look on the right side, there is a 'Donate' button. Fill out the donation application and place "Kaitlin Kirkpatrick" in the Donation Memo portion.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> OR</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. You can donate by mail! Please message me for my address :)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">AGAIN! Thank you so much for all of your support! I will keep updates on the fundraising process along with the progress of the expedition!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-26768058621613435472014-04-15T10:19:00.000-07:002015-08-21T10:20:32.458-07:00Harvesting a Heart of FaithDo you ever get stuck inside your own head?<br />
Like- literally fixated in the same web of thoughts that you cannot seem to break free from?<br />
<br />
It's so annoying.<br />
<br />
Thought after thought, worry after worry, fear after fear, fret after fret-- swirling through every canal and crevice of your mind, until your mental ability to think is on lock down. And then you realize, "Holy <u>cow</u>, I've been looking at the same object for 30 minutes yet, have managed to mentally visit every 'what if' in my <span style="font-size: large;">BRAIN."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br />
It's exhausting--and crazy if you think about it. The power we allow our thoughts and fears that may not even be existing realities, to take dominance over our physical, emotional and spiritual health. Nuts!<br />
<br />
And I'm all too guilty of doing it- all. the. time. I was sitting at work this morning, staring at my desk (probably cross eyed) for a grand total of 45 minutes exhausting every option of what "could" happen with all the current changes taking place in this season of life. Well, after I realized what a DOWNER I was being, I tried focusing on something else but my mood just sucked after my all too depressing 'thinking' session. I was frequently annoyed with people that came in, had tears rolling at the front of my eyes with every frustrating thought, and I was just altogether a mess!<br />
<em></em><br />
The reality of it was, in the physical realm- <em>Nothing even happened.</em> I became overwhelmed with a false sense of reality that I convinced myself was real.<br />
<br />
That's the <strong>stupid</strong> thing about fear. (Well, everything about it is stupid- But you know what I mean)<br />
It makes things a way bigger deal than they are.<br />
Why??<br />
Because it is false.<br />
<br />
And I hear the voice of my mother every time I say this-- <br />
<br />
"Kaitlin, what is fear?"<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">F</span>alse<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">E</span>vidence<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A</span>ppearing<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">R</span>eal<br />
<br />
Fear calls us to come and hide in the darkness of the unknown. To sit and wonder about all the unseen things that 'could' be lurking around.<br />
<br />
But the defense to fear is <em>faith.</em> <br />
<br />
Hebrews 11:1 says that,"faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about <strong>things we cannot see</strong>."<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;">Fear</span> <span style="background-color: white;">gives<span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: red;">apprehension</span> of</span> what we can't see, but<span style="color: cyan;"> </span><span style="color: blue;">faith</span> gives us <span style="color: blue;">assurance</span> of what we can't see. <br />
<br />
<br />
And that really didn't make any sense until I gave it a try.<br />
<br />
In the midst of the process of winding webs of fear, I opened my devotional to today's date and it said these words :<br />
<em>"The best response is a heart overflowing with gratitude. I am training you to cultivate a thankful mindset."</em><br />
<br />
No offense, but the last thing I want to do is be grateful and thankful-- Honestly, I kind of want to keep spinning around in circles because in the most ODD way- It's comforting. Sometimes it's easier to fear and try to obsessively plan for every in and out of the unknown instead of trusting the One who <strong>knows</strong> it all.<br />
<br />
So I decided to try the thankful thing, and I just began thanking God for the process that He is taking me through for His faithfulness through the many processes in the past. And as I continued to bring those truths to the forefront of my mind, it was incredible the shift in my thoughts. By speaking truths and thanking Him in <em>faith</em> for what He has done and for who He is, I began feeling assured that I would be taken care of and that in the midst of the change, He would be faithful as He <em>always</em> has. <br />
<br />
I don't get why I choose fear more than I chose faith, because God has given us every reason to trust Him. But thank the Lord that He is not finished yet! <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-50752398533018995992014-03-23T20:20:00.000-07:002014-03-23T20:20:01.577-07:00Africa? I think YES!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw5tddejEue3GIxJP6xeMzvUmvABOe8cgLGC7_CjVmO8_FU3GxUEl9BRR26TRNYnbKsOldJ1q9BUxCLZ0PNQjEHH4OFfaRMo40KhKdq_VZubTjRH5qMkbKRonNYd2cbwP7Defg7JNPrI/s1600/8776810.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYw5tddejEue3GIxJP6xeMzvUmvABOe8cgLGC7_CjVmO8_FU3GxUEl9BRR26TRNYnbKsOldJ1q9BUxCLZ0PNQjEHH4OFfaRMo40KhKdq_VZubTjRH5qMkbKRonNYd2cbwP7Defg7JNPrI/s1600/8776810.png" /></a></div>
That's right! <div>
<br /><div>
Zambia, Africa!<div>
<br /><div>
A few months ago, I went to an Overland Missions Conference here in Portales and the Lord really placed it on my heart to go on an expedition to Zambia, Africa this summer. It was definitely something I was not expecting, but now I am most certainly looking forward to it!! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I wanted to go to Africa about 3 years ago but I wasn't able to find an organization nor a group of people to go with. But now, the opportunity has presented itself once more and its -- happening! I am beyond stoked to see the things the Lord has planned for this country and the hearts He desires to minister to and REACH with His love. </div>
<div>
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The organization I am going with, Overland Missions, is all about reaching the most neglected and remote people of the world with the Gospel and empowering the third world church by raising up strong leaders to continue investing into the lives of locals. My team will be focusing on exploring new regions, building lasting relationships with the villagers, and empowering the local churches to reach their own people. </div>
<div>
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I have to raise $4,800 by June 1st at the latest. I know this is a lofty amount in a short amount of time, but I also know that where God leads us to go, He ALWAYS provides the way to get there. So I believe wholeheartedly that He will bring forth every penny. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I am asking for help with financial and prayer support! This is not merely an opportunity to give to a missions fund, but ultimately an opportunity to invest into the Kingdom of Heaven and be a part of God's work in reaching the people of Zambia and throughout the Earth! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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Any amount that you feel led to give is appreciated!! :) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you would like to give, there are two options:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1. You can donate online by going to http://www.overlandmissions.com/. When you arrive at the page, if you look on the right side, there is a 'Donate' button. Fill out the donation application and place "Kaitlin Kirkpatrick" in the Donation Memo portion.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
OR</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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2. You can donate by mail! Please message me for details on this one :)</div>
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Not only is financial support necessary, but also prayer support. If you would please keep myself and my team in your prayers as we go to Zambia to share the message of Jesus, that would be absolutely wonderful.</div>
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I am STOKED to see all that God has in store for this summer and for the region of Zambia--It's going to be amazing!! </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-14819663823101381812014-02-18T16:54:00.006-08:002014-02-18T19:49:23.339-08:00What's It Gonna Cost Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI_5P-9nK_ljkiq_13a7wciKpcG1z9-e47efNdwtjjeH1j5H3M5T92PHRm2S8OWCb1nsWFHE4JByGAn5GW9mOh6ub1O12QdeqEunyRzEOnDbh1PCy7coQxnHwO2GNj3Hkz0d-9d2xCB4/s1600/01fa24dc2ea0cfee768a3efc80ddb88b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqI_5P-9nK_ljkiq_13a7wciKpcG1z9-e47efNdwtjjeH1j5H3M5T92PHRm2S8OWCb1nsWFHE4JByGAn5GW9mOh6ub1O12QdeqEunyRzEOnDbh1PCy7coQxnHwO2GNj3Hkz0d-9d2xCB4/s1600/01fa24dc2ea0cfee768a3efc80ddb88b.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a></div>
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What a beautiful Sunday it has been! It's so ironic how most of New Mexico was layered up and in snow boots last week and in shorts today-- I love it!</div>
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But what I have loved most about today is-- washing dishes. </div>
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We quite the load of dirty dishes so I had about 1 hour of cleaning to do, but I got to spend it talking with Jesus about different things-- silly things, dumb things, scary things and things that hurt. And it was just sweet.</div>
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To be able to talk with the One who understands us wholly and completely, without fear of being rejected or misunderstood is a beautiful, beautiful privilege we have in our relationship with Jesus.</div>
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And what God showed me during this time of scrub-a-dubbin is that ENJOYING the relationship we have with Jesus is something we often overlook or miss. We can get so caught up in the rut of life and the "duty" of "religion" that we forget to <u>enjoy</u> Him and what He's done. </div>
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I was thinking about people that I know in my life who have such a deep and intimate relationship with Jesus that whenever I see them, I just see His face in theirs and His spirit is so overwhelming. I look at people like that who are so overcome by His Spirit that I just can't help but want it! </div>
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So I told God that I wanted that.</div>
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"God, I just want to be<i> close</i> to you-- As close as I can get. </div>
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And I've made up my mind. SO. </div>
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What's it gonna cost me?"</div>
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Because everything comes with a cost, right? </div>
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I have to earn it somehow. I have to overcome a certain trial or a long list of tough circumstances or spend this amount of time praying about it and once I do that, then I will have more of His Spirit, a deeper sense of His presence and then be closer to Him... right?</div>
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But His words were so much sweeter than that, and the response was so much more simple..</div>
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"<i>I've already paid that cost, Kaitlin."</i> </div>
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Dang. And then I started to really think about it:</div>
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Jesus has already done<u> EVERYTHING</u> He could to get close to me--to get close to you. Everything. He held nothing back when He gave His life to restore our relationship.</div>
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Before Jesus, people had to make sacrifice after sacrifice and follow law after law to even come <b>near </b>His presence. Not only that, but they couldn't enter the Tabernacle or the Temple unless they underwent special and specific preparation-- Because God is holy and we are not.</div>
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But when Jesus came, His mission was to restore that relationship that God intended for us to have from the beginning-- Like the one He had with Adam and Eve before sin entered the world. To talk face to face, to walk next to each other, to laugh, to hug, and just be together. But none of that was POSSIBLE because our sinful nature separates us from God. </div>
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But Jesus gave His life so that we could have access to Him, be in relationship with Him and be wholly and completely satisfied in our new right standing with Him.</div>
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"God made him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we may be the righteousness of God."</div>
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-2 Cor. 2:51</div>
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He paid the price so that we could be close to Him. When we believe in what He has done, we ARE the righteousness of God. We have access to Him now-- Just as we are! </div>
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We can hear his voice, feel His smile, have His spirit inhabited within us--giving us guidance, strength and comfort. </div>
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Jesus already PAID the cost for us to be close with him. Doesn't that change everything? Because He has already done everything He could to get close to me, it is ME standing in the way of the intimacy I <i>could</i> have with Him. </div>
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I think the picture at the top explains it perfectly, our <b>privilege</b> is to enjoy His presence. Being with Him shouldn't be a duty, a chore, or something to mark off on a checklist. It's our privilege and delight to continue drawing closer and closer to Him until we take our last breath, and <i>finally</i> get to see Him face to face.</div>
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Until then, I think this life is a journey of getting rid of that space between us and Him and constantly seeking to be as close as we can to a God who wholly satisfies.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-11305528086019985162013-12-27T00:48:00.001-08:002013-12-27T00:58:35.159-08:00Fix Your Eyes On Jesus<div>
"It's not about you."</div>
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Gaaaaaahhh. Out of all the phrases in the English language, this one has proven to be my LEAST favorite. </div>
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Until like two seconds ago. </div>
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Most of the time, when I hear this phrase, it is usually when I'm complaining about my issues and things that are not happening in my life (and I obviously want them to). And then, to top it all off, someone mentions the four words of doom and my blood begins to boil... </div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">BUT I WANT IT TO BE ABOUT ME, DONT YOU GET IT?!</span></div>
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Though this phrase is mostly mentioned when it comes to talking about our insignificant wants compared to God's plan and glory, I never realized this phrase plays a huge part in our faith & salvation. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR3MJYJ2q8oVEO_ijLdFCo2AskEN9Q0c9pVmcmVjnBCMKtLqr0hSBiOV4sSPvvA8ksap1BV9AcPvi5vwOqJ2MZVLIbeE8g8R4WkoBvG4tlXV4OXRT3XezAFBD7IrhmLGYDuMumadBQNE/s1600/Because-He-Loves-Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVR3MJYJ2q8oVEO_ijLdFCo2AskEN9Q0c9pVmcmVjnBCMKtLqr0hSBiOV4sSPvvA8ksap1BV9AcPvi5vwOqJ2MZVLIbeE8g8R4WkoBvG4tlXV4OXRT3XezAFBD7IrhmLGYDuMumadBQNE/s200/Because-He-Loves-Me.jpg" width="131" /></a></div>
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** Before I continue, I've got to recommend this book to... everyone. Yeah, it's pretty girly lookin' but, sheesh, it's so good. I've been squealing and crying and laughing all at the same time. In this book, Elyse really shines a light on the truth of the gospel and talks about how we go about living about our Christian walk while totally leaving Jesus and what he has done out of it. **</div>
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In a chapter in this book, Elyse brought out a story from the Old Testament which I always found... strange. Let me give you a recap of the madness.</div>
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Numbers 21:4-9 tells about the Israelites who **once again** complain and grumble against God during their misery-filled wandering through the desert. After so many, "I hate you's and I hate my life's", God sent poisonous snakes among the people and some were bitten and died. After many people start dropping to their death, the Israelites start begging Moses, "We have sinned against the Lord and you. Pray that God takes them away." In other words, "Make Him STOP!!" </div>
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So, like you do, God tells Moses to make a bronze snake and attach it to the pole. Then, he proceeds to tell the Israelites that anyone who was bitten by the snakes could look at the bronze snake and be healed.</div>
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Hmmmm. Interesting, God. That makes no sense. But hey! It worked! All the Israelites had to do was just LOOK at it. They acknowledged that they were wrong & sinful and God provided them with a redemptive solution. </div>
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Later on...</div>
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In the New Testament (John 3:14-15), Jesus talks to a man named Nichodemus, a Pharisee, about the Kingdom of God. Nichodemus approaches Jesus by saying that he believes Jesus was sent to teach them and it is obvious that God was with Jesus. Hmm. Sounds like a good answer? But it wasn't good enough. Jesus goes on to tell him that to enter the Kingdom of God, one must be born again and that He was sent down to save mankind-- and it was ONLY through Him that salvation could happen. Then, Jesus says, "And as Moses lifted up the bronze snake on a pole in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him will have eternal life."</div>
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I never comprehended the correlation between these two passages. </div>
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As humans, we have ALL been "bitten" or infected by sin. It has been in our bloodstream from birth and no one is exempt from it. Often times, we (especially I) look at people and say, "At least I'm not like THAT" or "At least I don't sin like THAT" failing to recognize we ourselves have been bit and infected by the SAME venom (sin) that eventually kills and destroys us.</div>
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But I never viewed the redemption process like it mentions biblically. </div>
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Jesus mentions that just like the Israelites were brought to restoration by simply looking at the bronze snake uplifted on the pole, OUR eternal redemption is found by fixing our eyes the One who was put to death for our trespasses and was resurrected for our healing--for our redemption. He and He alone can cleanse us from our disease. </div>
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In the book mentioned above, Elyse gives a few fictional scenarios of infected Israelites that had been bitten. Some might have looked at their bite and thought, "My wound is too big and infected to be healed. There is no hope for me, so I might as well not even look." Another may have thought, "My wound really isn't that bad. I, personally, didn't complain against God, maybe my wound will just make me ill instead of kill me like the others." In both scenarios, both individuals were solely focused on the wound instead of the Healer. If they had only realized<u> it was not about their wound</u>! In the end, no matter what the wound looked like, one look at the pole would have totally restored them. But instead,<i> they died looking at their wounds.</i></div>
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It is not about me.</div>
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It is not about my wounds. </div>
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Those words have never been more comforting in my LIFE! It is not about my efforts to make myself right with God. It has nothing to do with how nasty the wound may be. It is not about what I'm struggling with right now. It is not about what I have done, what I have not done, who I am, who I will be, the mistakes I've made, the mistakes I will make... </div>
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It's about Jesus.</div>
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For it is HE who holds the power to restore my soul. My lengthy yet pathetic apologies will never "soften him up" to accept me or forgive me. It is only by "trusting in the Son of God who loved [us] and gave himself for [us]" (Gal. 2:20) that we find freedom and redemption of our sins, failures, and shortcomings. It is by fixing our eyes on Jesus that we realize His power makes us whole by making us ONE with Him, placing us IN Him to where our identity is His. </div>
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Just one look.</div>
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He makes it sound so simple!</div>
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A.W. Tozer writes:</div>
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"Faith is the gaze of the soul upon a saving God...Faith is the least self-reguarding of the virtues. It is by its very nature scarcely conscious of its own existence. Like the eye which sees everything in front of it and never sees itself, faith is occupied with the Object upon which it rests and pays no attention to itself at all."</div>
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I never thought these words would come out of my mouth (fingers), but</div>
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Thank the Lord,</div>
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it is not about me. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd1Vyi0cXLaiApyrSqXG78xnKOXIx6fr3oKxnmSKI4n0P_gGmgoHw6hXOZUmNBIJYv9v3RyYllCiuzJ3LK86TW4WR4wVOCXac_xtEK-knuaLbMHKGDPdSZPcIoNyw0e45d9Vy7Y4kP6I/s1600/8951f74e37bc3786a4fc4d74df742e15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBd1Vyi0cXLaiApyrSqXG78xnKOXIx6fr3oKxnmSKI4n0P_gGmgoHw6hXOZUmNBIJYv9v3RyYllCiuzJ3LK86TW4WR4wVOCXac_xtEK-knuaLbMHKGDPdSZPcIoNyw0e45d9Vy7Y4kP6I/s400/8951f74e37bc3786a4fc4d74df742e15.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-57800503007460846332013-11-20T23:18:00.000-08:002014-08-12T23:18:33.971-07:00True Love Lives.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWaU0qupQ1EH3qYFE4m3YKwLQIj7qN9hGrjFz7o4eGBz9RoQApCFuAvx1Vc0Z_F7tHRB8Hggqsk8y0nwlamNFKjf1s_5DDxjebf17JD0uU7gfyfIW4Fc_6SzzXIMSfKn48AjStSE3dxo/s1600/True_Love_Waits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWaU0qupQ1EH3qYFE4m3YKwLQIj7qN9hGrjFz7o4eGBz9RoQApCFuAvx1Vc0Z_F7tHRB8Hggqsk8y0nwlamNFKjf1s_5DDxjebf17JD0uU7gfyfIW4Fc_6SzzXIMSfKn48AjStSE3dxo/s400/True_Love_Waits.jpg" height="212" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are so many things being posted about this little significant piece of jewelry right here lately, and I thought I would write about what I have contemplated about them. </div>
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First of all, I've owned like 6 in my life time from the point I was about 13 when I decided I wanted a "no boyfriend ring" in middle school. They have always been so special to me. I've dreamed about wearing a <i>True Love Waits</i> ring all the way up until a future spouse proposed to me and could replace it with a real one. And then on our wedding night I would give him the ring and tell him, " I have waited for you all these years...."</div>
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And then about a year and a half ago I decided I didn't want to wear it anymore. </div>
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Noo, not because I didn't want to be pure anymore, but because at about that time, one of my biggest dreams had just fell through the floor, and the little piece of metal was a part of it. </div>
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Most girls would agree that ever since the moment we fixed our eyes on some princess movie with a beautiful prince and a dazzling wedding dress we have remained in angst saying, "GOSH I can't WAIT to be MARRIIIIEEEDD!!!"Oh, the way he looked at her when she walked down the aisle, ah, can't wait. </div>
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Along with many other young women, my ultimate desire and dream for the past 19 1/2 (almost 20!) years of my life, was to be married. To have that special guy to love. To be<b> in </b>love. To be adored. To have a constant companion. To have a special moment at the altar exchanging vows. To give myself totally over to him knowing that I had <i>waited</i> for him to arrive in my life. <b>To finally be secure.</b></div>
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And one day, he walked through the door and straight in to my heart. I swore up and down that he was THE guy I was going to marry. Confident! It was as if God had just dropped him on my lap and given him to me. He loved Jesus, I loved Jesus, we both wanted to serve Jesus--together. We laughed together, cried together, made incredible memories. It was perfect.</div>
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What I thought would end in marriage ended in two gut wrenching break ups that crushed the both of us in many ways. Yet both times, through the pain and through the tears, we knew that it was totally on purpose, and totally God's plan for our lives and for His glory. </div>
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Though there was freedom in obedience to God's will, my dreams of a dazzling wedding dress, a Pinterest perfect wedding, a friggin' awesome husband and rockin' marriage kind of shriveled up and faded. I was incredibly discouraged. I always heard songs about people experiencing a broken dream and meanwhile PRAYING "God, PLEASE don't let me go through that, PLEASE don't take this from me." </div>
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But it happened. </div>
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And NOW I have to actually WAIT for God to bring <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Mr. Right </span>into my life.</div>
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Boy. Oh. Boy. Can't wait. Hip. Hip. Hooray. </div>
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((And that is where those little rings come in to play))</div>
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Now, I am not saying that I think purity rings are bad by ANY means. For many people ( myself included) they serve as symbols to God that the bearer of the ring is wholly committed to dedicating themselves to the Lord for his purposes and serve as a reminder that they love God and desire to be pure and holy before Him. </div>
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However. The idea of "waiting for my future husband" has begun to lose its hype for me. </div>
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First of all, </div>
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"Dang it, now I'm single. That means I am not in a relationship. Oh! That must mean that during this time of singleness, I must prepare to be the woman my future husband will need someday. I will become more domestic! Maybe a better cook? Probably should learn to do laundry right. Read lots of marriage books? Check! Ah... When my true love gets here, life will start. We can do all these neat things TOGETHER! After all, true love WAITS for one another right?"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #e06666;">(These are Kaitlin's thoughts BTW)</span></div>
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Okay, so I exaggerated a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">little </span>but what I am essentially saying is the thought of waiting for my true love to come so that life can finally start doesn't sound... fun. In fact, it sounds boring!</div>
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Is marriage TRULY all that I am living for? If that is the case, I feel that I will incredibly disappointed when someday, I am married and it is not worthy of being the MAIN goal of my entire existence. </div>
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I exist BECAUSE of true love.</div>
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His name is Jesus. </div>
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And I met him August 30th, 2008 when He revealed to me how much He truly loved and wanted me. </div>
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He is ultimately true love.</div>
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The truth of the matter is, true love doesn't wait, true love <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">LIVES! </span>The ultimate act of true love took place when Jesus died and gave His life for SINNERS. When he allowed us to get rid of our lives of emptiness, shame and failure and trade it for a life of fulfillment, grace and love through HIS spirit. IT is HIS spirit that lives in those who have chosen to accept & follow Him. And because true love lives, I also live too. </div>
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Singleness doesn't equal life stagnancy. With Jesus, whether you're single, in a relationship, or married you are FILLED and BLESSED with the ability to live life.</div>
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This whole escapade is not against purity rings or <i>True Love Waits</i>, it's against the idea that while you are single, you are in the waiting room for life to officially start getting good and exciting when you're husband walks in. </div>
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I don't know about you, but when I meet my husband, my hearts desire is not that he would say, "I've been waiting for you all this time. I haven't moved, haven't taken really any risks, gone anywhere, or really done anything cool because, well, I've been waiting for you!"</div>
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B.O.R.I.N.G.</div>
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I want to be able to say, "Baby, I have lived it UP! I've had a ball, done crazy and <u>stupid</u> things, taken lots of pictures, made lots of friends, made some dumb decisions, made some really wise decisions, been through heaven, hell and back and I am ready to keep going!" </div>
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Moral of the story:</div>
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Don't wait for true love, </div>
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Get to know Him right <u>now</u>. </div>
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And let His love and wonder push you to live life to the very fullest.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAwjTSnXkBuphidY-r6LynLHG-Zmu_quIUL5toJec9dP4F5pOLoVYRmbwmaqwUm7WWmL4j6pGV0fFPwSXC7r9KTa0bMN-HYRFwSaGL2VCyBGcN9N0Ic4l2yFCLjyhh90m7GyAh0xk4tE/s1600/446624f4e0cd12b1dc43c67519a3a2f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUAwjTSnXkBuphidY-r6LynLHG-Zmu_quIUL5toJec9dP4F5pOLoVYRmbwmaqwUm7WWmL4j6pGV0fFPwSXC7r9KTa0bMN-HYRFwSaGL2VCyBGcN9N0Ic4l2yFCLjyhh90m7GyAh0xk4tE/s320/446624f4e0cd12b1dc43c67519a3a2f2.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-24478329774335498532013-11-13T21:21:00.002-08:002013-11-13T21:21:31.565-08:00Thither a Whoring<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgb2OQNSlgLSa8A4wxjhcAMF5RmxNkzPnlSCTr7OlqhUkgpStLknog7HkFTa8eNqSTQnQUkCQd8kvGPaLfXv41yVbqdPklfm522-e6lQROhsGkGBIUW8Xz2k18pScFNgmp31TwqXzT6A/s1600/921e34b4dc6e05a2dd71bd523fd6aaac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgb2OQNSlgLSa8A4wxjhcAMF5RmxNkzPnlSCTr7OlqhUkgpStLknog7HkFTa8eNqSTQnQUkCQd8kvGPaLfXv41yVbqdPklfm522-e6lQROhsGkGBIUW8Xz2k18pScFNgmp31TwqXzT6A/s320/921e34b4dc6e05a2dd71bd523fd6aaac.jpg" width="251" /></a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What an odd name for a blog title right? No worries, I'll explain later.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been reading the book of Judges here in the past few weeks, and let me tell you..</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's freakin' awesome.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">From the stories of Judge Ehud's sword getting lost in a king's belly fat, to a woman shoving a tent peg through an enemy king's face, to Gideon's army of 300 men totally stomping on the enemy army of 135,000 through the power of God.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">WHOA. I'm impressed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As I was reading through the story of Gideon today, I stumbled across a small, little detail that I normally would have skipped over and just said "That's not a surprise for the Israelites." But it struck me a little different this time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's a little back drop of what was going on during Gideon's time:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gideon was a timid and shy guy who was commanded by God to go and rescue the Israelites from the Midianites. After three confirming signs from God, Gideon finally gathered up 22,000 men to help fight off the Midianites. But then there is a little twist in the story. God ends up narrowing Gideon's army down to 300 men so that God would be able to show that HE is mighty and sovereign, and capable of the impossible. And that He did! Gideon's army totally wiped out the Midianites. They had gathered so much plunder from the attack, that after Gideon collected one little gold earring from each of the Israelites, he had forty-three pounds of gold. Now, Gideon wanted to make something glorious from the plunder he collected, so he made a sacred Ephod. ( An ephod is a garment worn by priests in the presence of God in the Old Testament. David is seen wearing one while worshipping God in 2 Samuel 6:14).</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now this is where I was caught of guard.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Get this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So, the Israelites have just witnessed God pretty much hand the Midianites over to them, with no doubt in their minds it was GOD who did it. In return, Gideon makes a lovely garment of praise out of their victorious treasure and then...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"All Israel went thither a whoring after it: which thing became a snare unto Gideon, and to his house."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- Judges 8:27 (KJV)</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other words,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"All the Israelites prostituted themselves by worshipping it."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">WHAT idiots. Was my first thought.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I found myself actually laughing at what I just read.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Seriously Israelites? I can just see it in my head playing out like this...</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Israel: "Victory to Israel! Hooray! Hooray!"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gideon: "See here, Israel, I have made a beautiful Ephod for our city, so we can always gaze upon it and remember the Lord's hand in the victory over the Midianites."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Israel: "Yes! What a grand idea!" (All the sudden the Israelites become British?)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Six minutes later.....</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Israel: "Ooooh what a pretty Ephod. What a worthy Ephod. Praise to the Ephod! Praise Praise!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Okay, so it may or may not have gone like that, but the point is, the Israelites' object of affection switched SO quickly.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God just gave the Israelites the miracle of a lifetime, and <i>blessed</i> them with all the gold, silver and material from the nation. Within a short amount of time, the Israelites are no longer worshipping the God who saved them, they're worshipping articles of CLOTHING!</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's so easy for me to look at the Israelites and say, "Come ON Israelites, quit being idiots!"</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And in such a teachable moment, the sweetest Teacher I know is tapping on my shoulder...laughing at me.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I remember learning the 10 commandments when I was younger, and specifically remembering commandment #2, "Thou shall not make for yourself any graven image", as the commandment that didn't apply to us anymore. When in reality, most of us struggle with it <i>daily. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This commandment usually doesn't affect us because we think "Well, I don't worship a golden calf or a silver shrine like they did in the olden days, so I'm covered."</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">According to the lovely Webster's dictionary, idolatry is defined as:</span><br />
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<span class="ssens" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><strong>:</strong> a representation or symbol of an object of worship; <em>broadly</em><strong>: a false god</strong></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And also,</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="ssens">: a form or appearance visible but without substance</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="SB" style="display: block; margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em;"><span class="sense" d:abs="1" style="display: block;"><span class="specUse" d:priority="2" style="display: block; text-indent: 0px;"><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></b></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In other words, an idol is something that has grabbed our attention and caused us to place our hope of satisfaction in IT instead of in our God, who is the only one who can truly satisfy our hearts.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And the thing is, we can make idols out of <i>good</i> things, things that God intended to bless us with.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Marriage</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Sex</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Beauty </span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Work</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Relationships</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Material things</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-Success</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">However, when we begin to look to these things to satisfy the emptiness in our hearts, they can easily become idols, or things we worship or devote ourselves to. </span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently, God revealed to me that I have made marriage an idol in my heart.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Since I was a little girl I have been anxiously awaiting the moment when God brings in the right guy into my life at the right time. But as I looked a little deeper into that desire, I understood that what I <i>really</i> wanted was a permanent satisfaction guarantee. I wanted permanent fulfillment. In this case, marriage would leave me empty, alone, and completely disappointed. </span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When we begin worshipping these things, we become obsessed with them, we long for them, and we aren't satisfied until they finally satisfy that longing in us that we want filled.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But that's just it.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That day <i>wont</i> come.</span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></u></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is God's desire, and His pleasure to satisfy us. Because we are imperfect humans, we long for something greater. We have a hole in our heart that cries out for fulfillment. Some may see it as a burden, but in reality, it <i>anchors</i> us to His presence. It keeps us close to Him. When we feel that aching in our hearts for fulfillment, we can cry out to the one who fills us completely, totally, and wholly. </span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Though our society beckons us to put our hope, treasure and anticipation into people and things, we can hold tight to the fact that His satisfaction is greater and more abundant than any other thing. </span></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium !important; text-align: left;"><br /></span><span class="MS" style="display: block; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: medium !important; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-50629601213932469352013-11-13T21:13:00.000-08:002013-11-13T21:13:30.996-08:00I Have Loved You.Late night.<br />
<div>
Feelin' kinda mopey.</div>
<div>
Praying that I would feel encouraged in some way or another. </div>
<div>
I pull out a little devotional called Jesus Calling ( if you've never heard of it, or read it, you need to go buy it!).</div>
<div>
Anywho, the segment for the day talked about how God <i>likes</i> when we are needy.</div>
<div>
He knows that we are in need of vast quantities of encouragement, blessings and provisions-- and He <b>delights </b> in giving them to us! </div>
<div>
Then, I ran across the verse that I know I have seen a thousand times and usually say "Aww, how sweet God, you love me." But, I realized this verse says so much more about His love.</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">" Yes, I have <u>loved</u> you with an everlasting love; therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you." </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #ea9999;">- Jeremiah 31:3</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
Notice that the word love, is past tense. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A set of parents comes to mind.</div>
<div>
Over their lifetime, their children constantly approach them with their many requests, problems, accidents, faults and favors. During each one of these events, the parents have to choose their reaction, and how they will be affected by them; whether it be in anger, frustration, kindness, love, exc. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Often times we think of God this way. That when we approach Him with something, He has to sit there and think about it, and in that moment, choose love. </div>
<div>
But the reality of it is, God is not surprised by what you do. He never has been and He never will be.</div>
<div>
He is outside of time-- Our 24 hour day. </div>
<div>
God already CHOSE love when He sent His son to die on a cross so that He could be forever united to His people. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
God has already loved you for a lifetime. He doesn't just choose to everyday based on what you do or don't do.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-91773605616800999892013-10-23T00:00:00.000-07:002014-08-12T10:50:51.495-07:00Midnight Thoughts<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">
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<!--StartFragment-->
** I wrote this October 23, 2013-- And I forgot to post it-- Woops!**</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Maybe I’ll read a book.<br />
Maybe I’ll study this.<br />
Anything I can do to pull this heart out of the abyss<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of emptiness. Loneliness. Insecurity
at best.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Watching as the time ticks, life--
feeling meaningless.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I look around me at the victories
achieved,<br />
Lessons learned, messages received.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And ask quietly within the depths of
my heart—Why can’t it be about me?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">“Take up your cross and follow me”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Were words not for comfort, but of
suffering.<br />
Suffering to become the best YOU you can be<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">By denying, refusing and saying no to
yourself—Daily.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a world that glorifies self-
sufficiency,<br />
my efforts are failing—miserably.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You healed the doubter, the dead, the
blind and the lame<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With a touch of your hand or the sound
of Your name<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The demons left without you uttering a
word,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For they feared your authority, they
knew who you were.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Such miracles, so fascinating, so
glorious and majestic<br />
So when I ask you for help in the small things, why do I feel so pathetic? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My heart, my heart. Always confusing
it’s place<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On the throne in the center or dead
beneath the grave<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Its all about you, all about your
Glory<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Its not about me, it’s not my Story.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Help me to find the joys of walking right behind you,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Learning more about your heart, with
my eyes fixed on the view<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoteLevel1CxSpLast" style="margin-left: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Of the Man who holds my heart, my
future and my destiny<br />
So lucky to be found by the One who dearly loves me.</span><u style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></u></div>
<!--EndFragment--><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-24294817134630496532013-06-22T01:20:00.002-07:002013-06-22T01:25:20.595-07:00The Underdog.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwohK-o2jBHJSCom92K2qHo6lwRp9fjn0U1dmbWsuaEawbInNdZL6A2jVtjG4ogBHx60HmXAx2kEDOKdh5NdG09iSykCJvVojwirDDs7mT8xJO6q-Ji4wK_qH4ej8bPgZlysS8djhLXo/s1600/the_dead_tree_by_sebastianwuttke-d32qxgu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxwohK-o2jBHJSCom92K2qHo6lwRp9fjn0U1dmbWsuaEawbInNdZL6A2jVtjG4ogBHx60HmXAx2kEDOKdh5NdG09iSykCJvVojwirDDs7mT8xJO6q-Ji4wK_qH4ej8bPgZlysS8djhLXo/s320/the_dead_tree_by_sebastianwuttke-d32qxgu.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree:</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><strike>as told by Kaitlin.</strike></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><strike><br /></strike></i>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><i>Luke 13: 6-9</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, 'I've waited three years, and there hasn't been a single fig! Cut it down. It's just taking up space in the garden."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
**Pause at this point for commentary thoughts**</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
"Aggh. Okay, I know what happens next. This is the part where you say 'Chop it down dude! Throw it in the fire!' </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There isn't any room for fruitless trees, I know, I know.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
And then as I continue to read, I was baffled by what Jesus (the gardener) said to the man.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">"The gardener answered, 'Sir, give it <i>one more </i>chance. Leave it another year, and I'll give it <u>special</u> attention and <i>plenty</i> of fertilizer. If we get figs, next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span>
Hmmm. I'm pretty sure I've read this story before, but it has never struck me like this.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Different situations began flooding my mind of times that I treat people like the impatient man yelling at the gardener saying "Cut down the tree already! It's a <u>waste</u>."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Like the person that goes to church that can never seem to 'get it right.'</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Those that raise their hands in worship, yet lead a totally different life when they leave the door.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The alcoholic friend who promises a thousand times they'll stop, and they continue.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The needy person who keeps promising to turn their life around, yet continues begging for your money, a shelter, and food. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The flaky friend that makes empty promises and commitments that leave you angry and disappointed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">People that do wrong, blasphemous, or violent things under the name of Jesus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cut them down Jesus!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
But Jesus responded to this man in a way that defies all logic and all reasoning. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Let them have just <i>one. more. </i>chance"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"Let me <i>love</i> them, and give them special attention"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
All throughout the Bible, Jesus continually roots for the underdog.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span></span><br />
<div class="header" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 2px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<h2 class="me" style="color: black; display: inline; font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">un·der·dog</span></h2>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><sup style="bottom: 1ex; font-size: 0.75em; height: 0px; line-height: 1; position: relative; vertical-align: baseline;"></sup> <span class="pronset" style="color: #333333;"> <span class="show_spellpr" style="display: inline;"><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[</span><span class="pron" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span class="boldface" style="font-weight: 700;">uhn</span>-der-dawg, -dog</span><span class="prondelim" style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]</span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="body" style="color: #333333; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: 0em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0em; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<div class="pbk" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="pg" style="color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; padding-right: 3px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">noun</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><table border="0" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="4" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: verdana; font-size: small; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="1%"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #0055bb; cursor: pointer;">1.</span></span></td><td class="td3n2" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">the</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">competitor</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">least</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">likely</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">to</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">win</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">fight</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">contest</span></span></td></tr>
<tr class="tr3" valign="top"><td align="right" class="td3n1" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" width="1%"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">2.</span></span></td><td class="td3n2" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span id="hotword"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">person</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">adversity</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">or</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">in</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword">a</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">position</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">of</span> <span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="color: #333333; cursor: default;">inferiority</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Rarely ever does Jesus focus his attention on the 'righteous' or 'religious leaders'. No, He came to save what was lost. Those who were broken. The weak who without Him, had nothing going for them. Those who <i>needed</i> someone just to give them one more chance and rip off the label that declared them to be <b>worthless, purposeless, a waste.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
In a world that believes that the "Survival of the Fittest" is the way we should live, it is so easy for us to develop a temperament that screams self achievement, all the while forgetting about the grace that has pulled us through in the first place.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of us are broken, and are in desperate need of someone to give us a second chance. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
It's easy to give up on those who have continually disappointed us, yet so hard to realize the amount of times we <i>should have </i>disappointed Jesus. The many times He <i>should have </i>just given up on our stubbornness and moved on to someone who would be more receptive. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But instead, </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He saw us, and pleaded on our behalves to just have a little more time with us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A little more time to work on our hearts so that one day they would come to love Him. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Aye. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
Unfortunately, judgment is so much easier to dish out than grace sometimes. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But thankfully, Jesus came to restore that in us, and make us a people that choose to be people's <b>advocates</b> rather than their <b>adversaries. </b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
What a sweet, and a loving 'Gardener' we have in Jesus.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
We thank You for always rooting for us: your crazy, messed up kids--</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Underdogs.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WbNuL_HQGBIA1poA0AdS_oAJo7U1EIeJ04SjwsvxmK-26Nzzi-rMbiB_iIhNrA00DcGP_Ez-ruBF-QnB-i81uD01VCm7HMJxz99Q2lvdRTOik3pfp0ZKbA6Udk6ij_dpHXLiTGnL6sg/s1600/Grace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7WbNuL_HQGBIA1poA0AdS_oAJo7U1EIeJ04SjwsvxmK-26Nzzi-rMbiB_iIhNrA00DcGP_Ez-ruBF-QnB-i81uD01VCm7HMJxz99Q2lvdRTOik3pfp0ZKbA6Udk6ij_dpHXLiTGnL6sg/s400/Grace.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-5980012342700548832013-06-01T13:50:00.000-07:002013-06-01T22:10:40.269-07:00A Piece of Gum.<br />
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So, if you know anything about me, you know that I used to have a SERIOUS gum addiction. I'm talkin' about a pack a <u>day</u> kind of addiction.<br />
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15 Sticks= One Day= In One Mouth, well maybe a few mouths.<br />
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Because I was notorious for always having gum, that meant everyone and their mom always knew the go to girl for a good chew. Well, I had one particular individual that almost every day for two years would say "Do you have gum? Can I have some?" So, very frequently I would pull out a piece of gum (with a fake smile-- Yes, that's right. Don't even lie by telling me you give away gum cheerfully), and say Sure! And give one to them.<br />
I've come a long way though, I no longer have an addiction to gum. However, one night I was really craving some. So, I saw that this person (discussed earlier) was giving out a piece to a friend, so I asked if I could have a piece. This person said "Ahh, here." And ripped a little piece off and gave me 2/3 of a stick. WHAT?! Was my first reaction. So I popped the fragment of gum in my mouth and started thinking: " I have given this person like a thousand pieces of gum, and when I ask for one, I get a little chunk! Hmmph." -.-<br />
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Oh, and we all know moments like these are all great teaching opportunities for Jesus. So here he comes with His soft whisper:<br />
" Kaitlin, how often do you give me just a "segment" of what I have given you and blessed you with, when I have given you so much?"<br />
---Yeah Kaitlin, why DO you do that!---<br />
Dang it.<br />
No longer am I disappointed in the person next to me, I'm disappointed in myself!<br />
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So often when God asks for something of ours whether it be time, money, a relationship, an opportunity, a possession, we usually do one of two things:<br />
1. But Goooooooood, It's <i>mine.</i><br />
2. Or, we say okay "Fine." And give him just a <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">small portion</span> that won't compromise our comfort or cause us pain.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Romans 12:1-2 says:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-12-1">"And so, dear brothers and sisters,<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;"><b> </b></span>I plead with you to <i>give</i> your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—<u>the kind he will find acceptable.</u> This is truly the way to worship him.</span> <span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NLT-28209" style="font-size: 16px;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-size: 0.75em; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;">2 </sup>Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. <b>Then</b> you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NLT-28209" style="font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NLT-28209" style="font-size: 16px;">We are beckoned to give ourselves up as a sacrifice--</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="text Rom-12-2" id="en-NLT-28209" style="font-size: 16px;"><i>The kind He will find acceptable.</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not 1/3, 1/2, or 3/4 of my life-- All of it. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The <u>true</u> way to worship the Father is through surrender. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">______________________________</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Arial Unicode MS', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold;">sur·ren·der </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="prondelim" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">[</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="pron" style="display: inline; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">s<span class="ital-inline" style="display: inline; font-family: Georgia, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-style: italic;">uh</span>-<span class="boldface" style="font-weight: 700;">ren</span>-der</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span class="prondelim" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">]:</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>verb</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">to</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">give</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">oneself</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">up,</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">as</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">into</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword" style="cursor: default;">the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">power</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">of</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">another;</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">submit</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><span id="hotword" name="hotword">or yield</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">______________________________</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Most would agree that when we are told to surrender our lives to God, the first fear that comes to mind is that God is going to take all the good things away. Which He might.. to replace them with the <b>best</b> things. In the verse above, it talks about giving up our lives to God and letting Him transform us which, in turn, opens the doors for us to know His will for us-- Which is <i>good</i> and <u>pleasing</u> and <b>perfect.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Surrender is usually painful because it is the very thing we <u>don't want.</u> Our flesh wants what our flesh wants. By surrendering, we are laying down our control over these very things and submitting it to the Lord. However, surrender is an act of forming our will to His, which in the end is an incredibly beautiful thing. And like mentioned before-- His will is good, pleasing and perfect.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It comforts me to know that God is always for our good--Especially in the times when He does take something away, and we are left waiting for what comes next. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">But we can stand firm in our surrender knowing that</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right."</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Psalm 84:11</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1540905111373485905.post-561683104484414282013-02-25T20:58:00.002-08:002013-02-25T21:06:54.881-08:00This Hasn't Happened Before.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Listen :)</div>
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The first thing that drew me to this song was the pretty piano in the beginning, and then as the first lyrics popped up, I was ready to turn it off.<br />
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<i>"I will waste my life-- I'll be tested and tried</i><br />
<i>With no regrets inside of me, just to find I'm at Your feet."</i><br />
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Well.. That does not sound very christ like of me does it? But it's true. When we hear about the gospel or even think about telling it to people, we want to make it sound as rewarding, pleasing and attractive as possible, when in reality, following Jesus is one of the hardest journey's to accept-- but, it is the <i>only</i> one that is truly worth anything. The phrase saying, "God i'm willing to waste my life for you, walk through fire and be pressed on every side. To maybe miss out on opportunities, yet, have no regrets of choosing You." The next line goes on to say,<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I'll leave my father's house and I'll leave my mother</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I'll leave all I have known and I'll have no other"</i></span><br />
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If I didn't want to turn it off before, I did now! Can you imagine Jesus walking up to you doorstep at your house, ring the doorbell and say, "Let's go!". Everything inside me wants to say I would get a huge smile on my face and say "Yes! Jesus I'll go wherever you lead!" But in reality, I feel as if my face would sink as I look behind me and start to think about everything I would have to leave behind. To leave everything that was familiar to me. And then to declare that I will have no other but You. Again, I want to say that I could lift up this praise to God, but I feel like my heart would sing another melody. One that says something like this, " I'll stay right where I'm at, praise Your name, and fall in love with who you say You are, here in this book--<i>comfortably.</i>"<i> </i></div>
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As this is going through my head, the chorus of the song hit, and I started to picture what life would be like, being able to sing these words to Jesus, in all truthfulness.</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I am in love with You-- There is no cost, I am in love with You-- There is no loss<br />I am in love with You I want to take Your name, I am in love with You I want to cling to You Jesus<br />Just let me cling to You Jesus"</i></span></div>
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To be completely and totally dependent and satisfied in Jesus. To honestly say that He is your only hope, your only Lover, and that all that He is-- is enough. To freely sing how in love you are with Him with no "lovers" laying around in your heart, prohibiting you from giving yourself completely to Him. To desire to cling onto Him with your life, knowing and trusting that He is the only thing that can save you.</div>
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As I starting hearing this, I felt sad. A little bit like the man who asked Jesus how to inherit the kingdom of Heaven, and as Jesus told him he would have to sell all of his possessions, the man walked away sad and disheartened because he was rich and had many possessions. Obviously, everyone wants to inherit the kingdom of Heaven-- but this song made me question-- Is it <i>really </i>all that I want. Is it really what I will "waste my life" pursuing? <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"I'll say goodbye to my father my mother<br />I'll turn my back on every other love and<br />I'll press on , yes I'll press on"</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br />
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How I desire to be able to sing this song one day-- wholly and completely. I do, desire, to open my hands wide and sing this song as loud as I can, and with every fiber of my heart. </div>
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What a good and gracious God. A God who sees our worship in church, is able to see past the empty words we cry out and raise our hands to; the God who sees beyond our shortcomings and failures and sees His son's righteousness instead. </div>
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I've never been more grateful for that. </div>
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">"But he said to me, <span class="woj">“My grace<sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup> is sufficient for you, for my power<sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032B" title="See cross-reference B">B</a>)"></sup> is made perfect in weakness.<sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032C" title="See cross-reference C">C</a>)"></sup>”<sup class="crossreference" style="line-height: normal; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29032D" title="See cross-reference D">D</a>)"></sup></span> Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me."</span></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b> - 2 Corinthians 12:9</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08204227292456252740noreply@blogger.com0