tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68181047797013906962024-02-19T03:47:57.068-05:00Loving This Lifeembracing all that I have and joyfully living to the full...right where I amMaureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-49532900511485776632014-11-18T23:33:00.001-05:002014-11-18T23:34:36.854-05:00words<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I started out early as one of many words...loved to talk, sing, and tell stories since I was old enough to do so. So much so that nearly every elementary school report card, beginning with kindergarten, included the words, <i>Mauri loves to talk a little too much. We cannot get her to stop. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Honestly. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As I got older, in my preteen years, the words didn't flow as freely. Oh they were still there, in my head rolling 'round and 'round, but didn't quite make it to my tongue. Some things were best left untold. Hard things that were tough to bear, came even tougher to share. So the words rolled around, bounced off the walls in my mind, and often seemed to be so loud I wondered if anyone might "hear" what I couldn't share. Desperate to keep those words locked away, I let the words of my mouth be others-focused, <i>How are you? What can I do for you? Tell me about you.</i> Relationships built on escape...me escaping my reality as I got lost in the words of others; if only temporarily silencing the dysfunctional words that filled my mind and my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The past few weeks I've found myself entrenched in challenging personal times. Tonight I'm frustrated, sad, confused, alone, and worn-out...I feel battle-weary and without words. No words. At least not ones that want to leave my mouth. My mouth doesn't want to open so it's been shut for hours as my head says, I don't have any words. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And then, quietly, these words come.... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Lord is my shepherd;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I shall not want.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>He makes me lie down in green pastures.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>He leads me beside still waters.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>He restores my soul.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I will fear no evil,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>for you are with me;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Your rod and Your staff they comfort me.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You anoint my head with oil;</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>My cup overflows.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Psalm 23</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Ahhh-words.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">They float into my mind, overtaking the heavy-laden words. These words bringing light to a darkened spirit and making light a heavy heart. Meditating on them begins to dislodge the fear that has clamped shut my mouth. And out the words flow, over and over, slow and steady, stopping at the end of each line and taking it all in, until the peace comes.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I decide, no matter the words that my life is speaking right now, the truth is, God's word trumps them all. His word has the power to change the words that my life speaks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And His are the very words I want to speak.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Trusting...</span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-8127932211705773012014-07-03T00:30:00.001-04:002014-07-03T00:30:22.228-04:00preschoolers and bees<div class="thread-body" style="background-color: white; margin: 0px 27px; word-wrap: break-word;">
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I bought a pretty bracelet the other day. I was drawn to the blue and green shades. It has 2 bees on it. I don't own anything with bees on it but something about this bracelet was so appealing, and it matched a dress I picked up to wear to a wedding, so I bought it. It was a couple weeks later, as I wore it, not to the wedding but on a regular day just because, that I looked at the bracelet dangling there on my wrist and immediately I remembered a drive a few years ago on the way to my youngest son's preschool. He and his sweet little friend Abbi were in the back seat having one of their conversations. I always turned down the radio when Abbi got in the van because their 4 year old conversations were priceless and I never wanted to miss a single word. This time they were talking about bees. Samuel asked Abbi , </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"You know how to tell which one is the queen bee?" </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She didn't know. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He promptly replied, </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">"She's the one who sits in the chair." </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Love.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit;">I've thought about that conversation more than a couple times with a chuckle over the past few years but as I recalled it this time, it meant something different to me. </span><i style="background-color: inherit;">She's the one who sits in the chair </i><span style="background-color: inherit;">reminded me of the fact that I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Jesus. You see I've been studying lately about the believer's authority and as soon as we confess that Jesus is Lord of our lives the Bible says we are immediately seated with Him in heavenly places. He's seated there with all power and authority, God having placed all things under His feet, which simply means He's got dominion over it all. He's seated there and God has made us to sit there with Him...there with His power and authority and all things under our feet, which simply means He's given us dominion. So that means all sickness, lack, strife, divorce, and every evil work, we sit above it all in our chair with Christ, all His power and authority given to us to do His will on earth as it is in heaven. His will is for us to bind the works of the devil and loose the blessing of God wherever we go. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit;">So as I've been reading the Bible and learning the truth of God's word and His promises to all believers, this believer is reminded, as I look down at my pretty bee-wrapped wrist, that she's the one who sits in the chair. No matter what it looks like in my situation here in my daily life, in the spirit I am seated in heavenly places with Jesus and He expects me to look from that perspective and use that authority to speak His will over my life and watch to see what He'll do. That's the perspective I want, so,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: inherit;"> I'm getting in my chair.</span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-63141102898945814172014-02-16T18:34:00.000-05:002014-02-16T18:34:22.090-05:00Do this in remembrance of Me<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In the midst of what is known to us as the Last Supper, Jesus reveals thanksgiving, grace, </span>and<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> joy. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">On that night, during the Festival of Unleavened Bread, in that home with </span>table laid out for a Passover meal, <span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">in that room amongst the 12, Jesus gave thanks. Bread on the table, He picked it up and gave thanks to His Father in Heaven. Bread in hand, Jesus thanked Father God for the bread, which He revealed to those gathered was His Body. His Body...it's sole purpose</span>…<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> made and sent to be a sacrifice for all.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">For it, He gave</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Thanks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Bread in hand, He offered grace to those at the table. Grace, even to the one who would eat the meal with Jesus, then leave the table and </span>immediately<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span>betray<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> Him. Grace, even to the rest who would fall away and deny Him just a few hours later. That's just it, grace just wouldn't be grace unless it's unmerited favor to all</span>…<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">.no matter what. He offered them all Bread, His Body, and said, <i>Take it and eat.</i> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Grace.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He did the same with a cup of wine. Raised it to Heaven and gave </span>thanks<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> for it. But, it wasn't just the cup</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> and it's contents He was thankful for. It was the Blood, His Blood, which would be poured out for all of mankind. He was </span>thankful that He carried the life-giving, healing payment due for the forgiveness of all sin. That this Blood would make a new covenant between God and His people. And again this grace…<i>Drink from it, all of you. </i> Yes, you Judas, and you too Peter…drink. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">After He passed around the cup for all, He shared what He saw up ahead. A celebration in Heaven when all would be gathered together with Him in His Father's Kingdom drinking wine and celebrating. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He said He wouldn't drink wine again until then. Until we were with there Him, together in heaven, everyone will drink it new He said. He saw ahead to what would come of His excruciating sacrifice and it was beautiful to Him and He anticipated it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Thinking about Jesus and the bread, I can’t help but think of another pivotal time in His ministry where we see Him dealing with bread. Could it be a foreshadowing? Five loaves given as a sacrifice by </span>someone's<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> young son, lifted up to Heaven in thanks by the Son of God, broken and freely given to all, thousands fed to their fill with what began as an offering of five loaves. Even still, twelve baskets were filled to the brim with leftovers. Later, Jesus, His one body given as a sacrifice, lifted up to Heaven on the Cross at calvary, broken and freely given to all, every sin forgiven with what </span>began<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> as one perfect offering. Even still, today He continues to give out of the reserves of Heaven to all who would gather to Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It all started with Him giving thanks. Thanks for the Body which is the sacrifice, grace for all to receive it, and joy for the day we’re all gathered to Him in celebration.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">His one command at the Last Supper?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Do this to remember me...</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Give thanks to remember me...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Receive grace and remember me...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Have joy in thinking of our future together and remember me...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">This reminds me of another "remember me" quoted in scripture. Sentenced to die on that same ominous day on calvary, a criminal hanging on a cross at Jesus' side cries out to the One he could now see...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Remember me when you come into your kingdom...</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Jesus immediately replied, <i>I assure you today you will be with me in paradise.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So, </span>wherever<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> you are, in whatever state you're in, remember Him today and you will be with Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What does Jesus offer us when we commune with Him? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Thanksgiving</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Grace</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Joy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And how should we receive it?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> In the same way it was given.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Arms extended in thanks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hands open to receive grace.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Hearts fixed on the joy ahead.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">My heart's desire is to make each day one of communion with Him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+26%3A24-29&version=NIV">Matthew 26:24-29</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+6:1-14">John 6:1-14</a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+11%3A23-26&version=NLT">1 Corinthians 11:23-26</a></span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-81875679318523245712014-01-19T18:42:00.000-05:002014-01-19T18:42:40.365-05:00onward<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In<a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2014/01/beginning-again.html"> beginning again</a> I come to the realization that everything that God has for me is ahead. As I come back to what is in Him, and let go of my wandering ways, I look at now and I look up ahead…not behind. I determine in my heart and set my face to not turn back. Turning back would only cause me to lose more. Lose time in wishing I hadn't screwed up…wishing I was further. Behind is where the mess is and that mess can taunt me with a name-calling frenzy. But that mess has been surrendered and forgiven. Forgiven not because of me or anything I did, but forgiven because of Jesus and all that He has done. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So I decide...shaky feet planted on the firm ground of the Word...I won't turn back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> And with the wisdom of Paul, a man who could have been taunted up one-side and down the other for the mistakes in his past, it's what he says that beckons me forward….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><span class="text Phil-3-13" id="en-NIV-29435">But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29435Z" title="See cross-reference Z">Z</a>)"></span> and straining toward what is ahead, </span><span class="text Phil-3-14" id="en-NIV-29436">I press on<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AA" title="See cross-reference AA">AA</a>)"></span> toward the goal to win the prize<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AB" title="See cross-reference AB">AB</a>)"></span> for which God has called<span class="crossreference" style="vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-29436AC" title="See cross-reference AC">AC</a>)"></span> me heavenward in Christ Jesus.</span></b></span></div>
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<span class="text Phil-3-14"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Forgetting what's behind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Pressing on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">On toward God's calling.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I tell myself I don't have to have to all figured out. I just have to press on…keep my eyes on Jesus. And I see Him today in this word. He beckons me forward and with a giant leap of faith I take my first steps and I'm not turning back!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Everything that He has for me is ahead. </span></div>
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<br />Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-1304807357132007172014-01-17T13:21:00.000-05:002014-01-17T13:22:34.876-05:00beginning again<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It’s been so long since I’ve written.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I've avoided it a bit because I’d love so much to give a wise word or a charming little story, but that’s really not where I've been lately. And see, I'd much rather you </span>believe<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> that I have it all together. So, I avoided writing even though it's an outlet that I find healing, but it can also be painfully hard to write and open up when you’d just prefer to hibernate and come out of the den when things are much more rosy in life.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I have a love/hate relationship with journaling. One one hand it's one of the best ways for me to process my thoughts, as I often don't even have words for them until I tap them out on the keys of my laptop. But, on the other hand I hate it because at times when </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I go back to read past entries, I see how far I haven't come</span>…<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">s</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">ame problems and same negative thoughts just another day or, even worse, another year or more! Ugh!</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And it causes me to feel the shame... the </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">what’s wrong with me?</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> kind of shame.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">What<i> is </i>wrong?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I've been in a </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">rut for many months and I've been trying hard and running as fast as I can to get out of it, but the s</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">tress, anxiety, mood swings, scary heart palpitations, and disorder have </span>caught up to me and wrestled me to the ground helpless<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">. Wrestled me into a pit that I can no longer out run or work hard to get out of. And in the black depths of it I've caught my chest and cried heaving. All the while the words in my head on continuous loop</span>…</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">What's </span>wrong<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> with me, it's </span>never<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span>going<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> to turn out well and if anyone ever knew what a major failure I was I'd be so ashamed</span>…even I<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> am ashamed of </span>myself</i><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i>.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I've cried out to </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">God for help but I </span>mustn't<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> really have given Him much time to give me an answer </span>because<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I </span>haven't<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> felt Him. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I know </span>enough<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> in my pit to know that I need to focus on the Lord, but sometimes I just don’t know where to begin.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Where to begin with God?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">As I pose this question right now, it comes into my head,</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">In the beginning was the Word,</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and the Word was with God,</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> and the Word was God.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Word.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">The Word became flesh.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Begin with Him.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">So right here in my black pit I go back in my mind and remember the beginning.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In the beginning of getting to know Jesus it was His love that drew me in.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">His undeniable-unconditional-no-need-to-do-anything-doesn’t-matter-what-you’ve-done-come-as-you-are kind of love.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That’s the kind of love that gets through the junk inside...the years of pain, shame, and anger built up.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I've b</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">een there with Him.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I've lived in that Love. But</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> for someone who’s been there so deeply and had Him move in my life so amazingly time and time again, how do I find myself feeling alone and very much outside the scope of love, and the scope of dreams, and the scope of joy undeniable?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">How does a <b>loved-one</b> wander?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I consider the ways and I find that it wasn’t intentional, my wandering.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I didn’t just one day choose to give Him less of my time...and I’m talking one-on-one time, talking time, listening time, quiet time, bible time. </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Somewhere in the midst of being a wife, raising boys, managing a home, working, leading a children’s ministry, being a daughter, sister, friend, etc I’ve lost my Center.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I’ve allowed myself to be pulled by other people’s expectations, my own ridiculous expectations based on impossible images of success, and I turned from the only image that truly matters...Jesus.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">In that turning and losing sight of my Center, I’ve stumbled. I’ve stumbled into a fear/work/shame cycle...the work-harder-faster-go-go-go-what’s-wrong-with-you-why-can’t-you-do-all-of-this perfectly kind.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">No one’s actually said that to me but it's what I hear over and over in my mind, and I’ve become a slave to my own ridiculous demands and impossible standards.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">How does this happen?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">And I consider this, </span><i style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Am I much different than the prodigal who knew the love and the comfort of his father’s home but chose to go his own way and do his own thing, only to wake up one day and wonder, how did I get here? How did I wander?</i></span></div>
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<i style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He looked at himself in the pig pen and he started to remember.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He remembered how good he had it in his fathers house...how could he have wandered?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">He came to the realization that the only thing he could do was go back; go back to the beginning...go back to love.</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">That’s where I find myself. Wondering how did I get into this mess? How did I wander away from the pastures of love and acceptance into the hardness of performance and shame and never good enough?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">How did I trade peace for anxiety, love for performance, joy for fear?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">It wasn’t a conscious choice. And I don't think I have much more going on than anyone else does. In fact aren't we supposed to multitask and juggle</span>…<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">isn't that the norm?</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> M</span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">aybe...but for me it's not working because in the juggle I dropped the One True Thing that holds it all together.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">I don't have a nice little way to tie this story up. No wise words or charming anecdote. Just really writing to understand. And I’m only just realizing that I’m at the end of what I can handle.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">But, in my end, I stumbled back to the beginning</span>…</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b>In the beginning was the Word,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> and the Word was with God,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b> and the Word was God.</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">Jesus.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">So today, I’m beginning again...</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jesus, it’s great to meet you here! </span></span></div>
Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-41777268845427839042013-03-13T22:56:00.001-04:002013-03-13T22:56:47.112-04:00a moment...<br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I tip-toe into their room at 10pm to put a just-ironed shirt on the dresser, and as I turn to leave, I can’t resist their peaceful sleeping faces so I turn and go back in. In, to kiss lips and cheeks and foreheads; to breathe in the smell of just-washed hair and to linger and stare at irresistible faces. How are they 10, 8, and 6, and where did the time go? The hours clocked as a mommy sure do seem to linger and hurry all at once....lingered when they were babies and seem to have picked up the pace as elementary schoolers...sometimes I can almost hear the time ticking away. As I kiss soft, freshly scrubbed faces I choke back the thoughts that one day they'll be grown and won’t be here, under our roof for me to bend and kiss in the dark as they sleep on a school night. So, I stay longer on flannel sheets and study faces propped on spiderman pillow cases and I give abundant thanks. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Tomorrow we’ll wake up and the clock will start ticking away again, and someone will push his brother a little too hard, another will spill milk at the breakfast table because he’s messing around instead of sitting on his bottom and eating nicely and, I’ll probably have to tell them all over and over to hurry up and get ready for school and then wonder (out loud...very loud) if when I speak any sound comes out because everyone just keeps going about their business instead of responding. But tonight, I rejoice over them, kiss them like crazy and thank God over and over for allowing them to be mine.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And I cherish this night that we are all under the same roo</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">f.</span></span></div>
Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-42002444319427637472012-09-15T08:16:00.000-04:002012-09-15T08:16:39.129-04:00Just Do It<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">In August I accomplished a tough goal.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I ran a 5K.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Now, you need to understand, just 8 weeks prior, I was <i>not</i> a runner and <i>never</i> had any plans to<i> ever </i>run, unless of course someone was chasing me and I had to run for my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> And I <i>really</i> wasn't planning on having to do that either!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">....just sayin'.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsi6WbWIKCaRRMZFX2gS0R7S87bPDu3Ak7MBpd-0q4G9LcSECgItiYqowvftdTG0nLgmiJPIKL-LKCC3Wt4BluSmrf1Ab_8vBS9cR1Hee_C4_e0Wkif38asyVQ79C3bYLGg19FVJDKjkx/s1600/DSCN6403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgsi6WbWIKCaRRMZFX2gS0R7S87bPDu3Ak7MBpd-0q4G9LcSECgItiYqowvftdTG0nLgmiJPIKL-LKCC3Wt4BluSmrf1Ab_8vBS9cR1Hee_C4_e0Wkif38asyVQ79C3bYLGg19FVJDKjkx/s640/DSCN6403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But since I cancelled my Y membership nearly a year ago, I hadn't done much in the way of exercise, and I was feeling it...run-down and blah. So when one of my closest friends mentioned she wanted to start running, I heard myself saying, <i>I'll do it with you.</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">What?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So we started meeting early in the morning at a local park in mid-June. We used the Couch to 5K app, <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/c25k-5k-trainer-free/id485971733?mt=8">C25K,</a> on our iPhones and off we went. I know that sounds all easy-breezy, but it was far from it! Our area has a lot of runners and driving into this park on that 1st morning, it became pretty obvious where they all hung out. Suddenly, the 2 girls who had never run, were two outsiders walking into a club that we clearly weren't dressed for, or even knew how to blend in to. It was a bit intimidating to say the least. So, doing our best to push past that, we set out with our iPhones programmed to week 1/day 1. I was thinking, <i>Ok, I'm a bit scared of how this running thing is going to go, but I'm not exactly coming from the couch, I mean I do run around taking care of 3 boys so surely I must be starting with a bit of an advantage over the couch potatoes right?</i> But at the end of that 1st day of training, alternating 60 seconds of jogging with 90 seconds of walking for 20 minutes, I was seriously wiped out, beat-down and haggard! What's worse is I could barely make it up and down the stairs for the next 36 hours. My non-workout body was in utter shock and my mind was screaming, <i>Just Quit! </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It wasn't pretty and quite frankly if I thought there was any chance my friend wouldn't be waiting for me at the park on day 2, I would have gladly ended my running career right then with a tap of the snooze button, and rolled over to enjoy more sleep.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But I persisted and met my friend 3x a week for 8 weeks until we completed the program. There were great times of being with my friend and connecting, there were agonizing times when we pushed our bodies way beyond our comfort level, and in summer heat no less. There were hysterical times like when we set out on our 1st day of running 2 miles, and as soon as we finished our warm-up and began running, the sky opened up and poured torrential rains upon us. We kept going and laughed most of the way. The irony was just too much...us running 2 miles in the rain? We realized that we non-runners had somehow become runners and I was now one of those people I used to call crazy. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, we finished the 8 week program, and the very next week we ran a 5K. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. During the last mile I felt as though someone was pummeling my stomach and I was so hot it felt like my head might explode. But we came across that finish line running. I was so happy it was over so the pain would end. But also, so happy it was over because I accomplished a really hard goal. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And because it was so hard to accomplish it means so much more. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So this is what I learned...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. It's good to get out of my comfort zone and try the hard thing that I don't know how to do.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> (That's a huge stretch for me because my nature is quite the opposite...I generally like to know how to do things before I decide to do them.) It was a great mental and physical challenge to take on something I didn't know how to do.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. If I change a bit of my routine, I can change my life.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Prior to June I had no exercise routine. But making a place for it in my life over the past few months has helped me mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. That one change in my routine has changed the shape of my week. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Doing something new with a friend anchors you to that goal.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I would have quit had it not been for my commitment to my friend. After the pain and the heat exhaustion, I would have rationalized my way right out of accomplishing that goal and would have gladly rolled over in my bed on day 2. Without knowing it, she kept me there and I so enjoyed the bonding that experience brought to us. It was a richer experience because I did it with a friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Give yourself some grace and remember to laugh.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Woo, is this a biggie! Grace, grace and more grace. Remember to come as you are, start where you're at, and just to be all that <i>you</i> can be. Abandon any temptation at comparison and just do it. Don't take it too seriously...it's running, not the ER. I used to always say that when I was a general manager at Gap. When things were just too crazy stressful, I would say out loud, to myself and whoever else was standing nearby, we're selling jeans, not working in the ER people...let's just chill out! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Finally, celebrate the accomplishment.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> I did it! Accomplishing a goal that all of my life I never thought I had the desire or courage for is hard to describe. But it stirs me on. It makes me realize that I'm made to do more than even I ever imagined. It makes me want to keep going. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I feel the strength and motivation to go after more goals. Suddenly possibility and hope rise up and bring a certain freedom. Freedom from small mindsets, freedom from even how I viewed myself. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Makes me want to see what else this girl can do.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday? </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b><br /><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-47847759788953419472012-08-26T14:22:00.000-04:002012-08-26T14:22:18.365-04:00I Did It!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/08/time-for-change.html"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday I told you about my longing for a new do.</span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Well, here's my scary before shot in my cousin's chair. Look at all that hair...yikes! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">She ended up cutting off 15"! I wanted to donate it but apparently color-treated hair is not acceptable. I would think that seriously leaves out about 99.9% of women, but whatever.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So the 15" inches went in the trash and this is what I was left with...</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNskTDXRnZP9UaS-5EJfZExvethZ1nn9zD-sdQXrH8cOfXlt4ZzS1w1633qe3C2Wb42xhh2vk1RHYx4vJBY7cJ_IuBMd7rnQWzOAFA9OYRwTagSXWrvo58FnmbmTOCKwpFjcN75FGEBnr/s1600/photo-3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXNskTDXRnZP9UaS-5EJfZExvethZ1nn9zD-sdQXrH8cOfXlt4ZzS1w1633qe3C2Wb42xhh2vk1RHYx4vJBY7cJ_IuBMd7rnQWzOAFA9OYRwTagSXWrvo58FnmbmTOCKwpFjcN75FGEBnr/s400/photo-3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I didn't turn into Gwyneth or Sandra but I LOVE it!!</span></div>
Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-75827875377757840522012-08-25T17:25:00.001-04:002012-08-25T17:25:53.758-04:00Fruit Appears<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjumrGjpvEMmd5cnUqHHN6iT0oqbAwIw8H7-5OkmdC9Af69mR6rgWASrp9gQ3cY0z42EyL210KB3WVV1f8I_0NSUqo6iZVWr9KrWWyHAxzDS7W7vhNl518V-XdUEComuFcoTFcIjD-GTn/s1600/apple_orchard_2-6-20101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCjumrGjpvEMmd5cnUqHHN6iT0oqbAwIw8H7-5OkmdC9Af69mR6rgWASrp9gQ3cY0z42EyL210KB3WVV1f8I_0NSUqo6iZVWr9KrWWyHAxzDS7W7vhNl518V-XdUEComuFcoTFcIjD-GTn/s640/apple_orchard_2-6-20101.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>A friend sent this scripture to me the other morning...</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">But what happens when we live God's way?</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard - things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people.</span></div>
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<span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: blue;">Galatians 5:22-23 (the message)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It was a very timely word for me because on Monday I am entering a new season with different responsiblities and I'm not quite sure how it's all going to go scheduling wise. A season that has all 3 of my boys in school full-time...Kindergarten, 2nd grade and 4th grade. A season where I'm not needed to be a stay-at-home mom. That's a huge change for me because that's been my primary role for over 9 1/2 years and I was comfortable with it. Still, I'll be here for them in the mornings to get them off to school and when school lets out, I'll be in the carline to bring them home, but in between my days will be different. I'm nervous and I'll miss not having one at home, but I also am gaining a bit of excitement for what the season holds. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">As I prayed all this year about what I was to do, anticipating this new season coming, two jobs plopped into my lap over the past few months. These jobs felt right and work perfectly with my family's needs. I knew that they were answers to my prayers. But still there's been this nagging anxiousness that has me questioning, <i>how am I going to do all of this? How am I going to juggle all of these hats? </i> Mommy, wife, home manager, children's ministry <span style="background-color: transparent;">leader, 3-year-old teaching </span><span style="background-color: transparent;">assistant, student (gotta take a college course for one of the jobs</span><span style="background-color: transparent;">), volunteering in each boy's classroom, PTA vice-president, friend, writer, etc.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">The thought of juggling schedules and doing it all well has been wearing on me before I even <span style="background-color: transparent;">begin. I was forgetting that I spent the past year praying for this season. Praying for God's direction and will for me and my schedule. He's the One who's brought me into each of these things; He's given me the hats to wear. How then, can I put each of them on and forget to look to the One who gave them in the first place? Scary how easy it is to attempt to take this on in my own power and knowledge and forget the One from whom all wisdom comes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>He knew and so He turns my head back towards Him with His word...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">And my anxious heart is soothed by the promises for those who live God's way...even in a new season.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Promises that He brings gifts like fruit that appears in the orchard. I love how the scripture says <i>appears</i>...like it just shows up one day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Gifts like affection for my children, my husband, my friends, the children I care for and minister to. Exuberance for life and serenity even when my days are packed with activity. A willingness to stick with the things He's given me, even when it feels hard. A deep sense of compassion in my heart for those around me, even 13 little 3-year-olds. A conviction that believes a basic holiness permeates my labor and the people in my charge. An ability to remain and be loyal to the duties and people I've committed myself to. And maybe even best of all, no need to force my way in life. Trusting that because He's made the way, I am able to direct my skills and energies wisely. All I need do is rest in Him and let this new season begin. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So, whatever season you find yourself in, know that if you're doing what God has called you to do, He will cause you to bear fruit. No effort of your own can bring it about, at least not the lasting, satisfying kind of fruit. All you need to do is rest on His Vine and watch the fruit appear. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>This was just the kind of reminder I needed this week. </b></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.loafonline.co.uk/2009/12/an-urban-orchard-for-kingstanding/">source</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday? </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b><br /><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-60316239670818452872012-08-25T07:02:00.000-04:002012-08-25T07:09:51.272-04:00Time for a Change<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'm getting my haircut today.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Over the past 15 years my hair has been every length from super short to super long.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Super long is what it's been for the past several years and I'm so ready for a change. My cousin has done my hair on and off for years. Last year I was at her shop admiring a shoulder-length cut she had just given one of her clients. As the woman stepped out of her chair, I guess my cousin saw the look on my face and immediately announced, <i>Don't even think about it, I'm not cutting your hair that short! </i> I like my long hair and have gotten lots of compliments on it, but I feel it's time for something new. New season, new do. So, I emailed her the other day to make sure she would be on board to give me a serious cut. She is. Great! Still, I'm a bit nervous, what if it ends up looking bad? What if I start seeing everyone with long hair and regret my choice? And you know that whole long hair thing and feeling like it's your beauty. All silly, (and vain) I know.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Whatevs...I'm going for it.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Just hope I don't chicken out!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Here are a few of my inspiration pics...been pinning these on Pinterest all year!</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELbrjkq_EIP2wxX7bM0hKOgo64VrLjgr_bA4jY2kklyYMd-dBmLbJNczyIJ3Y6hKvWVF4zqJ7_cmd9AWZIAOwYHIChZbUV-CvD3X8Ukm6Wy9TCVu7kFtXwnBIh5WKKmh4tzHPFCoxmXXE/s1600/242209286179720699_B6FgYRha_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELbrjkq_EIP2wxX7bM0hKOgo64VrLjgr_bA4jY2kklyYMd-dBmLbJNczyIJ3Y6hKvWVF4zqJ7_cmd9AWZIAOwYHIChZbUV-CvD3X8Ukm6Wy9TCVu7kFtXwnBIh5WKKmh4tzHPFCoxmXXE/s400/242209286179720699_B6FgYRha_b.jpg" width="249" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://herblog.com/">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVbNT7knKeUA3RqGr8AHBFCVJgqMYNwODgrMLDypqlCv-n0HKKRzS1zAWwcCWilp5xhMVEz6afeIPDCbkb4gcC1eHXEiUQQXrvamfnG6zBhjYMimmY3OPnvUHwndNpTHU4IcpNe1ci4uS/s1600/267401296594658945_H1jvYZUa_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsVbNT7knKeUA3RqGr8AHBFCVJgqMYNwODgrMLDypqlCv-n0HKKRzS1zAWwcCWilp5xhMVEz6afeIPDCbkb4gcC1eHXEiUQQXrvamfnG6zBhjYMimmY3OPnvUHwndNpTHU4IcpNe1ci4uS/s400/267401296594658945_H1jvYZUa_b.jpg" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=celebrity+hair+styles&n=30&ei=utf-8&y=Search&fr=slv8-tyc8&tab=organic&tab=organic&b=481">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzD7tw_qKBzSgAEdwrNB5ZVUhWDRIXBT-Mz4gU4vL5S7IDKp8c9L_xKAWCk3w9GupveHU3bd1fuiMHg7ogIKFyfsBJt9f0pRhO7716oSxYnL6jFoAkoFMhxRZZ6bWdGBmZEAXMsJ3QGxB/s1600/24488391693330702_DaPRuOiP_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvzD7tw_qKBzSgAEdwrNB5ZVUhWDRIXBT-Mz4gU4vL5S7IDKp8c9L_xKAWCk3w9GupveHU3bd1fuiMHg7ogIKFyfsBJt9f0pRhO7716oSxYnL6jFoAkoFMhxRZZ6bWdGBmZEAXMsJ3QGxB/s400/24488391693330702_DaPRuOiP_b.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.celebritypicnic.com/sandra-bullock">source</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UT8_AnsO8fasaL9ieYLr9gHipuY2cPGUzB2zRVETxUqopAVNO2pmBDsvlFXEzr_fSME8BA-uW93TXHCLw4JmXfJezyhVhBtC4qgIBTanJOEeVMWCTBC0RJtLKzQb5M-wxFZmvKZ8lnIj/s1600/221450506646619944_ZyxzdzRl_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0UT8_AnsO8fasaL9ieYLr9gHipuY2cPGUzB2zRVETxUqopAVNO2pmBDsvlFXEzr_fSME8BA-uW93TXHCLw4JmXfJezyhVhBtC4qgIBTanJOEeVMWCTBC0RJtLKzQb5M-wxFZmvKZ8lnIj/s400/221450506646619944_ZyxzdzRl_b.jpg" width="324" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://popbee.com/fashion/gwyneth-paltrow-extremely-shiny-legs/attachment/gwyneth-paltrow-style-090609-2/">source</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Now I better go delete all the long hair pics on my Pinterest <a href="http://pinterest.com/lovingthislife1/hair-makeup/">hair board</a> so they don't make me misty later!</span></div>
Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-79904133449982753232012-08-21T08:44:00.000-04:002012-08-21T08:44:56.859-04:00hello.<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">It's been far too long since I've been to these pages. At the risk of an awkward re-entry, I'm just jumping back in with a shy "hello." I feel that sort of awkward, anxiousness you feel when you haven't talked with a dear friend in a very long time...<i>where do I begin? </i> <i>Do I just pick up the phone and call after all this time? </i> Then finally, when I've experienced the pulls on my heart so many times that she's showing up in my dreams, I reach out and by God's grace we pick up right where we left off, like we never missed a beat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Hoping for that grace to cover me here today with you, friend.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">I'll be back this week and we'll catch right up on days gone by and share a bit of what's to come.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"> Praying all has been well with you. </span></div>
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Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-63913113010306211512012-07-12T08:08:00.000-04:002012-07-12T08:08:52.604-04:00Go See This Movie<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Last night I went to see an amazing movie. It's filmed real world documentary style. "Father of Lights" is a journey around the world to reveal God's heart for His children. And we are all His children, no matter how we're living, no matter race, religion or caste, He is a Daddy who loves. Filmmaker Darren Wilson says this about his film on the</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://fatheroflightsfilm.com/info/">"Father of Lights" website</a>....</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; color: #505050; line-height: 24px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: large;">Father of Lights is about God’s heart. I went into making this film by asking the simple question: who is God? I wanted to know His character, His personality, and who He truly is. To answer this question, we had to peel back the many layers of religious garbage that has been passed onto him through generations. That He is angry. Vengeful. Wrathful. And in general, that He doesn’t like you very much. The truth, as you will see vibrantly in this film, is that He is the most loving, compassionate, and wonderful Father you can imagine.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Check out the trailers below and then check out the website <a href="http://fatheroflightsfilm.com/tour/">here</a> to see when it will be playing this summer in your city. Go, watch, get caught up in the movie and be forever changed by the Father's heart for you and for the world. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You won't be the same.</span></div>
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ynyLJcrLowE" width="560"></iframe></center>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-79164713513457513592012-06-24T03:00:00.000-04:002012-06-24T03:00:09.416-04:00Lifting Him Up<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just wanted to share a worship song that I've been enjoying lately...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Enjoy your Sunday as you magnify Jesus.</span></div>
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/YHUOwXV-EQ4" width="560"></iframe></center>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-63284796863039577512012-06-24T00:04:00.000-04:002012-07-05T08:41:26.665-04:00a little weekend reading<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-caJ_zaco1tim5MoYjOFgGuRYZk5BkmtCFkEHUDgRBCaFcrp-rv_NN5Seekbx10R3uQOMZojsEFxzfRTNG-0YNdEU1xcGshH-_X8qkpSH2uy1cn-03cCf5b1BRXO8t7s0IlHQJA36lL-b/s1600/26106872809510189_aY6bjFvt_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-caJ_zaco1tim5MoYjOFgGuRYZk5BkmtCFkEHUDgRBCaFcrp-rv_NN5Seekbx10R3uQOMZojsEFxzfRTNG-0YNdEU1xcGshH-_X8qkpSH2uy1cn-03cCf5b1BRXO8t7s0IlHQJA36lL-b/s640/26106872809510189_aY6bjFvt_f.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2011/09/jazzing-up-your-photos-with-sidewalk.html">via</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Summer's here and I thought I'd get back into sharing some good reads on the weekends. Here are some inspiring summer ideas, from what to do with the kids on those summer days to what to eat and drink.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1. 100 free things to do with your kids this summer from <a href="http://digitalreflections.typepad.com/digital_reflections/2009/06/100-free-things-to-do-with-your-kids-this-summer.html">Digital Reflections.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2. 101 ways to embrace summer from <a href="http://organizing.yourway.net/101-ways-to-embrace-summer/#">Organizing Your Way.</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">3. Here are some great ways to make a tastier glass of water on those hot and humid days from <a href="http://www.theyummylife.com/Flavored_Water">The Yummy Life. </a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">4. This not so traditional fruit salad looks so yummy...gotta try it from <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/strawberry-mango-jicama-salad-recipe/">Two Peas and Their Pod. </a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">5. Sidewalk chalk is popular this time of year. How about using it to jazz up your photos from <a href="http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2011/09/jazzing-up-your-photos-with-sidewalk.html">Modern Parents Messy Kids. </a></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-50320421709323437752012-06-23T15:12:00.000-04:002012-06-23T15:40:49.777-04:00Letting God Lead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB7gEOxnpwLfwqZu8OJLvCZ_BGI-iRi72N9dfUyJABVr2e1iyJZCliXaq2KXn_sQiQS_CI1e7jm26_PjmfeKHvzvhm22GpaEZ-msOsMSGfbmM43tTWll64pUW2C1OlaKTiAJnIZ1-ifNF/s1600/96588-The_Hands_of_God,_Holding_the_Light.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixB7gEOxnpwLfwqZu8OJLvCZ_BGI-iRi72N9dfUyJABVr2e1iyJZCliXaq2KXn_sQiQS_CI1e7jm26_PjmfeKHvzvhm22GpaEZ-msOsMSGfbmM43tTWll64pUW2C1OlaKTiAJnIZ1-ifNF/s640/96588-The_Hands_of_God,_Holding_the_Light.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Oh wouldn't life be so easy if everyone (ahem, husband and kids) just did exactly what we wanted them to do, exactly when we wanted it done? Bliss. But sadly this is not the case, and really, God doesn't intend for us to be the captain's of our own ships, overriding everyone's will so ours never has to go a-wanting. But honestly, it can be a struggle for me to have projects piled up around the house because my husband is too busy being handy at everyone else's homes that he has no time to be handy in ours. You know that old saying about the cobbler's children having no shoes? I hate it when people say that to me like that's going to be some comfort when I'm aggravated about my house being a sight for sore eyes even though I have a very talented contractor husband. Do you think I'll feel a comforting camaraderie with the wife of a shoemaking husband who's children run around bare-footed when it's not barefoot season? Not.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Anyway, this is where I was a few days ago, looking around at all the undone to-dos, boxes of cabinets filling the front porch, tree stumps filling our tiny little back yard and feeling a bit overwhelmed. Then when driving to a friend's house for a playdate, I was pulled over and received a $63 ticket for a brake light that's been out. A brake light that my husband promised to fix. Well the temptation to freak out was knocking hard on my door and more than a few "I told you so's" were on the tip of my tongue. I was not happy. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, the next morning I woke up early to have some quiet time and pray and I read this in a <a href="http://www.joycemeyer.org/ProductDetail.aspx?id=000152">Joyce Meyer devotional </a>that I have... </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Our day might seem better if everyone would just do what we tell them to do. But God doesn’t override people’s will, and we are not to do so either. Instead of trying to control people, pray that they will “hear” God leading them. If someone persists in doing something his or her own way today, show your confidence in God by stepping aside. You may learn that you were wrong, or they may learn that you were right. God is big enough to get both you and them out of any mess they make. Either way, He will get the glory, if you put your trust in Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">God was speaking right to me. In my temptation to be angry with my husband and feel discouraged, God reminds me that it's Him who does the work in hearts, not me. I love my husband and I'm thankful that he works so hard to take care of his family. Oh how the very things that bring us blessing can be the very things, when looking through willful eyes can bring us discouragement...<a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/02/its-how-you-frame-it.html">it's all in the seeing.</a></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And, that early morning on the couch with my devotional, God opened my eyes and I saw that He's the One in charge, not me. If I'm frustrated, I go to Him in prayer <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%20121:1-2&version=NIV">because He is where my help comes from.</a> I cling to Him, do what I can do in the situation and pray for Him to do what I can'</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">t.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So this Freedom Friday {which happens to be on a Saturday...shhh} I decide to let God lead others while I trust in Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Are you struggling with the temptation to live in anger and discouragement with a loved one? Place them in God's able hands and put your trust in Him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Yes, let none who trust <i>and</i> wait hopefully <i>and</i> look for You be put to shame <i>or</i> be disappointed; let them be ashamed who forsake the right <i>or</i> deal treacherously without cause.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Helvetica;"><b>Psalm 25:3</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday? </span></b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-49976799889936054882012-06-15T23:30:00.000-04:002012-06-16T01:56:33.671-04:00For Such a Time As This<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I hear sermons about the end times and listen to talk about how things are getting worse and that the future for our country is bleak, I’m not going to lie, it has sparked fear in me and leaves me feeling unsettled. I mean I realize that the world’s political and economic climates are not good. There are wars and rumors of wars, there’s famine, there’s unusual and catastrophic weather patterns...all things that are mentioned in the Bible as signs of the end of the age.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> We live in a time where there’s a complete disregard for God’s word; what is evil is said to be good and what is good is said to be evil. God, and all things related to Him, is made to be mocked in entertainment in the name of freedom. Laws are in place to aid a woman in killing her unborn child in the name of choice. Of course why shouldn’t God just allow us all to suffer through the worst of tribulation right now?</span></span><br />
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Some people in the church say that we are in the end and it’s only going to get worse, <i>Prepare, get your affairs in order, stockpile food, build an underground shelter, stow away cash.</i> I find this talk to be heavy and grim and it just doesn't sit well in my spirit. Is the church supposed to just hunker down?</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A few days ago I read <a href="http://burn24-7.com/2012/the-dreams-are-alive/">this post</a> from global worship leader Sean Feucht. In</span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> his excitement he shares about what God’s doing in manifesting his dreams of worship and using him and many others to usher in the Presence of the Lord around the globe. He is encouraged in these times, seeing God moving and touching so many hearts and bringing forth miracles and salvations in so many parts of the world.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> What a juxtaposition of outlooks on the exact same times. I thought on all of this </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and I felt the Lord whisper in my spirit, </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>“Find your place in it.”</b> </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Aren’t we, as lovers of the Most High, supposed to keep our eyes on Him believing and contending for His Kingdom while making a difference with our lives on this earth? We are to change atmospheres and ignite passion for the Lord. Now I’m not saying that getting prepared for bad times is wrong, we are to be aware of the times and the seasons. But sometimes I feel that there can be this spirit of hunkering down and doom and gloom and plans for fleeing that bother me. God help me to find a balance between wisdom and preparation and being completely focused on You, sold out and on fire and believing the best because you can do anything....help me to find my place in this.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Esther+1&version=NIV">Queen Esther</a> comes to mind and how she was used to save the lives of thousands.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">A young Jewish girl, </span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Arial; letter-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Esther went to the palace of the Persian king by force, one of up to 1400 young women taken from their homes and all that they knew so the king could find a new wife. Hiding her true identity as a Jew, Esther found herself in a situation where she could have just been someone who the king slept with once and forgot about, left to live life as a lonely concubine, but God’s hand was on Esther and she was made queen, placing her in a position of influence before trouble came so she could be used of God to save her people from an evil plot of annihilation. When the plot to destroy the Jews was set into motion, her uncle sent her word from outside the palace walls imploring her to use her influence with the king to beg mercy for the Jews, reminding her that she may have come into her royal position for such a time as this.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> I believe that we have the very same position of influence. Although our influence is not with an earthly king, but in the courts of heaven with the King of Kings. We can come boldly before His throne and intercede on behalf of our nation and beg mercy for those who live outside the King's chambers. We can see relief and deliverance come to a nation if we choose not to remain silent. </span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Esther got herself focused and trusted God in prayer. She stepped out, used her gifts, and the way God made her...special and fitted for that time and place. The Bible says that God decides the times and places of our days. God gave her favor, wisdom and protection. She came into her destiny in the worst of times. Although it wasn't easy and took amazing courage, especially in revealing that she herself was a Jew, Esther was willing to even give up her own life to fulfill her purpose in the palace. She found her place in it and changed the destiny of her people.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> So I look to Esther's example, a regular girl placed in a position of influence during volatile times, given extraordinary favor to fulfill God's purpose and bring deliverance to a nation.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"> My prayer today is, Lord help me to find my place in these times. Help me to be myself, using the gifts you've given me, grant me extraordinary favor to fulfill your purpose in this earth, and even bring deliverance to a nation.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Help me to take up my position of influence for such a time as this.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-18425445986450986822012-06-08T07:11:00.000-04:002012-06-08T07:12:28.707-04:00Summer Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Lately my days have been cluttered and full.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Busy days, endless to-dos, end of school year activities, phone calls, emails, friendships, parties, kids, husband, me?, groceries, errands, cooking, house projects, clutter, baseball games, late nights, ministry, planning, meetings, deadlines...and, oh my, this house is a wreck!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Lots of good and necessary things in there, but sometimes it seems too much and I get cranky and exhausted and just want to escape...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I feel on the edge.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>What to do when all you want to do is escape?</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I've imagined making time stop so I can have a time-out and catch up while all is frozen in pause-button-stillness. Ahhh, now that would be nice, but let's get real, it's not going to happen.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But as I sit here watching the sunrise on the last day of 1st and 3rd grade for my 2 older boys, I dream. Summer break is upon us and oh how we can use the break. Remember the excitement you felt as a child when school let out and summer began? A whole stretch of days laid out before you with endless possibility and fun. Each morning the warm sun woke you up to a day of fun and anticipation. The only decisions you made were which friends to play with and what games to play. I have so many memories of being outside all day riding bikes, swimming, playing 4-square, chinese jumprope, hide-n-seek, and barbies with my sisters and neighbors. We went out after breakfast and only came in at meal times just to run right back out after the meal was over.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Days full of laughter and fun. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>It seemed as though time stood still. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">As this summer is about to begin I decide to try something new. Focus on my inner kid. I don't mean anything new-agey by that. I just want to approach this summer like I did when I was a little girl, all full of possibilities. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, today, even though my house is a wreck and my boys will be getting out of school at 11:30am, I'm going to set aside some time to sit outside in the sun and dream. I'm going to make a list of things that would bring me joy to do this summer. Yes, I'm still mommy to 3 active boys, still wife to a hard-working husband, still home manager and business manager, still children's ministry leader, but, I'm realizing that inside of me there's still a girl who longs for fun and creativity and beauty. A girl who likes to read a good story, create beauty with her hands and words and spend time laughing with friends. This girl wants to get lost in the possibility of a whole stretch of days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Days full of laughter and fun.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b> Days that seem as though time stands still.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Join me?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Set aside some time today to search your heart and make a list of things that would bring you joy to do this summer.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-76604219999351573102012-05-25T02:20:00.000-04:002012-05-25T02:20:42.027-04:00What Are You Focusing On?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When we taught our boys how to ride their bikes, initially their feet distracted them. They were so caught up in watching their feet and getting used to the pedals that their focus was constantly aimed downward, instead of ahead of them at where they were going. With eyes looking at feet and mind concentrating on the mechanics of pedaling, the arms and body were drawn downward by their focus and inevitably the bike followed suit and boy and bike ended up in a heap on the ground. We'd rush over and pick them up, brush them off, get them back on the bike and begin the process again, always encouraging them to look up and focus on where they wanted to go; that the bike would follow their focus. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You know this is also the way of dreams....<a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/05/coming-attractions.html">those little previews into the life that God has for us. </a> We'll get there if we focus on where it is we want to go. I heard recently that the likelihood of realizing your dreams goes up by 98% if you write them down <i>and </i>keep them in front of you. I know from experience that it's not enough to just write them down. I've written so many things down over the years only to forget about that list just a short while later. The worst is finding it after 5 years has gone by only to discover in dismay that I haven't realized a single dream. Ugh! I didn't realize then that my path would have turned up at the right destination had I only changed my focus. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">We can get so caught up in the mechanics of the dream (how's it going to work, when's it going to happen, what do I need to do, etc) that we lose sight of the dream itself. Before we know it our gaze has turned inward, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">focusing on our own inabilities which fuel fear instead of the faith we need to look ahead, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">and we end up in a heap of introspection...stuck. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>We need to change our focus.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Think about your dreams. <a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/05/coming-attractions.html">Last week we talked about them being previews of life's coming attractions. </a> So, let's dust ourselves off and get back on those dreams, this time with our focus on our destination. For each dream you have, find a picture that represents that dream. Are you believing for physical healing? Find a picture of yourself when you were at your healthiest and keep it in front of you daily as you pray and speak over yourself that you are healed. Do you want to be debt free? Know your debt, make a list of your debts with the total amount in plain sight. Pray over and speak to that amount as being paid in full daily. Do you dream of an organized home? Pull out pictures from a magazine which represent what you want for your home. Keep those images in front of you as you press toward that goal. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Motivation and faith can be either fueled or depleted by what we choose to focus on.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> We can choose life or death for our dreams merely by what we choose to gaze upon day after day. This time around I'm choosing to change my gaze and put pictures of my dreams in front of me in a place where I can see them daily. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You know, with the biking, the process took a different length of time for each of our sons. It was really a process of trust... trusting their parent's advice, but most of all, trusting their own focus and the notion that bike and body would follow it's lead. Each child needed to go at his own pace and take his tumbles before getting it. But, all it took with each one was that one time when they looked up and forgot about the mechanics of biking long enough to get a feel of the breeze on their cheeks....and they were hooked. Even if they fell after a few moments they had enough of a taste to know that they could do it and they wanted more. Each attempt at changing their focus from feet to straight ahead brought them a few revolutions closer to freedom, until, eventually, they took off.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-37121243674440353702012-05-18T22:01:00.000-04:002012-05-18T22:01:11.793-04:00Coming Attractions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Right away things are probably coming to mind.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Things that you only have dreamt of.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Would you write a book; would you paint that piece of art you have been envisioning; would you run a marathon; would you start your own business; would you go next door and pray for that neighbor who’s terminally ill; would you pull your child out of public school and homeschool instead; would you learn something new; would you adopt a child; would you be a dancer; would you sing; would you open a little boutique; would you create your own art event; would you start a new friendship; would you go deeper with the friendships you have; would you be a missionary; would you blaze a trail where no one has gone before?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What is it you dream of? </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Why not just do it?</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I’ve always been a dreamer...lots of ideas and projects in my head but not many have come to fruition. What stops me? Being practical and letting routine rule as one day flows into the next.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I recently read that Albert Einstien said,</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b> “Your imagination is a preview of life’s coming attractions.”</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Now I used to be a huge fan of going to the movies before we had kids. My sister and her husband would go with us all the time and one of our favorite things was the watching the coming attractions. I love how they put together all the best snippets of a movie and weave it together into a great 2 minute package. If it was something that interested me I couldn’t wait til the movie came out. And if there were 5 or 6 previews before the movie began my sister and I were in heaven.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If we went separately we always asked each other </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">excitedly</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, "How were the previews?"</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Your dreams, my dreams are our previews into the life that God has for us. They show us what could be if we would only believe and choose to pursue them. And yes it would be easy to do if we were guaranteed to avoid failure, but then that would be predictable and I don't know about you but I hate a predictable movie. The best ones are the ones where the character pursues something that means so much that the cost becomes so little compared to the return. And in the midst of it all she's going through ups and downs and twists and turns and discovering a strength and a beauty deep within herself that she and the world would have missed had she not chosen to pursue the dream. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I know, life isn't a movie. It's much better. It's a living, breathing, fluid thing. It's a precious opportunity each and every day.</span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, take some time to enjoy the previews of your own coming attractions. </span></span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then, make today the day you start to pursue your dreams and write your script.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-82254871435651051712012-05-04T21:48:00.000-04:002012-05-04T21:48:57.484-04:00Be Still<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's been a very busy week. And to be honest, just a little bit stressful. Baseball games and practice every night, a mouse in our house, my youngest's school reported a few kids with lice last week...guess who got it this week...ugh! Then today I hit a curb and blew out my tire. Needless to say, it's just been a crazy week! So, I decided to pull out a post from the archives...one that I needed to be reminded of. This is from my <a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2011/10/day-1-things-that-make-for-peace.html">Seeking Peace in the Midst of the Mess series.</a> Hopefully you'll enjoy it too.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"><b>Be still, and know that I <i>am</i> God. Psalm 46:10a</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I think the thing that alludes me the most these days is quiet time. Time to just sit in the presence of God and take a breather. On the days that I do it I see a big difference in my attitude, my thoughts, and how I handle the day. It's such an immediate benefit that I always end up saying, <i>why don't I do this everyday? </i>I mean really.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Even though I struggle with getting up early in the morning, I have found for me, on the days that I have done it, that it works best for me to have that quiet time then. That way I've gotten that soul & spirit-nourishing stillness before anyone gets up and the day really gets going. The rest of my day really reaps the benefits. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is time to sit quiet and lay out anything that's weighing on me or anything that I have questions in my heart about. It's time to sit and "listen" for any answers or leadings that may rise up in me as a result of releasing those concerns. And it's time to recall all the good things in my life and <a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2011/08/one-thousand-gifts.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">give thanks to God for His gifts</a>. Sometimes I read the bible, sometimes a devotional that can give me one thought to meditate on. Other times I may talk and pour out my heart, then there are times when I'm more silent. Most times it's a mix of all those things. But the bottom line is, there is no right or wrong way, no list of rules to follow. It's just about being still and giving my soul a rest while my spirit gets nourished in the Presence of the Lord.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Make your quiet time special.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Just some ideas to consider...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Pick a cozy spot in the house, maybe near a window, to go to daily for your quiet time. Take time ahead to set up that special spot with some of the things that you'd like to have nearby for your quiet times. Grab a pretty basket to hold such things as a bible, devotional, prayer book, any inspirational reading, peaceful music, and a notebook and pen to jot down all the good things you receive from your time with the Lord. The night before, lay out a special tea/coffee cup and bag of tea/coffee to brew in the morning to sip on during the peace and quiet. The bottom line is, prepare ahead to enjoy your time.<br /><br /><br /><b>Seek peace by pursuing regular quiet time...begin today. </b><br /> For those of you who, like me, also struggle with having this time carved out, won't you join me? Starting tomorrow, I'm not going to hit the snooze button, I'm getting up and seeking peace.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This scripture comes to mind...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 26:3, You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You.</b></span></div>
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Try this, instead of the words him and he, I encourage you to put your name in there and speak it out loud this morning as you begin your quiet time. I'll do the same. This is our declaration and a promise from God that He will keep us in perfect and constant peace because we're committed to seeking Him.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span></span></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-56708968246332996162012-04-27T23:30:00.000-04:002012-04-28T01:50:43.477-04:00Who's Bearing Your Burdens?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A few months ago I was on my way to meet a mentor for breakfast. It was a rainy, dreary day which mimicked the way I felt. I had just gotten all the boys off to school and was driving to meet her as I wrestled with my thoughts. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">She had been encouraging me during monthly breakfasts as my husband and I walked through a tough time financially. Normally I looked forward to those breakfasts, but this day I didn't. I knew she would ask me how things were and I just didn't want to go and report that we still hadn't seen much change in our situation; that we were still struggling.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I had been praying for things to change, but it was taking so long and it was so uncomfortable.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b> I had grown weary.</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My mind was filled with fear over the "what-if's" of the situation. All the worst case scenarios were replaying over in my mind and as they filled my mind, they eventually came out of my mouth. And for the last 2 weeks I had pain in my shoulders, down both my arms, and into both hands. The pain was so severe at times that it made me nauseous.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">At first I thought I may have slept in an odd position which caused the discomfort, but the pain grew worse over the next few days. I considered calling the doctor, but I'm not really a doctor person. Deep down I knew it wasn't something the doctor could heal anyway. I knew it was stress and that my negative thoughts and words had opened me up to this pain. I felt ashamed. So, I really didn't want to go to the breakfast.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">But I did.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I told her what was going on...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Things still the same.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">No money.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Lots of stress.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now lots of pain.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> She asked,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Maureen, are you taking on burdens that you weren't meant to bear?</b></i></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i> </i>What?</span><br />
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Are you bearing a load that is not your responsibility?</b></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I hadn't thought of it that way, but something clicked in me and I knew she was right. So we left the restaurant and prayed together in her car. I asked the Lord to forgive me for taking on a burden that wasn't mine. To forgive me for my unbelief in His ability to provide for us. By faith I took that burden off and gave it to Him. And that was it. But that was not all. The pain in my body started to go. It wasn't as severe. A few hours later it was completely gone! This was pain I had all day everyday for 2 weeks. It kept me awake at night. It had me constantly rubbing my hands thinking I could rub it away. It had me nauseous.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Now it was all gone!</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>So what happened?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Somewhere during the year of lack and stress I picked up the burden of provision for our family instead of giving it to the Lord. I was praying and asking for God to help us, even quoting scripture here and there, but yet my mind was stuck in trying-to-figure-it-all-out mode. My negative thoughts, which turned into words as I gave voice to them, negated my prayers and God's ability to work in my life. My words stopped His answers from coming.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I picture it like this...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'd pray, quote scripture, and ask for His help.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He'd hear my words and start to answer.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then I'd go through doubt and fear.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'd voice that doubt and fear.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He'd hear my words and His answer halted at <i>those </i>words because they were in direct opposition to what I had originally prayed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>My prayers and scriptures were calling for blessing to come into my life, yet my words, spoken out of doubt and fear, called for cursing.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This became clear to me that day that I asked forgiveness for my fear words and my burden bearing. Asking for His forgiveness opened me up to receive His blessing and I was healed.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The next day I woke up and those negative thoughts started to come back in and my hands began to ache slightly. Those thoughts were just waiting for me to grab ahold and give them a voice like I had done before. But, instead I reminded them that I gave that burden of provision to Jesus yesterday and that I give it to Him again today. The burden isn't mine to bear and those thoughts have to go. They went and so did the pain.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I haven't had pain since. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, today, if you're plagued with stressful thoughts, and maybe even pain in your body, take some time to see if you're shouldering burdens you weren't meant to bear. Ask God to forgive you for not trusting Him. He's a merciful God who longs to see His children free and healed. Then give that burden to Jesus. It's His shoulders the burden was meant to rest upon.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Be at peace and be healed. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><span class="text Ps-68-19" id="en-NIV-14920" style="position: relative;">Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,</span><br /><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-68-19" style="position: relative;">who daily bears our burdens.</span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="indent-1"><span class="text Ps-68-19" style="background-color: yellow; position: relative;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Psalm 68:19</b></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday?</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series.</b></span></span><br />
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</div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-70820476310089969262012-04-20T23:30:00.000-04:002012-04-21T00:22:17.876-04:00No Matter What<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The note came by way of her mother, to me, sealed in an envelope, addressed to Ethan, marked with a request that it be read alone in his bunk bed. Needless to say, my dear friend and I were curious, to say the least. Ethan and Adaire have been friends all of their lives. Born only 2 days apart, they have grown up together, shared many play-dates, birthday parties, first days of school, and sleepovers. So passing a note to one another isn't that out of the ordinary, but this one had a bit of mystery that had me and my friend curious.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> The only thing we had to go on was, the day before, my friend's daughter got up from the homeschooling room, grabbed her bible and went into her bedroom. When she came out she had the note signed and sealed with a request for her mother to deliver it. So she did. Gave it to me with all the expression of 9-year-old urgency and I toted it around in my purse all day before I remembered that urgent note when I woke the next morning. So, deliver it I did to my sleepy-eyed boy up in the top of his bunk. He sat up with excitement and finding that he was already in position, according to the instructions on the envelope, he tore it open. I asked if he minded if I stayed in the room while he read it silently to himself. He nodded and began to read.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">He smiled as he read and nodded his head as he finished. Nodding to himself with a confident smile as if he was thinking,</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Y<i>eah, I got this in the bag. No problem.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, I was curious before I delivered the note, but now I really wanted to know what it said. So I asked Ethan, and he handed it to me to read. I have thought of it ever since.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> He gave his ok to share it. Here it is...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Jesus said, I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Dear Ethan, Please do this for me. I need you to preach the good news. I know that I could do it too, but you can do it more often because you're at a public school. Take Peter for example, </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>he preached no matter what. </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>So let's do the same.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>Mark 16:15</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>The Great Day is Quickly Coming!!!</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>From the cradle to the cross and through the heavens, Jesus made it through it all.</b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>-Adaire </b></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Can you stand it? Well, needless to say I was in tears as I read this aloud. Ethan was beaming a confident, peaceful smile; the kind that comes when you know something, this good thing, is exactly the thing for you and you know just what you'll do with it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was wrecked.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nine year olds encouraging each other to preach the gospel, no matter what. This spoke volumes to me and continues to turn 'round in my spirit.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b> These children get it and oh what we can learn from them...</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">If you know the good news, share it.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Encourage your brothers and sisters in Christ to do the same.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Remember the great commission...it's the reason we're still here.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Never take your eyes off of Jesus...</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Who He was, Who He is, and Who He is coming to Be.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>And do it all, no matter what.</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4h-THYi6zJHoudoOzQzkJy4XtkxIqPGVvpRr9be9j5xTm35XsTwmL6ptPXMRXJ9G3wunwgWMO6KMVe7OxIPJcscDmd8lkOPbEVEki-Mmf8kBDd92iohnRhrq4DyzA1_sCD5SWaJz2HCb/s1600/th_MP900439041-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4h-THYi6zJHoudoOzQzkJy4XtkxIqPGVvpRr9be9j5xTm35XsTwmL6ptPXMRXJ9G3wunwgWMO6KMVe7OxIPJcscDmd8lkOPbEVEki-Mmf8kBDd92iohnRhrq4DyzA1_sCD5SWaJz2HCb/s1600/th_MP900439041-2.gif" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b>Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday? </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-30800418129021767042012-04-17T21:48:00.000-04:002012-06-14T07:54:42.724-04:00Living It<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xxSmXEqtHF7hQXTT6GBbls_NMyagiUaPsMNl3b_2KJIXxTTSKfh_7_Vt7AQZmb5RsVz3X7N2bAiPIbTVOCO3tNRku6C-d2nv8XR5nflrDDcO3rN6TAGZUU0BN8fOGUEzPgnNhZV4jFb9/s1600/238339005249810681_jWKcGBwO_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0xxSmXEqtHF7hQXTT6GBbls_NMyagiUaPsMNl3b_2KJIXxTTSKfh_7_Vt7AQZmb5RsVz3X7N2bAiPIbTVOCO3tNRku6C-d2nv8XR5nflrDDcO3rN6TAGZUU0BN8fOGUEzPgnNhZV4jFb9/s640/238339005249810681_jWKcGBwO_f.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's near noon on a Tuesday and he's in the playground. Ethan, my nine-year-old, in the middle of the school day is walking around amongst the third grade class recess and praying.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> A classmate comes over and asks what he's doing and Ethan tells him he's praying. <i>What's that?,</i> the child asks. Ethan says, <i>Well, you talk to God, the one and only true God who has a Son named Jesus, and you start out like, Dear God, and you ask him to help you with something or you tell him stuff. But the main thing is you have to believe in your heart that He hears you and that He'll do it and after a few times of praying to Him about it, you'll have an answer. </i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This I listen to </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">on our drive home </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">after we've left the car-line at the end of the school day . </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">What a pleasant surprise! I love these moments! Moments when I discover the fruit of seeds I planted in my children during times that left me wondering if they really heard me. This fruit discovered in the midst of the mindless routine, right smack between pushing brothers to get the much sought after way-back back seat and the wrestling match that takes place in the driveway daily as we pile out of the van and "walk" (with 3 boys, I use that term loosely) to the front door.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Keys to prayer as told by a child (of God):</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. Make sure you're praying to the right guy, aka the one and only true God who has a Son named Jesus. </b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Believe that He hears you and that He'll do it.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Keep it up.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>4. Do it no matter where you are.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Don't be afraid to be seen and heard. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Such a great reminder to me to talk the walk and keep pouring into these boys what it means to live being a Jesus-follower. Although they may not always look as though they're getting it...they are. Children are sponges and will soak up whatever you give them. This is a reminder to me to continue to create opportunities with them to soak in more of God.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">They soak up enough and recess time could look a whole lot different! </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*sharing this at <a href="http://www.themobsociety.com/2012/06/lets-hear-it-for-the-boys-linkup-day-2/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+TheMobSociety+%28The+MOB+Society%29">MOB Society's Let's Hear it for the Boys link-up</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> {reaching the hearts of boys for the gospel & preparing a generation of men to love the Lord}</span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-68566663057934770472012-04-13T23:30:00.000-04:002012-04-14T00:40:55.320-04:00Secret to Success<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonHqbLmVgX4TJASD9Oy4NBbb34QG0Do46cxR6KiGKN2_Bx6M0-WkEuTdtrWx9CAHRUNyZfT67fI9s0KCQ-1VAOcSiUhQ-kPR-8ZNeU3wSdr71g_zAyirUUz9-MXTp5tA09xaTKOIY3qOE/s1600/tumblr_lkxq0iCcfA1qg8b4io1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgonHqbLmVgX4TJASD9Oy4NBbb34QG0Do46cxR6KiGKN2_Bx6M0-WkEuTdtrWx9CAHRUNyZfT67fI9s0KCQ-1VAOcSiUhQ-kPR-8ZNeU3wSdr71g_zAyirUUz9-MXTp5tA09xaTKOIY3qOE/s640/tumblr_lkxq0iCcfA1qg8b4io1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://fanny-fart.tumblr.com/post/5335683818">source</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Ever find that when you get a new car you see other people driving that same car everywhere you go?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Seems like every road I take, there's my van. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Well, that same thing has been happening to me lately, but this time it isn't with a new car, it's with a scripture.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Joshua 1:8-9</b></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I received that scripture passage at a women's retreat I attended in March. For the last six years, a few friends and I have attended that same retreat and every year large silver trays are passed around, covered in ribbons, each length of satin embellished with a scripture. The ribbons lie face-down on the tray, each one having been prayed over by the ladies who prepared them; that each ribbon would go to the right lady and be a word in due season. It's a part of the retreat that all the attendees anxiously look forward to because you just know you're about to receive a kiss from God and direction for the year.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">So, ever since receiving "my scripture" a few weeks ago, my bible study teacher has spoken on it, there it is in a book I'm reading, a speaker at another conference I recently attended mentioned it,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I just received a book as a gift and there's a whole chapter on "my scripture,"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I hear it mentioned in a tv show I'm watching...</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I mean it's just everywhere I go.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">There's my scripture.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's a good reminder and encouragement to me to make it a daily habit to be in the Word. I love it when I am, but I haven't always been real good at being consistent with it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>But lately, I've been inspired by a couple of good</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>reasons to meditate on God's Word </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>day and night...</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>1. It moves you forward.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">While I was reading a book I was recently gifted, "The Magnificent Word of the Lord" by Sandra G. Kennedy, she shared that the word prosperous in Joshua 1:8 has nothing to do with money. When you look at the meaning in Hebrew, this verse is actually saying that if you will be a doer of the Word, you will "push forward and break out." So, if I don't want to be stuck, but want forward momentum in my life, I must first know the Word and then be a doer of it. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. It's timely and relevant.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">God's word given to you by someone, like my ribbon was, or when it just leaps off the page like it was written especially for you, is always wisdom for what's going on in your life or preparation for what He's about to do...preparation for where you're headed.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> When I got back from the retreat, my husband and I were asked by our Pastor and Elders to lead the elementary school ministry at our church. The children's Pastor and his wife are stepping down after 18 years of amazing service. This new role tempts to be intimidating for just regular Jesus-loving folk like me and my husband, until I remembered my scripture and the context in which it's found in the Bible.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You see Moses, the long-time, much-loved-by-God leader of the Israelites just died and God was calling Joshua to take over as the new leader to take the Israelites into the Promised Land. He was giving Joshua direction as to what he was to do. And God's direction to Joshua as He called him to lead was to be in the Word, to meditate on it day and night, and to live it out. And finally, to not be afraid because God would be with him.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">How good is God that He gives this scripture to me just days before I was asked to lead a children's ministry that had been led by a faithful man and his wife for years? I was already blessed by the scripture I received, but when I read it again in light of this new season and ministry, I was totally amazed! It is this word that I will cling to as I "push forward and break out." </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b>God always prepares us, equips us, and moves us forward to what's ahead and He does it by His Word. </b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I'm ready to dive in, how about you?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4h-THYi6zJHoudoOzQzkJy4XtkxIqPGVvpRr9be9j5xTm35XsTwmL6ptPXMRXJ9G3wunwgWMO6KMVe7OxIPJcscDmd8lkOPbEVEki-Mmf8kBDd92iohnRhrq4DyzA1_sCD5SWaJz2HCb/s1600/th_MP900439041-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4h-THYi6zJHoudoOzQzkJy4XtkxIqPGVvpRr9be9j5xTm35XsTwmL6ptPXMRXJ9G3wunwgWMO6KMVe7OxIPJcscDmd8lkOPbEVEki-Mmf8kBDd92iohnRhrq4DyzA1_sCD5SWaJz2HCb/s1600/th_MP900439041-2.gif" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 22px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Is this your first visit to Freedom Friday? </span></b></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #01004e; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>We're embracing freedom each Friday here in 2012.</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://lovingthislife1.blogspot.com/2012/01/my-word-for-2012.html" style="color: #1cf361; text-decoration: none;">Click here</a> for a list of the other posts in the series</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6818104779701390696.post-89270474641815019812012-04-09T10:43:00.000-04:002012-04-09T10:46:35.688-04:00Precious Garments<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z7MvX6wuPOQe6foL16CffK0WLwxYqr-r1FdmlmyWDe6Kz053meeHGCbaWEMlfvFJCMp6kQ7hHpMm4ichksDRVJUMIfUZCKyYZ4wKdUW1aYq1IsToboi6cqZsk79R64VTLgsMJKsiAUAv/s1600/ART-LB056M-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Z7MvX6wuPOQe6foL16CffK0WLwxYqr-r1FdmlmyWDe6Kz053meeHGCbaWEMlfvFJCMp6kQ7hHpMm4ichksDRVJUMIfUZCKyYZ4wKdUW1aYq1IsToboi6cqZsk79R64VTLgsMJKsiAUAv/s640/ART-LB056M-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elijahshopper.com/Celestial_Ecstasy_p/art-lb056m.htm">source</a></td></tr>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">When I was in my teens, twenties and early thirties, my identity was found in my appearance. The need for new clothing was a temptation for me that I rarely ever resisted. The reason I got a part time job at 15 was so I was able to buy new clothes. Having a new outfit to layout the night before just made going to school the next day easier. Subscriptions to <i>Seventeen</i> <i>Magazine,</i> <i>Vogue, and In Style</i> were my bibles, before I knew <i>The Bible.</i> My major in college was Fashion Merchandising. When I graduated I worked in the fashion apparel retail world for years. Appearances were everything. Wearing the latest fashions was a requirement of the industry, which suited me just fine and gave a "justified" excuse for my well established clothing obsession. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Thankfully those years and twisted mindsets are long behind me because meeting Jesus in my mid-thirties helped me to see the worth and value on the inside of me. I was set free from needing to pretty up the outside to find my identity and approval. I still enjoy fashion and purchasing a new outfit or accessory, and have even<a href="http://pinterest.com/lovingthislife1/my-style/"> created a fashion pin-board on Pinterest, </a>but my priorities have changed and with the needs of a family to provide for, the opportunity to buy myself new things is much less frequent. I'm creative and have learned how to "make do" with what I've got in the closet. But, every now and then that old ugly temptation shows up and presses into me with whispers, <i>You can't wear what you have, you must have something new.</i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I heard it last week over and over.</span></div>
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<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It's Easter, you must have a new dress to wear. Everyone will be wearing something new and you have nothing. You must have a new dress, after all it's for church.</span></i></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">It was tough to resist. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now, there's nothing wrong with wanting to dress nicely for church or buying a new dress for Easter, but this was different. If I'm going to be really honest, and I am, it was about keeping up with the Joneses. It was about not wanting to feel inferior and less beautiful. It was about pride. Pride is ugly and insidious. It slips in quietly and cunningly disguises itself into something that looks good and very palatable, but I felt it and knew the motivation was ugly. I wrestled with it for a couple days.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The ugliness of the motive to buy a new dress was staining the new garment before it was even purchased, blotting out the divine and covering it over with striving.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You see, we like getting something new, it makes us feel good to wear something beautiful. But we need to be careful, especially someone like me, with a past of bondage to appearances. Everyone see the outer garments. They give us compliments that build us up. We can end up striving for them.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I fought the urge to use a credit card to run to Kohl's and buy something "new and pretty". </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This all may seem trivial to you, but I knew what I was dealing with was a wrong mindset trying to take hold of me again, so I prayed, asked my husband to pray. Later I felt God gently beckon and remind me of the garments I was already wearing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Those without spot and wrinkle.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Those purchased at a great price.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Those that all the money in the world could not buy.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xlb-IVH0VBqq_kfjDBo0V3SqC6IyFtUFfox4Tarsz1D1q-4xoEbft918-Camti6OWcIyHkTTJ3mt0FLDN7cMlhzlCh88jPuTuE_BBr1HzTpiq_Az464A-lK_IMCAZ30cfQ2LpJTthw0-/s1600/ART-LB058M-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="614" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Xlb-IVH0VBqq_kfjDBo0V3SqC6IyFtUFfox4Tarsz1D1q-4xoEbft918-Camti6OWcIyHkTTJ3mt0FLDN7cMlhzlCh88jPuTuE_BBr1HzTpiq_Az464A-lK_IMCAZ30cfQ2LpJTthw0-/s640/ART-LB058M-2T.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.elijahshopper.com/Embracing_the_Glory_p/art-lb058m.htm">source</a></td></tr>
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<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">You have no need for a new Easter dress. There's only one arrayment that I see as beautiful and it's what my Son gave you...what He won for you.</span></b></i></div>
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<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Nothing you can purchase in this earth can ever compare to the garments My Son purchased for you with His precious Blood.</span></i></b></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Then I remember the garments I'm already wearing.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> <b>Radiant.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b> Pure.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b> White.</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> Those of salvation and righteousness. Those that allow me to stand before God the Father, forgiven, because of what His Son Jesus did for me in His dying and raising back to life.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was already dressed in the perfect Easter dress. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And the spell is broken with His word. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">I delight greatly in the LORD;</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">my soul rejoices in my God.</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">For he has clothed me with garments of salvation</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span">and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness...</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: yellow;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Isaiah 61:10 </b></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Do you find it curious that of all the regular days of the year and all the holidays we celebrate, not one of them puts such a focus on wearing a new dress as Easter does?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">One that we spend weeks in search of?</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> One that we wake up early or even stay up late to prepare to wear, ironing out the wrinkles, matching up the accessories?</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Could it be because our spirits cry out for the holy arrayment that only comes</b></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b> from a Life-Given for a life-spared?</b></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">The garment of salvation and the robe of righteousness, purchased for us and given without our striving. More beautiful to God than any earthly garment. I was thankful for that reminder.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">And knowing I was lovingly covered in those precious garments, I was satisfied with choosing something from my closet for Easter.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*artwork featured, <i>Celestial Ecstasy: Sweet Surrender</i> and <i>Embracing the Glory:Empowered from On High</i>, by Lillis Boyer, can be found and purchased in The Elijah List Store <a href="http://www.elijahshopper.com/Celestial_Ecstasy_p/art-lb056m.htm">here</a> and <a href="http://www.elijahshopper.com/Embracing_the_Glory_p/art-lb058m.htm">here.</a></span></div>Maureen@Loving this Lifehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01426574679254341507noreply@blogger.com0