tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79558317595670967022024-03-13T21:23:42.951-07:00Refine MeLord come with Your fire, burn my desires; refine me.
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.comBlogger174125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-47486966190888934352013-11-30T05:28:00.001-08:002013-11-30T05:28:28.773-08:00Friends Leave Footprints<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GWgOGuY64Rs4KynLZTbfjiFL1_oBZ0dqK1wEhyphenhyphent5eOe-aHCAXNNGJxoa-5WHHwK8qpf-dgiAWXX866_16q7xPvOKHotLiKgFdwHn1Uj5rUxh5wnFiXTPtOw2mIkXbveWpae9iFR0E5I/s1600/friend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_GWgOGuY64Rs4KynLZTbfjiFL1_oBZ0dqK1wEhyphenhyphent5eOe-aHCAXNNGJxoa-5WHHwK8qpf-dgiAWXX866_16q7xPvOKHotLiKgFdwHn1Uj5rUxh5wnFiXTPtOw2mIkXbveWpae9iFR0E5I/s320/friend1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The glory of
friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of
companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he
discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him.” (Ralph
Waldo Emerson)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Isn’t
it a blessing when God puts loving and faithful friends in our path to hold us
up when we go through </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">misfortune…
hardship…sorrow…</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">laughs and rejoices when we experience
</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">joy…blessings…success?</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I
think God places pretty special and unique people in our lives that impact our
hearts, and show us examples of how to be </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">forgiving, kind, content, cheerful, helpful, and faithful.</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> We</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> all
have people who have affected our lives, whether close by or from a distance, who
have been kind with a generous word or a good deed. And God has carefully chosen
them to shape us into who we are and influence our character.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">~Friends~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Greater
love has no one than this; that someone lay down his life for his friends.”
(John 15:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPqpke1g7C-rT8WqDiPjJMbYeDuHZ-lhOjhoMErFEk3YAmf-2-ja3TOltk5LyMlAOmK60cqlaVSOBb_cbsnJi3ifI3P0RAMdCtyLFyvnrjNS59hwwn52RnrzQdRtToVy1HslOlA_URjE/s1600/friend2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPqpke1g7C-rT8WqDiPjJMbYeDuHZ-lhOjhoMErFEk3YAmf-2-ja3TOltk5LyMlAOmK60cqlaVSOBb_cbsnJi3ifI3P0RAMdCtyLFyvnrjNS59hwwn52RnrzQdRtToVy1HslOlA_URjE/s320/friend2.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The people that we call our true friends are those who God
has chosen to be in our lives; the ones who make an impact, and teach us
lessons about ourselves and others. True relationships are those we can depend
on; the ones we can confide in and tell our deepest secrets to. I believe that
God has given us the freedom and privilege to share and give, and to take
advantage of the energy that flows through our live and relationships by
participating and interacting with others. The people that God puts in our life
are not there by accident; it’s not a coincidence…it’s a gift from God! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">…people come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLWF0GGDq4l7Jza6gkcipv6tksMc-jQeNarQxVMqAdj4o5fCCmfBRGSfWv855igfoa3S33iSU-xsFhtOMLkFbYVpzlOxOpRwfge6GVTCOYYLrPJoSBWg12XJPUoojxIJcl9f44XrNn9M/s1600/friend5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLWF0GGDq4l7Jza6gkcipv6tksMc-jQeNarQxVMqAdj4o5fCCmfBRGSfWv855igfoa3S33iSU-xsFhtOMLkFbYVpzlOxOpRwfge6GVTCOYYLrPJoSBWg12XJPUoojxIJcl9f44XrNn9M/s320/friend5.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It’s so important to choose the people we associate with
because they are such an influence in our lives. Our real friends are those who
stick by us no matter what “moment” we are living in, because they care about
us…they love us…they understand us…they rejoice with us…they suffer with us! We
are blessed when they have pure hearts that love the Lord so that they can
encourage and motivate us to stumble and not fall. And to rejoice and sing praises
out loud. They help us clearly see and fulfill the vision that God puts into
our hearts. They may seem like a Godsend, and they are! The bible tells us to choose
our friends carefully, and when we allow God’s intervention, one of the first
things we may see is that He starts pruning out those He doesn’t want in our
lives, and bringing those in that He does.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their
labor; if either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
(Ecclesiastes4:9-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gAx1MY_RziJEVMabZGGwzLindUYihyphenhyphentORKiESMz15zzHGwQJMMVjKDKdi6org5Q1zyCwSoQZZpN0xb0HlByWHOjplzrDkwstfu0SNO5f3g2EjRscLA__TmvAd3VvCKxLyDJQOtoDDl4/s1600/friend4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gAx1MY_RziJEVMabZGGwzLindUYihyphenhyphentORKiESMz15zzHGwQJMMVjKDKdi6org5Q1zyCwSoQZZpN0xb0HlByWHOjplzrDkwstfu0SNO5f3g2EjRscLA__TmvAd3VvCKxLyDJQOtoDDl4/s1600/friend4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The ties of friends are strengthened by both inspiration
and joy, and we must nurture, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">enjoy, and protect them. When we give the gift of
friendship, we can just feel the presence of God flow through us with love and
compassion. When we give ourselves away, we can feel a passage opening up and
allowing an abundance of happiness and grace in our hearts that on one can ever
take away! When we work together and care for each other we are an example of
Christ putting other’s first and we experience unity. I can’t imagine a day
going by without heartfelt fellowship and interaction with the friends that God
has placed in my life; friends near and far, and my wonderful blogger and
Pinterest friends, have given me endless faith, encouragement, support, and
laughter; they have brought me peace and happiness that I could never experience
otherwise!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“If you have gotten anything at all out of following Christ, if His love
has made any difference in your life, if being in the community of the spirit
means anything to you, if you have a heart, if you care-then do me a favor:
Agree with each other, love each other, be deep-spirited friends.” (Philippians
2:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-87435399461345384092013-11-27T04:06:00.001-08:002013-11-28T01:39:26.200-08:00Are You Laughing?<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 16pt;">Warning: Laughter may be hazardous to what ails you...</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; text-align: center;">“Of all the things God created, I am
often most grateful He created laughter.” (Charles Swindoll)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Aside
from all the wonderful benefits laughter can bring, laughing just makes you
feel so darn good! No matter what the age, laughter is just one of those things
that has the ability, even for a few minutes, to pick us up and allows us to
escape from our responsibilities, sorrow, or worries. It’s so powerful that it
consumes our senses and lifts the weight (at least temporarily!) from our
shoulders. Nothing works faster or more effectively </span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">to bring our minds and body
back into balance than a good laugh. Even when we are going through a difficult
time, smiles and laughter can go a long way in making us feel better.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank God for His wonderful gift of laughter!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He will yet fill your mouth with
laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.” (Job 8:21)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God fills us with so much joy and laughter as He adds to our
lives and brings about change through His promises. He teaches us that joy is a
duty, and a virtue that every Christian should plant and harvest. Proverbs
15:15 says that a cheerful heart has a continual feast. Laughter has its place
in every healthy and faithful life, and when we allow ourselves to become
engulfed in His glory, He brings joy, abundance, and laughter into our lives
that we can share with others. When you surround yourself with people who have
a great sense of humor not only does it make life more fun, but it canl release
stress that we often experience on a daily basis. And there are just times when
the best help we can give to a loved one is the gift of laughter. A person may
really need the sound of laughter to make it through the day, and we may just
be that person to bring joy into someone’s life today! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'MV Boli'; font-size: 16pt;">There are tons of reasons to
laugh… </span></div>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughing is an effective way to reduce
stress</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughter boosts the immune system</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughter strengthens our relationships
and is contagious to others</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughing improves our mood and adds joy
and zest to our lives</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughter exercises your face muscles</span></li>
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</span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">Laughing relaxes the body and reduces
problems associated with high blood pressure, ulcers, and strokes</span></li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TD-MsF_FWo0ZDzuoJK8x43arDIUyKghAj_5ppzVjw97CZHl-8mepUemR141WxxdOAVbPTFslSstkkVRZjhJ5fTrs1VfoWNPz-P3LDUJRqXMv70oMEFSrkoxLotzhWeMgNYjGyVUTciM/s1600/laugh4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TD-MsF_FWo0ZDzuoJK8x43arDIUyKghAj_5ppzVjw97CZHl-8mepUemR141WxxdOAVbPTFslSstkkVRZjhJ5fTrs1VfoWNPz-P3LDUJRqXMv70oMEFSrkoxLotzhWeMgNYjGyVUTciM/s320/laugh4.jpg" width="202" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Joy and laughter colors our whole personality. We can’t
always choose what is going to happen to us, but we can choose our attitude in
the situation. Humor lightens our burdens, inspires hope, connects us to
others, and keeps us grounded. Living a life of positive thinking and laughter
is bound to make us happier and more confident throughout our daily routine,
and God tells us to be joyful and loving, to fill our lives with laughter! When
we do this, we will be happier, healthier, and a better testimony of His love;
ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Always
be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again-rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: start;">Linking up this week with:</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://judithwholeheartedhome.com/category/wholehearted-home-wednesdays-link-up/#sthash.OeYQR2RW.dpbs" title="WholeheartedWednesday"><img alt="Wholehearted Wednesday" src="http://lm.inlinkz.com/thumbs/20130626/20773/150/1372260734.01" style="border: none;" /></a></div>
<center>
<a href="http://mydailywalkinhisgrace.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i1204.photobucket.com/albums/bb412/Teekaytee2/th_lollipop2.jpg?t=1318091709" /></a></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://withlove-simplybeth.blogspot.com/search/label/Three%20Word%20Wednesday" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src=" http://imageshack.com/a/img59/1693/kkgz.jpg" /></a></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-33874350735402902322013-11-15T05:30:00.000-08:002013-11-15T06:02:44.925-08:00Trust and Obey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BmlzgDfJWC8MPlZJcZ82UxQBU59ZIstbwvWMXc5bkiaczWBuaYOZdBwkTFiOsdA5HUnvOBKpWbZlr3ap_JfGvwnHXwiwPEqgte8flF4mbnEYqIqQw18RxN3pULzpjrKCfl_wJTDHSr4/s1600/blogger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BmlzgDfJWC8MPlZJcZ82UxQBU59ZIstbwvWMXc5bkiaczWBuaYOZdBwkTFiOsdA5HUnvOBKpWbZlr3ap_JfGvwnHXwiwPEqgte8flF4mbnEYqIqQw18RxN3pULzpjrKCfl_wJTDHSr4/s1600/blogger.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Trust in the
Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your
ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjN8x5hZ3fs3BpK5XlYPVDcnHDJs3SrANQLRBQlOijXRXTNNGruhfoUPmSlYSSoQG3M74wULb1VSfqcZwflvrHflzIbq9oNcG2ACCLApVrqYyVsDrpXWaSqOUJS2hR-mki1HkdM4UNVU/s1600/blogger1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMjN8x5hZ3fs3BpK5XlYPVDcnHDJs3SrANQLRBQlOijXRXTNNGruhfoUPmSlYSSoQG3M74wULb1VSfqcZwflvrHflzIbq9oNcG2ACCLApVrqYyVsDrpXWaSqOUJS2hR-mki1HkdM4UNVU/s320/blogger1.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Do
you ever pray and give something to God feeling pretty confident that He will
take care of the problem and it will just go away? <i>(Okay; that’s called trust!)</i> Of course, that’s an easy solution,
and many times that’s exactly what He does. However, what is your reaction when
He has another plan, and he speaks to you through a devotional or verse
directing your path in a different direction? Does your mind immediately switch
into panic mode? It’s always frightening when God leans in and propels us to
handle a situation that may seem overwhelming, and to step out of our comfort
zone following His lead no matter what. <i>But
the bottom line is</i>…when the Lord calls us to perform or carry out a
difficult situation that seems unreasonable or uncomfortable to us, we really
have two options…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…we
can obey and trust Him even though we would really rather just ignore it…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~or~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…we
can become fearful, independent, or disobedient and attempt to find a way out…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">~Trust and Obey~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For anyone out there who doesn’t know where you’re going, anyone
groping in the dark, here’s what: Trust in God. Lean on your God! (Isaiah 50:10
Message)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9HaWgo2HyxSgrKjZVrx3ExnLbzFz0KitfLiprFrrqWpEAI8Rp4XXqQUuxgFLrIFgAgScZC_ttBO34nADBycgGjRbZBX9fF3oWbDt9fNRrZeTbgx25ZHRGpgTX9cLQkSYirsgjRZal8k/s1600/blogger3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD9HaWgo2HyxSgrKjZVrx3ExnLbzFz0KitfLiprFrrqWpEAI8Rp4XXqQUuxgFLrIFgAgScZC_ttBO34nADBycgGjRbZBX9fF3oWbDt9fNRrZeTbgx25ZHRGpgTX9cLQkSYirsgjRZal8k/s320/blogger3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There are times in all of our lives when God requires us
to step out into the unknown…to take a leap of faith, or…go out on a limb. And
when we listen and obey, He will guide us in making (and also in resolving),
the most difficult decisions that we have to make. Some of us are reluctant to
trust God completely in solving some of our conflicts and situations, fearing
that He may want to make changes to our perfect plans. But yes; He <b>will</b> make changes! Isn’t it logical
that that the very One who created us knows better than we, and has infinitely
better solutions? Trust and obey…these two words pretty much sum up God’s
purpose for our lives. Trusting makes obedience easier and obedience produces
ever-increasing trust. Obedience really <i>is</i>
a part of trust, and when we refuse to obey it is an act of distrust.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he
trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting
rock. (Isaiah 26:3-4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How often do we make lists of “pros and cons” or consult
others before finally doing what God has laid on our hearts? How many times
have we said to God that we trust in Him all the while making a back-up plan “B”?
At times, obedience is a struggle as our minds run all through the reasons that
God’s path is unreasonable or painful. Fear and disobedience can dominate us,
and our will battles to comply when everything inside of us is screaming to
turn and run the other way! God may let us go to a certain point before He
steps in, but believe me; He <b>will</b>
step in! As if we don’t already know, God relentlessly pursues us with His
grace and abounding love. He patiently waits and carves out our next step as we
trust and obey, and if He didn’t think we were ready, He wouldn’t have chosen
this path for us. God is calling us to step out in faith and trust Him; He is
asking us to believe that His power will equip us for what He is asking us to
do. All we need to do is…</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">~Trust and Obey!~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;"><i>linking up this week with:</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
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<a border="0" href="http://bloggerspirit.blogspot.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img src="http://i289.photobucket.com/albums/ll236/Ettolrahcoj/spirit.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7955831759567096702"></a>
<a href="http://www.wateredsoul.com” target=”_blank”><img src=”http://wateredsoul.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/blog_buttongardenb200x200.jpg”></a>Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-77640164121090336792013-11-09T06:05:00.001-08:002013-11-13T00:53:02.916-08:00A Thankful Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehgSBbbQobVbGcjtXmp1ecdtZHhhqyY9G-b7PiAk2wInzPi8wdyb2rYfFGWwBGBWkASC8hVPICXWTO5cIht-YY4cwvPkW1n02UdXuK0A9qTo8rDAolPDOlvouIGICw258uA92Tsy797o/s1600/pin55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhehgSBbbQobVbGcjtXmp1ecdtZHhhqyY9G-b7PiAk2wInzPi8wdyb2rYfFGWwBGBWkASC8hVPICXWTO5cIht-YY4cwvPkW1n02UdXuK0A9qTo8rDAolPDOlvouIGICw258uA92Tsy797o/s320/pin55.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“And
whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (Colossians 3:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">How
do you think you would view your life if you ~<i>started each day</i>~ and ~<i>ended
each day</i>~ with a </span><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">grateful heart</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnrmscqGpb8WgVFJ8nOzLpUA8iBbfFeLQXyRRlwrtnPWh0pcdGrIMckWVkBOq4UFzvBAqtXuku0H6ehpJvekLUwDOeNszey5s0RubkX8wbM-vR78EGbTJ1flMwkzcCO4VADoNj8d8UqY/s1600/pin57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKnrmscqGpb8WgVFJ8nOzLpUA8iBbfFeLQXyRRlwrtnPWh0pcdGrIMckWVkBOq4UFzvBAqtXuku0H6ehpJvekLUwDOeNszey5s0RubkX8wbM-vR78EGbTJ1flMwkzcCO4VADoNj8d8UqY/s320/pin57.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Counting our blessings, noticing the simple pleasures,
and living each moment as if it were a miracle shifts our focus from what our
lives <i>may</i> be lacking to the abundance
that is <i>already</i> present. It’s so easy
to take for granted the good that is <i>already</i>
present in our lives, and rather focus on what’s <i>not</i> present in our lives. When things don’t go our way, we need to
remember that with every difficulty we need to ask ourselves, “what’s good
about this?”, “what can I learn from this?”, and “how can I benefit from
this?”. Many people struggle with finding contentment, but why do we put
ourselves in a race to succeed and gain when instead we could be enjoying what
we have and where we are currently in this present moment?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So</span></i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…how
do we come to have a </span><span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 18.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">thankful heart</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~How
can we be grateful to God for the small things, the stuff we take for granted,
or the things that we feel we are entitled to?~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~How
can we be thankful in the hard things, the ugly things, the “I never wanted”
things, the things of sorrow and pain; </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">is it
really possible</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">?~<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is
God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” (I Thessalonians 5:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Choose your feelings…</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">begin
each day with prayer, inspirational reading, uplifting music; speak words of
gratitude, and think on all the things you have to be thankful for! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Choose your actions…</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">our
hearts overflow when we put love in action and give the gift of friendship;
thankfulness is expressed through our ability to bless others!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Choose your words…</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Pause
and think before you speak, and rather than grumble, think about what is
helpful, useful, and uplifting in all circumstances. Our conversation reveals
what is in our hearts!</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Freestyle Script"; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Let us come into His presence with
thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him with songs of praise!” (Psalm
95:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a strength that comes from having a thankful
heart; possessing a grateful heart is not an obligation, but rather a
privilege! There is something to be thankful for in each and every moment of
our day. When we start to recognize everything as something to be grateful for,
that’s when things begin to change. Trust and gratitude go hand in hand, and
when we trust that there is a divine reason for everything, we can be thankful
for all of it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">We are showing…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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in place of uncertainty;<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Wingdings; mso-fareast-font-family: Wingdings;">v<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">appreciation
instead of dissatisfaction,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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love instead of fear!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we show gratitude for all our blessings (no matter
how big or small), they multiply and we have more to be thankful for! Every
experience comes to us from God’s personal and loving hand; He is arranging the
events of our lives, and we need to see this evidence all around with eyes that
see God’s hand at work in every moment of every day. When our </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">feelings</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">, </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">actions</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">,
and </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">words</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> are focused on our many
blessings, we see normal, everyday things as a gift, and with thankfulness in
our hearts we will reap a harvest of gratitude instead of dissatisfaction and
restlessness. Thankfulness and gratitude protects and guards our heart!!</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;"> Linking up this week with:</span><br />
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-83157767505116581562013-10-27T03:55:00.001-07:002013-10-31T02:10:53.479-07:00The Flower Fades<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“The grass
withers and the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah
40:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the days grow shorter in fall it’s not uncommon for
the winter blues to start setting in, and many people are affected and react
adversely to the decreasing amounts of sunlight and the colder temperatures. We
are entering a season of cold and darkness, and will soon awake in the dark, go
to work in the dark, come home in the dark, and go to sleep in the dark! As
winter settles in, flowers lose their blooms and trees become barren; all the
colors fade away and it may seem that the world is void of any life. But even
though winter may seem dark and gray, it brings a lot of things we don’t savor
and enjoy during the other seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return
there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to a
sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I propose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As one season appears and fades into the next, so does
our life go through a season of change, and even though winter may not be the
easiest season we will experience, the “winter” in our lives cannot be avoided,
but rather it should be lived in all its glory! It is often in the winter
season that we really come to know God more; that’s when we can experience the “winters”
in our lives to guide us, shape us, and refine us. The shorter days that are
upon us should be used to get more rest; they are a time of personal growth and
a restful break. We are able to reflect on where we have been and where we are
going; what we have learned and how we have grown by past experiences. It’s as
if we have to become empty and get rid of all the clutter so that God can have
more room to work within us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“While the earth
remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night,
shall not cease.” (Genesis 8:22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The coming cold and darkness of winter urges us to slow
down, replenish our energy, conserve our strength, and reflect on our spiritual
growth. The winter in our life has a beauty different from the other seasons; it
has an emptiness just waiting to be filled by God. The period of darkness is
where His light can shine more brightly for us, and we can experience His
promises in a way we have never known before. When He shines His magnificent light,
it is a time for rebirth, renewal, and hope! During the darkest and coldest
time of the year, the light and warmth of God is present; it is God in the
winter in our life that gives us hope, and draws us close to Him to prepare our
hearts for His blessings and amazing grace. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Linking up this week with:</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-86086372962455730172013-10-19T06:07:00.002-07:002013-10-23T01:37:35.472-07:00All About Accountability<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">What is
accountability?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“So then, each
of us will give an account of himself to God…” (Romans 14:12)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
you behave in a personally accountable way, you take full responsibility for
your own tasks and their outcomes…good <i>or</i>
bad…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">You are…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Responsible~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Obligated~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Reliable~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Trustworthy~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">~Committed~<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Accountability is a lot easier to talk about than it is
to practice; people avoid accountability for various reasons, including pride,
ignorance, fear, and self-reliance. Think about it…how often do we analyze our
mistakes unless we are held accountable for them? It’s much easier to just ignore
what we are doing wrong…unless of course there is the possibility of being held
liable for it. We all love the freedom that we have been blessed with; however
with our wonderful rights come important responsibilities. And as Christians we
are accountable to God and others for the path we take in life, and we should
accept this responsibility as a gift. Not only does it provide us with a system
of checks and balances for our own actions, it also gives us the opportunity to
share our lives with others and encourage them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed
to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We
often have this amazing ability to mess up sometimes; thankfully God has given
us His presence to help us, but He has also </span><i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">given us each other</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Accountability allows us to be answerable to one another
and enables us to share our lives with each other in a deep, reflective way so
that it protects us from isolation, pride, temptation and weakness. True
accountability involves letting another person into the interior of our lives,
and submitting ourselves in an atmosphere of trust when we are weak and
struggling, growing and learning, or need prayer and encouragement. We all have
“stuff” in our lives that needs encouragement and conviction, and God brings
people onto our lives to walk alongside us, to mentor and guide us. To hold
ourselves answerable to others is to trust their judgment and to believe that they
are devoted to the same truths and values we are, because <i>we really do need each other more than we like to admit!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do
good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Accountability requires mutual respect; and God’s word
tells us that we have an obligation to hold each other responsible for our
actions. We need relationships with others to maintain our spiritual health </span></span><i style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and</i><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> to help them maintain theirs.
Holding others accountable is about helping them reach their goals, and
building character, patience, and dependence on God’s grace. It is our responsibility
to hold others accountable for their actions especially when we observe someone
who is acting in a way that </span></span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">doesn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> reflect God’s will. It’s important for us
to remember that God’s plan is for us to lovingly confront each other with
their best interest in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good
deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing,
but let us encourage one another.” (Hebrews 10:25)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherPNGpmchfvGG8Hc31dXgqMRYfE3IWrmsHCMFO8C04sV94x1jA5ZFSYh1oHKnz7ZcTFUpu0g-KlYTQ7bJwPAJq543Rc3i3BB25LpSsJmEr3gveAqJq0aqOVB019cc1FT-ONz7f3-UPpc/s1600/blog14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherPNGpmchfvGG8Hc31dXgqMRYfE3IWrmsHCMFO8C04sV94x1jA5ZFSYh1oHKnz7ZcTFUpu0g-KlYTQ7bJwPAJq543Rc3i3BB25LpSsJmEr3gveAqJq0aqOVB019cc1FT-ONz7f3-UPpc/s1600/blog14.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Our attitudes toward accountability eventually reflect our
attitude toward our accountability to God and others. Therefore we need to hold
on to our responsibility to give an answer for what we do, and understand where
we need help or where we can help others reach our/their full potential. Then
we will become more aware of our life’s purpose that God has unfolded before us…to
grow and produce Godly character and fruit in unity with each other.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-31851147490156666402013-10-13T04:46:00.000-07:002013-10-16T02:33:16.574-07:00With All Your Heart<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Whatever you do,
work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not
for people.” (Colossians 3:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">What do you do with all your heart?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">No matter what it is that we are doing; work or play,
fellowship or stewardship, entertaining or having quiet time, no matter how
ordinary, boring, or unimportant it may seem, we have to work at it
wholeheartedly. There are just some
things in life that we don’t get to choose, and situations that we simply can’t
control; some work we will like doing, but some won’t be as attractive. Nonetheless,
we should have a certain pride in the way we do things, because the true test
of our character is when we fulfill all of our responsibilities and commitments
with all our heart. What this means is…we must be genuine and sincere and give
it everything we have got!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Keep and guard your heart with all vigilance and above all that you
guard, for out of it flows the springs of life.” (Proverbs 4:23)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">God does not accept grudging service from anyone; </span></span><i style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">everything </i><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">we do is an opportunity to
glorify God.</span></span><i style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </i><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">But what about when we
are called to do something that we absolutely dread? Do we let out a loud sigh
and put on a fake smile, roll our eyes when no one is looking, and perform the
task with just enough effort to get us through it? How often do we live
complaining, murmuring, demanding, and only doing what is necessary to meet our
obligations? </span></span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">Wouldn't</span></span><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> it be more beneficial to everyone if only we would
cheerfully perform any act of obedience wholeheartedly? God gives us everything
we </span></span><i style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">need</i><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> to have, and lots of things
we </span></span><i style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">want</i><span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> to have, and yet we still
complain when we… <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…are
called to serve in an area that is uncomfortable to us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…perform
a task that we feel is beneath us<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…feel
that we don’t have the time or energy for another obligation<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…or simply
dislike the assignment or situation…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">…but If we only give or perform out of duty with a grumbling approach,
our heart attitude is all wrong!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With all our hearts we can do anything; even something we
are not really good or well equipped for. We should never let anything stop us
from reaching for higher goals and expectations, because if we put our heart
and our mind into everything we do, nothing can stop us. To be good at whatever
God has called us to do requires our faith and endurance to accomplish the
task. It doesn’t mean the absence of mistakes, but it means conviction and determination
with a faithful heart. So right or wrong, good or bad, every item on our agenda
should be done with joy, confidence, and a heart that is sincere and grateful.
Everything we think, everything we say, and everything we do, is to be
God-centered. Regardless of the task or circumstance, it becomes worship when
we dedicate it to God and perform it with an open and authentic heart, and we
should thank God for the gift of being a part of <i>everything</i> we do in life…the gift of making <i>everything</i> matter. </span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-21353829842539436982013-10-05T05:46:00.001-07:002013-10-09T01:11:12.160-07:00Follow The Leader<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">“Follow my example as I follow the example of
Christ”. (1 Corinthians 11:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Are you a
leader or a follower?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">History has proven that if you want to be a great leader,
you must first become a great follower. It is just as important to know how to
follow (<i>with a passion and commitment</i>)
as it is how to lead (<i>with a desire and
determination</i>). We are all born leaders in many areas of life, but I am
pretty sure that a good leader is one that remembers that without followers he
has no one to lead! As long as there have been leaders, there have also been
followers, and great leaders could never accomplish what they do without
devoted followers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Followership<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print";">Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone
would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross.” (Matthew
16:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did you know that most people spend more time following
than leading? Followers are defined as someone who supports and is guided by
another person; someone who is one in the service of another; someone who
imitates another. But following is not <i>all</i>
about carrying out <i>any</i> task that is
asked of us, it’s about being active individuals who contribute not only
through our actions but also through our ideas. It’s about cheerfully
supporting who we have chosen to believe in and demonstrating passion to daily
live out faith in every area of life through consistent obedience. We have a
specific goal while at the same time respecting our leader with a positive
attitude and showing integrity. Effective followers recognize the importance of
making an active decision to contribute towards the achievement of a goal with
enthusiasm and to work with others in the pursuit of the goal. Our attitude for
following the leader should always follow along the lines of humility, seeking
unity, while giving our leader support and love. Jesus built into every one of
us the desire to be led and taken care of; never are we at a point in our lives where
we no longer need guidance and help.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Leadership<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“I have set you
an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (John 3:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When it comes to leadership traits, passion is a vital characteristic
to engage the hearts and minds of followers. A fervent leader has the ability
to create and share their love and enthusiasm to achieve a specific goal. A
leader with passion and sincerity has the ability to motivate their followers
in a well-intentioned direction because they are committed to something more
important than their own individual glory. Most important; a good leader leads
by example, and to lead by example, leaders must follow the model of Christ.
Jesus led by being a servant and serving alongside of His followers. To be an effective
leader we must follow His example in serving with an impassioned heart,
regardless of the time and effort it takes. Our attitude toward the people we
lead should be with a humble heart rather than of importance and influence over
others. Spiritual leadership can have powerful results when we understand the
importance of praying to God for wisdom and relying on Him to give us the
strength. Our personal relationship with Him is the most important basis to
become an effective leader. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Whoever wants
to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must
be slave of all.” (Mark 10:43)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Followers are just as important to leaders as leaders are
to followers; the skills that make for good followers also make for good
leaders. Whether we are following the leader or leading the followers, we have
to do it with an undivided heart toward God, with integrity, passion, and humbleness.
When our spirit is one of true humility and love in either role, we are able to
bless and to be blessed! <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Linking up with these lovely bloggers this week:</span><br />
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-12028093251987551282013-09-27T02:04:00.000-07:002013-10-02T02:13:32.048-07:00Think Happy!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQmK6Avg3NEDFeQG6kvWUvbQYBU0TefJ4LnRjfl0KkIjHDdOv864zvaK3_MVQspk3qSxsHt38kelMnc7-whQYCCnUopugzPbhiSqzxrFLTqaJKvakrYOePpAFPDo2riVNX5AWbH-po7A/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwQmK6Avg3NEDFeQG6kvWUvbQYBU0TefJ4LnRjfl0KkIjHDdOv864zvaK3_MVQspk3qSxsHt38kelMnc7-whQYCCnUopugzPbhiSqzxrFLTqaJKvakrYOePpAFPDo2riVNX5AWbH-po7A/s320/blog6.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Happy are the people whose God is the Lord!” (Psalm 144:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever noticed that for many people (maybe you
have even been one of them), happiness can be an elusive thing? But the
definition is clear; happiness is our emotional and mental state characterized
by our reactions and attitudes which can range from contentment to pure joy!
And what about our physical state? Just as studies have shown, our happiness
not only influences how we feel today but can have a powerful impact on our
health for years to come. Having a happier disposition, being positive and
optimistic, living with hope and faith, are key components of health and
longevity. When in the mental state of joy and happiness, our bodies release
endorphins and chemicals that repair and heal us on its own. Evidence has shown
that happier people have fewer health problems, have more energy, and a better
quality of life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">…and
one thing we know for sure; we have a <b>choice</b>
every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy.
Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in
you.” Psalm 5:11)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Virtually everyone wants to experience true happiness; we
spend a good part of our time and energy seeking fulfillment and eternal joy.
Sometimes our problem is that we just can’t seem to grasp it! However, God
provides us with a roadmap to happiness, and when we are living in accordance
to His will we can free ourselves from the need to seek it out. According to
the bible if we seek to know Him, we will find the happiness that has eluded us
for so long. We will never find true happiness until He is the main focus and
counselor of our lives. Rather than asking Him to give us more, we need to
ponder on the abundant blessings and opportunities He has poured out on us and
be grateful. God designed us to seek Him to find our fulfillment and joy in a
relationship with Him. Happy are the people whose God is the Lord; He brings
joy to the life of the believer!!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: the
Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! (Psalm 118:15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Another way to gain happiness and joy in our lives is to
help make <i>others</i> happy. We are often
so concerned on how to make ourselves happy, but ironically when we bring joy
and laughter to others, it cultivates happiness that’s contagious! One of the
very best ways to bring joy into our lives is to make the effort to spread joy
wherever we go; a little extra time out of our day and a few kind words is all
it takes to enhance our lives as well as the lives of others. Once we start
spreading happiness to others that’s contagious, it becomes addictive, and we
are filled with continuous joy!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“But may the righteous be glad and rejoice before God; may they be happy
and joyful.” (Psalm 68:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Our positive attitudes in life allows us to maintain
happiness in every stage of our life; we can see the good in the bad and the
light in the dark when we fix our gaze on God and acknowledge His role in our
lives. It can change everything we do and everything we say when we find
something good and positive in every situation. Our faith in God is a constant
reason for joy and thanksgiving no matter what temporary situation we are in;
it sets us free from the past, gives us faith for the present, and hope for a
glorious future!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18px;">Linking up this week with:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Dotum, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-58444111941087385052013-09-15T03:08:00.005-07:002013-09-18T01:23:19.009-07:00Embrace it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEBUKtuJp67WBeayhmV80pP9OHJE_PxrGfPaZFUWJlRt4MYxRbicoC9IzdART2Zv2on34wREYsJI55xnzYTHiVcTNWQpofs2fzobydxXJJCaorjBgX3pbVOjJ1HQ05RUaRb69LmFL14s/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgEBUKtuJp67WBeayhmV80pP9OHJE_PxrGfPaZFUWJlRt4MYxRbicoC9IzdART2Zv2on34wREYsJI55xnzYTHiVcTNWQpofs2fzobydxXJJCaorjBgX3pbVOjJ1HQ05RUaRb69LmFL14s/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Juice ITC"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i> </div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Juice ITC"; font-size: 24pt; line-height: 115%;">Embrace…</span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
take or receive gladly or eagerly…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
avail oneself of…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
take in the eye of the mind…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">To
encircle or enclose..<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Change
is coming…its right around the corner. It is an invitation to experience
something new that may affect your life in a positive way.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Are
you ready to</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Juice ITC"; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">embrace</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">it?</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
He changes times and seasons; He sets up kings and deposes them. He gives
wisdom to the wise, and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden
things; He knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with Him. (Daniel
2:20-22)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4ztR5R4TSxgzR37JpnUQR0dKDGbmL9iFreyk7hleGcXgfSWnXqTOryW4ZodxB8R7K0dpyHcfNEFF9thdM4I8umW90-RGUIzbQdBwPHVwNu_KDFXTAvVTTFiiYQw8KC-AdHYuJyQ1obY/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc4ztR5R4TSxgzR37JpnUQR0dKDGbmL9iFreyk7hleGcXgfSWnXqTOryW4ZodxB8R7K0dpyHcfNEFF9thdM4I8umW90-RGUIzbQdBwPHVwNu_KDFXTAvVTTFiiYQw8KC-AdHYuJyQ1obY/s320/blog3.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God is in the business of changing people, and He is
ready for us to break camp, let go of the familiar, break some bad habits, and
move on! Change is a part of life and requires our willingness to accept it
even though it isn’t always easy to do. We tend to get a little too comfortable
with our routines, and we rarely deviate from them. But let’s face it; there is
nothing in our lives, except God, that remains the same. From time to time we
find ourselves in a place of change, and rather than resist or resent it we
need to embrace it. God is always looking to take us to a higher level, and He
wants us to grow and increase in every area of our life to keep us from getting
stuck in a rut.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation, the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When we walk by faith and not by sight, it’s amazing
where God will lead us. When we allow Him to use, transform, mold, create, and
prepare us…things happen! <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">New things…bigger
things…God things! </i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we learn to
embrace change and accept it as part of our life, we grow and discover new
insights about different aspects of our lives. We learn to…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…embrace
our passions…embrace the unknown…embrace failures and successes…embrace the mysterious
and the adventure…embrace the old; embrace the new…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvtJ-SFv32HHk1aIIWRJ3WeEL-1a4H7HcPaP0IyiE817XmQ-CeWB19aGnyMjnSzxeotpCrBLO7E0Ixjya6iZ3r7iifCCZxpYAclYSgeXXWtibMTwmTB3oharf9XluzgLpLj5uyZb880/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwwvtJ-SFv32HHk1aIIWRJ3WeEL-1a4H7HcPaP0IyiE817XmQ-CeWB19aGnyMjnSzxeotpCrBLO7E0Ixjya6iZ3r7iifCCZxpYAclYSgeXXWtibMTwmTB3oharf9XluzgLpLj5uyZb880/s1600/blog1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Specifically, we learn to </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Juice ITC"; font-size: 18pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">embrace</span></i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> God’s wonder and His
splendor, and His amazing grace! He will turn uncertainties and uncomfortable
situations into milestones along our walk with Him. Embracing God’s change
today is knowing that He is using it to take us higher to achieve our full
potential. We will celebrate what God has done in us when we recognize the
positive changes He has wrought in us and we can do it right now with the
changes He is making in us, around us, and through us!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">“And we know that in all things God works for the good of
those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28)<br />
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br />
</span><span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Just because God
has blessed us in the place we are today, doesn’t mean we can just settle back
and stay in that place. He wants to do something new in us and through us; to
grow, succeed, and flourish. Embracing the changes He brings to us, those doors
He opens and closes in our lives, are part of His big design. He has great
plans for our lives, and even when we are doubtful and scared we need to jump
in with both feet, because with Him we will be alright!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #3e3e3e; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p>Joining these link-ups this week:</o:p></span></div>
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<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-81478358180699940192013-09-07T05:00:00.000-07:002013-09-11T00:35:06.595-07:00Helping Hands<br />
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but
God remains the strength of my heart; He is mine forever. (Psalm 73:26)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Do you ever find yourself with too much to do and not enough
time and energy to do it? You’ve stared at your “to-do” list for days, but the
list just keeps getting longer. It seems like these days there is so much to
do, so many priorities, that we don’t even know where to start. There are just
times when we feel so tired, worn out and stressed, that we think we are done
and cannot take even one more step. And the funny thing is … when we feel
overwhelmed we are usually busier than ever! I think we all know the feeling,
and maybe we are even feeling it now. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">But we are not
alone, nor left to fend for ourselves …<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help
in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the sea.” (Psalm 46:1-2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2VfSCA4NL03ZOfJU5aCerO-Sf6KuBEVlN_ZrSJtcYtDepy41fuUcxz2Eb_pwurH-BlOcS2yN7MuXjqvlDtjgzdCYepJ1Fr-yV5KecUQtPIfNdzRNgUGPUtsbXQyeSvl2zcphUGpdq4Q2/s1600/blog7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2VfSCA4NL03ZOfJU5aCerO-Sf6KuBEVlN_ZrSJtcYtDepy41fuUcxz2Eb_pwurH-BlOcS2yN7MuXjqvlDtjgzdCYepJ1Fr-yV5KecUQtPIfNdzRNgUGPUtsbXQyeSvl2zcphUGpdq4Q2/s320/blog7.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Who do we look to to supply our wants and needs? Do we reach out
to others or even ourselves to meet our physical and emotional needs? Having
family, friends, or others to lean on and give us support is comforting and
uplifting, and even though God places these relationships in our lives to bless
us, there will be times where they will lack the capacity to support us.
Likewise, our independence and desire to meet our own needs can often fail
because of our own human weakness. Sometimes we forget to let God be the source
of strength in our lives, and we think we must do it all for ourselves. But it
was never the Lord’s intention to for us to have our needs met by others or ourselves
all the time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their
strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow
weary; they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Even the strongest people get tired and fragile at times, but
God’s power and strength never weaken. God is our source of strength; nothing
or no one else can give us that…only Him! The comfort of God’s helping hands is
our ultimate source when we are overburdened and weak. The process of God’s amazing
ability to strengthen us will only be effective when we slow down and listen
for His voice. When we slow down, we are reminded of our complete dependence on
His strength. And when we communicate to Him in prayer, we should be able to
cast away fear and anxiety, and focus on what is important. With God’s help we
will find alternative ways to deal with our challenges and have enough energy
to cope with them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Pristina; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">“My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made
perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Helvetica","sans-serif";">Whatever challenges we may find ourselves in, we must remember
that God is a God of strength and power, and He wants to reach out with helping
hands and lead us out of any burdens or struggles we may be in. He is our
refuge even in the midst of our busiest and most chaotic days; He is not just a
temporary retreat, He is our eternal shelter and can provide strength in any
circumstance.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Helvetica;">Linking up with these wonderful blogs this week:</span></div>
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<br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-31275285025035222192013-08-31T05:11:00.000-07:002013-09-04T01:07:11.972-07:00Plant Your Seed<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggVuXN_tpqIp79F49Ns6qqwOyhY7AHc6PygStgrZaiCVqVgK0tMQ7d9buDLua3TI5j2Do8-ozQjOZlju4pLY4-F6deCL4gGBR0mHb0SuWgjzH3VmxN_ZWypA-Wt0Pw79nizuDkqGRJZwm/s1600/blog14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhggVuXN_tpqIp79F49Ns6qqwOyhY7AHc6PygStgrZaiCVqVgK0tMQ7d9buDLua3TI5j2Do8-ozQjOZlju4pLY4-F6deCL4gGBR0mHb0SuWgjzH3VmxN_ZWypA-Wt0Pw79nizuDkqGRJZwm/s320/blog14.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%;">“Don’t be
misled: No one makes a fool of God. What a person plants he will harvest. The
person who plants selfishness, ignoring the needs of other-ignoring
God!-harvests a crop of weeds. All he’ll have to show for his life is weeds!
But the one who plants in response to God, letting God’s spirit do the growth
work in him, harvests a crop of real life, eternal life.” (Galatians
6:7~Message)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJg2orktIOwdebtsFb3EzuMhGb68dd7j8AhaNla2Td6-Kb7StYtua_evc1-qenm_97JExnr-IEfeCKi2uBa4vfwCf3HdqwXGv_-S1Hf5OmyqA4V-k1-_BX8hIdX1uKUqcY6gmjuKJUXBJ/s1600/blog18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGJg2orktIOwdebtsFb3EzuMhGb68dd7j8AhaNla2Td6-Kb7StYtua_evc1-qenm_97JExnr-IEfeCKi2uBa4vfwCf3HdqwXGv_-S1Hf5OmyqA4V-k1-_BX8hIdX1uKUqcY6gmjuKJUXBJ/s320/blog18.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Planting
seeds of love is a figure of speech referring to the process of growing love
and compassion in other’s lives. Wherever we go in life, we really are planting
seeds in the lives of other people. We might be given a hundred opportunities
in a single day to plant a seed of God’s love, but if we are not careful we
might miss out if we don’t slow down and take time out of our busy day to plant
at least one seed of God’s love. Our words are sort of like seeds; the harvest
of tomorrow depends on the seeds we sow today…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 16pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Sow righteousness for yourselves; reap the fruit of unfailing love, and
break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until He comes
and showers His righteousness on you.” Hosea 10:12<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY_eyCiv-OgIz7oHR3WopNMlpbfhoz2U-XBcIjrLnddoYU0igtqkJBosmR4BoAb3xp3aCpfhxj3CSsSSvDGS7F84PZurd5usOm6Lx9wwi9CxMMp13v2-y4hSsAZmP07HZKVtfuwA1h70C/s1600/blog15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY_eyCiv-OgIz7oHR3WopNMlpbfhoz2U-XBcIjrLnddoYU0igtqkJBosmR4BoAb3xp3aCpfhxj3CSsSSvDGS7F84PZurd5usOm6Lx9wwi9CxMMp13v2-y4hSsAZmP07HZKVtfuwA1h70C/s320/blog15.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Seeds come in many different sizes, and all seeds require
a few basic things to grow; sunlight, nourishment, love, and water. With a
little patience and hard work, what may seem like an empty plot can be filled
with beauty and growth! We have probably all planted seeds with enthusiasm and hopefulness;
anticipating what we can produce with our labor and careful attention. But what
about planting seeds of love and encouragement in the lives of others? Jesus
talks about how planting seeds will sometimes grow, or fall on stony ground and
not sprout or take off at all. Every thought we have is a seed being planted,
and if we do not tend to our “gardens”, it doesn’t mean that our plants will
not grow, it means that the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wrong</i>
plants will grow. We can either plant seeds that grow into beautiful flowers,
or we can plant seeds that grow into weeds.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Gabriola; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“The point is this; whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and
whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FPCAXN1cNQ9mi7vTNEUmNUFG2pG0uv9cbqG4TZeejvMlZs4xjZM20nwJR00JRHCvwJ9XrccUWj4RAK_TpP30fWiHVLDhyaWAQ710HBbRstiLqUCmr6LFz6pwjdfIJDtPuIUkn4BCW868/s1600/blog20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FPCAXN1cNQ9mi7vTNEUmNUFG2pG0uv9cbqG4TZeejvMlZs4xjZM20nwJR00JRHCvwJ9XrccUWj4RAK_TpP30fWiHVLDhyaWAQ710HBbRstiLqUCmr6LFz6pwjdfIJDtPuIUkn4BCW868/s320/blog20.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">None of us may ever know what grows from the seeds we
plant, but that should not discourage us from planting them. Some of the
thoughts and actions we planted will come back to us days, months, or even
years later. We should never judge our gardens by the harvest that we reap, but
instead by the plants we sow. Sowing seeds of love will benefit both the
individual and the recipient, and we should…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Speak kind words and build others up…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Show compassion for the pain and unhappiness
of others…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lend a helping hand to someone who is in need…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Be patient with others who are facing
challenges in life…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">See the good qualities in others rather than
pointing out their faults…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Express our love to others with our words and
actions<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">With every deed we are sowing a seed and no matter the
color or the size, they can grow into the strongest plants! Every time we share
words of love and kindness, we plant seeds in the hearts of the ones who hear
us. And even though it may take years for those seeds to grow and develop, God
encourages us to keep planting, and sharing His unconditional love!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Linking up this week with:</o:p></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-86822178875495609062013-08-24T04:47:00.000-07:002013-08-28T01:51:53.262-07:00Simplicity<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEYKNmy8eilwm2p-nP6J64-zzcPEsM_lh-6NAleaXNGWagAnArZOoKNkCb_rxE82OjV9hzbMnqVlKwAA6EXaZnPoMUgtseDHWMFWDdM72mETdjWJM-C2eHLaaXCaN08Vyvg9_Gp3C-11/s1600/simple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBEYKNmy8eilwm2p-nP6J64-zzcPEsM_lh-6NAleaXNGWagAnArZOoKNkCb_rxE82OjV9hzbMnqVlKwAA6EXaZnPoMUgtseDHWMFWDdM72mETdjWJM-C2eHLaaXCaN08Vyvg9_Gp3C-11/s320/simple.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“He who can
give thanks for little will always find he has enough” (Anonymous)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sometimes it is easy to forget the little things in life
that we should be thankful for, but if we take a few minutes to reflect on the
good things that are in our lives, like…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Daily conversations
with God…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Time
spent with family and friends…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The
first perfect cup of coffee in the morning…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sleeping
in on a rainy day…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Making
someone smile…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Taking
a bubble bath…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">A
comfortable bed to sink into…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">…maybe our hearts would find more opportunities to
celebrate the simplest things that happen every day!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8roNzSEM2_L680atO6h4Lo54SNzHMdkeU673Wn5TraYAD5RvQJkjo1SvXUWnUkVbefD3WSkjT6BDTqoCQW0pRk4M5VbxO2-0-Q4AayjwCc2rRWYtGfMihCWu8VTZ0NLf2m5twkC1U9MiS/s1600/simple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8roNzSEM2_L680atO6h4Lo54SNzHMdkeU673Wn5TraYAD5RvQJkjo1SvXUWnUkVbefD3WSkjT6BDTqoCQW0pRk4M5VbxO2-0-Q4AayjwCc2rRWYtGfMihCWu8VTZ0NLf2m5twkC1U9MiS/s200/simple2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">The key to a happy and
fulfilled life is not about achieving and having more, or obtaining power and
authority, it’s all about being able to enjoy the smaller and simpler pleasures
that can bring just as much joy and feelings of fulfillment as the larger
things. Our attempts to “do it all”, “have it all”, and “be it all” have created
a life that burdens us with too much, moves too fast, and delivers too little.
If we are constantly yearning for “newer”, “more” or “better”, how can we ever
be truly satisfied?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians
4:11-12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3ca5_t8FtvReKiik-8aNbVRPf2FCeIVsuIlAdywKWGUg9QZoQxYyimi2UxrumJf7UTYgOhjz_otZIkoK1ecSzhOYX5EdLt2Hlp-2DSh2CqXnw6YBfWZJsGrEvP6PIbbwHhbDmGR1iTY/s1600/simple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg3ca5_t8FtvReKiik-8aNbVRPf2FCeIVsuIlAdywKWGUg9QZoQxYyimi2UxrumJf7UTYgOhjz_otZIkoK1ecSzhOYX5EdLt2Hlp-2DSh2CqXnw6YBfWZJsGrEvP6PIbbwHhbDmGR1iTY/s320/simple1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Sometimes distractions
and business prevent us from seeing, hearing, and feeling the simple joys in
life. The more we are able to be present in the moment, the more we enjoy the
simple things that life offers. Having less and enjoying our lives more can
give us permanent and true happiness, but first we have to slow down and see
what’s right in front of us, and understand where our true values lie. It’s so
very easy to speed through our day, trying to accomplish and get more, that we
miss the little things. Life’s simple pleasures can be overlooked, those everyday
ounces of happiness that are right under our nose! Getting rid of everything
that distracts us is what a simple life is all about; the simple, beautiful
things that God has given us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">“Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.”
(Confucius)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsvKAA3sB3r0Gi5BcCfivshVKJZpft8ygM_alkcYuFV-NTRdsIbnrltJpWDwhk9eHeFpr51iSgsQAYsOjx5_76tZaO4MOW2lZCo4qJuYL9SJOrGzPRtocWvKccz0NtymYL5RXPT0Vsggg/s1600/simple4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcsvKAA3sB3r0Gi5BcCfivshVKJZpft8ygM_alkcYuFV-NTRdsIbnrltJpWDwhk9eHeFpr51iSgsQAYsOjx5_76tZaO4MOW2lZCo4qJuYL9SJOrGzPRtocWvKccz0NtymYL5RXPT0Vsggg/s320/simple4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN;">When we
are able to experience the pure joy that can only be found in the little things,
we begin to grasp the simple pleasures that each new day presents and that were
designed by God for all of us. When God is our focus, our lives will become
simpler and we will be more content. Too often we are only thankful when
something extraordinary happens in our lives, but we should really be thankful
for normal things more often. May…just maybe…our thankful hearts should find
more frequent opportunities for celebrating the simplest things that happen
every day; that are without doubt, the greatest pleasures of all! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“I know that there is nothing better for men than
to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and
find satisfaction in all his toil-this is the gift of God.” (Ecclesiastes
3:12-13)</span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Linking up this week with:</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--end button code box--><br />Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-72848794884730702432013-08-15T03:01:00.000-07:002013-08-20T03:18:28.641-07:00Good Medicine<span style="font-family: Dotum;"></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
old Proverb “a merry heart is good medicine” echoes in all of us, because when
we are happy in our hearts, our physical health seems to improve also.
Likewise, if our hearts are full of cheer, we’ll likely have a joyful mind!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">These bodies we walk around in are truly amazing! It’s
true that our </span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">heart</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is what makes us
alive in a physical and spiritual sense, and when we feel happy in our hearts,
physical health seems to improve also. There is so much evidence that good
physical health has a huge impact on our moods and our feelings of emotional
well-being. It only makes sense that when our health is good we have more
strength, endurance, and energy to go about our daily routines with ease and
joy. Other studies show the impact that </span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">humor</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and
</span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">laughter</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> can affect our health; when
laughter is shared it triggers healthy physical changes in our bodies, and
strengthens our immune system. As simple as it is, the ability to laugh is a
major aid to metal and physical health! Similarly, a </span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">merry heart</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is not only good for the spirit but also for
the body. Not only will it add life to our years in a spiritual sense, it could
add years to our life in a physical sense!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I
am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoices; and with my song will I praise
Him.” (Psalm 28:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtIc9eF4XyW97qvple0Kvbtt04dXHyNpXBDqTUJ3uNQ23PELNYpUcCNbQE3ItNT6yMrwPnaAGvTAsiO8qKL6jm3i5YbZ59btz3Dq1rWvp5RtBpLdR1Y4fryK29YYiZlENeUC_WOIDgC8w/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtIc9eF4XyW97qvple0Kvbtt04dXHyNpXBDqTUJ3uNQ23PELNYpUcCNbQE3ItNT6yMrwPnaAGvTAsiO8qKL6jm3i5YbZ59btz3Dq1rWvp5RtBpLdR1Y4fryK29YYiZlENeUC_WOIDgC8w/s1600/blog8.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">God created our souls for great joy, and even when we are
in the midst of affliction, sickness, or emotional pain, we can still discover
a merry heart. A merry heart does not necessarily look for the pleasures in
life, but instead it rejoices in what God is doing, and looks at life through
the eyes of faith. Whether in peace or conflict, comfort or misfortune, we can
still have a merry heart by looking beyond our struggles and allowing the joy
of the Lord to give us strength and to renew us even when we are in the storms
of life. A joyful heart is a choice and an act of faith as we hope and trust in
the Lord’s work in our lives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">What’s the secret to joyful heart living and to having fullness of joy?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A merry heart is a heart of praise, and the very best way
to experience a joyful heart is to rejoice in God and </span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">praise</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Him! We enjoy the fullness of joy from being in the
presence of God by praising Him in all circumstances. Rejoicing, praying, and
giving thanks transforms our whole outlook about our life and in our world. God
wants nothing more than for us to have a joyful heart and mind that is set on
things that are positive. The more we praise and love Him and reside in His
loving nature, the healthier we will be…</span><span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">a merry
heart is like good medicine!!</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory
rejoices: my flesh also shall rest in hope” (Psalm 16:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This
week I enjoyed reading Ceil’s post on Five Minute Friday...describing “small”
in her words.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">http://evangelize2me.blogspot.com/2013/08/fiveminute-friday-sonow-on-fridays.html<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Dotum;">and also linking up this week with:</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-23618289817735653472013-08-02T03:15:00.000-07:002013-08-07T00:33:13.038-07:00The Good News<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"Those who live according to the sinful nature
have their minds set on what that nature desires, but those who live in
accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”
(Romans 8:5)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Do you ever find yourself in a situation in which you are very likely
(and do!) make mistakes? It’s not as if we are deliberately choosing to go down
the path of disobedience, or consciously making poor judgment, but maybe we
don’t try hard enough to avoid it either! Every Christian wants nothing more
than to behave and conduct their manner similar to the way Jesus behaved.
Unfortunately we are not free from the internal struggle and temptation of sin.
Our flesh continues to serve sin, while the Spirit desires to serve
uprightness; they are at constant war with one another tempting us to ask the
question “do I give in to the flesh or the spirit; who wins this battle”? One
thing I am sure we have all learned is that we must never underestimate the
power of sin or attempt to fight it in our own strength. And the good news is
that God does provide a way out so that we can stand up under it!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">There are many times we can probably
relate to Paul’s anguish and frustration of his personal struggle to defeat the
sin of the flesh demonstrated in Roman’s chapter 7…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTOS8xfdcS_qxZe4mmdZ3mLR7w2CKcN1RhfjJrx9XXrM1qLocdMooyo27YtzcyoLpdcTD2ont6J_GjKWN4EZi-RZt7ASMnytO0-p6tuVQ0fxeiiaH69mYMrgpiqvXEGTpplQtP7Sk2fzn/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaTOS8xfdcS_qxZe4mmdZ3mLR7w2CKcN1RhfjJrx9XXrM1qLocdMooyo27YtzcyoLpdcTD2ont6J_GjKWN4EZi-RZt7ASMnytO0-p6tuVQ0fxeiiaH69mYMrgpiqvXEGTpplQtP7Sk2fzn/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do
what I want, but I do the very thing I hate.” (vs 15)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Regret…there will be many times that
we will look back and wish we had done things differently, but we must seek
forgiveness and not let it stop us from moving forward. Mistakes are bad enough
on their own; there is no need to multiply the damage by dwelling or holding on
to them. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>`<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my
flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry
it out.” (vs 18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">We are desperate Christians who
desire to please God, but our body seems to have a mind of its own. Thankfully
God never demands perfection, but to those of us who are willing to admit that
the sinful flesh is always with us and wants to control us, He will give us the
grace, through faith, to defeat sin.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not
want is what I keep on doing.” (vs19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">We have an amazing ability to
make excuses, but we are all responsible for our own actions! And we do have
the ability to reach out to God for victory over sin rather than trying to
overcome it on our own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do
it, but sin that dwells within me.” (vs 29)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">And so begins the internal
struggle! We want to do good, but the flesh continues to serve sin. However the
best we can do with the sin that dwells within us it to confess and learn from
it, rather than justifying it and continuing to do it. We must realize that we
are forgiven, and move on to a faithful life of obedience.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_kfuUEjo-dC59zFYj4O9523e2UFKloyFlfmrNJtuQrmfMv4ceaGJtnZc-6qkluBHH_xe0F-Vrs9aRhVTwjHpWOlHww9HIeO5hTkwcr2ZbjgM4DprA4NqpFzXAXm8DgBgd0JsiteWrM4r/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_kfuUEjo-dC59zFYj4O9523e2UFKloyFlfmrNJtuQrmfMv4ceaGJtnZc-6qkluBHH_xe0F-Vrs9aRhVTwjHpWOlHww9HIeO5hTkwcr2ZbjgM4DprA4NqpFzXAXm8DgBgd0JsiteWrM4r/s320/blog3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">It’s all too
easy to feel defeated and let our mistakes haunt us, but we should not become
preoccupied with the past and let it cripple us. We have a choice; obey the old
nature which is in the flesh, or obey our new nature which is in unity with the
Spirit within us. The choice we make is the key to our relationship with God. <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">"God gave us the law because He knows that the bad
news of our terminal condition leads us to the <b>good news</b>: it's
treatable; there's a cure. Best of all, the cure is 100 percent free! Small
wonder it's called "<b>good news</b>". (Charles Swindoll)</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p>Linking up this week with:</o:p></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://richfaithrising.blogspot.com/"><img alt="USE this for BLOG" border="0" src="http://i1208.photobucket.com/albums/cc371/richfaith/SIZEDFORBLOG.jpg" /></a>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-37898738037992121192013-07-26T03:00:00.001-07:002013-07-31T01:18:16.318-07:00He's Listening!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqIVL1qL3ZwgNtWUEAmOaVVeVvwkPpvum5eSzBzMC1gnbSTxbahZRhYvsjgu_7cjGhluwaBCNtBdli4h854GbyUCSzVXFeXKOom2Iqaa-sQ9xAtYpX3FTwduCp8I1G6Sk8Thk1ZLK8qL0/s1600/picture8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAqIVL1qL3ZwgNtWUEAmOaVVeVvwkPpvum5eSzBzMC1gnbSTxbahZRhYvsjgu_7cjGhluwaBCNtBdli4h854GbyUCSzVXFeXKOom2Iqaa-sQ9xAtYpX3FTwduCp8I1G6Sk8Thk1ZLK8qL0/s1600/picture8.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“How long, O
Lord, must I call for help, but your do not listen?” (Habakkuk 1:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM0Oe2cSmzIJnZXkA8evkipLWa1-ihGz6QGW9ybgmd-sr4pEPBsL5ydsfDSnRN92kxdyR4s5ZfIjFs9JLTI8NW6uzYVCfSWCZJ06OaF5IaI7lCThnmVFMAoZcuZyZFYDfVVtmIPDvynNq/s1600/picture9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVM0Oe2cSmzIJnZXkA8evkipLWa1-ihGz6QGW9ybgmd-sr4pEPBsL5ydsfDSnRN92kxdyR4s5ZfIjFs9JLTI8NW6uzYVCfSWCZJ06OaF5IaI7lCThnmVFMAoZcuZyZFYDfVVtmIPDvynNq/s320/picture9.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever sometimes felt forgotten, or felt that
maybe God is too busy to answer your cry for help? I am pretty sure we have all
been there; we may earnestly pursue help or an answer from Him, but in return
only sense His silence…or so it seems. It can be defeating, discouraging, and
lonely. Just like Habakkuk, we may complain vigorously to God about a situation
or hardship, but I think that God’s answer to him would be the same answer he
would give to us, “if it seems slow in coming, we have to wait patiently
because it will surely take place!” It’s not easy to wait, especially when we
think God is being silent, but as I am sure most of us have learned in the past,
our impatience only gets in the way of what He plans to do with us. In the end,
we know that God is in control, and we must wait patiently for Him to answer
and to act.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For the revelation awaits an appointed time, it speaks of the end and
will not prove false. Though it linger, wait for it, it will certainly come and
not delay.” (Habakkuk 2:3)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivmg05kpNrOMJEgOWdvzRvAmSVIW5v5fPT_jYHCMvgy2dND41FMIE6fVo5hmKMy5a8wNlBDscifpeZw9hE54LjWOKaWCXfdFd1RMFF1rMif_RoWaDSoVLQ2AmKIzSoBQNPM-UF7dLBxtR/s1600/picture12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivmg05kpNrOMJEgOWdvzRvAmSVIW5v5fPT_jYHCMvgy2dND41FMIE6fVo5hmKMy5a8wNlBDscifpeZw9hE54LjWOKaWCXfdFd1RMFF1rMif_RoWaDSoVLQ2AmKIzSoBQNPM-UF7dLBxtR/s320/picture12.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We humans have a difficult time waiting; why wait…why not
now? We want instant gratification, and we want it in this moment! We expect
instant answers without the discipline of waiting for God’s timing. Even though
God may seem silent in regards to a specific appeal or request, we must
remember that He is always in a constant state of communication with us. It
might not be time for God to reveal the answer or solution to our problem, but
we have to trust God even in His silence, because His delays aren’t necessarily
His denials. One thing I have certainly learned is that God <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">does</i> answer prayers and requests but not
always immediately or in the way I think they should be answered; but I have
also learned not to question or doubt His wisdom or timing. We do not fully
understand why God makes us wait, and we don’t always see the sign of God’s
power while we are waiting. But we do know that He has a purpose in our
waiting, and we can be assured that He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i>
going to show up when the solution or request seems hopeless, or even
impossible!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior.”
(Habakkuk 3:18)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3ynAPyJnDg8nrcYqwm-MHp65QbKVz1y8ZRmfMA-v9IO_zWhZ8sXFtutgtiUo6Rv47I5gllgvlzSXTW2pMbrn94so3El3KYXHqtbUArQLKGpsRgRp8FyWGRR9x89mDtcmL2h9zJyx7hT/s1600/picture10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgr3ynAPyJnDg8nrcYqwm-MHp65QbKVz1y8ZRmfMA-v9IO_zWhZ8sXFtutgtiUo6Rv47I5gllgvlzSXTW2pMbrn94so3El3KYXHqtbUArQLKGpsRgRp8FyWGRR9x89mDtcmL2h9zJyx7hT/s320/picture10.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have a choice as we go through troubles, painful
circumstances, and even God’s apparent silence. It starts with trust and faith;
if we trust Him and wait patiently, He will answer us. And just like Habakkuk,
we must choose to wait patiently and trust in Him even in His silence. Even
through the various troubles and events of the evil world, Habakkuk chose to be
joyful and rejoice in the Lord. His heart was filled with joy, not with
bitterness, anger, or resentment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“The Sovereign Lord is my strength, He makes my feet like the feet of a
deer, He enables me to go on the heights.” (Habakkuk 3:19)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoUKmBGKYfkKDe4ua1NoltCslUonPTdJHAXEZBSxo9MmD3wrpySP1Hci67tEa34sXCtm9eJOXDFkGkjZ2RE7z-e6rjadv7Ij7R0FSbRu8E8sdKK7vx76ickemqYOMHCqcGEiQE77994Ux/s1600/picture11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoUKmBGKYfkKDe4ua1NoltCslUonPTdJHAXEZBSxo9MmD3wrpySP1Hci67tEa34sXCtm9eJOXDFkGkjZ2RE7z-e6rjadv7Ij7R0FSbRu8E8sdKK7vx76ickemqYOMHCqcGEiQE77994Ux/s320/picture11.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Just because God seems silent, we should never doubt Him
or stop praying. His silence is an invitation to press on and seek Him more persistently.
He is in control, and hears our cries for help, and He waits for the perfect
time to speak. We cannot see all that God is doing, or see all that He will do,
but we can be assured that He will answer us when the time is right. And even
though it’s not easy to wait when God is silent, experience tells us the wait
is worth it. We can leave all of our doubts behind, because we know that our
relationship with Him can give us inner energy and strength that can sustain
us. Our true happiness lies in resting in His will, in His loving arms, and in
His perfect timing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Dotum;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Dotum;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joining Wanda from: </span><a href="http://wateredsoul.com/"><span style="font-size: large;">http://wateredsoul.com/</span></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Dotum; font-size: large;">to share His love with this inspirational read from Chelle:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><a href="http://redeemedrenewedtransformed.blogspot.com/2013/07/on-edge.html"><span style="font-size: large;">http://redeemedrenewedtransformed.blogspot.com/2013/07/on-edge.html</span></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">and linking up with these wonderful blogs this week:</span></div>
</div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-13041370987422761362013-07-21T04:16:00.001-07:002013-07-24T01:26:00.436-07:00Sow a Good Seed<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JLNJCpy4sJn1mfBtJXNnCDVDQuiNAEcc07HjWYw73ZH1EkFBFkgBzYG3u4fkNNHgl_wYbD5eFqjzOD1B-m22B9udTykGZCd-IU8d42Pi1gPI9P-Uk03hs2Hh4TE0NxodWaU1MpTpZ_6p/s1600/post.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JLNJCpy4sJn1mfBtJXNnCDVDQuiNAEcc07HjWYw73ZH1EkFBFkgBzYG3u4fkNNHgl_wYbD5eFqjzOD1B-m22B9udTykGZCd-IU8d42Pi1gPI9P-Uk03hs2Hh4TE0NxodWaU1MpTpZ_6p/s320/post.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Do not be
deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. (Galatians 6:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT_PcApNEGBrLImLDDUquy2kU1NAdINvn90cGxSwGpDBlz2jeVTn5BUk-t84g2WnKU-dPDnfZP36A031VLZ038yFP_Euip20LxDctTq1PT76mhLP3jnBpACbts7fq0ykyhpS0KxmamDts/s1600/post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKT_PcApNEGBrLImLDDUquy2kU1NAdINvn90cGxSwGpDBlz2jeVTn5BUk-t84g2WnKU-dPDnfZP36A031VLZ038yFP_Euip20LxDctTq1PT76mhLP3jnBpACbts7fq0ykyhpS0KxmamDts/s1600/post2.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Every action has results, and every day (whether we
realize it or not) we are sowing seeds. In our interaction with our family,
friends, co-workers, or people that just happen to cross our paths, we can sow
a seed by a gesture, a look, our words, or just a smile. Or…we can be sowing
seeds of doubt, negativity, greed, or anger. The phrase “you reap what you sow”
is familiar to us all, but how often do we really take the time to consider the
meaning of the phrase? And, as the scripture above tells us, we should never deceive
ourselves into thinking that we are hiding anything from God by the way we
behave; if we are kind and compassionate to others we will reap kindness and
compassion. On the other hand, if we are in the habit of sowing bad seeds by
judging or mistreating others, then we shouldn’t be surprised when things begin
to go wrong in our lives. If we plant to please God, we will harvest joy and
everlasting life…what kind of seeds are you planting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The one who
sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the
one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
(Galatians 6:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvx_QLSqL5oxP0BL2z_B0fQTD2hAOa0v_HDccuCF-pE-dFDrqe4saYYnEe0bFdiJh4aSeNF2uqQFWqMZfqANKYSZJHrehbWbI-HCKnbeli0u_JSKsP3eI8_sS2wFyZtHtRbrn6e1nCGfiz/s1600/post5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvx_QLSqL5oxP0BL2z_B0fQTD2hAOa0v_HDccuCF-pE-dFDrqe4saYYnEe0bFdiJh4aSeNF2uqQFWqMZfqANKYSZJHrehbWbI-HCKnbeli0u_JSKsP3eI8_sS2wFyZtHtRbrn6e1nCGfiz/s320/post5.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We hear a lot of bad stories about people who get away
with sowing some really bad things, who escape judgment and consequences for
illegal and unethical behavior. However, the manner in which we behave and
conduct ourselves comes back to us, and we can rest assured that most of us do
reap one way or another in our lifetime, and there will be consequences eventually…if
not in this life, then at the judgment. Every day we have an opportunity to go
into the field, plant new seeds, and sow to please the Spirit. If we rarely
ever sow a good seed we can’t expect to reap blessings and favors, and we
certainly can’t expect God to shower us with blessings and show us favor
through others if we have done nothing to deserve it. We can never get away
from the seeds we plant, and we certainly can't fool God or ourselves, so we
better make sure that the seeds we sow are worth growing and reaping!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let us not
become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we
do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA35xkntwr1eTETuD7PmEzVDFvnbW8vMsGydEFc6sKi1aImbFqT4MYdELvGJucl1mQ-UbKk-vealGu3bn25UfmzzwUm3eGteWDmKRV0bznkWl0Cx8OftFcTHupamrJ83dA-YfUljpPmn5/s1600/post6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiA35xkntwr1eTETuD7PmEzVDFvnbW8vMsGydEFc6sKi1aImbFqT4MYdELvGJucl1mQ-UbKk-vealGu3bn25UfmzzwUm3eGteWDmKRV0bznkWl0Cx8OftFcTHupamrJ83dA-YfUljpPmn5/s1600/post6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We must not grow weary in planting that which draws us
closer to God; seeds of faith, forgiveness, love, and kindness are essential
for our eternal survival. Even if our efforts are not yielding a great deal, or
our labors of love attract little or no appreciation from others, the truth is…God
wants us to continue doing good, regardless of the results we see. It may be discouraging
to do right and receive no words of thanks, but He challenges us to keep on
doing good and trust Him for the results. And even when we think our efforts
don’t amount to much, God is pleased when we are enthusiastic, obedient and
trust Him to give us the heart and strength to keep going. The worst enemy of
enthusiasm is weariness; what once was a joy has now become a wearisome burden,
but we must battle against the weariness associated to doing good. We can never
sow sparingly, give grudgingly, or do anything with the wrong motive. God
promises us that what we pour out, will be replenished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p>Linking up this week with:</o:p></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-29678259935306539592013-07-14T04:23:00.002-07:002013-07-17T01:59:00.525-07:00Spiritual Slumber<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut_cVb4fE1kjc0YEY_OYhqpjNKA9AVzqzNZ7VScpF9-t8vG4eoin7X8ehdOG6awVQHjpdLd_HrU2Nfsx6t7H0NIan697ZNIOiS9ZYueQRAADcFxbQWRQTBiYkgiV0BR9DEo06Uf8gd1Vp/s1600/post2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjut_cVb4fE1kjc0YEY_OYhqpjNKA9AVzqzNZ7VScpF9-t8vG4eoin7X8ehdOG6awVQHjpdLd_HrU2Nfsx6t7H0NIan697ZNIOiS9ZYueQRAADcFxbQWRQTBiYkgiV0BR9DEo06Uf8gd1Vp/s320/post2.jpg" width="284" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For I have learned to be content whatever the
circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have
plenty. I have learned the secret in being content in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this
through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Do you ever find yourself a little too complacent when
you are comfortable and content? I am finding that there is a major difference
between being complacent and being content.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Complacency
is where we adopt a “that’s good enough”, or “I’m comfortable where I am”
mentality. We have come to a place in our lives where we are comfortable with
the way things are, so why do anything…right? Contentment on the other hand, is
a state of being when we can accept the reality of where we are in life, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">joyfully</i>, without complaint or
resentment. We accept the things we cannot change and work on the things we can
without being discouraged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
problem is<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">… we often get complacent when
we are too content…<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…and
that’s exactly what the enemy wants us to do!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Contentment
is healthy. But complacency…is dangerous!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“We must pay the most careful attention,
therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away.” (Hebrews 2:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEBRpg8hBiqJgE-HZUgROsOj_oDdxlfnFE7RQLmy2FhMgevBqqK6GAQqXEL2nPVSqoR6FBJjvOqRv0zZBWY9v6wBKN0TxfkU-rip92nFKEz0Rkj7Ej4t9HB9qKFM27Bp3U_PLxxhYdLSQ/s1600/post3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEBRpg8hBiqJgE-HZUgROsOj_oDdxlfnFE7RQLmy2FhMgevBqqK6GAQqXEL2nPVSqoR6FBJjvOqRv0zZBWY9v6wBKN0TxfkU-rip92nFKEz0Rkj7Ej4t9HB9qKFM27Bp3U_PLxxhYdLSQ/s1600/post3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Satan deceives us into believing that as long as
everything is going well we can sit back, enjoy life, and do nothing at all. He
loves it when we are comfortable and He is constantly working to slow or even
stop us from growing and accomplishing greater things. When we stand still, we
stop paying attention to the dangers of the enemy and we just sort of float
along in our Christian walk. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Ouch</i>! We
better pay attention and not drift away into His false teachings! Paying
attention is hard work, and it involves focusing our mind, body, and senses to
stay firm and not float into a spiritual slumber!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“So, if you think you are
standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!” (1 Corinthians 10:12)</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">All of us as some point in our lives have a tendency to
slip into a lukewarm spiritual state; when everything is going well and we don’t
desire anything it’s very easy to just take it easy and let the days go by. Often
we become so familiar with the things of God and begin to take them for granted;
we lose appreciation of the grace of God and make light of His many blessings.
This is when we must make a compromise in our lives and balance our contentment
with a deep desire to grow and move beyond where we are today. We can’t become
complacent and lazy with where we are because God has so much more for us to
do, and He will provide everything necessary to complete any task. Even though
at times our flesh is weak and desires the easy way out, God has given us a
spirit of a sound mind and leaves it up to us to either exercise growth with a
desire to move beyond where we are, or choose idleness and complacency. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and
approve what God’s will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">God encourages us to stay focused on where we are at all
times in our walk with Him because it doesn’t take long to drift back into the
patterns of the world and stop doing the things we know to be right—things known
to strengthen our walk. We must be thankful for the territory we have covered,
while believing and expecting Him to enlarge our territory. The best way to
beat complacency is to get up, get moving, and follow God wherever He leads us;
the result should be a blessing!<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #211922; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span> Linking up this week with:</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-32651329519478126412013-07-09T02:55:00.000-07:002013-07-10T01:35:08.868-07:00Joyful Spirit<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PBz0TflmU2DEhnqDGs1-ZR0JmOH9U892bEHkxykO6aLuCGQwlcwHVCydall4OYDmhejhHdz8AAeCxHAyrISfwIqgj2_eEHKwPPdyhFLfRmNGRwTgz2FI3Rhyo8VAS0x9ycx4tljejIUh/s1600/joy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PBz0TflmU2DEhnqDGs1-ZR0JmOH9U892bEHkxykO6aLuCGQwlcwHVCydall4OYDmhejhHdz8AAeCxHAyrISfwIqgj2_eEHKwPPdyhFLfRmNGRwTgz2FI3Rhyo8VAS0x9ycx4tljejIUh/s320/joy1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The Lord is my strength and shield. I
trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I
burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” (Psalm 28:7 NLT)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYv735P5lyiaEYpE54XhmbDBXxMTfKQ_c0Jk_3k2_Tcw0yvAlNOnyBbG8KAGWLFZf1bCl86SRzcVoEZEveyVnDogH_LxSsnB8dStKQNR388Z53GT3iYZV7NSZOrMqk_GZJaNZFAsl3eZz/s1600/joy7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEYv735P5lyiaEYpE54XhmbDBXxMTfKQ_c0Jk_3k2_Tcw0yvAlNOnyBbG8KAGWLFZf1bCl86SRzcVoEZEveyVnDogH_LxSsnB8dStKQNR388Z53GT3iYZV7NSZOrMqk_GZJaNZFAsl3eZz/s320/joy7.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Isn’t it incredible to be around
someone who finds joy and thankfulness in the smallest of things; who on any
given day, in any situation, can find countless opportunities to be joyful? But
for many of us, joy can be a funny thing. When it's taken from us, it's gone
unless we use all the strength that God gives us to hold on to it. Many </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">of us fall into this trap; we allow the enemy to rob us of
our gladness and peace and steal our joy. and we become so focused on this
world and the hardships and internal struggles it can bring. It seems that every
day there are opportunities in life to get upset and lose our joy and peace,
and we can lose our joy for today by worrying about what may happen tomorrow.
However, it is our choice as to whether or not we allow circumstances to ruin
our day, and we can’t allow ourselves to ever become defeated by losing our
joyful spirit.</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>There are many things Christians need
to be on guard against:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Letting our circumstances dictate
our joy…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Not being content with what we have,
where we live, or how we look…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Allowing others to steal our joy…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Temporarily forgetting that God is
on control…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Not going to the Lord in prayer and
thanking Him for everything…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“May you be strengthened with all power, according to His
glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” (Colossians 1:11 ESV)</span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 7pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Even when we feel like our lives are crumbling around us,
we can find joy in our eternal relationship with our Creator! Our joy is one of
the most powerful weapons we have against the enemy; it’s a great source of
strength that God has given us. And even though we certainly can’t ignore the
difficulties in our lives, we need to live with joy regardless of what the
world may demand, and choose not to let obstacles, frustrations, or
complications get us down. If we make it a point to delight in every little
thing, all the small moments of joy and happiness will add up, and keep us
moving down the path to the fruit of the spirit.</span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"></span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong></strong></span> </div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><strong>There are many things we can focus on
for joyful living:<o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Count all of our blessings and be
thankful and optimistic…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Rely on God as our ultimate source
of joy…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Set aside time each day to simply
relax and clear our minds, and let God’s love dwell in our hearts…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Learn from our mistakes and others
and have a forgiving heart…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">…Do something to make others happy
and put a smile on their face…</span></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrQim9zOwc1ppazL5fOjELGHTWmdcCEH2K_3SeCP54MZsPMEY8R13c1DsK3bdGoMG74loQhWRK_1lURg-DVKGttV1rKphe1vzTNvWD9Xsp5W-bD-yr0qZ2gcFc7vBwCG7eCheTKTqA86L/s1600/joy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCrQim9zOwc1ppazL5fOjELGHTWmdcCEH2K_3SeCP54MZsPMEY8R13c1DsK3bdGoMG74loQhWRK_1lURg-DVKGttV1rKphe1vzTNvWD9Xsp5W-bD-yr0qZ2gcFc7vBwCG7eCheTKTqA86L/s320/joy2.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Satan’s desire is to kill, steal, and destroy our joy, but
joy and peace of mind are the results of making right decisions; the war is
real but we don’t have to be defeated! When we open our hearts and keep our
eyes on Jesus, we can keep smiling on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">outside</i>
and keep a genuine joy on the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inside</i>
regardless of the joy stealers who may cross our paths. We can be happy right
where we are! Even in difficult situations, places, and/or crowds, God has
armed us with strength for every battle, and we can have joy in the midst of
that adversity if we have the right approach. Joy is a gift from God and we
should never let the gift of His joy be wasted!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="color: #666666; font-family: "Bradley Hand ITC"; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him ,
so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the holy spirit.” (Romans
15:13 NIV)</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-45105480356040652782013-06-29T04:28:00.000-07:002013-06-29T04:28:06.575-07:00Return to Me
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgInqmzazy8TmHmSkS573GM9ExWeSbojxRevVPC-0zFQcwI8guQjIabWKeZl4Rb2wn3_22FqYo67fxRI4Fdw9cUFPcetN9UL1BLE97D0y1RW90RfXqvRNxuudgUkthwNOVI9L1BAyVSVEg/s325/hosea5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgInqmzazy8TmHmSkS573GM9ExWeSbojxRevVPC-0zFQcwI8guQjIabWKeZl4Rb2wn3_22FqYo67fxRI4Fdw9cUFPcetN9UL1BLE97D0y1RW90RfXqvRNxuudgUkthwNOVI9L1BAyVSVEg/s320/hosea5.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“I
cared for you in the desert, in the land of burning heat. When I fed them they
were satisfied; when they were satisfied, they became proud, then they forgot
me.” (Hosea 13:5-6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTwu5IQDBQT97NNYfS1vFh5CQyNBlttMNxvTrRDcC-U1TyXW4Tb2PKuS4EC_IPT9le7M4Dcck_hWDj-2AdyTi3k-GQeKSChdpf6xPiq7C_tkdI9_XmT23JaKLjrR_YeE1E50FeBMcdQxM/s236/hosea6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsTwu5IQDBQT97NNYfS1vFh5CQyNBlttMNxvTrRDcC-U1TyXW4Tb2PKuS4EC_IPT9le7M4Dcck_hWDj-2AdyTi3k-GQeKSChdpf6xPiq7C_tkdI9_XmT23JaKLjrR_YeE1E50FeBMcdQxM/s236/hosea6.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The book of Hosea opens a window for us into the very
heart of God; it reveals God’s agony over His people who turned away from Him
and then encountered destruction and turbulence. Like many of us, they grasped
at any straw that might save them from this destruction, but even then, because
of their pride and self-sufficient ways, they refused to turn to the Lord. But
through God’s forgiveness and grace, He continued to offer them a message of
hope and implored them to return to Him so that He could heal and restore them.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt 0.5in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…Independence…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 4;"> </span>…Self-sufficiency…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span>…Pride…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>…Competence…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB2iIASzy4G1kFkwlsIPc7uh78ctj-3KW4rrGfhdLDG7OjDD2lsaRafEhY5F5zy2IZHppcG9Zl21BhAUKcHSkegG7KSppy9VgKPViC-m26OGh6LT6Y2rcSL1XoPZDub0k5u3OJBHNVrnu/s736/hosea2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDB2iIASzy4G1kFkwlsIPc7uh78ctj-3KW4rrGfhdLDG7OjDD2lsaRafEhY5F5zy2IZHppcG9Zl21BhAUKcHSkegG7KSppy9VgKPViC-m26OGh6LT6Y2rcSL1XoPZDub0k5u3OJBHNVrnu/s320/hosea2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">In times of blessing and when things are going well, it
can be easy to rely on our success and be satisfied of our achievements. We
become self-sufficient because we have been taught to do so. Being self-sufficient
is a word described as the model American; these are individuals who do not
need to be dependent on outside sources for their basic needs; folks who are
capable of attending to any circumstance, problem, or hardship they encounter.
We have been encouraged from an early age to be self-sufficient and to model
and display a sense of pride and personal responsibility. When prayers have
been answered and things are going as planned, we don’t always look up to God
or even thank Him. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">But</i> when
challenges and trials knock us down, it is easy to call on God; when we are
desperate there is nowhere to look but up!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the
fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to
seek the Lord, until He comes and showers righteousness on you.” (Hosea 10:12)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbt-FDEovA-Bry4vtWbNrv17jcDSS4K6oedplorIL0LGtbIaqLUzbj61UR_cPoLJ3J6C-7jj_p7i8z8Mi77OlqDTJl44Djgo6PvuI-0YgnIuwYrpJmx4mlaqdmm3BhDascbLtx62USBBK/s500/hosea3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnbt-FDEovA-Bry4vtWbNrv17jcDSS4K6oedplorIL0LGtbIaqLUzbj61UR_cPoLJ3J6C-7jj_p7i8z8Mi77OlqDTJl44Djgo6PvuI-0YgnIuwYrpJmx4mlaqdmm3BhDascbLtx62USBBK/s320/hosea3.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The truth is that we are not always equipped to manage
our lives on our own; we need help from the one up above who made us. There are
always going to be times when we are desperate and need help, and God operates
very effectively in our weaknesses; it is in that place that He can show
Himself strong! The truth is, God wants us to recognize and acknowledge Him in
the good times and the bad times; He is all-knowing and He sees the end from
the beginning and has a plan for every situation. We need His presence with us
in every situation, and we should praise and rejoice with Him no matter what is
going on in our lives. He allows us to experience blessings and also challenges
so we can learn to love and trust Him in all things. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tempus Sans ITC"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“But you must return to your God; maintain love
and justice, and wait for your God always.” (Hosea 12:6)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc9l2yR-OoF7BDsGMywEfMA06dmvAzhNkk680km9Y2gNyLx2yOUdFYWRVecMAiT-G7nhfMVAeg0-Fk6HxvyAPv5OtHjAiFlfqL_EOQnB0T6D24W2JNTczRRKig6lrE5C9KTPfRrhRwkFF/s393/hosea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRc9l2yR-OoF7BDsGMywEfMA06dmvAzhNkk680km9Y2gNyLx2yOUdFYWRVecMAiT-G7nhfMVAeg0-Fk6HxvyAPv5OtHjAiFlfqL_EOQnB0T6D24W2JNTczRRKig6lrE5C9KTPfRrhRwkFF/s320/hosea.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Trials in our
lives try to take our attention away from God, and we are going to struggle
with circumstances that cause us to be distracted and rely on self as we try to
battle and win by our own efforts. We like to be strong; we grow up thinking that<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>things depend on us and our strength and
abilities But the purpose of going through trials are to perfect perseverance in
us and to cling to Him in every circumstance. We can’t solve our problems and
temptations by our own efforts, or fight the battle on our own. God calls us to
live a life based on His resources and strength, and He is most glorified when
we are dependent and wait on Him always!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-80149338756269515462013-06-23T03:45:00.000-07:002013-06-26T01:05:51.229-07:00Debt of Love<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqdhN6uSGK2zeVIrPvJtZsWPg6RW36WYGTfxom2tLBWbGKP9lmQOVzR7cRMHPQPINtYwPO7c6F9DeME1Km-zeV9s2l2BfgwqKhGVyAgfzRxZsYKNJQYrSfwJzwhnH9Wv67a3cbL0lTp9N/s1600/love4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsqdhN6uSGK2zeVIrPvJtZsWPg6RW36WYGTfxom2tLBWbGKP9lmQOVzR7cRMHPQPINtYwPO7c6F9DeME1Km-zeV9s2l2BfgwqKhGVyAgfzRxZsYKNJQYrSfwJzwhnH9Wv67a3cbL0lTp9N/s320/love4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Give everyone
what you owe him: if you owe taxes, pay taxes, if revenue, then revenue, if
respect, then respect, if honor, then honor.” (Romans 13:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HzgnMqOtRqCgEWeL9i0OJDMbzewrsb21Vovz09Acy9GRbKXRe3EYvIZXZ7rjY8YmBD-7ubSJfEjfTH0UH1rvjcbAA0T2PulSAMxQwkxTmin7h6cxygsi80W5id75i-FpT-W_50T8OQbw/s1600/love3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HzgnMqOtRqCgEWeL9i0OJDMbzewrsb21Vovz09Acy9GRbKXRe3EYvIZXZ7rjY8YmBD-7ubSJfEjfTH0UH1rvjcbAA0T2PulSAMxQwkxTmin7h6cxygsi80W5id75i-FpT-W_50T8OQbw/s320/love3.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Wouldn’t it be splendid if we could all live debt free?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s been said that the average household
splits its debt among seven to ten credit cards and loans. It’s natural for
many of us to convince ourselves that we have worked hard, and our rate of
spending is normal; we deserve more and we can’t live without more! But for
most of us, the burden of owing weighs heavy on us; it can put stress in our
relationships, our attitudes, our jobs, and even our health. As believers, we
should be as free from the burden of debt as possible; we are encouraged to
live respectfully and worthily, fulfilling all laws, obligations and
requirements. The journey of debt-free living is all about being a good steward
of money, and involves commitment, determination, and self-control. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">There is however, one debt that we are
obligated to…</i></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">…The only debt we should have is to love one another…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Let no debt
remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who
loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A person who is motivated by love will fulfill the law,
because love is bigger, broader, larger, deeper, and richer than the law! We
can fulfill the commands of the bible better by falling in love with God; when
we love Him, our obedience to Him will flow out of that relationship. One debt
we can never finish paying is the debt of love that we owe; it is the debt that
cost God the life of His only begotten Son. Because we have been loved with an
infinite love, we will never be able to repay or complete our obligation to
love. In the same way, we are indebted to extend love, grace and mercy to each
other. The only real value in anything at all is love! We can follow all the
rules and the laws, but they can’t be done without love.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Whatever commandment there may be, are summed up in this one rule: Love
your neighbor as yourself. Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is
the fulfillment of the law.” (Romans 13:9-10)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">“Love your neighbor as yourself”… </span></i><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli";">who is our neighbor and how do we love them? Our
neighbor is more than just the guy next door; they are people in our
communities, people we pass on the streets and in the hallways, they are even
our enemies. When we love God with all our heart, we realize that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">everyone</i> is part of His creation and we
are indebted to love them. This love equips and enables us to love our
neighbors in a genuine and sincere way, even those we are tempted not to love.
When we have Christ’s life in us, we have the power to love even those who are
hard to love. Whatever the situation demands it is a debt we owe to every
person, every day. Every day holds an opportunity for us to pay this debt of
love to someone who needs it, and those who are fortunate enough to owe this
never ending debt will find it to be their greatest liability and dearest
treasure!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“Love is as hard as nails. Love is nails…driven through hands and feet.”
C.W. Lewis</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Linking up with:</span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-59304188185992233432013-06-16T03:39:00.001-07:002013-06-19T02:22:14.400-07:00Give a Little Kindness<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y_GLL1PKIRaE9imvG5d2s5W4srtMDghSY5va0kRpVfTH20HwEJgzLsRy3Adh8G0tVXhkEtmQbVaBdj0idFEDd3RnKw-gb4A0CrbdFi7h9gCw5CbKNqRw5fTxA8VK63xDpaSOpDUREIXW/s1600/kindness1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y_GLL1PKIRaE9imvG5d2s5W4srtMDghSY5va0kRpVfTH20HwEJgzLsRy3Adh8G0tVXhkEtmQbVaBdj0idFEDd3RnKw-gb4A0CrbdFi7h9gCw5CbKNqRw5fTxA8VK63xDpaSOpDUREIXW/s320/kindness1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Kind words can be short and easy to
speak, but their echoes are truly endless.” (Mother Teresa)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being kind and good to others brings happiness which is
contagious, causing others to be happy! One of the surest signs of our strength
is kindness, because it shows that we are confident and self-assured. Galatians
6:10 says<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">, </i></span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">therefore, as we have
the opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong
to the family of believers.”</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Being thoughtful and gracious to those that cross our
path daily is a way of living that keeps giving long after the kind thoughts,
words, and actions have taken place. Acting with kindness is a wonderful idea,
but often it gets overlooked in the business of our lives, and/or we become too
comfortable with one another to offer words of kind-heartedness and compassion.
However, just one small act of kindness, or words of comfort and thoughtfulness,
can not only change our day for the better, but it can also end up having a remarkable
impact on those around us! </span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When we give away
our kindness to someone it’s not gone---it’s invested<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">! <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Carry out a random act of kindness, with no
expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the
same for you</span></i><i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "MV Boli"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.” (Princess Diana)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With
an attitude of generosity, our experience of life will rise and soar to a
higher level of richness and blessing. It’s so important to maintain an
optimistic attitude to ensure that our acts of kindness are sincere and
committed with genuine joy and cheerfulness rather than out of a sense of duty.
We shouldn’t ask for anything in return because the greatest kindness expects
nothing and comes with no strings attached. When we give without wanting
anything in return it opens our hearts to a greater sense of peace, love, and
joy. There are always opportunities to help those who can never pay us back,
but compassion has a greater reward than any payback ever could! We should seek
the honor that comes from God instead of wanting our egos massaged by the
praise of other people. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let us not become
weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not
give up. </span></i><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Galatians
6:9)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We live in a world where everything we do makes a
difference, and when we are kind it affects more than just the person in front
of us. We don’t have to do something big and recognizable to make a difference
and we won’t necessarily change someone’s life with our acts of kindness, but
smiles, thoughtful words, and encouragement <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">do</i>
make a difference and can have a ripple effect even if we don’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">see</i> it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It only takes a small effort to give a little
kindness, and the joy we send out never leaves us. Instead it carries us along
and multiplies itself again and again until it starts to make a big difference.
We don’t need to look very far to find someone who deserves and appreciates
kindness when we consider all the people that cross our paths each and every
day. And even the smallest act of kindness can make a difference in someone’s
day; the tiniest act of kindness may be a blessing that they will always
remember! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore as God’s chosen people, holy
and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, </span></i><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 18pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">kindness</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, humility, gentleness, and patience.”
(Colossians 3:12)</span></i><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></i><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 14pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Linking up this week with: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-64369534911184919952013-06-08T04:33:00.000-07:002013-06-08T04:56:27.464-07:00Delightful<br />
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Delight yourself
in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm37:4)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What are
some things you take delight in?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The
word </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“delight”</span><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> is such an uplifting and
fun word; its definition is:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*something that gives great pleasure<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*a high degree of enjoyment, joy,
rapture<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">*extreme satisfaction<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The things we delight in are most often what we love more
than anything else, and our happiness is achieved not so much by one single
event as it is on continuous daily delights in small things. Sometimes I think there
are times when we simply need to STOP…take a deep breath…and take delight in
all the things God had given us. It’s the little things in life that make it
wonderful; if only we would pause long enough to appreciate those things and
realize that we are truly blessed. We are often so busy with life that we miss
the beauty that is right in front of us; children’s laughter, beautiful
sunsets, brilliant shining stars on a clear evening, a quiet walk on the beach,
chocolate (!), or spending time with our family and loved ones. We need to enjoy
all the little things as much as the big things…<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">OR</i>…all the beauty and simple pleasures of life will just pass us
by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“Your words were
found and I consumed them. Your words were joy and my hearts delight, because I
belong to you.” (Jeremiah 15:16)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">When you delight in something, it brings a smile to your
face every time you think about it; it cheers your heart and you find yourself
constantly turning towards it. A person’s delight may be found in all kinds of
different things, however the Bible commands us to find our delight in the
Lord. That same delight we find in our daily lives, we are to find in Him. One
of the very things we all need to do to enjoy a day-by-day full and meaningful
life, is to yield control of our lives to God so that we can experience His
beauty, love, and power moment by moment. To do this, we need to commit
everything we do and everything we have to Him so that we can experience great
pleasure and joy in His presence. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">The beauty of it is this</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…there
is a mutual love relationship when we exult over Him! When we rejoice over Him,
He will take </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">delight</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and
</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">rejoice</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> over us with shouts of joy!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">“The Lord your
God is with you, He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, He
will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.”
(Zephaniah 3:17)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">Have you ever thought that YOU are a delight?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nuNy0A3PN11XRlSxKZWZTa6HRYzzDSU6q8NKazvhyYLYiR9Keamyy5KqcxdJ1InQbg8oE1lduSAVbMFeg096d8KJi4hJGinQ2uuptUtdbCr7_7g_KJGQPeU3b_iCw0VvnabFJQ7Q-j9w/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7nuNy0A3PN11XRlSxKZWZTa6HRYzzDSU6q8NKazvhyYLYiR9Keamyy5KqcxdJ1InQbg8oE1lduSAVbMFeg096d8KJi4hJGinQ2uuptUtdbCr7_7g_KJGQPeU3b_iCw0VvnabFJQ7Q-j9w/s320/blog.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Lord rejoices over us today! You are a delight,
bringing great joy to the Lord God who created you; imagine God breaking out in
songs of happiness over us! We may not think we really deserve it, but what an
amazing thing, that He would rejoice over us with singing. Have you ever
considered what song He may be singing over you? I am pretty sure that whatever
song it is, it is a song of love. We may be more apt to believe the other way
around; us in awe and rejoicing over Him with love and thankfulness for our
blessed salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the truth is, our
Father in heaven is never more blessed than seeing His beloved creation obeying
in the spirit with delightful joy and thanksgiving! The emotions of delight we
experience over things that bring us joy are not even close to the way He
delights and rejoices in us…what amazing love!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may
they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who </span><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">delights</span><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;"> in the well-being of His servant.” (Psalm 35:27)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-50803296040277872022013-06-02T04:20:00.000-07:002013-06-05T02:37:54.777-07:00Sticks and Stones<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FZkQWgRt4dOTyVaEb-jHOHKPGzn62Oj55J8oFEPx1xdKaiGz8_ThxP1VaFyUygwYFVl_nM_1euFckW8A8trYsubOFixZmeLVaZo5IygXRErYxMqVN9VKF_Hdvnqs2-RtawMLV-ugFBYL/s1600/gossip7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FZkQWgRt4dOTyVaEb-jHOHKPGzn62Oj55J8oFEPx1xdKaiGz8_ThxP1VaFyUygwYFVl_nM_1euFckW8A8trYsubOFixZmeLVaZo5IygXRErYxMqVN9VKF_Hdvnqs2-RtawMLV-ugFBYL/s320/gossip7.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Besides that, they learn to be idlers, going about from
house to house, and not only idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying
what they should not.” (l Timothy 5:13 ESV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I
am sure you run into them every day; family, friends, co-workers, and even an
acquaintance at church who is gossiping or starting a gossip. They will try to
persuade you to believe in or act upon the rumors they have heard and are
attempting to spread. And some people are like a magnet that draws attention to
these rambling busybodies; maybe it makes them feel like part of the group, or
more powerful, or maybe it makes them the center of attention. But what they
really don’t know is that whoever is gossiping to them is probably gossiping
about them! We see it going on around us almost every single day; and it’s easy
to see what a tragic waste it is because nothing of value is ever really
accomplished, and the damage that such negative remarks can make can never be
fully repaired. Whoever said that “sticks and stones may break my bones, but
words will never hurt me”, may or may not have been on the receiving end, but I
know from experience that words can be very painful! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In “One Minute of Praise” Darlene McCarty writes, <i>“How do
you fix your thoughts? You guard your eyes from unclean sight. You guard your
ears from verbal garbage. You allow only good things to occupy your mind or
come out of your mouth</i>.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s
so important to associate with people who challenge us to better ourselves
physically, mentally, and spiritually rather than with those who spend time and
energy on petty gossip in an attempt to destroy others. We shouldn’t be looking
for garbage, and if we do hear it we shouldn’t believe it. It’s painful when
someone we look up to hurts us by idle chit chat and gossip, but it’s even more
painful when we unintentionally hurt someone who looks up to us! If we really
want to avoid gossip, we need to let the gossip end with us instead of
participating in it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>“Do not let any
unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building
others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
(Ephesians 4:29 NIV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoqRzOUjTpMnzMEZlHZdAY_5kN7bzomOF8686Jc8-GqEdXiwhmtZN-olg_KVWnBPjGfdpQx7XxQ740wcfyVnMW_KlgVrZ5_-a_8s8PDoh4WBFTGlmAuJxSPCSLMEFy6AP4Wr46s5WzeGZ/s1600/gossip5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghoqRzOUjTpMnzMEZlHZdAY_5kN7bzomOF8686Jc8-GqEdXiwhmtZN-olg_KVWnBPjGfdpQx7XxQ740wcfyVnMW_KlgVrZ5_-a_8s8PDoh4WBFTGlmAuJxSPCSLMEFy6AP4Wr46s5WzeGZ/s1600/gossip5.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When
we encourage one another, saying encouraging words to other people's hearts, we
have a much greater effect than when we criticize. I wonder how other’s see us;
not only in the workplace but in our everyday environment. Do they see us as
peacemakers who encourage, love, and want to help build others up? (That’s how
I would love people to “gossip” about me!) You and I are called to build up and
strengthen one another, and we must continue to study and be filled with the
Word of God so that we can see people as individuals who need to be built up.
It is important that we, as a sisterhood, learn what it takes to help
strengthen each other. In our busy hurried up lives, we often don’t even take
notice of the people around us who are broken, weak and discouraged, much less
acknowledge or seek to understand them. God instructs us to take the time to
notice, to consider, to understand and appreciate the people around us with a
loving and compassionate spirit. We need to continuously seek ways in which we
can encourage one another as God encourages us; He has made it our
responsibility to foster the well-being of each other, not tear each other
down!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Segoe Print"; font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Let’s see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and
helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each
other on…(Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Linking up this week with: </div>
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Denisehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03603991529598754710noreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7955831759567096702.post-50264726811100235752013-05-25T04:20:00.000-07:002013-05-27T23:40:08.157-07:00Don't Stop Knocking<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhmU6CUA3ecAKh_a_EwUDJLIm4sTZtD9BfwJJn6wYBW-O2hQObQ885W4vY9V4OFhXLVBXPdu0DGv0Fmgi6Zp4PGsAABV30lxNtQKWCR9h02lcxzqveks_nS2LpYly-I2sa1ADEM-PF1rU/s1600/prayer2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhmU6CUA3ecAKh_a_EwUDJLIm4sTZtD9BfwJJn6wYBW-O2hQObQ885W4vY9V4OFhXLVBXPdu0DGv0Fmgi6Zp4PGsAABV30lxNtQKWCR9h02lcxzqveks_nS2LpYly-I2sa1ADEM-PF1rU/s320/prayer2.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Ask and it
will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened
to you.” (Matthew 7:7)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcNAfHsjpjb_g0kgLSeksTJv-Ir64GK2LAxh0Tux3VNnrDZ4UVFXrcW317VDj61HgQaGu2H8t-qEYxR5eZzXSnR0pNKuC4qbImciHgRPispXVPQ-TBP68MdMT9klidr9Rw4DhJyXOMKG_/s1600/prayer3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMcNAfHsjpjb_g0kgLSeksTJv-Ir64GK2LAxh0Tux3VNnrDZ4UVFXrcW317VDj61HgQaGu2H8t-qEYxR5eZzXSnR0pNKuC4qbImciHgRPispXVPQ-TBP68MdMT9klidr9Rw4DhJyXOMKG_/s1600/prayer3.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Have you ever stopped to visit someone, knocked on their
door, and no one answers? It’s obvious that <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">someone</i>
is home because there are cars in the driveway, you can hear music coming from
the stereo, and the dog is barking. It can be very frustrating when we have
something to say and no one will open the door and listen! Or maybe we are
knocking on the wrong door; ever done that? We keep knocking on that door and
we finally just give up and walk away! Often this is the way we pray; we ask
for something and when we don’t get an answer immediately, or we don’t like the
answer that is sent to us we give up and walk away. We really don’t know what
to do because we have prayed, and we are confused and discouraged because we
haven’t seen or heard an answer to our request, so we simply quit asking and
decide we will figure things out for ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Dotum;">“For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one
who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:8)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXZ5oD2UPyOYZgl5NzDKvoYliheq5VMvz29j9nhKsUK3KtH0Wbt-vtJeT1fZhWU40O7F2-c58YBoaCaqCNnWuI5tdFVFifLeCYIZpWKCo4aHD87Sat2qhP-uNpnWWJlgKaDj3UJQfEKUa/s1600/prayer1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOXZ5oD2UPyOYZgl5NzDKvoYliheq5VMvz29j9nhKsUK3KtH0Wbt-vtJeT1fZhWU40O7F2-c58YBoaCaqCNnWuI5tdFVFifLeCYIZpWKCo4aHD87Sat2qhP-uNpnWWJlgKaDj3UJQfEKUa/s1600/prayer1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of us have been in a situation that required perseverance,
and I believe that God often delays answers to our prayers to cultivate
persistence in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to approach
every closed door that we come to until the right door opens; we need to keep knocking
until we get an answer. The very fact that we continue to ask, seek, and knock
demonstrates that we are truly dependent on God; true prayer means business,
and it keeps on asking and asking with persistence and faith. God is waiting
for the persistent prayers of His people, and for those who continue to knock,
the door will be opened.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Continue
steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Colossians
4:2)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJjvLHUhjDYvGtmCxy5qZm5lGhYMjzEgCo-FtcseujF-_7a0iN7qqU0ZFH2qjIWVvkWvxBPTXHaX-68HCZbCWl1a9O526qyLp4oQ5dRgIhgMVAqVgx9XlUHPD6sMfjk3acMH6IM55q1Bh/s1600/prayer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoJjvLHUhjDYvGtmCxy5qZm5lGhYMjzEgCo-FtcseujF-_7a0iN7qqU0ZFH2qjIWVvkWvxBPTXHaX-68HCZbCWl1a9O526qyLp4oQ5dRgIhgMVAqVgx9XlUHPD6sMfjk3acMH6IM55q1Bh/s320/prayer.jpg" width="217" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sometimes it is hard to keep going in prayer. We struggle
with doubts, and things start crowding into our lives and distract us from faithful
prayer. Sometimes we cry out to silence and feel like no one is there, but He
is there! Faith shouldn’t die if the answers come slowly; the delay may be God’s
way of working His will in our lives. He always answers our prayers in one of
three ways…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>…Yes…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>…Not yet…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>…I have something better for you… <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">…maybe not in ways we had hoped, but in ways that He
knows are best. He doesn’t always give us what we ask for right away; our
patience has to be stretched in order to grow and become stronger, and He <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will</i> make us wait in order for us to
grow. His ways may not look like our ways, but they are <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> better than our ways.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "MV Boli"; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">“Therefore I
tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it
will be yours.” (Mark 11:24)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoKiKJEQlMTC1JULpb3D32_ArA1IKq5Ff7KQLECJTZ9DP74R_NyglpcXBr8RyRyyJ_s6BUKAO9h-wdR86HhPAzDYasbJxhEVqjbH30tJzHo1hz_YPrCdrtahu-cY1TxUcB3Mi1_WnTJ6y/s1600/prayer4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikoKiKJEQlMTC1JULpb3D32_ArA1IKq5Ff7KQLECJTZ9DP74R_NyglpcXBr8RyRyyJ_s6BUKAO9h-wdR86HhPAzDYasbJxhEVqjbH30tJzHo1hz_YPrCdrtahu-cY1TxUcB3Mi1_WnTJ6y/s1600/prayer4.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Dotum","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Whether we have prayed once, twice, or countless times,
and even if we find ourselves discouraged, we need an attitude of persistence, bound
by obedience, to pray again and again. He longs to reach out His hands to our
needs as long as we keep asking… keep seeking…and keep knocking. If we keep pursuing,
we will see God’s promise in clear view, so we have to keep on knocking until
the promised door is open, because only God opens doors that no one can shut!</span></div>
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